JP2001305224A - Radiographic device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To flatten a radiographic device and to reduce weight thereof. SOLUTION: This radiographic device detects X-rays transmitted through a subject and stored an radiogram formed from the detected X-rays. The radiogram device is provided with a thin type X-rays planar detector 26 wherein elements detecting X-rays are planarly arranged, and a circuit member 27 dealing with X-ray information detected by the planar detector 26. The planar detector 26 and the circuit member 27 are overlapped.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-rays transmitted through a subject.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a general method for detecting X-rays,
There is a method in which both sides of a photographic film are sandwiched between intensifying screens coated with a fluorescent substance, and the photographic film is exposed by the fluorescence of the intensifying screen.

That is, a photographic film sandwiched between intensifying screens is arranged on the opposite side of the subject to be irradiated with X-rays, and after the X-ray irradiation, the photographic film is developed so that the X-rays transmitted through the subject can be obtained. The formed latent image appears, and the X
You can see the line transmission image.

Recently, as digitization of radiography, a CR (Computer) using an IP (Imaging Plate) as an X-ray detector has been used.
uted Radiography) equipment is widespread.

[0005] IP is a film-shaped detector coated with barium halide phosphor microcrystals. The phosphor is primary-excited by X-ray irradiation to store X-ray information, and then secondary-excited by irradiation with visible light to emit photostimulated light. The X-ray information stored in the IP can be extracted as an optical image by the stimulated emission.

[0006] An optical reading device for reading the extracted optical image,
For example, the image is read by a photomultiplier tube, processed by a digital image processing device, stored in a memory, etc., and a CRT (cath
oderay tube) By displaying on a monitor, you can see it as a video.

[0007] The photographic film and the IP sandwiched between the intensifying screens are housed in a holding member (holder) called a cassette, can be carried anywhere by hand, and can be freely arranged anywhere on the subject. it can.

In the field of emergency medical care, the digital image processing apparatus is not connected to the IP cassette in order to prevent blood and the like from adhering to the signal line cable or the like of the apparatus at the place of imaging to cause a hygienic problem. In general, cassette imaging in which only X-ray information is stored in an IP cassette by primary excitation is generally performed.

[0009] In this cassette imaging, the X-ray information stored in the I
The P-cassette is taken to a digital image processing apparatus installed at a remote place, and the digital image processing apparatus performs secondary excitation of the IP of the IP cassette with visible light to extract X-ray information and perform diagnosis. To help you.

Further, as a method of continuously performing X-ray detection, there is a method of using an image intensifier using cesium iodide crystal.

[0011] The image intensifier multiplies the luminescence of the cesium iodide crystal by X-rays and outputs it. When this output light is received by a TV (television) camera device, images can be continuously viewed on a CRT monitor.

Further, the X-ray information received by the TV camera device can be stored in a digital image processing device and displayed on a CRT monitor.

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus is configured using an X-ray imaging apparatus that is optimal according to a diagnostic site and a purpose. Recently, X
The digitization of line devices is progressing rapidly, and diagnostic devices for cardiovascular systems using image intensifier are shifting to completely digitizing. Further, digitalization of diagnostic devices for digestive organs is also expected. These devices are placed in a dedicated examination room and have a shape most suitable for diagnostic purposes. Simple photography of the chest and the like using a photographic film sandwiched between intensifying screens has also been digitized in place of IP-based photography.

On the other hand, the X-ray generation unit includes a high-voltage generation device
Since it has a wire tube, it has a large shape. In simple imaging around a hospital ward, the X-ray generation unit is made portable and transported together with a photographic film or a cassette containing IP. in this case,
In a ward, a cassette can be inserted under a patient, and X-rays can be irradiated from above the patient to perform simple imaging.

[0015]

Since the developing device or the digital image processing device is a large-sized device and needs to be managed with high precision, it can be transported together with a large-sized X-ray generating unit including a high-voltage generating device and the like. Can not.

Therefore, in a simple photographing with a cassette containing photographic film or IP around a hospital ward,
The captured X-ray information (X-ray image) cannot be confirmed as an image. For this reason, it is impossible to know even if the X-ray imaging conditions are inappropriate.

Then, the cassette is brought to a place where the developing device or the digital image processing device is installed, and
Developing the photographic film stored in the cassette or extracting the X-ray information from the IP, it was only for the first time that the imaging conditions were found to be unsuitable, and there was a problem that re-imaging had to be performed at this time. .

