JP2003153887A - X-ray radiography apparatus and method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an X-ray radiography apparatus and a method therefor which achieve rapid and correct diagnosis by converting an X-ray image into digital image data, and then, comparing it with past image data of a same subject. SOLUTION: The X-ray radiography apparatus 1 includes an X-ray generating means 2, an X-ray image reading part 3 for reading X-rays obtained by transmission through the subject M by the use of the generating means 2 as digital image data, and a control part 4 for processing the X-ray image transmitted from the reading part 3. Thus, contrast and comparison are performed with past X-ray image data and its result is displayed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an X-ray image radiographing apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to an X-ray image radiographing apparatus for converting a X-ray image into digital image data to speed up and make a diagnosis more accurate. And its method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a transmitted X-ray image of a subject is directly photographed by transferring the image projected on the fluorescent plate to a film that is in close contact with the fluorescent plate, or indirectly by photographing the image on the fluorescent plate on the film by a camera. It was recorded on the film by one of the photographing methods, and the film was visually read by a specialist to diagnose the presence or absence of abnormality. On the other hand, along with the development of computers in recent years, computerization has spread in the medical field. This flow is also rapid in the field of image diagnosis, and an apparatus using a solid-state image sensor or the like has been developed also in X-ray photography. In such a device, an X-ray image is managed by a computer as digital image data,
It has become possible to adjust the contrast of an image already taken.

As an apparatus for digitizing an X-ray image, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-223892 includes a radiation conversion panel, a radiation image information reading section, and a control section, and the control section converts image data into image data. An image display means for displaying an image based on the image data, a frame memory for temporarily storing the image data, a synchronization means for starting the reading by the radiation image information recording / reading section almost at the same time when the irradiation of the radiation from the radiation source is completed, and an image reading operation. At the same time, there is disclosed a radiographic image information reading apparatus including a means for displaying on the image display means based on image data and a recording means for storing a plurality of pieces of image data.

On the other hand, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-308631, a receiving unit that receives order information from an ordering device, a shooting start instruction unit that sets a shooting start state when the order information is received, and a shooting start instruction is issued. An imaging condition setting unit that causes the X-ray generator to set imaging conditions based on the order information, a drive instruction unit that causes the solid-state image sensor to be in a drive state when the imaging start instruction is given, and an imaging start instruction is given. An X-ray image acquisition apparatus having an imaging condition storage unit that stores conditions is disclosed.

[0005]

However, in the radiation image information reading apparatus of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-223892, a radiation image information reading apparatus capable of reading an image immediately after photographing is shown. Not only a great deal of time was required for a specialist to read the obtained radiographic image for a large number of people, but also the burden on the specialist was heavy.
Also, because it depends largely on the personal judgment of a specialist,
There were variations in the judgment results.

On the other hand, in the X-ray image acquisition apparatus of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-308631, the conventional ordering system and the X-ray digital image acquisition apparatus are combined and the ordering information is received by the X-ray image acquisition apparatus. Discloses a method for reducing the amount of input to a computer by a technician. However, as with the radiographic image information reading apparatus of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-223892, it is very difficult for a specialist to read a large number of people. In addition to the long time required, the burden on the specialist is large, and because the specialist's personal judgment is large, the results of the judgment vary. The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, and after converting an X-ray image into digital image data and comparing it with past image data on a computer, a diagnosis is speeded up and made accurate. Another object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus and a method thereof.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to claim 1 of the present invention, an X-ray generating means and an X-ray for reading an X-ray transmitted through an object by the X-ray generating means as digital image data. A line image reading unit and a control unit that processes the X-ray image transmitted from the X-ray image reading unit are provided, and the control unit includes a first storage unit that stores the X-ray image and an image captured in the past. Second storage means for storing a plurality of X-ray images, comparison determination means for comparing the X-ray images with past X-ray images, X-ray images stored in the first storage means, second storage The X-ray image capturing apparatus includes an X-ray image stored in the means, an image display means for displaying any or all of the comparison results, and an image display means for displaying the comparison results.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an X-ray generating means, a film for picking up an X-ray transmitted through an object by the X-ray generating means, and an X-ray image reading section for reading an X-ray image of the film as digital image data. And a control unit that processes the X-ray image transmitted from the X-ray image reading unit, the control unit including a first storage unit that stores the X-ray image, and a plurality of X-ray images captured in the past. A second storage means for storing
Any one of a comparison / determination unit that compares the X-ray image with a past X-ray image, an X-ray image stored in the first storage unit, an X-ray image stored in the second storage unit, and the comparison result. Alternatively, the X-ray image capturing apparatus is composed of image display means for displaying all or all.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an X-ray generating means, a fluorescent plate for picking up an X-ray transmitted through an object by the X-ray generating means, and an X-ray image reading section for reading an X-ray image of the fluorescent plate as digital image data. And a control unit that processes the X-ray image transmitted from the X-ray image reading unit, the control unit including a first storage unit that stores the X-ray image, and a plurality of X-ray images captured in the past. Stored in the second storage means, a comparison determination means for comparing the X-ray image with a past X-ray image, an X-ray image stored in the first storage means, and a second storage means. The X-ray image capturing apparatus is composed of image display means for displaying any or all of the X-ray image and the comparison result.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an X-ray generation step, an X-ray image reading step of reading the X-ray image transmitted through the subject by the X-ray generation step as digital image data, and an X-ray from the X-ray image reading step. The control step comprises processing an image, wherein the control step generates X-rays to transmit an object, the X-rays transmitted through the object are read as digital image data, and the read X is read.
An X-ray image capturing method is provided in which a line image and an X-ray image captured in the past are compared and the comparison result is displayed.

