JP2007185238A - Roentgenographic unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a roentgenographic unit which facilitates a recording of a fluoroscopic image at an arbitrary moment. <P>SOLUTION: When a fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 is "off", the normal imaging is carried out. When a hand switch 21 is operated for starting imaging by an operator with the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 "on", a control part 11 gets the fluoroscopic image based on a signal from an X-ray detector 7 stored into a memory part 29 as a digital data. Therefore, only if the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 is set "on", the fluoroscopic image can be recorded anytime as desired simply by operating the hand switch 21 for starting imaging. This facilitates the recording of the fluoroscopic image at an arbitrary moment without requiring complicated presetting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of performing fluoroscopy for obtaining a fluoroscopic image and imaging for obtaining a radiographed image by an X-ray imaging unit including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector.

  Conventionally, as this type of apparatus, a bed on which a subject is placed, an X-ray imaging unit in which an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are arranged to face each other, a fluoroscopic instruction switch for instructing fluoroscopy, and imaging An imaging instruction switch for instructing, a display unit for displaying an image by fluoroscopy or imaging, a hard disk device for storing a captured image by imaging, and an X-ray imaging unit under conditions for fluoroscopic imaging when the fluoroscopic instruction switch is operated , The fluoroscopic image based on the signal from the X-ray detector is displayed on the display unit, and when the imaging instruction switch is operated, the X-ray imaging unit is controlled under the imaging conditions, and the X-ray detector There is an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus that includes a control unit that stores a captured image based on the above signal in a hard disk (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the case of performing fluoroscopic imaging in the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus configured as described above, it is common to display a fluoroscopic image on a display unit and not to record. However, when recording a fluoroscopic image, the video signal based on the signal from the X-ray detector is taken out and connected to a video recorder for continuous recording, or the control unit is instructed before fluoroscopy. It is possible to make a setting in advance from a console or the like that provides the recording, and to record in the hard disk device for a limited time by the setting.
JP-A-6-165774

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
In other words, the conventional apparatus needs to set the video recorder in advance or in advance from the console, and even if the photographer wants to record during fluoroscopic shooting, the fluoroscopic image is recorded immediately. There is a problem that can not be. When using a video recorder, the recorded fluoroscopic image has a low resolution and is not suitable for diagnosis, and it is necessary to set it by operating the menu via the console even when recording to a hard disk device. The operation is extremely complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of easily recording a fluoroscopic image at an arbitrary time point.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
In other words, the invention described in claim 1 includes an X-ray imaging unit comprising an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector facing each other, and in an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of fluoroscopy and imaging, fluoroscopy that instructs fluoroscopy A start switch; display means for displaying an image based on a signal from the X-ray detector; storage means for storing an image based on the signal from the X-ray detector as digital data; and storing the fluoroscopic image during fluoroscopy A fluoroscopic imaging switch that pre-sets whether to store in the means, a radiography start switch that instructs fluoroscopic imaging, and the X-ray when the radiography imaging switch is operated while the fluoroscopic imaging switch is on Control means for storing a fluoroscopic image based on a signal from the detector in the storage means.

  [Operation / Effect] According to the invention described in claim 1, when the fluoroscopic imaging switch is turned off, normal photographing is performed, while the photographing start switch is turned on by the photographer during fluoroscopy while being set to on. When is operated, the control means causes the storage means to store a fluoroscopic image based on the signal from the X-ray detector. Therefore, as long as the fluoroscopic imaging switch is set to “perform imaging”, it is possible to record a fluoroscopic image by simply operating the shooting start switch when it is desired to record the fluoroscopic image. As a result, it is possible to easily record a fluoroscopic image at an arbitrary time without making complicated settings in advance.

  Further, the present invention may further include mode setting means for presetting whether the fluoroscopic image obtained by operating the shooting start switch is stored in “single-shot mode” or “continuous shooting mode”. Preferred (claim 2). If you set the mode setting means to “Single shooting” or “Continuous shooting mode” in advance, you can operate the shooting start switch to shoot a single fluoroscopic image or a continuous fluoroscopic image. It is possible to select, and appropriate photographing according to the operation method or the like becomes possible.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising X-ray imaging means having an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector arranged to face each other, and capable of fluoroscopy and imaging. Display means for displaying an image based on the signal from the display, storage means for storing an image based on the signal from the X-ray detector as digital data, an imaging start switch for instructing imaging, and instructing fluoroscopic imaging When the fluoroscopic imaging start switch and the imaging start switch are operated, a captured image based on the signal from the X-ray detector is stored in the storage means, and the fluoroscopic imaging start is started during fluoroscopy. And a control means for storing a fluoroscopic image based on a signal from the X-ray detector in the storage means when the switch is operated.