There is also a device in which an image intensifier is attached to a portable X-ray generator. However, when an image intensifier having a large diameter is mounted, the outer diameter becomes larger, making transport difficult. was there. Furthermore, a device for reading and recording X-ray information from an image intensifier must also be mounted on the X-ray generation device, so that the entire device becomes considerably large, making it difficult to make it practically portable. there were.

An object of the present invention is to realize a thin and lightweight X-ray imaging apparatus.

[0020]

According to the present invention, an X-ray transmitted through a subject is detected, and an X-ray formed from the detected X-ray is detected.
2. Description of the Related Art In an X-ray imaging apparatus that stores a line image, a thin X-ray plane detection unit configured by arranging elements for detecting X-rays in a plane and X-ray information detected by the X-ray plane detection unit is handled. A circuit member is provided, and the X-ray plane detecting means and the circuit member are formed to have a laminated structure.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system using an X-ray diagnostic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

This system comprises a portable X-ray generator 1
And an X-ray imaging apparatus 2 to which the present invention is applied.

The X-ray generator 1 is a device that emits X-rays.
An X-ray tube 3 as a X-ray generating means, an X-ray aperture 4 for determining an X-ray irradiation field (X-ray irradiation range) from the X-ray tube 3 to a subject, and an electric power supplied to the X-ray tube 3 An X-ray controller 5 to be controlled; a column 7 and an arm 8 for fixing the X-ray tube 3 and the X-ray aperture 4 so as to be arranged above the subject 6
And the X-ray controller 5 and the column 7 are fixed.
A transport table 9 provided with wheels on its lower surface so that the entire line generating device 1 can be transported.

The X-ray stop 4 irradiates the X-ray radiated from the X-ray tube 3 fixed to the arm 8 in a limited manner, for example, in a range such as a chest or abdomen of the subject 6 located below. It is supposed to.

The subject 6 lies on a bed 10 and
The X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is arranged between the subject 5 and the bed 9, that is, below the subject 5.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of each component when the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is disassembled.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 2 includes an upper cover 21 provided with a window made of a material that transmits X-rays, a lower cover 22 connected to the upper cover 21 to form a thin box, It is composed of components described below, which are housed in a thin box composed of an upper cover 21 and a lower cover 22.

That is, a plurality of slits are formed in a thin box formed by the upper cover 21 and the lower cover 22, and scattered X-rays (primary X-rays are generated by a scattering action when transmitted through a subject). X-ray grid 2 for removing X-rays
3 and a fluorescent substance (a scintillator, for example, cerium iodide (CsI)) on a light incident surface (upper surface in the figure) of a CCD 24 in which CCD (charge coupled device) elements are two-dimensionally (planarly) arranged. The thin flat detector 26 as a thin X-ray flat surface detecting means coated with the laminate 25) and the digital X-ray information storage unit 53 are sequentially arranged from the upper cover 21 side to the lower cover 22 side. Stacked and stored. Note that the thin flat panel detector 26 constituted by the CCD 24 and the digital X-ray information storage unit 27 are electrically connected.

In the first embodiment and the following embodiments, the case where a CCD element is used as the thin flat panel detector 26 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the TFT technology of liquid crystal is applied. The present invention is also applicable to a two-dimensional photodetector using an applied two-dimensional light incident surface or another image sensor using an image sensor.

The digital X-ray information storage unit 27 has a flash memory 28 as a nonvolatile digital information storage means and an A / D (analog / digital) converter 2 on a substrate.
9, address generator 30, rechargeable battery 31,
A changeover switch 32, a battery charging terminal 33 for supplying a charging current from an external power supply (not shown) to the battery 31, and connection means for transferring digital data from the flash memory 28 to an external image processing device or the like. Of the digital information output terminal 34 is mounted.

In the first embodiment and the following embodiments, the flash memory 28 is mounted on the board. However, a connector for a memory card may be provided, and the memory card may be provided detachably. . In this case, you can take any number of photos by changing the memory card,
It is possible to obtain the effect that the captured X-ray image information can be processed simply by bringing only the memory card to the external digital image processing device. Naturally, the present invention is not limited to the flash memory, and various nonvolatile memories (for example, EEPROM (electrically erasable program)
It is also applicable to rammable readonly memory)).

The battery 31 serves as a power supply means such as the flash memory 28, the A / D converter 29, and the address generation circuit 30.
The power is supplied to the circuit of the line information storage unit 27, connected to the battery charging terminal 33, and charged by a charging current supplied from an external power supply (not shown) via the battery charging terminal 33.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a main part of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2. As shown in FIG.

