JP2010119485A - X-ray equipment, x-ray detector holding member, and x-ray detector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To confirm or correct the position of an X-ray detector by detecting the position of the X-ray detector set in the back of a subject and finding the positional relation between an X-ray flux and the X-ray detector based on the measured value in an apparatus in which the X-ray detector is not supported to face an X-ray tube device with a prescribed positional relation. <P>SOLUTION: A transmitter 11 of a magnetic sensor is disposed near the X-ray tube device 5 of the X-ray equipment. On the other hand, receivers 12, 13 and 14 of the magnetic sensor are disposed at prescribed positions with the detection surface of the X-ray detector 80 in-between in a holding member 70 of the X-ray detector 80 composed as a separate body from the X-ray equipment. After the X-ray detector 80, detachably housed in the holding member 70, is set in the back of the subject, a CPU 30 operates the magnetic sensor to detect the position of the X-ray detector in contact with the subject. Then, the computed positional information is displayed to be used to correct the positions of the X-ray flux and the X-ray detector. The magnetic sensor may be attached to the X-ray detector 80. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray detector holding member, and an X-ray detector, and in particular, an X-ray detector that collects X-ray image information transmitted through a subject is fixed to the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. The present invention relates to a technique suitable for an X-ray imaging apparatus, a holding member for an X-ray detector, and an X-ray detector.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray source and an X-ray detector are opposed to each other so as to be integrally (fixed) attached to the X-ray imaging apparatus main body, and only the X-ray source is included in the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. The X-ray detector (film cassette, FCR cassette, battery built-in type FPD, etc.) that is held separately and configured separately from the device and can be carried as a single unit is placed on the subject's bed for X-ray imaging. There are devices that are configured to be performed, devices that support an X-ray source, and devices that support an X-ray detector.

As described above, as an X-ray imaging apparatus in which an X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray detector are configured separately, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an X-ray imaging apparatus main body equipped with an X-ray source, and an X-ray A roundabout X-ray apparatus employing a portable FPD as a detector is disclosed.
JP 2008-29644 A

  When X-ray imaging is performed using an X-ray detector configured separately from the X-ray imaging apparatus as in Patent Document 1, an X-ray detector is placed on the back of the subject sleeping on the subject bed. In this state, the position of the X-ray source is aligned with the imaging region of the subject, and the X-ray source and the X-ray detector set on the back of the subject are aligned.

  Here, since X-rays are emitted from the X-ray focal point, the distance from the X-ray focal point to the X-ray detector (Source Image Distance: hereinafter referred to as “SID”) and the operation of the collimator that limits the X-ray flux (the collimator is In order to limit the size of the X-ray bundle, an X-ray irradiation range is determined by providing a movable plate made of lead that blocks X-rays and operating by a user operation or the like.

  However, even if the X-ray irradiation range is indicated by the light of the lamp provided in the collimator, the X-ray detector is positioned on the opposite side of the X-ray source with the subject interposed therebetween, and therefore the lamp light is not directly irradiated. Therefore, it is difficult to match the center of the X-ray irradiation range and the center of the X-ray detector, and it is also difficult to match the X-ray irradiation range and the X-ray detection surface of the X-ray detector. was there.

  In addition, since the X-ray detector can be carried alone, there has been a problem of misplacement.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. An X-ray imaging apparatus capable of confirming the position of an X-ray detector located behind a subject and performing X-ray imaging, and holding of the X-ray detector An object is to provide a member and an X-ray detector.

  In order to achieve the above object, an X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray imaging apparatus main body provided with an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector configured separately from the X-ray imaging apparatus main body, A position sensor for detecting a positional relationship between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, and the X-ray with respect to an irradiation range of the X-ray bundle irradiated from the X-ray tube based on a detection result of the position sensor Computation means for obtaining at least one of the position of the detector and the inclination of the detection surface of the X-ray detector with respect to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the X-ray bundle; and display means for displaying the calculation result It is characterized by.

  According to the X-ray imaging apparatus, the position of the X-ray detector and the inclination of the surface with respect to the X-ray irradiation range are calculated on the basis of the detection result of the position sensor, and the result is displayed. Positioning with the line irradiation range becomes easy.

  Further, the holding member of the X-ray detector according to the present invention is a holding member of the X-ray detector for the X-ray imaging apparatus, and is configured separately from the X-ray imaging apparatus main body including the X-ray tube. And a position sensor for detecting a positional relationship between an X-ray detector that is detachably accommodated and an X-ray tube that emits X-rays detected by the X-ray detector. To do.

