JP2006109990A - X-ray imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an operator performing an operation on a subject according to an X-ray image to observe the X-ray image at hand without being obstructed by an image display monitor or a monitor table. <P>SOLUTION: Because an X-ray image is displayed on a sub image display monitor 13 arranged on a side edge section of a top plate 1, an operator can observe the X-ray image at hand by looking at the X-ray image displayed on the sub image display monitor 13. The sub image display monitor 13 eliminates the need of a monitor table because the sub image display monitor 13 is attached to a position that does not obstruct the movement of the operator, that is, to the side edge section of the top plate 1, and because the top plate 1 substitutes for a monitor table. With such a configuration, the operator carrying out an operation on a subject according to an X-ray image can observe the X-ray image at hand without being obstructed by an image display monitor or a monitor table. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention acquires an X-ray image based on an X-ray detection signal output from a transmission X-ray detector in association with X-ray irradiation by an X-ray tube onto a subject on a top board, and serves as an image display monitor. The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus to be displayed, and particularly to a technique for an operator who performs an operation on a subject according to an X-ray image to observe an X-ray image at hand.

  Conventionally, for example, in the case of an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus for surgery, as shown in FIG. 5, an X-ray tube 62 that irradiates a subject M placed on a top plate 61 and X-rays pass through the subject M. X-ray image of the subject is acquired based on the transmitted X-ray detector 63 that detects the transmitted X-ray and the X-ray detection signal output from the transmitted X-ray detector 63 when the subject M is irradiated with X-rays And an image display monitor 65 and 66 for displaying the X-ray image acquired by the image acquisition unit 64.

In the case of a surgical fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, there are usually a plurality of image display monitors 65 and 66 for displaying X-ray fluoroscopic images. Various X-ray fluoroscopic images of the subject M are simultaneously displayed on the plurality of image display monitors 65 and 66. The operator treats the subject while observing the X-ray images displayed on the image display monitors 65 and 66.
In the case of an orthopedic device, the image display monitor 65 displays, for example, the final (last) fluoroscopic image itself, which is the last image in a series of fluoroscopic images, and the image display monitor 66 displays, for example, the final image. A rotated X-ray fluoroscopic image obtained by performing image rotation processing on the X-ray fluoroscopic image is displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

These image display monitors 65 and 66 for displaying X-ray fluoroscopic images are placed on a suspended monitor stand suspended from the ceiling of the examination room, or placed on a stationary monitor stand placed on the floor of the examination room. It is. In the case of a surgical apparatus, since it is particularly necessary for an operator to observe an X-ray fluoroscopic image at hand, the monitor table on which the image display monitors 65 and 66 and the image display monitors 65 and 66 are mounted is used by the operator. Often located very close.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-298687 (pages 4 to 6, FIG. 1)

However, the conventional X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus often has a problem in that an image display monitor and a monitor table on which the image display monitor interferes with an operator who performs a subject operation according to an X-ray image.
In order to observe a fluoroscopic image at hand, when an image display monitor or a monitor stand on which the image display monitor is placed is located close to the operator, the image display monitor or the monitor stand is quite large. , Inevitably disturbs the movement of the surgeon.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an operator who performs an operation on a subject according to an X-ray image can obtain an X-ray image without being obstructed by an image display monitor or a monitor base. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that can be observed at hand.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject placed on a top plate with X-rays and a transmitted X-ray that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject. A detector, image acquisition means for acquiring an X-ray image of the subject based on an X-ray detection signal output from the transmission X-ray detector in association with X-ray irradiation to the subject, and an X-ray image are displayed. An X-ray imaging apparatus including an image display monitor includes a sub-image display monitor attached to a side edge of the top board in addition to a main image display monitor used for normal observation of an X-ray image as an image display monitor. It is what.

  [Operation / Effect] When X-ray imaging is performed by the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, X-rays output from the transmission X-ray detector in accordance with X-ray irradiation to the subject by the X-ray tube The image acquisition means acquires an X-ray image of the subject based on the detection signal, and the acquired X-ray image is displayed on the main image display monitor for normal observation by the operator. In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the acquired X-ray image is also displayed for the operator's hand observation on the sub-image display monitor attached to the side edge of the top board.

In the case of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the X-ray image is displayed by the sub-image display monitor attached to the side edge of the top board, so that the operator can display the X-ray image displayed on the sub-image display monitor The X-ray image can be observed by hand with the line image, and the sub-image display monitor is attached to the side edge of the top plate so as not to interfere with the movement of the operator. As a substitute, the sub image display monitor does not require a monitor base.
Therefore, an operator who performs an operation on the subject according to the X-ray image can observe the X-ray image at hand without being obstructed by the image display monitor or the monitor base.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the sub-image display monitor is provided with operation screen input means.