The thin flat panel detector 26 composed of the CCD 24 receives a read signal output from the address generator 30 of the digital X-ray information storage unit 27 and outputs a signal like a TV signal or a video signal. The charge accumulated in each CCD element is sequentially converted to analog X-ray information for each pixel.
(Image pickup signal).

The analog X-ray information is input to the A / D converter 29 of the digital X-ray information storage unit 27, and is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 29. The digital X-ray information obtained by this digital conversion is stored as X-ray image information in a storage area of the flash memory 28 specified by a storage address signal from the address generator 30.

The flash memory 28 is divided into a plurality of storage areas and managed, and the address generator 30 operates the changeover switch 32 to specify an address specified by a storage address signal output to the flash memory 28. While changing and outputting the address of the storage area next to the storage area storing the X-ray image information in the previous X-ray imaging,
A read signal is output to the thin flat panel detector 26.

Accordingly, the changeover switch 32 constitutes area designating means, and the address generator constitutes storage control means.

The X stored in the flash memory 28
The line image information is transferred via the digital information output terminal 34 to a digital information input unit 36 of an external digital image processing device 35 connected to the digital information output terminal 34.

The digital image processing device 35 analyzes the input X-ray image information, stores it in an internal storage unit (not shown) such as a magnetic disk, and also stores a CRT (ca).
X-ray information is displayed as an image on a display such as a thode ray tube (not shown) monitor.

In the first embodiment having such a configuration, the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 includes the upper cover 21 and the X-ray grid 2.
3. Thin flat detector 26, digital X-ray information storage unit 2
7. The lower cover 22 is formed by laminating, and is thin and lightweight. Therefore, this X-ray imaging apparatus 2
It is portable by hand and can be easily placed anywhere on the subject.

For example, in X-ray photography around a hospital ward, the subject 6 lies on the bed 10 and the X-ray tube 3 and X-ray are placed above the location where the subject 6 is to be X-rayed, for example, above the chest or abdomen.
A line stop 4 is arranged, and an X
The line imaging device 2 is arranged.

The X-ray radiated from the X-ray tube 3 is applied to the subject 6 via the X-ray diaphragm 4, and the X-ray transmitted through the subject 6 is incident on the X-ray imaging device 2.

The incident X-rays are applied to the X-ray grid 23
The light is incident on the fluorescent substance 25 applied on the upper surface of the thin flat panel detector 26 through the substrate, and the fluorescent substance 25 emits light. Electric charges are accumulated in the accumulation layer of each CCD element of the CCD 24 in accordance with the amount of the emitted light. This charge accumulation is continued during X-ray irradiation.

When the X-ray irradiation is completed, the changeover switch 32
Is operated, the read signal is output from the address generator 30 to the thin flat panel detector 26, and the storage address signal for specifying the address of the storage area next to the storage area in which the previous X-ray image information is stored. Is output to the flash memory 28.

When a readout signal is input to the thin flat panel detector 26, the electric charge stored in the storage layer of each CCD element moves to the transfer layer, and according to the readout signal, a signal such as a TV signal or a video signal. Are sequentially output to the A / D converter 29 as analog X-ray information for each pixel.

The analog X-ray information is converted into digital X-ray information by the A / D converter 29 and stored as X-ray image information in a storage area of the flash memory 28 specified by a storage address signal.

Thereafter, the X-ray imaging device 2 is carried to a place where the digital image processing device 35 is installed, and the digital image processing device 35 is connected to the digital information output terminal 34 of the X-ray imaging device 2.

Although not shown, a signal indicating that the X-ray information can be received is input from the digital image processing device 35 to the address generator 30. Therefore, the address generator 30 outputs a read address signal to the flash memory 28. When a read address signal is input to the flash memory 28, the X-ray image information stored in the storage area designated by the read address signal is sequentially read, and digital image processing is performed via the digital information output terminal 34. The data is transferred to the digital information input unit 36 of the device 35.

The digital image processor 35 analyzes the input X-ray image information, stores it in an internal storage unit such as a magnetic disk, and displays the captured X-ray image on a display such as a CRT monitor. indicate.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the upper cover 21, the X-ray grid 23, the thin flat panel detector 26, the digital X-ray information storage unit 27, and the lower cover 22 are laminated to constitute a digital X-ray detector. In the line information storage unit 27, the thin flat detector 2
6 is converted into digital X-ray image information via the A / D converter 29 and stored in the flash memory 28, whereby the device can be made thin and lightweight. It is easy to carry around and can be easily placed anywhere on the subject.
The line information can be stored in the flash memory 28 as digital information, and can be transferred to an external digital image processing device via the digital information output terminal 34.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a portable X-ray imaging apparatus capable of digitizing X-ray information.