  According to the holding member of the X-ray detector, the X-ray detector is fitted in the storage portion, and the X-ray detector is prepared and photographed in a state where the X-ray detector is fitted in the holding member. Even if there is no X-ray detector, the positional relationship with the X-ray tube can be detected, and the X-ray detector can be easily aligned.

  The X-ray detector according to the present invention is configured separately from the X-ray imaging apparatus main body provided with the X-ray tube, and detects a positional relationship with the X-ray tube provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. It is characterized by comprising a position sensor for

  According to the X-ray detector, the position and the inclination of the surface can be calculated using the detection result of the position sensor even if the X-ray imaging apparatus main body is configured separately from the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. By detecting the relationship, the X-ray detector can be easily aligned.

  According to the present invention, even in a state where the X-ray detector is set behind the subject, the position of the X-ray bundle, that is, the position of the X-ray irradiation range and the X-ray detector is detected using the detection result of the position sensor. Detect relationships and display the results. Based on this display, the X-ray detector can be rearranged (aligned) or the X-ray bundle can be aligned with the X-ray detector, making it easy to align the X-ray irradiation range with the X-ray detector. Can be done.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
<First embodiment>
The first embodiment is an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an X-ray detector configured separately from a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus and a mobile X-ray imaging apparatus. First, a schematic configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a side view showing the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a so-called X-ray round-trip car, and has an X-ray high voltage generator, an X-ray controller, and a control panel on a movable carriage 1. 2 is mounted. Further, a support column 3 is arranged vertically in front of the upper portion of the movable carriage 1 so as to be able to turn with respect to the carriage 1. The column 3 is provided with an X-ray tube support arm 4 that can move in the vertical direction along the column 3. An X-ray tube device 5 is attached to the tip of the X-ray tube support arm 4. A collimator 6 is attached to the lower part of the X-ray tube device 5.

  The X-ray round-trip car constructed as described above is a known one and is usually kept at a predetermined place in a hospital. When an X-ray image diagnosis is necessary for the subject 9 sleeping on the bed 7, the X-ray round-trip car is moved into the hospital room and used for X-ray imaging of the subject 9 on the bed 7. .

  The X-ray round-trip car is not fixedly supported by the X-ray detector 80, and the X-ray detector 80 is mounted on the carriage by the radiographer or carried alone and transported to the hospital room. The X-ray detector 80 is inserted between the subject 9 lying on the bed and the bed 7 during X-ray imaging. The X-ray detector 80 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube device 5 positioned at the imaging region of the subject 9 by the movement of the movable carriage 1. 1 and 2, the X-ray detector 80 is placed on the bed 7 and the subject 9 is lying on the bed 7. However, the X-ray detector 80 is drawn with a dotted line as shown in FIG. Even if it is built in, this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the present embodiment.

  The X-ray detector 80 in the X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray film, an imaging plate (sheet coated with a storage phosphor), a flat sensor (an X-ray in which a number of X-ray detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix). In this embodiment, an example using a plane sensor for still images (only for photographing) will be described.

  The X-ray tube device 5 and the X-ray detector 80 are provided with a magnetic sensor transmitter on one side and a magnetic sensor receiver for detecting the magnetism generated by the transmitter on the other side.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the x-y-z axis is assumed, the transmitter 11 is attached to a position separated by a predetermined distance on the y-axis passing through the X-ray focal point F of the X-ray tube apparatus 5. The measurement point coordinates of the transmitter 11 are set as a reference point O (0, 0, 0) on the real space x-y-z axis. Moreover, the receiver of a magnetic sensor is provided in the holding member of an X-ray detector, or an X-ray detector.

  Next, the holding member of the X-ray detector according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the holding member of the X-ray detector according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a plan view in a state where the X-ray detector is fitted into the holding member according to the present embodiment.

  The holding member 70 includes a substantially box-shaped frame 71 and a storage portion 72 that detachably stores the X-ray detector 80 inside the frame 71. X-ray detection of the X-ray detector 80 in the state where the receivers 12, 13, and 14 of three magnetic sensors are fitted in the storage unit 72 at the outer edge of the storage unit 72 in the frame 71. It is attached at the position where the surface is sandwiched between. The surface including the three magnetic sensor receivers 12, 13, 14 and the detection surface of the X-ray detector 80 are arranged on the same plane and at a predetermined position outside the detection surface of the X-ray detector 80. Yes.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the receivers 12, 13, and 14 sandwich the center point (the center of the + mark) of the X-ray detection surface of the X-ray detector 80 for arithmetic processing described later, They are arranged diagonally at equal distances from this center point.