  [Operation / Effect] According to the invention described in claim 3, when the imaging start switch for imaging is operated, the normal imaging in which the captured image based on the signal from the X-ray detector is stored in the storage means is performed. On the other hand, when the fluoroscopic imaging start switch is operated during fluoroscopy, fluoroscopic imaging is performed in which a fluoroscopic image based on a signal from the X-ray detector is stored in the storage unit. Therefore, when it is desired to record a fluoroscopic image, the fluoroscopic image can be recorded simply by operating the fluoroscopic imaging start switch. As a result, it is possible to easily record a fluoroscopic image at an arbitrary time without making complicated settings in advance.

  Further, the present invention further comprises mode setting means for presetting whether the fluoroscopic image obtained by operating the fluoroscopic imaging shooting start switch is stored in the “single shooting mode” or the “continuous shooting mode”. (Claim 4).

  In the present invention, the X-ray detector is preferably a flat panel detector. Since the flat panel detector has higher sensitivity than a detector such as an image intensifier, it is possible to perform imaging while maintaining the fluoroscopic X-ray condition in which the X-ray dose is lower than that of imaging. Therefore, it is suitable as an X-ray detector in the present invention.

  According to the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention, normal imaging is performed when the fluoroscopic imaging switch is off, while the imaging start switch is operated by the photographer during fluoroscopy while being set to on. In this case, the control means stores a fluoroscopic image based on the signal from the X-ray detector in the storage means. Therefore, as long as the fluoroscopic imaging switch is set to “perform imaging”, the fluoroscopic image can be recorded by operating the shooting start switch at the time when it is desired to record the fluoroscopic image. As a result, it is not necessary to make complicated settings in advance, and a fluoroscopic image at an arbitrary time can be easily recorded.

Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  An X-ray imaging unit 3 is attached to the bed 1 on which the subject M is placed. The X-ray imaging unit 3 is provided with an X-ray tube 5 and an X-ray detector 7 facing each other. The X-ray detector 7 is preferably a flat panel detector (also referred to as FPD (Flat Panel Detector)) that detects transmitted X-rays with a semiconductor device, for example, but is configured by a combination of an image intensifier and a camera. It is good. The high voltage generator 9 applies a tube current and a tube voltage corresponding to the instructed X-ray condition to the X-ray tube 5. The X-ray condition is instructed by the photographer from the console 13 via the control unit 11.

  The above X-ray imaging unit 3 corresponds to the X-ray imaging means in the present invention.

  The console 13 includes a fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 and a mode setting switch 17 in addition to setting keys and the like (not shown) for setting X-ray conditions for fluoroscopy and imaging. The fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 sets whether or not to store the fluoroscopic image during fluoroscopy, and has “ON” for storing and “OFF” for not storing. The mode setting switch 17 can be selected from “single-shot” in which only one fluoroscopic image is stored and “continuous” in which a plurality of fluoroscopic images are continuously stored.

  The fluoroscopic foot switch 19 connected to the control unit 11 has a function of starting and stopping X-ray exposure under the fluoroscopic X-ray conditions set by the console 13. Similarly, the shooting start hand switch 21 connected to the control unit 11 instructs to capture a fluoroscopic image if the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 is on, and instructs normal imaging if the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 is off. The fluoroscopic imaging is performed according to the setting of the mode setting switch 17 described above. That is, “one-shot” is performed, or “continuous” is performed for a preset time or number of sheets.

  The mode setting switch 17 corresponds to the mode setting means in the present invention, the fluoroscopic foot switch 19 corresponds to the fluoroscopic start switch in the present invention, and the photographing start hand switch 21 corresponds to the photographing start switch in the present invention.

  The output signal from the X-ray detector 7 is given to the image processing unit 23 as a digital signal. The image processing unit 23 performs predetermined processing on the digital signal to generate digital data of the image. The predetermined processing includes, for example, configuration of image data based on a digital signal, edge enhancement of the configured image data, contrast adjustment, and the like. The image data that has been subjected to the predetermined processing is output to the display unit 27 via the D / A converter 25 and displays a fluoroscopic image or a captured image. An example of the display unit 27 is a liquid crystal display.