Further, in the first embodiment, the flash memory 28 is managed by being divided into a plurality of storage areas. When the changeover switch 32 is operated, a read signal and a read address are read from the address generator 30. By outputting a signal and storing the digital X-ray image information obtained by the current imaging in the storage area next to the storage area storing the X-ray image information of the previous imaging, one X-ray image is obtained.
An effect is obtained that a plurality of pieces of X-ray image information obtained by a plurality of X-ray imagings can be stored in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

In the first embodiment, the digital information output terminal 34 is provided so that the X-ray image information stored in the flash memory 28 can be transferred to the external digital image processing device 35. The effect is obtained that the obtained X-ray image information can be easily transferred to the digital image processing device 35.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the digital X-ray information storage unit 27 of the first embodiment is different from the first embodiment, and other components (the upper cover 21, the X-ray grid 23, the thin flat detector 26, Since almost the same lower cover 22) can be used, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

The thin X-ray detector 26 serving as thin X-ray flat detection means constituted by applying a fluorescent substance to the light incident surface of the CCD 24 is output from an address generator 38 of a digital X-ray information storage unit 37. The read signal is applied to each C
The charge accumulated in the CD element is sequentially converted to analog X for each pixel.
Output as line information.

The analog X-ray information is input to the A / D converter 29 of the digital X-ray information storage unit 37, and is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 29. Digital X-ray information obtained by the digital conversion is stored as X-ray image information in a storage area designated by a storage address signal from the address generator 38 of the flash memory 28 as nonvolatile digital information storage means. .

By operating the changeover switch 32, the address generator 38 sets the address specified by the storage address signal output to the flash memory 28 next to the storage area in which the X-ray image information was stored in the previous X-ray imaging. And outputs a read signal to the thin flat panel detector 26.

The address generator 38 is provided with a read address for reading out the X-ray image information stored in the storage area of the flash memory 28 designated by the designation operation by the designation operation by the display area designation unit 39. A signal is output to the flash memory 28 and a feature extraction timing signal is output to a feature information output unit 40 as feature information extraction means.

The display area designator 39 is constituted by, for example, a roll switch. A plurality of contacts of the roll switch correspond to a plurality of divided storage areas of the flash memory 28, and the storage is designated by switching the contacts. The area can be switched.

The feature information output section 40 extracts the features of the X-ray image information read from the flash memory 28 at the timing of the feature extraction timing signal. For example, compression processing for thinning out X-ray image information at regular intervals, or averaging and averaging a certain number (plurality) of data of X-ray image information
Compression processing as one set of data and a frequency indicating a feature are set, and frequency processing for extracting only the set frequency band is performed to extract a feature.

The feature information of the X-ray image information extracted by the feature information output unit 40 in this manner is output to a wireless transmission unit 41 as wireless communication means.

On the other hand, the X-ray image information read from the flash memory 28 by the read address signal from the address generator 38 is supplied to the digital information output terminal 34 via a digital information output terminal 34 as connection means. Is transferred to the digital information input unit 43 of the external digital image processing device 42 connected to the wireless transmission unit 41 and the feature information output unit 4 as described above.
Output to 0.

Note that the address generator 38, the flash memory 28, and the digital information output terminal 34 constitute an image information transfer unit.

In the radio transmission unit 41, although not shown, selection is set in advance by, for example, a dip switch or the like, and the X-ray image information read from the flash memory 28 and the X-ray image output from the feature information output unit 40. One of the feature information extracted from the image information is selected, and the selected information is wirelessly transmitted.

The image information transmitting means is constituted by the address generator 38, the flash memory 28, the feature information output unit 40, and the wireless transmission unit.

The wirelessly transmitted information is received by the wireless receiving section 44 of the digital image processing device 42 and output to the digital information input section 43 as X-ray image information or characteristic information of the X-ray image information.

In the second embodiment having such a configuration, the changeover switch 3
2 is operated, the electric charges accumulated in each CCD element of the thin flat panel detector 26 are sequentially converted into analog X-ray information for each pixel according to the read signal from the address generator 38 as an A / D converter. 29.

The analog X-ray information is converted into digital X-ray information by an A / D converter 29, and is stored in the flash memory 28 as X-ray image information by a storage address signal from an address generator 38. Stored in the area.