  The receiver 14 is arranged at a position symmetric with respect to the x-axis and the y-axis passing through the center of the X-ray detector 80 with respect to the receiver 12 with respect to the x-axis and with respect to the receiver 13 with respect to the y-axis. Is done. Since three points can be detected by using the three receivers 12, 13, and 14, a plane including these three points is defined. Then, based on the defined surface, the surface is detected and the inclination is detected. Furthermore, since the positions of the receivers 12, 13, and 14 with respect to the four corners of the X-ray detector 80 are fixed, the positions of the four corners of the X-ray detector 80 can be detected based on the coordinates of the receivers 12, 13, and 14. The position and inclination of the detection surface of the X-ray detector 80 can be obtained.

  In the above description, the X-ray detector 80 is detachably fitted to the holding member 70. However, as shown in FIG. 5, the receivers 12, 13, and 14 are separated from the main body of the X-ray imaging apparatus including the X-ray tube. It may be configured to be embedded in an X-ray detector configured (in FIG. 5, an FPD is taken as an example). FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a portable FPD 90 in which the receivers 12, 13, and 14 are embedded.

  The portable FPD 90 includes a substantially box-shaped frame 91 and a sensor unit 92 in which a large number of X-ray detection elements are arranged in a two-dimensional plane on a matrix. The upper surface of the sensor unit 92 corresponds to an X-ray detection surface.

  The sensor unit 92 includes a memory unit capable of holding detected X-ray data. Three receivers 12 </ b> A, 13 </ b> A, and 14 </ b> A are provided on the outer edge portion of the sensor portion 92 in the frame body 91. The positional relationship between the receivers 12A, 13A, and 14A is the same as that of the receivers 12, 13, and 14 provided in the holding member 70 in FIG.

  In addition, the portable FPD 90 includes a grip portion 93 for the operator to grip. In this way, the receiver may be fixedly attached to an X-ray detector such as the portable FPD90.

  Next, the electrical connection of units that perform the main operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the connection of the units that constitute the main part of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, reference numeral 31 denotes an X-ray high voltage device which supplies a high voltage tube voltage and tube current to an X-ray tube built in the X-ray tube device 5. An operation unit 32 is disposed on the top of the X-ray control unit 2 mounted on the carriage 1 and is provided with an operation unit for setting X-ray imaging conditions, that is, tube voltage, tube current, and imaging time, an X-ray imaging switch, and the like. It is. An X-ray imaging condition indicator 33 provided in the operation unit 32 displays tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), imaging time (sec), tube current imaging time product (mAs), and the like. . These units are connected to the CPU 30.

  The X-ray detector 80 is connected to the CPU 30 via the image processing device 35. Under the control of the CPU 30, the image processing device 35 reads the subject transmitted X-ray amount detected by each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 80 and constructs an X-ray image. In addition, when it is necessary to connect the receivers 12, 13, and 14 and the CPU 30, they are connected by wireless connection. Further, the image processing device 35 need not always be connected to the X-ray detector 80.

  The operation unit 32 is provided with a detector position information display 34. The detector position information display 34 is based on real space coordinates of the receivers 12, 13, and 14 detected by a magnetic sensor (a combination of the receivers 12, 13, and 14 and the transmitter 11 is referred to as “magnetic sensor”). The CPU 30 displays information on the positional deviation and inclination of the X-ray detector 80 obtained by calculation and provides it to the operator.

  Here, when the measurement operation by the magnetic sensor is executed, the coordinates in the real space of the receivers 12, 13, and 14 are A (x1, y1, z1) and B (x2, y2), respectively, as shown in FIG. , Z2) and C (x3, y3, z3), and these measured values are used to calculate the SID, which is the distance from the X-ray focal point F to the center of the X-ray detector 80.

  Next, based on FIG. 7, the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus and the operation of the apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation flow of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, it demonstrates along each step of FIG.

