JP2007029353A - Radiographic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the alignment of an X-ray radiation field irradiated with X-rays and an X-ray detection field detecting a penetrated X-ray image. <P>SOLUTION: This radiographic equipment has a constitution displaying with superimposing the X-ray radiation field Xa of the X-ray irradiation mechanism and the X-ray detecting field Xb of FPD on the body surface of a subject M as visually recognizable images as shown in Figure 11(a) and Figure 11(b) by an image superimposed display mechanism, when alignment the X-ray radiation field Xa and the X-ray detecting field Xb, an operator can simultaneously understand the both positions of the X-ray radiation field Xa and the X-ray detecting field Xb by just viewing the X-ray radiation field Xa and the X-ray detecting field Xb displayed to be superimposed on the body surface of the subject M, so that the operator can quickly conform the X-ray radiation field Xa with the X-ray detecting field Xb by constantly visually recognizing the correspondence between the X-ray radiation field Xa and the X-ray detecting field Xb. This constitution can extremely facilitate the alignment between the X-ray radiation field and X-ray detecting field. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates a subject to be imaged with X-rays and a two-dimensional X-ray detection unit that detects a transmitted X-ray image of the subject. The present invention relates to a technique for aligning an X-ray irradiation field irradiated with a line and an X-ray detection field where a transmission X-ray image is detected.

  Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 17, a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus used for round-trip imaging at a medical institution such as a hospital can electrically drive an X-ray tube 61 that irradiates a subject M with X-rays. A film cassette 62 loaded with a film for X-ray photography and loaded on the carriage 63 as a two-dimensional X-ray detection means for detecting a transmitted X-ray image is mounted on the carriage 63 so as to be able to be loaded and unloaded. It is set as the structure which can image | photograph, moving a device by 63 driving | running | working and going around a hospital room.

  The film cassette 62 is housed in a cassette storage box 64 so that the film cassette 62 can be taken in and out. By taking out the film cassette 62 from the cassette storage box 64, the film cassette 62 can be lowered from the carriage 63, and conversely, the film cassette 62 is removed from the cassette storage box 64. The film cassette 62 can be loaded again on the carriage 63 by returning to the position.

  When performing X-ray imaging, the film cassette 62 in the cassette storage box 64 is taken out, lowered from the carriage 63, and placed on the back surface (detection position) of the subject M lying on the bed BD. Then, after aligning an X-ray detection field (film surface for X-ray photography) where a transmitted X-ray image is projected with an X-ray irradiation field irradiated with X-rays, X-rays are applied to the subject M from the X-ray tube 61. Irradiate to expose the X-ray photographic film. When the X-ray imaging is completed, the film cassette 62 is placed in the cassette storage box 64 and moved to the next imaging site (patient room).

Further, as a conventional non-movable X-ray imaging apparatus, there is an apparatus having a configuration in which a film cassette arranged on the back side of an imaging table (not shown) on which a subject is placed is moved in the horizontal direction. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
In the case of this non-moving X-ray imaging apparatus, when X-ray imaging is performed, a transmitted X-ray image is copied to an X-ray irradiation field irradiated with X-rays by moving the film cassette in the horizontal direction. After aligning the X-ray detection field, the X-ray photographic film is exposed to X-rays.
JP 2000-135212 A (page 3, FIGS. 1 to 4)

  However, the conventional mobile X-ray imaging apparatus and the non-mobile X-ray imaging apparatus have a problem that it is difficult to align the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field. Since the film cassette 62 is hidden under the subject M, it is difficult for an operator to grasp the position of the X-ray detection field (film surface for X-ray photography), and alignment of the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field is inevitably performed. It becomes difficult. However, if the alignment of the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field is not completed, an unphotographed part may be generated, and it will be necessary to re-adjust the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field. I ca n’t do it.