According to the present invention, since X-ray transmission images at different times can be automatically compared with each other, it is possible to realize automatic detection of abnormality, speedup and accuracy of diagnosis. The burden on the specialist can be reduced.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be appropriately modified and implemented. Is.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment according to claim 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, an X-ray image capturing apparatus 1 includes an X-ray generation unit 2, an X-ray image reading unit 3 that reads the X-rays transmitted through the subject M by the X-ray generation unit 2 as digital image data, and the X-rays. It is composed of a control unit 4 which processes the X-ray image from the image reading unit 3.

Further, the control unit 4 stores the X-ray image in the first storage means 41, the second storage means 42 in which a plurality of X-ray images captured in the past are stored, the X-ray image and the past X-ray image.
It comprises a comparison / determination means 43 for comparing with a line image and an image display means 44 for displaying the comparison result. The function of the control unit 4 is achieved by a computer or the like (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer), and the first storage unit 41 and the second storage unit 4 are provided.
2 includes, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, D
A VD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, etc. are used. A monitor is used as the image display means 44.

X-rays generated by the X-ray generating means 2, for example, an X-ray tube, pass through the subject M and are applied to the X-ray image reading section 3. The X-ray image information read by the X-ray image reading unit 3 is an X-ray image converted into a digital signal,
It is transferred to the control unit 4. The X-ray image transferred to the control unit 4 is temporarily stored in the first storage unit 41 and then displayed on the image display unit 44, that is, the monitor.

Next, a display example displayed on the monitor will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example by the image display means 44. In the figure, patient information 5, an X-ray image 6, a site selection button 7, an image processing button 8, an image switching button 9, and a comparison button 10 are displayed. As the patient information 5, for example, an ID number, patient name, age, sex, etc. are displayed. Further, the X-ray image 6 of the imaged region can be switched by the region selection button 7. Further, with the image processing button 8, the brightness of the X-ray image 6 and the strength of the contrast can be adjusted. By using the image switching button 9, the X-ray image 6a taken in the past can be displayed.

When the comparison button 10 is pressed, the display area of the X-ray image 6 is enlarged and then divided into two. The X-ray image 6 currently photographed and the X-ray image 6a photographed in the past are displayed there. Then, the size of the image,
After matching the inclination, brightness, contrast, etc., both images are superimposed and compared. If there is a difference as a result of the comparison, the relevant portion is highlighted by coloring or the like. It should be noted that a means for extracting, storing and displaying only the X-ray image 6 having a difference compared with the past data is provided so that the image can be printed. It is also possible to judge If it is determined that there is no abnormality, the diagnosis is ended, and if it is determined that there is an abnormality, further detailed inspection is performed.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of another embodiment. In the present embodiment, the X-ray image reading unit 3 is replaced with the film 11 and the X-ray image reading unit 3a that reads the X-ray image of the film 11 as digital image data in FIG. 1 described in the embodiment according to claim 1. The other components are the same as those in FIG. This device, in the device used in the conventional direct imaging method,
It is possible to convert an X-ray image into digital image data.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of another embodiment. In this embodiment, the X-ray image reading unit 3 is replaced by the fluorescent plate 1 in FIG. 1 described in the embodiment according to claim 1.
2 and the X-ray image reading unit 3b that reads the X-ray image of the fluorescent plate 12 as digital image data, and the other components are the same as in FIG. This device, in the device used in the conventional indirect imaging method,
It is possible to convert an X-ray image into digital image data.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of another embodiment. In this embodiment, (S1) X-ray generation step,
(S2) image reading step, (S3) control step, wherein the (S3) control step includes (S31) first storage step, (S32) second storage step, and (S3).
3) Comparing and determining step, and (S34) image displaying step. Note that (S31) first storage step to (S3
4) The image display step is a process using a personal computer.