The X-ray image information stored in the flash memory 28 is transmitted to the digital information output terminal 34,
And output to the feature information output unit 40. The feature information output unit 40 extracts the features of the X-ray image information at the timing of the feature extraction timing signal from the address generator 38 by, for example, a compression process for thinning out at a fixed interval, a compression process by averaging, or a frequency process. The information of the extracted features is output to the wireless transmission unit 41.

If the external digital image processing device 42 is not connected to the digital information output terminal 34,
The X-ray image information is not transferred from the digital information output terminal 34.

The radio transmitting section 41 directly transmits the X-ray image information read out from the flash memory 28 by radio by setting a dip switch (not shown), or transmits the feature information output from the feature information output section 40. Transmit wirelessly.

The wirelessly transmitted information is received by the wireless receiving unit 44 of the external digital image processing device 42 and output to the digital information input unit 43. In the digital image processing device 42, the input information is analyzed, stored in an internal storage unit (not shown) such as a magnetic disk, and photographed on a display (not shown) such as a CRT monitor. An X-ray image is displayed.

Here, by performing the designation operation by the display area designator 39, the X-ray image information to be wirelessly transmitted to the digital image processing device 42 is switched to other X-ray image information stored in the flash memory 28. be able to.

That is, when a designation operation is performed by the display area designator 39, a read address signal for designating the address of the storage area of the flash memory 28 designated by the designation operation is output from the address generator 38, and Then, a feature extraction timing signal is output to the feature information output unit 40.

The X-ray image information stored in the designated storage area of the flash memory 28 is read out by the read address signal, and output to the digital information output terminal 34, the wireless transmission section 41, and the feature information output section 40.

The feature information output section 40 extracts the features of the X-ray image information, and outputs the information of the features to the wireless transmission section 41.

The radio transmitting section 41 directly transmits the X-ray image information read out from the flash memory 28 by radio by setting a dip switch (not shown), or transmits the characteristic information output from the characteristic information output section 40. Transmit wirelessly.

The information transmitted wirelessly is received by the wireless receiving section 44 of the external digital image processing apparatus 42 and output to the digital information input section 43. In the digital image processing device 42, the input information is analyzed and stored in the internal storage unit, and the captured X-ray image is displayed on the display.

When a digital image processing device 42 is connected to the digital information output terminal 34 to transfer X-ray image information to the digital image processing device 42, the X-ray imaging device 2 The digital image processing device 42 is carried to the place where the 42 is installed, and is connected to the digital information output terminal 34.

Accordingly, the X-ray image information read from the flash memory 28 is transferred to the digital image processing device 42 via the digital information output terminal 34, analyzed, stored in the internal storage unit, and displayed. The X-ray image is displayed on the display.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can be obtained.

First, the provision of the display area designator 39 allows the X-ray image information transferred or wirelessly transmitted to the digital image processing device 42 to be stored in the plurality of X-ray image information stored in the flash memory 28. Can be freely selected from. Therefore, operability can be improved.

Second, the provision of the wireless transmission section 41 for wirelessly transmitting the X-ray image information allows the X-ray image processing apparatus to be transported to the place where the digital image processing apparatus 42 is installed without having to carry the X-ray image processing apparatus. The X-ray image information can be transferred to the digital image processing device by wireless transmission without connecting to the processing device 42. Therefore, hygiene can be improved, operability can be improved, and the time for carrying the X-ray diagnostic apparatus and the time for connecting to the digital image processing apparatus are eliminated. It can be confirmed in a short time.

Third, the provision of the feature information output section 40 makes it possible to shorten the transmission time of the radio transmission of the X-ray image information, so that the photographed X-ray image can be confirmed more quickly and in a shorter time. it can.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, in the third embodiment, the digital X-ray information storage unit 27 of the first embodiment described above is different, and other components (the upper cover 21, the X-ray grid 23, the thin flat detector 26, Since the same material can be used for the lower cover 22), the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

The thin X-ray plane detector 26 serving as a thin X-ray plane detection means constituted by applying a fluorescent substance to the light incident surface of the CCD 24 outputs from the address generator 46 of the digital X-ray information storage unit 45. Analog X-ray information is output according to the readout signal.

The analog X-ray information is input to the A / D converter 29 of the digital X-ray information storage section 45, and is digitally converted by the A / D converter 29. The digital X-ray information obtained by this digital conversion is stored as X-ray image information in a storage area specified by a storage address signal of the address generator 46 of the flash memory 28 as nonvolatile digital information storage means.