  In the case of the non-moving X-ray imaging apparatus described above, the X-ray detection field is displayed as an image on the body surface of the subject on the display monitor (as shown in [0014] column of Patent Document 1 and FIG. 4). Since it is displayed in an overlapping manner, the operator can easily grasp the position of the X-ray detection field, but since the X-ray irradiation field does not appear on the display monitor, the position of the X-ray irradiation field and the position of the X-ray detection field The X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field are still difficult to align.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and easily aligns an X-ray irradiation field irradiated with X-rays and an X-ray detection field detected with a transmitted X-ray image. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of performing the above.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1 includes an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates a subject to be imaged with X-rays and a two-dimensional X-ray detection unit that detects a transmitted X-ray image of the subject. In an X-ray imaging apparatus, an image capable of visually distinguishing an X-ray irradiation field irradiated with X-rays by an X-ray irradiation unit and an X-ray detection field from which a transmission X-ray image is detected by a two-dimensional X-ray detection unit The image superimposing display means for displaying the image superimposed on the body surface of the subject is provided.

[Operation and Effect] In the X-ray imaging of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, a transmission X-ray image is detected by an X-ray irradiation field irradiated with X-rays by an X-ray irradiation means and a two-dimensional X-ray detector. When aligning the X-ray detection field to be performed, the operator superimposes the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field on the body surface of the subject as a visually distinguishable image by the image superimposing display means. Project.
Next, the operator adjusts the X-ray irradiation field to the X-ray imaging field (region of interest) by moving the X-ray irradiation unit, and then moves the two-dimensional X-ray detection unit. If the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field are matched with each other, the alignment of the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field is completed.
Therefore, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field are matched, the operator superimposes and displays the X on the body surface of the subject as a visually distinguishable image. Since the positions of both the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field can be grasped at the same time simply by looking at the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field, the operator always looks at the correspondence between the positions of the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field. The X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field can be quickly matched while confirming with.

That is, in the case of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the X-ray detection of the X-ray irradiation field of the X-ray irradiation means for irradiating the subject with X-rays and the two-dimensional X-ray detection means for detecting the transmitted X-ray image. The field is configured to be superimposed on the body surface of the subject as a visually distinguishable image by the image superimposing display means, and when the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field are aligned. The operator can grasp the positions of both the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field at the same time simply by looking at the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field superimposed on the body surface of the subject. The X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field can be quickly matched while the operator always confirms the correspondence between the positions of the X-ray detection field and the X-ray detection field.
Therefore, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to easily align the X-ray irradiation field irradiated with the X-rays and the X-ray detection field detected with the transmitted X-ray image.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the image superimposing display means projects the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field directly superimposed on the body surface of the subject. Is.

  [Operation / Effect] In the case of the apparatus of the invention of claim 2, since the image superimposing display means projects the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field directly superimposed on the body surface of the subject, The X-ray detection field can be confirmed directly on the body surface of the subject.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, electronic camera means for photographing a body surface of the subject to form an image signal, and the body of the subject photographed by the electronic camera means A display monitor for displaying a table, and the image superimposing display means is an image signal converted into an image signal by the electronic camera means on the display monitor in the form of an image signal of the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field. This is displayed together with the video of the body surface of the specimen.

  [Operation / Effect] In the case of the apparatus of the invention of claim 3, the image superimposing display means is converted into an image signal by the electronic camera means in the form of an image signal of the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field. Since it is simultaneously displayed on the display monitor together with the image of the body surface of the subject, the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field can be confirmed on the display monitor.

  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 image superimposing display means is a liquid crystal for displaying a detection field original image corresponding to the image of the X-ray detection field. In addition to having a display means, the detection field original image displayed on the liquid crystal display means is overlapped with the body surface of the subject to project the X-ray detection field.

  [Operation / Effect] In the case of the apparatus of the invention of claim 4, the image superimposing display means overshoots the detection field original image corresponding to the image of the X-ray detection field displayed on the liquid crystal display means on the body surface of the subject. Since the configuration is such that the X-ray detection field is displayed by wrapping, the X-ray detection field can be displayed on the body surface of the subject using a general-purpose liquid crystal display method.

  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 X-ray irradiation means is mounted on a travelable carriage and is flat as a two-dimensional X-ray detection means. A panel-type X-ray detector is loaded on the carriage so that it can be loaded and unloaded.