(Step S201)
When X-ray examination of the subject 9 is performed by the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, as an imaging preparation, first, the X-ray imaging apparatus is moved from a predetermined location in the hospital to the bedside in the hospital room where the subject 9 is located. Move to. Then, fine adjustment of the position of the movable carriage 1 and fine adjustment of the turning of the support column 3 are performed to align the center of the X-ray irradiation range with the center of the imaging region of the subject.

  Then, the X-ray detector 80 is set by visual alignment roughly behind the imaging region of the subject 9. After setting the X-ray detector 80, the power of the X-ray control unit 2 is turned on (S201).

(Step S202)
First, the operator is asked whether or not to correct the position of the X-ray detector 80 (step S202). If the operator determines that there is no need to measure the position of the X-ray detector 80 in response to this question, the operator instructs “unnecessary” and operates the X-ray imaging button. On the other hand, if it is determined as “necessary”, the fact is input (S202).

(Step S203)
The CPU 30 sequentially activates the receivers 12, 13 and 14, measures the magnetism generated by the transmitter 11 with the receivers 12, 13 and 14, and measures the position of the X-ray detector 80, that is, the real space coordinates of the receivers 12, 13 and 14. Measure.

By the above measurement, the coordinates of the receiver 12 are measured as A (x1, y1, z1), the coordinates of the receiver 13 are measured as B (x2, y2, z2), and the coordinates of the receiver 14 are measured as C (x3, y3, z3) ( S203).

(Step S204)
The CPU 30 calculates the positional deviation / inclination of the X-ray detector 80 based on the measurement value obtained in step S203, and displays the result on the detector position information display 34 (S204). The positional deviation and inclination here are based on the position of the X-ray detector with respect to the focal point of an ideal X-ray bundle when performing X-ray imaging, and actual X-rays based on this ideal position. It means the displacement of the detector and the inclination of the surface. The ideal position of the X-ray detector is the X-ray when the center axis of the X-ray bundle passing through the focal point of the X-ray bundle passes through the center point of the detection surface of the X-ray detector and the detection surface is orthogonal to the center axis. This is the position of the detector.

  Either the above-described positional deviation or inclination may be calculated first. Here, an example in which the inclination is calculated first will be described. The reason is that the inclination of the surface of the X-ray detector 80 can be calculated only by comparing each of the z coordinates of the three coordinates A, B, and C, and the subsequent positional deviation can be easily corrected. In X-ray imaging, the detection surface of the X-ray detector 80 is basically placed perpendicular to the center of the X-ray, so that the inclination is generally more important. .

In step S204, first, in order to calculate the inclination of the surface of the X-ray detector 80, the CPU 30 performs calculations of the following expressions (1) and (2) to perform points B and C with respect to the z coordinate of point A. The difference between each z coordinate is calculated.
z1-z2 = a Formula (1)
z1-z3 = b Formula (2)
The CPU 30 compares these calculation results and displays the results, as well as the necessity of re-measurement and other measurements (here, equivalent to position displacement measurement with respect to the X-ray irradiation range of the X-ray detector 80). ) Ask whether or not to perform. The operator sees the display, corrects the inclination of the surface of the X-ray detector with respect to the horizontal plane, and inputs a command to measure the positional deviation when the correction is completed.

The CPU 30 activates the transmitter 11 and the receivers 12, 13, and 14 again, remeasures the real space coordinates of the points A, B, and C, and stores the measured values of these coordinates in the memory. Here, the coordinates of the three points measured are A (x1 ′, y1 ′, z1 ′), B (x2 ′, y2 ′, z2 ′), and C (x3 ′, y3 ′, z3 ′). However, since the X-ray detector 80 is corrected horizontally, it can be approximated as z1 ′ = z2 ′ = z3 ′. Therefore, the CPU 30 calculates the positional deviation of points A, B, and C on the xy plane. This misalignment is
(1) The position shift of the center point of the detection surface of the X-ray detector 80, that is, the center of points A and B with respect to the center axis of the X-ray cone emitted from the X-ray tube device (hereinafter referred to as “center shift”)
(2) Two rotation deviations with respect to the xy coordinate axis of the X-ray detector 80.

  Next, a method for obtaining the center deviation and the rotation deviation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a method for measuring and calculating the positional deviation / tilt of the X-ray detector in the first embodiment. As described above, since the z-coordinates of the receivers 12, 13, and 14 are all the same, this is expressed as Z in FIG. Therefore, Z becomes S.I.D. Assuming that the center point of the detection surface of the X-ray detector 80 is Ic, the positional deviation described above is the intersection point between the point Ic and the perpendicular line from the X-ray tube focal point F to the X-ray detector 80 and the X-ray detector 80. Coordinate deviation from D.