  In addition, said display part 27 is equivalent to the display means in this invention.

  When the fluoroscopic foot switch 19 is operated, the control unit 11 controls the high voltage generator 9 under fluoroscopic X-ray conditions, and causes the display unit 27 to display a fluoroscopic image by exposing X-rays. . Further, when the imaging start hand switch 21 is operated with the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 set to “ON”, digital data based on the output signal from the X-ray detector 7 is stored under fluoroscopic X-ray conditions. Store in unit 29. The storage unit 29 is, for example, a hard disk device. Other examples include a magneto-optical disk, a recordable DVD, and a flash memory.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the operation of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of operation.

Step S1
The photographer places the subject M on the bed 1 and roughly aligns the region of interest within the field of view. Then, when the photographer steps on the fluoroscopic foot switch 19, the control unit 11 controls the high voltage generator 9 under the fluoroscopic X-ray condition and starts X-ray exposure to the subject M. Since the fluoroscopic image at this time is displayed on the display unit 27, the position of the region of interest is adjusted in detail as necessary. X-ray exposure is continued until the operation of the fluoroscopic foot switch 19 is released.

Step S2
Processing branches depending on whether or not the shooting start hand switch 21 has been operated.
That is, if operated, the process proceeds to step S3, and if not operated, the process proceeds to step S4 to continue fluoroscopy.

Step S3
Processing branches depending on the state of the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15.
That is, when the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 is “ON”, the process proceeds to step S5 for mode determination. On the other hand, when the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 is “OFF”, the process proceeds to step S3a to perform normal imaging.

Step S5
The process branches according to the setting state of the mode setting switch 17.
That is, when the mode setting switch 17 is set to “single shooting”, only one fluoroscopic image is taken under the fluoroscopic X-ray condition (step S6), and the fluoroscopic image is stored as digital data. Store in the unit 29 (step S7). Note that the fluoroscopic image may be displayed on the display unit 27 for confirmation. When the mode setting switch 17 is in the “continuous” mode, the process proceeds to step S8, and a plurality of fluoroscopic images are continuously captured under fluoroscopic X-ray conditions (step S8). A plurality of fluoroscopic images are stored in the storage unit 29 (step S9). A plurality of continuous fluoroscopic images may be displayed on the display unit 27 for confirmation.

Step S10
The processing branches depending on whether or not the operation of the shooting start hand switch 21 is released.
In other words, the fluoroscopic imaging is terminated when it is canceled, and the process returns to step S2 when it is not canceled.

  As described above, according to the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, when the fluoroscopic imaging switch 15 is “off”, normal imaging is performed, while the imaging start hand is set by the photographer in a state of being set to “on”. When the switch 21 is operated, the control unit 11 stores a fluoroscopic image based on the signal from the X-ray detector 7 in the storage unit 29 as digital data. Therefore, as long as the fluoroscopic imaging switch is set to “ON”, a fluoroscopic image can be recorded by operating the shooting start hand switch 21 at any time when the photographer wants to record the fluoroscopic image. Can do. As a result, it is possible to easily record a fluoroscopic image at an arbitrary time without making complicated settings in advance.

Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus according to the second embodiment. In addition, about the structure similar to Example 1 mentioned above, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted by attaching | subjecting a same sign.

  Unlike the above-described first embodiment, the console 13A connected to the control unit 11A (control means) is different from the above-described first embodiment except for setting keys and the like (not shown) for setting X-ray conditions for fluoroscopy and imaging. Only the mode setting switch 17 is provided. In addition to the fluoroscopic foot switch 19, a fluoroscopic imaging start switch 31 and an imaging start switch 33 are connected to the control unit 11 </ b> A.

  The control unit 11A monitors the operations of the fluoroscopic foot switch 19, the fluoroscopic imaging start switch 31, and the imaging start switch 33. If any one of the switches is operated, the operation is performed. Control according to. Similarly to the first embodiment, the fluoroscopic foot switch 19 is a switch for emitting X-rays under a predetermined fluoroscopic X-ray condition when operated by a photographer. The fluoroscopic imaging start switch 31 is a switch for storing a fluoroscopic image in the storage unit 29 with the X-ray condition for fluoroscopy. The imaging start switch 33 is a switch for performing imaging by exposing X-rays under imaging X-ray conditions.