[Operation / Effect] When X-ray imaging is performed by the apparatus of the invention of claim 5, first, an X-ray irradiation means is mounted and a flat panel X-ray detector is mounted as a two-dimensional X-ray detection means. The device is moved to the field of X-ray imaging by running the cart. Then, the operator lowers the flat panel X-ray detector from the carriage and sets it at the X-ray detection position, and then continues to perform necessary operations.
Therefore, in the case of the apparatus of the invention of claim 5, since the apparatus can be moved by running the carriage, the apparatus can be easily moved to the field of X-ray imaging, and flat panel X-ray detection can be performed. Since the instrument is lightweight and thin, the flat panel X-ray detector can be easily loaded and unloaded and set to the X-ray detection position.

In the case of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention, the X-ray irradiation field of the X-ray irradiation means for irradiating the subject with X-rays and the X-ray detection field of the two-dimensional X-ray detection means for detecting the transmitted X-ray image are images. The superimposing display means has a configuration in which a visually identifiable image is superimposed and displayed on the body surface of the subject, and when the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field are aligned, the operator Since the positions of both the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field can be grasped simultaneously only by looking at the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field superimposed on the body surface, The operator can quickly match the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field while constantly checking the correspondence of the positions with the eyes.
Therefore, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to easily align the X-ray irradiation field where X-rays are irradiated and the X-ray detection field where transmitted X-ray images are detected.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a medical mobile X-ray imaging apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as “X-ray imaging apparatus” or “apparatus” as appropriate) used for round-trip imaging in a medical site such as a hospital according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a block diagram mainly showing a photographing control system of the apparatus of the first embodiment, FIG. 3 is an elevation view showing the movement of the apparatus of the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a photograph of the apparatus of the first embodiment. It is an elevational view showing a state during preparation.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an X-ray irradiation mechanism 1 that irradiates a subject M with X-rays is mounted on a four-wheel type electric traveling type carriage 3. In addition, a flat panel X-ray detector (hereinafter abbreviated as “FPD” where appropriate) 2 as a two-dimensional X-ray detection means for detecting a transmitted X-ray image of the subject M is loaded on the carriage 3 so as to be able to be loaded and unloaded. .
The carriage 3 includes a dolly driving handle 4 for maneuvering the dolly and a dolly driving equipment such as a drivable electric motor (not shown) for rotating the wheel, An energy supply source such as a rechargeable battery (not shown) for supplying electric power necessary for X-ray imaging is also mounted.

The FPD 2 is stored in a detector storage box 5 disposed on the rear side of the carriage 3 so as to be able to be taken in and out. By taking the FPD 2 out of the detector storage box 5, the FPD 2 is lowered from the carriage 3, and conversely the FPD 2 Is put back into the detector storage box 5 so that the FPD 2 can be loaded on the cart 3 again.
An operation panel 6 for performing input operations necessary for execution of X-ray imaging, and a display monitor 7 for displaying X-ray images acquired by execution of operation menus and X-ray imaging are provided on the upper surface of the carriage 3. Yes. Various operations necessary for the operation of the apparatus can be performed, such as setting of X-ray imaging conditions such as tube voltage and tube current, an instruction to start X-ray imaging (X-ray irradiation start), and the like by input operation from the operation panel 6. .

When performing X-ray imaging by the apparatus of the first embodiment, first, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator moves the carriage 3 electrically to move the apparatus to the X-ray imaging site. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the operator lowers the FPD 2 of the detector storage box 5 from the carriage 3 and sets it at the X-ray detection position.
Thus, in the case of the apparatus of the first embodiment, since the apparatus can be moved by running the carriage 3, the apparatus can be easily moved to the X-ray imaging site, and the FPD 2 is light and thin. Therefore, loading and unloading of the FPD 2 and setting to the X-ray detection position can be easily performed.

The X-ray irradiation mechanism 1 limits the range of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 1A as an X-ray generation source and the X-ray tube 1A according to the control of the X-ray irradiation control unit 1a. It is composed of a collimator 1B (having a normal structure) that defines an irradiation range.
The X-ray irradiation mechanism 1 is attached to the tip of a horizontal arm 9 that is disposed on a vertical column 8 that is erected in the center near the front of the carriage 3 so as to be movable up and down. Normally, during movement of the apparatus, the horizontal arm 9 is directed to the back side of the carriage 3 together with the X-ray irradiation mechanism 1, and when performing X-ray imaging, the horizontal arm 9 is directed to the front side of the carriage 3 together with the X-ray irradiation mechanism 1. .