By operating the changeover switch 32, the address generator 46 sets the address designated by the storage address signal output to the flash memory 28 next to the storage area in which the X-ray image information was stored in the previous X-ray photography. And the thin flat detector 26
And outputs a read signal to the memory.

The address generator 46 outputs a read signal to the thin flat panel detector 26 and a flash memory 28 according to a storage instruction signal output from an X-ray information storage monitor 47 as an imaging determining means. The storage area of the flash memory 28 for outputting the storage address signal and automatically storing the X-ray image information in accordance with the storage address signal in accordance with the area instruction signal output from the X-ray information storage monitor 47 is stored in the next storage area. Switch to area.

The X-ray information accumulation monitor 47 outputs, via the address generator 46, an accumulation state output request signal for outputting the accumulation state of the electric charge of each CCD element to the thin flat panel detector 26. .

According to the storage status output request signal, the analog information of the storage status output from the thin flat panel detector 26 is stored in the A / D converter 2 of the digital X-ray information storage unit 45.
The data is converted into digital information in a storage state by 9 and output to the X-ray information storage monitor 47.

The X-ray information storage monitor 47 determines that the X-ray irradiation has started when the input digital information in the storage state starts to change, and then when the change stops, the X-ray information storage monitor 47 stops. When it is determined that the irradiation has been completed, a storage instruction signal is output to the address generator 46, and when the output of the X-ray image information from the A / D converter 29 has been completed or is output from the address generator 46. When the storage address signal reaches the end address of the corresponding storage area,
An area instruction signal is output.

The X-ray information storage monitor 47 and the address generator 46 constitute an area switching means.

Further, the X-ray information storage monitor 47
The input digital information in the storage state is wirelessly transmitted via the storage state transmitting unit 48 as wireless communication means.

Note that the X-ray information accumulation monitor 47 and the accumulation state transmission section 48 constitute a detection information wireless transmission means (detection information output means).

The digital information of the accumulation state transmitted by radio is received by the accumulation state receiving section 49 provided in the X-ray controller 5, and based on the digital information of the accumulation state received by the accumulation state receiving section 49. The X-ray controller 5 controls the power supplied to the X-ray tube 3 to adjust the X-ray irradiation conditions from the X-ray tube 3 via the X-ray diaphragm 4 to be optimal. It has become.

In the third embodiment having such a configuration, an accumulation state output request signal is output from the X-ray information accumulation monitor 47 to the thin flat panel detector 26 via the address generator 46, and the thin flat panel is detected. The analog information in the storage state is output from the device 26 to the X-ray information storage monitor 47 as digital information in the storage state via the A / D converter.

When the object is not irradiated with X-rays, the information on the accumulation state from the thin flat panel detector 26 does not change.

However, when irradiation of the subject with X-rays is started and the X-rays transmitted through the subject are incident on the thin flat panel detector 26, the information on the accumulation state of the detector starts to change. Due to the change in the information on the accumulation state, the information on the accumulation state is wirelessly output from the X-ray information accumulation monitor 47 via the accumulation state transmitting unit 48 as needed, and the information on the accumulation state is stored in the X-ray controller 5. The X-ray controller 5 optimally adjusts the X-ray irradiation conditions based on the received storage state information received by the state receiving unit 49.

Thereafter, when the irradiation of the X-ray to the object is completed, the change of the information of the accumulation state from the thin flat panel detector 26 stops, and the X-ray information accumulation monitor 47 sends the address generator 4
6, and a read signal is output from the address generator 46 to the thin flat panel detector 26.

The electric charges stored in each CCD element of the thin flat panel detector 26 are sequentially output to the A / D converter 29 as analog X-ray information for each pixel in accordance with the readout signal.

The analog X-ray information is converted into digital X-ray information by the A / D converter 29, and is stored in the flash memory 28 as X-ray image information by the storage address signal from the address generator 46. It is stored in the area and output to the X-ray information storage monitor 47.
When the storage address signal from the address generator 46 is X
The information is input to the line information accumulation monitor 47.

When the storage of the X-ray image information in the flash memory 28 is completed, an area designation signal is output from the X-ray information accumulation monitor 47 to the address generator 46, and the address generator 46 outputs the X-ray image data in response to the stored address signal. The address of the storage area of the flash memory 28 that stores the line image signal is switched to the address of the next storage area.

Thereafter, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is carried to a place where the digital image processing apparatus 35 is installed, and the digital image processing apparatus 35 is connected to the digital information output terminal 34 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus.

The address generator 46 outputs a read address signal to the flash memory 28, and the X-ray image information stored in the storage area of the flash memory 28 specified by the read address signal is sent to the digital information output terminal 34. The digital image data is transferred to the digital information input unit 36 of the digital image processing device 35 via the digital camera.