  Next, the operation of the above-described apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation flow.

Step S20
Similarly to step S1 of the first embodiment described above, after placing the subject M, the fluoroscopic foot switch 19 is operated to start fluoroscopy.

Step S21
When the fluoroscopy is performed, the control unit 11A monitors which switch 31 or 33 is operated, and branches the process according to the result. That is, if the fluoroscopic imaging start switch 31 is operated, the process proceeds to step S24, and if the imaging start switch 33 is operated, the process proceeds to step S22. When neither of these switches 31 and 33 is operated, the process proceeds to step S23 and the fluoroscopy is continued.

  Steps S24 to S28 branch according to the state of the mode setting switch 17 of the console 13A. These are the same as steps S5 to S9 of the first embodiment described above.

Step S22
When the imaging start switch 33 is operated, the high voltage generator 9 is controlled under the imaging X-ray conditions instead of the fluoroscopic X-ray conditions, and X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 5. .

Step S29
The processing branches depending on whether or not the fluoroscopic foot switch 19 is released. That is, if the fluoroscopic foot switch 19 is released, the fluoroscopy is terminated, whereas if not released, the process returns to step S21.

  As described above, according to the apparatus of the second embodiment, when the imaging start switch 33 is operated, the normal imaging in which the captured image based on the signal from the X-ray detector 7 is stored in the storage unit 29. On the other hand, when the fluoroscopic imaging start switch 33 is operated during fluoroscopy, fluoroscopic imaging is performed in which a fluoroscopic image based on a signal from the X-ray detector 7 is stored in the storage unit 29. Therefore, the fluoroscopic image can be recorded simply by operating the fluoroscopic imaging start switch 31 at any time when the photographer wants to record the fluoroscopic image. As a result, it is possible to easily record a fluoroscopic image at an arbitrary time without making complicated settings in advance.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In each of the first and second embodiments described above, the mode setting switch 17 is provided, but the mode selection switch 17 is omitted so that the “single shooting mode” or the “continuous shooting mode” is always fixed. May be.

  (2) In each of the first and second embodiments described above, the bed 1 is provided, but other configurations such as a treatment chair may be provided instead of the bed 1.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus according to Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement.

Explanation of symbols

M ... subject 3 ... X-ray imaging unit 5 ... X-ray tube 7 ... X-ray detector 11 ... control unit 13 ... console 15 ... fluoroscopic imaging switch 17 ... mode setting switch 19 ... fluoroscopic foot switch 21 ... radiography start hand Switch 23 ... Image processing unit 27 ... Display unit 29 ... Storage unit

Claims (5)

  An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising X-ray imaging means having an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector facing each other and capable of fluoroscopy and imaging, and a fluoroscopy start switch for instructing fluoroscopy, Display means for displaying an image based on a signal, storage means for storing an image based on a signal from the X-ray detector as digital data, and whether to store a fluoroscopic image in the storage means at the time of fluoroscopy is preset. A fluoroscopic imaging switch; an imaging start switch for instructing fluoroscopic imaging; and when the imaging start switch is operated while the fluoroscopic imaging switch is on, a fluoroscopic image based on a signal from the X-ray detector is An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: control means for storing in the storage means.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a mode setting unit that presets whether the fluoroscopic image obtained by operating the imaging start switch is stored in “single-shot mode” or “continuous imaging mode”. An X-ray imaging apparatus further comprising:   A display means for displaying an image based on a signal from the X-ray detector in an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising an X-ray imaging means in which an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector are arranged to face each other and capable of fluoroscopy and imaging Storage means for storing an image based on a signal from the X-ray detector as digital data, an imaging shooting start switch for instructing imaging, a fluoroscopic imaging start switch for instructing fluoroscopic imaging, and the imaging When the imaging start switch is operated, a captured image based on the signal from the X-ray detector is stored in the storage means, and when the imaging start switch for fluoroscopic imaging is operated during fluoroscopy, the X An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: control means for storing a fluoroscopic image based on a signal from a line detector in the storage means.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the fluoroscopic image obtained by operating the fluoroscopic imaging start switch is set in advance to store in “single-shooting mode” or “continuous imaging mode”. An X-ray imaging apparatus further comprising setting means. 5. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray detector is a flat panel detector.

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