  [Operation / Effect] In the case of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation screen input means provided in the sub-image display monitor can be used while viewing the X-ray image displayed on the sub-image display monitor. The operation can be performed at hand.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, a plurality of main image display monitors are provided and are being displayed on the main image display monitor as operation screen input means. A screen input unit for selecting an X-ray image for selecting an arbitrary X-ray image from the X-ray images and displaying the selected X-ray image on the sub-image display monitor is provided.

  [Operation / Effect] In the case of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, the main image can be obtained by hand operation by the screen input means for X-ray image selection as the operation screen input means provided in the sub-image display monitor. An arbitrary X-ray image can be selected from the X-ray images displayed on the display monitor, displayed on the sub-image display monitor, and observed at hand.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the sub-image display monitor is movable along the longitudinal direction of the top board.

  [Operation / Effect] In the case of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the invention of claim 4, when the sub image display monitor obstructs the operator's treatment or getting on / off the subject from the top plate, the sub image display monitor is placed on the top. By moving along the longitudinal direction of the plate, it is possible to eliminate the obstruction of the sub image display monitor.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the sub-image display monitor is removable from the top board.

  [Operation / Effect] In the case of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the invention of claim 5, when the sub image display monitor obstructs the operator's treatment or getting on / off the subject from the top plate, the sub image display monitor is placed on the top. By removing from the plate, it is possible to eliminate the obstruction of the sub image display monitor.

In the case of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention, since the X-ray image is displayed by the sub-image display monitor attached to the side edge of the top board, the surgeon uses the X-ray image displayed on the sub-image display monitor. In addition to being able to observe X-ray images at hand, the sub-image display monitor is attached to the side edge of the top plate so that it does not interfere with the movement of the operator. Therefore, the monitor stand is not necessary for the sub image display monitor.
Therefore, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention, an operator who performs a subject operation according to the X-ray image can observe the X-ray image at hand without being obstructed by the image display monitor or the monitor base. Can do.

  An embodiment of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration centering on an X-ray imaging system of an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration centering on a top plate and an image display monitor of the embodiment device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the embodiment apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a sub-image display monitor of the embodiment apparatus.

  In the case of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the top plate 1 on which the subject M is placed on the examination table and the X-ray irradiation arranged to face each other with the top plate 1 interposed therebetween. A first X-ray imaging system comprising an X-ray tube 2 for detection and a two-dimensional X-ray detector 3 for transmission X-ray detection; an X-ray tube 4 for X-ray irradiation disposed opposite to the top plate 1; A second X-ray imaging system including a two-dimensional X-ray detector 5 for transmitting X-ray detection is provided.

  Further, the apparatus according to the embodiment includes an X-ray detection signal output from the two-dimensional X-ray detector 3 or the two-dimensional X-ray detector 5 when the subject M is irradiated with the X-ray by the X-ray tube 2 or the X-ray tube 4. The image acquisition unit 6 that acquires an X-ray image such as an X-ray fluoroscopic image of the subject M by signal processing and six main image display monitors 7A to 7F used for normal observation of the X-ray image are provided. ing.

  That is, the embodiment apparatus is equipped with two X-ray imaging systems of the first X-ray imaging system and the second X-ray imaging system, and the imaging direction or the second X-ray imaging system is operated by operating the first X-ray imaging system and the second X-ray imaging system. Different types of X-ray images due to differences in imaging positions can be acquired simultaneously, and different types of X-ray images due to differences in signal processing in the image acquisition unit 6 can be acquired. These different types of X-ray images can be simultaneously displayed on the main image display monitors 7A to 7F. Also, X-ray images due to differences in acquisition time points can be simultaneously displayed on the main image display monitors 7A to 7F as different types of X-ray images.

Both the first X-ray imaging system and the second X-ray imaging system are so-called C-arm imaging systems. In the first X-ray imaging system, the X-ray tube 2 is attached to one end of the C-arm 8 and 2 A dimensional X-ray detector 3 is attached to the other end of the C-arm 8. In the second X-ray imaging system, the X-ray tube 4 is attached to one end of the C-type arm 9, and the two-dimensional X-ray detector 5 is attached to the other end of the C-type arm 9. Then, the shooting direction or the shooting position can be changed by rotating or moving the C-arm 8 or the C-arm 9.
As the type of the first X-ray imaging system or the second X-ray imaging system, in addition to the floor installation type in which the C-type arm is supported by the base fixed to the floor, the C-type arm is arranged to be movable on the ceiling. There are a ceiling moving type supported by the base and a floor moving type supported by a base in which a C-shaped arm is movably disposed on the floor.

  The X-ray tube 2 irradiates the subject M with X-rays at a tube voltage / tube current according to the imaging conditions in accordance with the control of the X-ray irradiation control unit 10. The X-ray tube 4 irradiates the subject M with X-rays at a tube voltage / tube current according to the imaging conditions in accordance with the control of the X-ray irradiation control unit 11.