The digital image processing unit 35 analyzes the input X-ray image information, stores it in the internal storage unit, and displays the captured X-ray image on the display.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can be obtained.

First, the charge accumulation state of the thin flat panel detector 26 is monitored, the start of X-ray irradiation and the end of X-ray irradiation are determined based on the information on the accumulation state, and an area indication signal is output from the address generator. By providing an X-ray information accumulation monitor 47 to be output to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 46 and an address generator 46 for switching a storage area of a flash memory 28 for storing X-ray image information in accordance with an area instruction signal, Since the X-ray image information of one sheet can be stored and the storage area is automatically switched, the operability can be improved.

Secondly, the charge accumulation state of the thin flat panel detector 26 is monitored, and information on the accumulation state is transmitted to the accumulation state transmitting section 48.
X-ray information storage monitor 47 for wireless transmission via
By adjusting the X-ray irradiation conditions based on the wirelessly transmitted accumulation state information, the subject can be irradiated with X-rays under more optimal irradiation conditions, so that the X-ray irradiation can be accurately performed without failing in imaging. The radiographing can be performed, and the dose of the X-ray radiated to the normal subject can be minimized. In addition, since the information on the storage state is wirelessly transmitted, there is no cable or the like, so that it is sanitary.

The fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the same members described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of each part when the X-ray imaging apparatus 51 to which the present invention is applied is disassembled.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 51 includes an upper cover 21 having a window made of a material that transmits X-rays, and a thin box formed by being coupled to the upper cover 21. Cover 52 provided with a window part
1 and the lower cover 52 are housed in a thin box, and are composed of components described below.

That is, in the thin box composed of the upper cover 21 and the lower cover 52, the X-ray grid 23
And a thin flat panel detector 2 as a thin X-ray flat panel detecting means
6, a digital X-ray information storage unit 53, and a thin liquid crystal display 55 as a thin display means.
From the side to the lower cover 52 side in order. The display screen of the liquid crystal display 55 faces the lower cover 52 side. Therefore, the lower cover 52
The liquid crystal display 5 through a window made of a transparent material.
5 can be seen.

The digital X-ray information storage section 53 includes a flash memory 28 as a non-volatile digital storage means, an A / D converter 29, an address generator 30, a battery 31 as a power supply means, a changeover switch on a substrate. 3
2. A battery charging terminal 33, a digital information output terminal 34 as connection means, a display controller roller 56 as display control means for controlling the liquid crystal display 55, and a storage area for reading X-ray image information from the flash memory 28 are switched. In addition, a display changeover switch 57 as an image designating means for switching the X-ray image information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 55 is mounted.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 51.

The thin flat panel detector 26 outputs analog X-ray information according to a read signal output from the address generator 30 in the digital X-ray information storage unit 53.

The analog X-ray information is input to the A / D converter 29 of the digital X-ray information storage unit 53, and is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 29. The digital X-ray information obtained by this digital conversion is converted to the address generator 30 of the flash memory 28 as X-ray image information.
Is stored in the storage area specified by the storage address signal from the CPU.

The address generator 30 operates the changeover switch 32 to change the address specified by the storage address signal to be output to the flash memory 28 in the storage area where the X-ray image information was stored in the previous X-ray photography. The output is changed to the address of the next storage area, and a read signal is output to the thin flat panel detector 26.

By operating the display changeover switch 57, the address generator 30 specifies a read address signal for reading X-ray image information from a specified storage area of the flash memory 28, and specifies a next storage area. And output. The display changeover switch 57
As described with reference to the display area designator 39 of the second embodiment, a plurality of contacts such as a roll switch may be switched.

According to the read address signal from the address generator 30, the X-ray image information read from the flash memory 28 is transmitted through the digital information output terminal 34 to the external information terminal connected to the digital information output terminal 34. Digital information input unit 36 of digital image processing device 35
And is output to the display controller 56.

This display controller 56 displays the photographed X-ray image on the liquid crystal display 55 based on the input X-ray image information.

In the fourth embodiment having such a configuration, the changeover switch 32 is turned off when the irradiation of the subject with the X-rays is completed.
Is operated, an analog X signal is output from the thin flat panel detector 26.
The line information is output to the A / D converter 29.

The analog X-ray information is converted into digital X-ray information by the A / D converter 29, and is designated as a X-ray image information in a designated storage area of the flash memory by a storage address signal from the address generator 30. Is stored.