As shown in FIG. 5, the collimator 1B has four X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 made of an X-ray shielding material such as lead. The X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 1A are X-ray shielding leaves 1B1. The object M is irradiated through only between ~ 1B4. Therefore, the X-ray irradiation field Xa irradiated with X-rays in the subject M is defined by the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4.
Further, each of the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 is configured to be advanced or retracted manually or electrically as indicated by an arrow, and in response to the advance or retreat of the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 that define the X-ray irradiation field Xa. Thus, the shape and position of the X-ray irradiation field Xa change.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the case of the X-ray irradiation mechanism 1, the X-ray tube 1A is swung in three directions that rotate in a swinging manner with the three linear axes Ra to Rc as rotation axes, together with the collimator 1B. The movement can be performed independently. The linear axis Ra is an axis that extends straight in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing.
By swinging the X-ray tube 1A, the X-ray irradiation direction changes, and the X-ray irradiation field Xa moves on the subject M by a distance corresponding to the rotation amount (angle change). As shown in FIG. 2, the rotation angle of the X-ray tube 1 </ b> A by each swinging rotation is detected by angle sensors 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> C such as a potentiometer, and then the X-ray irradiation direction detection unit 10 is in the form of an electrical signal. The X-ray irradiation direction detection unit 10 continues to detect the current X-ray irradiation direction in real time based on the angle measurement data from the angle sensors 10A to 10C.

  And when irradiating X-rays, as shown in FIG. 4 etc., an operator adjusts the X-ray irradiation direction by swinging the X-ray tube 1A of the X-ray irradiation mechanism 1 to swing, Further, the X-ray irradiation field Xa is adjusted to the imaging region by moving the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 of the collimator 1B to adjust the X-ray irradiation range.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the FPD 2 is connected with an electric cable 2CB for outputting an X-ray detection signal for X-ray image acquisition with a connector plug 2CT. As shown in FIG. 2, the FPD 2 is set under the back of the subject M on the bed BD (X-ray detection position), and the connector plug 2CT at the tip is connected to a connector receptacle (not shown) on the cart 3 side. The X-ray detection signal for X-ray image acquisition is sent from the electric cable 2CB to the subsequent stage via the connector plug 2CT.

As shown in FIG. 7, the FPD 2 has an X-ray detection element 2a on a X-ray detection surface 2A on which a transmission X-ray image of the subject M is projected, for example, in a two-dimensional vertical and horizontal matrix of about 1000 rows x 1000 columns. It is the arrangement which is arranged. In the case of the direct conversion type FPD 2, the X-ray detection element 2 a is an X-ray sensitive semiconductor element that converts X-rays directly into electric charges.
Therefore, in the case of the FPD 2, the entire X-ray detection surface 2A on which the X-ray detection element 2a is disposed is just the X-ray detection field Xb in which a transmitted X-ray image is detected by the FPD 2.

  On the other hand, before the X-ray irradiation, the X-ray irradiation field Xa where the subject M is irradiated with the X-ray and the X-ray detection field Xb where the transmission X-ray image is detected are aligned. That is, if the positions of the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb are misaligned and the X-ray detection field Xb protrudes from the X-ray irradiation field Xa, a part is not photographed. Therefore, the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb are aligned so that the X-ray detection field Xb is within the X-ray irradiation field Xa.

  When the alignment of the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb is completed, X-ray irradiation is performed by the X-ray irradiation mechanism 1 and the X-ray image acquisition unit 11 is operated according to the X-ray detection signal output from the FPD 2. Thus, an X-ray image corresponding to the transmitted X-ray image of the subject M is acquired. The X-ray image acquired by the X-ray image acquisition unit 11 is displayed in the form of a video on the display monitor 7 or recorded in the form of an image signal by the X-ray image storage unit 12 as necessary. .