As the two-dimensional X-ray detectors 3 and 5, a flat panel X-ray detector (FPD), an image intensifier, or the like is used. The two-dimensional X-ray detectors 3 and 5 detect the transmitted X-ray image projected on the X-ray detection surface and output it as an X-ray detection signal.
The embodiment apparatus also includes a main operation unit 12 for inputting commands and data necessary for execution of X-ray imaging. The main operation unit 12 may be provided in an examination room in which an examination table is installed, or may be provided in an operation room adjacent to the examination room.

  The main image display monitors 7A to 7F are mounted on a suspended monitor base 7a suspended from the ceiling, and differ in the imaging direction and imaging position of the first and second X-ray imaging systems, or an image acquisition unit. Various X-ray fluoroscopic images due to differences in signal processing due to 6 are displayed simultaneously. Then, the surgeon stands next to the top board 1 and examines and treats the subject M while observing the X-ray images displayed on the screens of the main image display monitors 7A to 7F. However, since the main image display monitors 7A to 7F are far from the surgeon, they are far from being located, so there is a difficulty in observing the details of the X-ray image.

The X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of the embodiment includes a sub image display monitor 13 attached to the side edge of the top 1 in addition to the main image display monitors 7A to 7F used for normal observation of X-ray images. The feature of the image display unit 6 as an image display monitor that displays the X-ray image acquired by the image acquisition unit 6 is a prominent feature. On the sub-image display monitor 13, as shown in FIG. 4, an X-ray image is displayed in a circular X-ray image display area 14 from the left of the screen.
Since the sub-image display monitor 13 is located at the side edge of the top 1 close to the surgeon, when the X-ray image acquired by the image acquisition unit 6 is displayed, the X-ray image is detailed at hand. Can be observed. The sub image display monitor 13 is a liquid crystal type and is smaller than the main image display monitors 7A to 7F.

  Further, the sub image display monitor 13 is provided with an operation screen input mechanism (operation screen input means). That is, the sub image display monitor 13 is a monitor with a touch panel function. In many cases, the sub image display monitor 13 is covered with a transparent antibacterial cover, but the operation screen input mechanism can be operated from above the antibacterial cover, so that it can function effectively even when the antibacterial cover is put on. .

Specifically, as an operation screen input mechanism, an X-ray image selection for selecting an arbitrary X-ray image from the X-ray images being displayed on the main image display monitors 7A to 7F and displaying it on the sub-image display monitor 13 is performed. Screen input switches 7a to 7f are provided on the screen of the sub-image display monitor 13. For example, when the screen input switch 7a is pressed, the X-ray image being displayed on the main image display monitor 7A is displayed in the X-ray image display area 14, and when the screen input switch 7e is pressed, the X image being displayed on the main image display monitor 7E is displayed. A line image is displayed in the X-ray image display area 14.
Therefore, an X-ray image to be displayed on the sub image display monitor 13 can be selected by hand operation.

  Further, the sub-image display monitor 13 displays an information list display area for displaying a list of X-ray image numbers attached to X-ray images previously captured and stored and patient numbers attached to patient attribute information. 15 as an operation screen input mechanism, an arbitrary number is selected from the X-ray image numbers and patient numbers displayed in the information list display area 15, and X-ray images and patient attributes corresponding to the numbers are selected. Information selection screen input switches 15 a to 15 q for displaying information on the sub image display monitor 13 are arranged on the screen of the sub image display monitor 13.

For example, when the screen input switch 15a is pressed, an X-ray image and patient attribute information corresponding to the number of the screen input switch 15a are displayed on the sub-image display monitor 13, and when the screen input switch 15q is pressed, the number of the screen input switch 15q is displayed. Corresponding X-ray images and patient attribute information are displayed on the sub-image display monitor 13. At this time, the X-ray image is displayed in the X-ray image display area 14, and the patient attribute information is overwritten in the information list display area 15.
Therefore, the stored X-ray image and patient attribute information can be selected by hand operation and displayed on the sub-image display monitor 13.

In addition, the sub image display monitor 13 is provided with a touch pen type screen input switch for writing on the screen with the touch pen 16 on the screen of the sub image display monitor 13 as an operation screen input mechanism.
For example, when the attention point of the X-ray image being displayed in the image X-ray image display area 14 is overwritten with the touch pen 16 in a round shape, the overwrite line is superimposed on the X-ray image being displayed in the image X-ray image display area 14.
Therefore, it is possible to write on the screen of the sub-image display monitor 13 by hand operation.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the sub-image display monitor 13 is firmly attached to the rail 17 running along the longitudinal direction of the top plate 1 on the lateral side surface of the top plate 1 with fixing screws 18 </ b> A.
In the case of the sub image display monitor 13, when the fixing screw 18A of the fixture 18 is slightly loosened, the sub image display monitor 13 is not only slid along the rail 17 and moved along the longitudinal direction of the top board 1. If the fixing screw 18A is further loosened, the sub-image display monitor 13 can be detached from the rail 17.