(S1) In the X-ray generation step, an object is placed between the X-ray tube and the X-ray image reading device, and then X-rays are generated from the X-ray tube toward the object. (S2) In the image reading step, the X-rays transmitted through the subject in the X-ray generating step are read as digital image data. In the (S3) control step, after transferring the X-ray image converted into the digital image data in the image reading step to the control unit, (S31) first storing step to (S3)
4) The image display steps are sequentially performed.

(S31) In the first storing step, the X-ray image transferred to the control unit is stored in the recording medium. (S32) In the second storage step, when an X-ray image newer than the X-ray image transferred to the control unit is transferred to the control unit, the X-ray image transferred to the control unit is set to a past X-ray image. Save on a recording medium dedicated to images. (S33) In the comparison / determination step, the X-ray image transferred to the control unit is compared with the latest X-ray image of the past X-ray images of the same person to determine whether there is a different portion. judge. (S34) In the image display step, the latest X-ray image among the X-ray images transferred to the control unit and the past X-ray images of the same person is read from each recording medium and displayed on the monitor.

[0023]

According to the present invention, since X-ray transmission images at different times can be automatically compared with each other, it is possible to realize automatic detection of abnormality, speedup and accuracy of diagnosis. This can reduce the burden on the specialist.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of an embodiment according to claim 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example by the image display means of the embodiment of claim 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1a, 1b X-ray imaging apparatus 2 X-ray generation means 3, 3a, 3b X-ray image reading unit 4 control unit 6,6a X-ray image 11 films 12 Fluorescent plate M subject

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2H013 AC06                 4C093 AA26 CA18 FB10 FD01 FF08                       FF12 FF13 FF30 FG01 FG02                       FG16 FG18 FH04                 5B057 AA08 BA03 CA08 CB08 CH01                       CH11 DA12 DA16 DB09 DC22                       DC33                 5L096 AA06 BA06 BA13 DA01 FA14                       HA07 LA05

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An X-ray generation unit, an X-ray image reading unit that reads X-rays transmitted through an object by the X-ray generation unit as digital image data, and an X-ray image transmitted from the X-ray image reading unit. And a second storage unit for storing a plurality of X-ray images captured in the past, the X-ray image and the past storage unit. Any of the X-ray images stored in the first storage means, the X-ray image stored in the second storage means, and the comparison result, or all of them are displayed. An X-ray image radiographing apparatus comprising an image display means. 2. An X-ray generation unit, a film for capturing an X-ray transmitted through a subject by the X-ray generation unit, an X-ray image reading unit for reading an X-ray image of the film as digital image data, and the X-ray image reading unit. A control unit that processes the X-ray image transmitted from the X-ray image reading unit is provided, and the control unit stores a first storage unit that stores the X-ray image and a plurality of X-ray images captured in the past. Second storage means, comparison / determination means for comparing the X-ray image with past X-ray images, X-ray image stored in the first storage means, X-ray image stored in the second storage means An X-ray image radiographing apparatus comprising image display means for displaying any or all of the comparison results. 3. An X-ray generation unit, a fluorescent plate that images X-rays transmitted through a subject by the X-ray generation unit, an X-ray image reading unit that reads an X-ray image of the fluorescent plate as digital image data, and the X-ray image reading unit. A control unit for processing the X-ray image transmitted from the X-ray image reading unit, wherein the control unit controls the X-ray image.
First storage means for storing the X-ray image, second storage means for storing a plurality of X-ray images captured in the past, comparison determination means for comparing the X-ray image and past X-ray images, the first storage means, An X-ray image stored in one storage means, an X-ray image stored in the second storage means, and an image display means for displaying any or all of the comparison results. Image capture device. 4. An X-ray generation step, an X-ray image reading step of reading the X-rays transmitted through the subject by the X-ray generation step as digital image data, and an X-ray image transmitted from the X-ray image reading step. The control step comprises processing, wherein the control step generates X-rays, transmits the subject, reads the X-rays transmitted through the subject as digital image data, and reads the read X-ray image and an X-ray image captured in the past. And an X-ray image capturing method, wherein the comparison result is displayed.