  Furthermore, the apparatus according to the first embodiment can visually distinguish the X-ray irradiation field Xa irradiated with the X-rays by the X-ray irradiation mechanism 1 and the X-ray detection field Xb where the transmitted X-ray image is detected by the FPD 2. A structural feature is that it includes a video superimposing display mechanism XW (video superimposing display means) that superimposes and displays the image on the body surface of the subject M as an image. Hereinafter, the video superimposed display mechanism XW will be described in more detail.

  In the case of the image superimposing display mechanism XW, the image of the X-ray irradiation field Xa is configured to be displayed on the body surface of the subject M as follows. As shown in FIG. 2, a white light source 13 and a reflection mirror 14 are installed between the X-ray tube 1A and the collimator 1B. The white light source 13 is installed at a position that is deviated from the X-ray irradiation axis XA at a right angle, and the reflection mirror 14 is installed at a position where the reflection center passes through the X-ray irradiation axis XA. The distance between the focal point of the X-ray tube 1A and the reflection center of the reflection mirror 14 is equal to the distance between the reflection center of the reflection mirror 14 and the white light source 13, and the white light source 13 and the X-ray tube 1A are optically conjugate. It is an arrangement relationship.

The light from the white light source 13 is irradiated from the reflecting mirror 14 to the body surface of the subject M through the collimator 1B. Only the light from the white light source 13 that has passed through the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 of the collimator 1B reaches the body surface of the subject M, and the other light is blocked by the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4. As a result, only a portion corresponding to the space between the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 becomes a sunlit area (light irradiation region), and the surrounding area becomes a shadow of the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4.
On the other hand, as described above, the X-ray field Xa irradiated with X-rays in the subject M is defined by the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4, and the white light source 13 and the X-ray tube 1A are optically conjugate. Because of the positional relationship, as shown in FIG. 5, an image surrounding a sunny area illuminated by light with dark shadows of the X-ray shielding leaves 1 </ b> B <b> 1 to 1 </ b> B <b> 4 of the body surface of the subject M appearing by light from the white light source 13. Becomes the X-ray irradiation field Xa.

  In the case of the video superimposing display mechanism XW, the video of the X-ray detection field Xb is configured to be displayed on the body surface of the subject M as follows. As described above, in the case of the FPD 2, the entire X-ray detection surface 2A is exactly the X-ray detection field Xb in which the transmitted X-ray image is detected by the FPD 2. Therefore, first, the X-ray detection surface 2A as the X-ray detection field Xb. The three-dimensional position of is detected. As shown in FIG. 6, one position detection transmitter 15A to 15D is attached to each of the four corners of the X-ray detection surface 2A of the FPD 2, and as shown in FIG. The position detection receivers 16A to 16C are attached one by one to a total of three locations on the top surface of the carriage 3. The signals transmitted from the position detection transmitters 15A to 15D are received by the detection receivers 16A to 16C.

  The three position detection receivers 16 </ b> A to 16 </ b> C are arranged on the X-ray tube 1 </ b> A and the upper surface of the carriage 3 in a three-dimensional coordinate system having a point uniquely defined with respect to the X-ray imaging apparatus of the first embodiment. Since the three-dimensional positions are always installed at locations where they are in a fixed relationship with each other, each position detection in the three-dimensional coordinate system in which the three-dimensional positions of the three position detection receivers 16A to 16C are determined. The three position detection receivers 16A to 16C can detect the three-dimensional positions of the transmitters 15A to 15D, respectively, according to the received signals.

  In addition, in the case of the video superimposition display mechanism XW, the detection field three-dimensional position detection unit 17 follows the three-dimensional positions of the four position detection transmitters 15A to 15D measured by the position detection receivers 16A to 16C. The three-dimensional position of the X-ray detection field Xb is obtained. The three-dimensional position of the X-ray detection field Xb can be detected according to the three-dimensional positions of the four position detection transmitters 15A to 15D corresponding to the four corner positions of the rectangular X-ray detection field Xb.