The X-ray image information stored in the flash memory 28 is output to the digital information output terminal 34 and the display controller 56.

Here, unless an external digital image processing device 35 is connected to the digital information output terminal 34, the X-ray image information is not transferred from the digital information output terminal 34.

The display controller 56 causes the liquid crystal display 55 to display the X-ray image just shot based on the input X-ray image information. Therefore, when viewed from the lower cover 52 side of the X-ray imaging apparatus 51, the X-ray image just shot is displayed on the liquid crystal display 55, so that it is possible to confirm whether or not the X-ray imaging has been successfully completed. it can.

Here, by operating the display changeover switch 57, the X-ray image information displayed on the liquid crystal display 55 is stored in another X-ray image stored in the flash memory 28.
It is possible to switch to line image information.

That is, when the display switch 57 is operated, the storage area of the flash memory 28 specified by the read address signal output from the address generator 30 to the flash memory 28 is switched to the immediately preceding storage area. . Therefore, the X-ray image information read from the flash memory 28 by the read address signal is read from the immediately preceding storage area.

The read X-ray image information is output to the display controller 56, and the display controller 56
Displays the X-ray image stored in the immediately preceding storage area on the liquid crystal display 55 based on this X-ray image information.

When a digital image processing device 35 is connected to the digital information output terminal 34 to transfer X-ray image information to the digital image processing device 35, the X-ray diagnostic device 51 is The digital image processing device 35 is transported to a place where the 35 is installed, and is connected to the digital information output terminal 34.

Therefore, the X-ray image information read from the flash memory 28 is transferred to the digital image processing device 35 via the digital information output terminal 34, analyzed and stored in an internal storage unit (not shown). The X-ray image is displayed on a display.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can be obtained.

First, a thin liquid crystal display 55 and a display controller 56 for displaying an X-ray image taken based on the X-ray image information read from the flash memory 28 on the liquid crystal display 55 are provided. As a result, the X-ray image information can be confirmed as an X-ray image on the spot where the image was taken. Therefore, since it is possible to quickly confirm whether or not the X-ray imaging has been successfully completed, the imaging conditions of the X-ray imaging can be almost understood during the imaging, and the operability can be improved.
Accurate X-ray imaging can be performed.

Second, the X-ray image information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 55 is stored in another X-ray image stored in the flash memory 28.
By providing the display switch 57 for switching to line image information, a desired X-ray image can be selected and displayed on the liquid crystal display 55 easily. Therefore, operability can be improved.

The fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment described above in that an X-ray such as lead is provided between the thin flat panel detector 26 and the digital X-ray information storage unit 27.
A thin shielding plate 157 made of a line shielding material is inserted to prevent X-rays from obstructing circuits such as the flash memory 28. Naturally, the thin flat panel detector 26 and the digital X-ray information storage unit 27 are electrically connected.

Therefore, X incident on the thin flat panel detector 26
Even if the line passes through the thin flat detector 26, the shielding plate 1
The circuit such as the flash memory 28 can be protected by being shielded by 57.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the circuit such as the flash memory 28 is shielded from X-rays to prevent the influence of X-rays. The effect can be obtained. Accordingly, accurate X-ray image information can be obtained, and X-ray image information can be obtained.
Storage and retention of line image information can be reliably guaranteed.

[0141]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
By forming the X-ray plane detecting means and the circuit member to have a laminated structure, it is possible to realize a thin and lightweight X-ray imaging apparatus.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary perspective view showing the X-ray imaging apparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded perspective view showing the X-ray imaging apparatus of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exemplary block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2, 51: X-ray imaging device, 3: X-ray tube, 4: X-ray aperture, 5: X-ray controller, 21: upper cover, 26: thin flat detector, 27, 37, 45, 53: digital X-ray information storage unit, 28 flash memory, 29 A / D converter, 30 address generator, 31 battery, 34 digital information output terminal, 41 wireless transmission unit, 47 X-ray information accumulation monitor, 48: accumulation state transmission unit 56: display controller 55: liquid crystal display 57: shielding plate

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-rays transmitted through a subject and storing an X-ray image formed from the detected X-rays, wherein an X-ray detecting element is arranged in a plane. Thin X
X-ray plane detection means, and a circuit member for handling X-ray information detected by the X-ray plane detection means are provided, and the X-ray plane detection means and the circuit member are formed to have a laminated structure. X-ray imaging apparatus. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an X-ray shielding unit interposed between the X-ray flat panel detection unit and the circuit member to prevent X-rays from entering the circuit member.