  Therefore, when the sub-image display monitor 13 is in the way of an operator's treatment or getting on and off of the subject from the top board 1, the sub-image display monitor 13 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the top board 1 or the top board 1 It is possible to solve the problem that the sub image display monitor 13 is in the way by removing from the screen.

Moreover, the sub operation parts 19 and 20 attached to the side edge part of the top plate 1 are provided. In the case of the sub operation unit 19, for example, the C-arm 8 or the C-arm 9 can be driven by operating the knob 19 </ b> A. In the case of the sub operation unit 20, for example, the collimator of the X-ray tubes 2 and 4 can be driven by operating the switch 20A.
Also in the case of the sub operation units 19 and 20, when the operator's operation or getting in and out of the subject from the top board 1, the sub operation parts 19 and 20 are moved in the longitudinal direction of the top board 1, By removing from the top board 1, it is set as the structure which can eliminate that the sub operation parts 19 and 20 become obstructive.

  The imaging control unit 21 is mainly composed of a computer (CPU) and an operation program, and requires command signals and data in accordance with command input from the main operation unit 12 or the progress of X-ray imaging. It is sent to a certain place in a timely manner and fulfills the function of a command tower that always operates the entire apparatus appropriately.

As described above, in the case of the embodiment apparatus, the X-ray image is displayed on the sub-image display monitor 13 attached to the side edge of the top board 1, so that the operator can display it on the sub-image display monitor 13. In addition to being able to observe the X-ray image by hand, the sub-image display monitor 13 is attached to the side edge of the top board 1 at a position that does not hinder the movement of the operator. Since the top plate 1 serves as a monitor base, the sub image display monitor 13 does not require a monitor base.
Therefore, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus of the embodiment, an operator who performs the operation on the subject M according to the X-ray image observes the X-ray image at hand without being obstructed by the image display monitor or the monitor base. be able to.
Further, in the case of the embodiment apparatus, the image input monitor 13 such as the screen input switches 7a to 7f, the screen input switches 15a to 15q, or the touch pen 16 is provided while viewing the X-ray image displayed on the sub image display monitor 13 at hand. Since the operation screen input mechanism can be operated by hand, the operation is very easy.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as follows.
(1) In the case of the embodiment apparatus, the first and second X-ray imaging systems are provided. However, the apparatus according to the present invention may be a single X-ray imaging system. There may be three or more devices.

  (2) In the case of the embodiment apparatus, there is only one sub-image display monitor 13 attached to the side edge of the top board 1, but the sub-image display monitor attached to the side edge of the top board 1 is A plurality of units may be provided.

  (3) In the embodiment apparatus, the operation function of the sub operation units 19 and 20 may be incorporated as an operation screen input mechanism of the sub image display monitor 13 so that the sub operation units 19 and 20 may be omitted. Since the sub operation units 19 and 20 are vacant spaces, the operation becomes easier.

  (4) Although the embodiment apparatus is an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus, the present invention can also be applied to X-ray imaging apparatuses other than the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure centering on the X-ray imaging system of the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus of an Example. It is a perspective view which shows the structure centering on the top plate and image display monitor of an Example apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of an Example apparatus. It is a top view which shows the sub image display monitor of an Example apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the conventional X-ray fluoroscope.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Top plate 2, 4 ... X-ray tube 3, 5 ... Two-dimensional X-ray detector (transmission X-ray detector)
6 Image acquisition unit (image acquisition unit means)
7A to 7F ... main image display monitors 7a to 7f ... screen input switch (screen input means for X-ray image selection)
13 Sub monitor display 15a to 15q Screen input switch (operation screen input means)
16 ... Touch pen (operation screen input means)
M: Subject

Claims (5)

  An X-ray tube that irradiates the subject placed on the top plate with X-rays, a transmission X-ray detector that detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject, and transmitted X-rays as the subject is irradiated with X-rays An X-ray imaging apparatus including an image acquisition unit that acquires an X-ray image of a subject based on an X-ray detection signal output from a detector and an image display monitor that displays the X-ray image. An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a sub-image display monitor attached to a side edge of the top board in addition to a main image display monitor used for normal observation of a line image.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-image display monitor is provided with operation screen input means.   3. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of main image display monitors are provided, and any X-ray image is selected from among X-ray images displayed on the main image display monitor as operation screen input means. An X-ray imaging apparatus provided with screen input means for selecting an X-ray image for selecting an image and displaying it on a sub-image display monitor.   4. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-image display monitor is movable along the longitudinal direction of the top board. 5. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sub-image display monitor is removable from the top board.

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