Further, in the case of the image superimposing display mechanism XW, the detection field imaging for converting the X-ray detection field Xb in which the three-dimensional position is detected by the detection field three-dimensional position detection unit 17 into an image and displaying it on the body surface of the subject M is shown. A leaf mechanism 18 and a detection field leaf opening / closing controller 19 are provided.
As shown in FIG. 8, the detection field imaging leaf mechanism 18 includes four transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 made of translucent colored resin or the like, and each of the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 is a detection field leaf. According to the control performed by the opening / closing control unit 19, it is configured to be able to move forward and backward individually in the direction indicated by the arrow.

  That is, each of the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 has the screwing blocks 18B1 to 18B4 and the guide blocks 18C1 to 18C4 fixed to the upper surface, and the screw rod 18D1 via the screwing blocks 18B1 to 18B4 and the guide blocks 18C1 to 18C4. Combined with ~ 18D4. That is, the screw blocks 18B1 to 18B4 are screwed to the screw rods 18D1 to 18D4, whereas the guide blocks 18C1 to 18C4 are merely loosely fitted to the screw rods 18D1 to 18D4.

  Then, one end side of the screw rods 18D1 to 18D4 is connected to the electric motors 18E1 to 18E4, and the other end side is rotatably supported by the support blocks 18F1 to 18F4. When the electric motors 18E1 to 18E4 rotate, the screw rod 18D1 -18D4 rotates about the central axis as a rotation axis, and the threaded blocks 18B1 to 18B4 move along the longitudinal direction of the threaded rods 18D1 to 18D4 by the rotation preventing function by the guide blocks 18C1 to 18C4 as the threaded rods 18D1 to 18D4 rotate. Then, the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 move forward or backward by moving back and forth.

  In addition, all the parts from the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 to the support blocks 18F1 to 18F4 are mounted on the circular plate 18G, and the axis through which the circular plate 18G passes vertically through the center as shown in FIG. The circular colored plate 18G can be rotated to rotate the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 to change the direction of the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4.

  On the other hand, the detection field imaging leaf mechanism 18 of the video superimposing display mechanism XW is integrally attached to the collimator 1B in a direction parallel to the collimator 1B slightly above the collimator 1B, as shown in FIG. The light from the white light source 13 is irradiated from the reflecting mirror 14 to the body surface of the subject M via the detection field imaging leaf mechanism 18. At this time, the light that has passed through the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 is colored with the color of the transparent colored leaves and irradiated to the body surface of the subject M, and the light that has passed through the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 is white. The body surface of the subject M is irradiated with light.

  Then, the detection field leaf open / close control unit 19 is an optical system for irradiating light by the white light source 13 and the reflection mirror 14 in accordance with the three-dimensional position of the X-ray detection field Xb detected by the detection field three-dimensional position detection unit 17. On the contrary, the outer edge position of the X-ray detection field Xb when the X-ray detection field Xb is reduced and projected onto the installation plane of the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 is calculated, and then the outer edge of the calculated X-ray detection field Xb is calculated. The electric motors 18E1 to 18E4 are rotated to move the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 forward or backward so that the positions coincide with the inner edge positions of the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the X-ray irradiation field Xa by the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 and the X-ray detection field Xb by the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 are visually displayed on the body surface of the subject M. Overlapped images are displayed as distinguishable images. The inside of the black shadow of the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 is the X-ray irradiation field Xa, and the inside of the colored shadow of the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 is the X-ray detection field Xb. That is, the X-ray irradiation field Xa is projected in the form of an image surrounding the sunny area where the shadow of the X-ray shielding leaves 1B1 to 1B4 is exposed to white light, and at the same time, the colored shadow of the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 is white light. The X-ray detection field Xb is projected in the form of an image surrounding the hitting sun area.

  Therefore, when positioning the X-ray detection field Xb from the X-ray irradiation field Xa, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the X-ray detection field Xb protrudes from the X-ray irradiation field Xa. The operator quickly moves the FPD 2 on the body surface of the subject M while confirming the positional relationship between the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb, as shown in FIG. In addition, the X-ray detection field Xb is set within the X-ray irradiation field Xa. Depending on the imaging purpose, as shown in FIG. 11B, the alignment may be completed in a slightly rough way in which the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb are slightly shifted.

When the X-ray irradiation direction is changed by rotating the X-ray tube 1A together with the collimator 1B in a swinging manner with the linear axes Ra to Rc as the rotation axis, the detection field imaging leaf mechanism 18 also moves together with the collimator 1B. Although it rotates, the FPD 2 does not move, so that the position of the X-ray detection field Xb is out of order. Therefore, the detection field leaf opening / closing control unit 19 follows the X-ray irradiation direction detected in real time by the X-ray irradiation direction detection unit 10 and the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 corresponding to the change in the X-ray irradiation direction. In other words, the position of the X-ray detection field Xb according to the change in the X-ray irradiation direction is avoided by moving forward or backward in the opposite direction.
The main control unit 20 is mainly composed of a computer and an operation program (software), and commands are sent to each unit in a timely manner according to the data input and command input by the operation panel 6 or the progress of X-ray imaging. It is responsible for sending and exchanging data and operating the device normally.

  In the case of the apparatus of the first embodiment described in detail above, the X-ray detection of the FPD 2 that detects the X-ray irradiation field Xa of the X-ray irradiation mechanism 1 that irradiates the subject M with X-rays and the transmitted X-ray image of the subject M. The field Xb is configured to be superimposed on the body surface of the subject M as a visually distinguishable image by the image superimposing display mechanism XW, and the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb are displayed. At the time of alignment, the operator simply looks at the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb superimposed on the body surface of the subject M, and the positions of both the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb are determined. Since it can be grasped at the same time, the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb can be quickly matched while the operator always confirms the correspondence between the positions of the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb.

Therefore, according to the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus of the first embodiment, it is possible to easily align the X-ray irradiation field where X-rays are irradiated and the X-ray detection field where transmitted X-ray images are detected. .
In addition, in the case of the apparatus of the first embodiment, the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field are directly superimposed on the body surface of the subject, so that the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field are displayed on the subject. It can be confirmed directly on the body surface.

Next, a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2 will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram mainly showing an imaging control system of a medical mobile X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram mainly showing an X-ray irradiation system of the apparatus according to the second embodiment.
In the case of the apparatus according to the second embodiment, the video superimposing display mechanism XW has a TV camera (electronic camera means) 21 at the position of the white light source 13 instead of the white light source 13, and the TV camera 21 causes the X-ray shielding leaf 1B1. -1B4 and the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 and the body surface of the subject M are simultaneously photographed and converted into image signals, and then the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb are shown in FIG. These are displayed together on the screen of the display monitor 7 in a state of overlapping the body surface. Other than this, the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb have substantially the same configuration as the apparatus of the first embodiment that directly superimposes the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb on the body surface of the subject M. The description of common points is omitted.

  That is, in the video overlay display mechanism XW of the apparatus of the second embodiment, the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb are converted into image signals by the TV camera 21 and are also simultaneously converted into image signals by the TV camera 21. Further, the X-ray irradiation field Xa and the X-ray detection field Xb can be confirmed on the display monitor 7 together with the image of the body surface of the subject M.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be modified as follows.
(1) In the apparatus of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, instead of providing the detection field imaging leaf mechanism 18, a liquid crystal display type detection field imaging leaf mechanism 22 is provided in front of the white light source 13. An apparatus having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is exemplified as a modified example, except that the leaf image corresponding to the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 is installed on the liquid crystal screen. On the liquid crystal screen of the detection field imaging leaf mechanism 22, the leaf frame image in a state where the rectangular frame region corresponding to the inner edge line of the transparent colored leaves 18A1 to 18A4 is a non-translucent region and the other is a translucent region. Is displayed in color or single color as a detection field original image corresponding to the image of the X-ray detection field Xb.

Accordingly, in the case of this modification, as shown in FIG. 16, the body image of the subject M is enlarged while the leaf image in the form of a square frame, which is the original image for the detection field corresponding to the image of the X-ray detection field Xb, is enlarged. Overlapped to the table. The image of the X-ray detection field Xb is displayed on the body surface of the subject M by the liquid crystal projector method. As a result, an image surrounding the sunny area where white light strikes is displayed as an X-ray detection field Xb and superimposed on the body surface of the subject M together with the X-ray irradiation field Xa.
Therefore, according to the modified apparatus, the X-ray detection field Xb can be displayed on the body surface of the subject M using a general-purpose liquid crystal display method.
The liquid crystal display type detection field imaging leaf mechanism 22 may be installed at a position where the detection field imaging leaf mechanism 18 is located.

  (2) Although both the first and second embodiments are mobile X-ray imaging apparatuses, the present invention can be applied to apparatuses other than the mobile X-ray imaging apparatus. For example, in an X-ray imaging apparatus in which an FPD is disposed below a fixed imaging table, an X-ray irradiation mechanism of a ceiling traveling type or a floor traveling type is provided, and a position of the X-ray irradiation mechanism with respect to the FPD is changed. The present invention can be applied.

  (3) In the apparatuses of Examples 1 and 2, the two-dimensional X-ray detection means is FPD2, but the two-dimensional X-ray detection means is not limited to the FPD, and for example, a film loaded with an X-ray photographic film Examples include cassettes.

  (4) Although Embodiments 1 and 2 were all medical devices, the present invention can be applied to X-ray apparatuses for industrial use or nuclear power in addition to medical use.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a medical mobile X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. 1 is a block diagram mainly showing an imaging control system of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an elevation view illustrating a state when the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment is moved. FIG. 3 is an elevational view illustrating a state in which the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment is preparing for imaging. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a collimator provided in the apparatus according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows FPD with which the apparatus of Example 1 is equipped. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an X-ray detection surface of an FPD of the apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the leaf mechanism for detection field imaging of the image | video superimposition display mechanism of the apparatus of Example 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view mainly showing an X-ray irradiation system of the apparatus of Example 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of superimposed display of an X-ray irradiation field and an X-ray detection field by the apparatus of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an example of superimposed display of the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field before and after the alignment of the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field in the apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram mainly showing an imaging control system of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 2. It is a schematic diagram centering on the X-ray irradiation system of the apparatus of Example 2. It is a schematic plan view which shows an example of the superimposed display of the X-ray irradiation field and X-ray detection field by the display monitor of the apparatus of Example 2. FIG. It is a schematic diagram centering on the X-ray irradiation system of the apparatus of the modification of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of superimposed display of an X-ray irradiation field and an X-ray detection field by the apparatus of the modification example of Example 1. It is a perspective view which shows the conventional mobile X-ray imaging apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... X-ray irradiation mechanism (X-ray irradiation means)
2 ... FPD (two-dimensional X-ray detection means)
3 ... cart 7 ... display monitor 21 ... TV camera (electronic camera means)
22 ... Leaf mechanism for liquid crystal display type detection field imaging (liquid crystal display means)
M ... subject Xa ... X-ray irradiation field Xb ... X-ray detection field XW ... video superimposed display mechanism (video superimposed display means)

Claims (5)

  In an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray irradiation unit that irradiates a subject to be imaged with X-rays and a two-dimensional X-ray detection unit that detects a transmitted X-ray image of the subject, X-rays are emitted by the X-ray irradiation unit. An image superimposition display in which the irradiated X-ray field and the X-ray detection field in which the transmitted X-ray image is detected by the two-dimensional X-ray detection means are superimposed on the body surface of the subject as a visually distinguishable image. An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: means.   2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image superimposing display unit projects the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field directly on the body surface of the subject.   2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an electronic camera unit that captures an image of the body surface of the subject to generate an image signal; and a display monitor that displays the body surface of the subject imaged by the electronic camera unit. In addition, the image superimposing display means displays the X-ray irradiation field and the X-ray detection field in the form of an image signaled image together with the image of the body surface of the subject converted into an image signal by the electronic camera means on the display monitor. X-ray imaging device to display.   4. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the video superimposing display means includes liquid crystal display means for displaying a detection field original image corresponding to an image of the X-ray detection field, and liquid crystal display means. An X-ray imaging apparatus for projecting an X-ray detection field by overlapping an original image for detection field displayed on the body surface of a subject. 5. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an X-ray irradiation unit is mounted on a dolly capable of traveling, and a flat panel X-ray detector is used as the two-dimensional X-ray detection unit. X-ray equipment that can be loaded onto and unloaded from.

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