  The coordinates of the point Ic are ((x1 '+ x2') / 2, (y1 '+ y2') / 2, Z), and the coordinates of the point D are represented by (0, d, Z). The deviation of the x-axis coordinates of these two points and the deviation of the y-axis coordinates are positional deviations.

That is, the displacement δx in the x direction is expressed as δx = (x1 ′ + x2 ′) / 2 Equation (3)
Further, the displacement δy in the y direction is δy = (y1 ′ + y2 ′) / 2−d Equation (4)
Calculated by

Further, the rotational deviation can be calculated as follows. That is, since the receivers 13 and 14 are arranged parallel to one side of the rectangular X-ray image receiving area of the X-ray detector 80, the angle between the straight line connecting the points B and C and the y axis Becomes rotational deviation. If this angle is θ, θ is θ = arctan ((x3′−x2 ′) / (y3′−y2 ′)) (5)
Calculated by Since the positional deviation and the rotational deviation can be calculated as described above, the distance, position, and rotation state from the X-ray focal point F of the X-ray detector can be acquired as described above.

Next, a method for obtaining the size of the X-ray bundle 41 in the position plane of the X-ray detector 80 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a method for calculating the irradiation range of the X-ray flux in the first embodiment. As described above, the irradiation range of the X-rays radiated from the X-ray tube device 5 is limited by the lead plate 40 inside the collimator 6. The lead plate 40 is operably supported on a plane perpendicular to the X-ray center line 42 and separated from the X-ray center by a distance L3. The lead plate 40 is composed of four pieces, and two pieces are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other in parallel to the x-axis and y-axis so as not to leak the X-ray bundle 41 outside the range intended by the operator. It is configured. A sensor for measuring a distance L3 from the X-ray center line (center axis) 42 of the lead plate 40 is installed in the collimator 6, and the lead plate 40 is operated by an operator and the CPU 30 by a motor (not shown). The The X-ray bundle 41 thus limited is irradiated to a position separated from the X-ray center line (center axis) 42 by a distance L5 on a plane separated from the X-ray focal point F of the X-ray detector 80 by a distance of SID. Will be. Where L5 is L5 = L4 / L3 * SID Formula (6)
Is calculated by Although there are four lead plates 40, the distance from the center of the X-ray is obtained from the equation (6) for each. The respective distances are L5-1, L5-2, L5-3, and L5-4.

  The above calculation is performed by the CPU 30, and the result is displayed on the detector position information display 34 as position correction information of the X-ray detector 80, for example, as shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 10 is a screen displayed on the detector position information display 34 and is a diagram showing a screen display example displaying the positions of the X-ray detector and the X-ray bundle.

  On the screen of FIG. 10, an x-axis 51, a y-axis 52, a frame 53 (dotted line frame) indicating the X-ray irradiation range, and a frame 54 (solid line frame) indicating the X-ray detector 80 are displayed. The intersection of the x-axis 51 and the y-axis 52 corresponds to the center 50 of the X-ray bundle. This screen display is updated in real time or according to the operation.

  Next, display contents of the screen display of FIG. 10 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the screen display of FIG. 10, and is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the display of the positions of the X-ray detector and the X-ray bundle in the first embodiment.

  In FIG. 11 (FIG. 10), the four corners of the frame 53 indicating the X-ray irradiation range are displayed at distances L5-1, L5-2, L5-3, and L5-4 from the x axis and the y axis, respectively. ing. A frame 54 indicating the X-ray detector 80 is displayed tilted by θ around δx and δy.

(Step S205)
The operator refers to the display information and adjusts the position of the X-ray detector 80, and when the operator completes the alignment of the X-ray detector 80, the operator inputs that fact to the operation unit 32 (S205). .

(Step S206)
Next, when the frame 53 indicating the X-ray irradiation range protrudes from the frame 54 indicating the X-ray detector 80, the CPU 30 asks the operator whether or not to perform position correction by moving the lead plate 40. (S206).

  If the operator determines that there is no need to measure the position of the X-ray detector in response to this question, the operator instructs “unnecessary”, operates the X-ray imaging button, and ends the flow of this process. . On the other hand, if it is determined as “necessary”, the operator inputs that fact and proceeds to step S207.

(Step S207)
The CPU 30 calculates distances L5-1, L5-2, L5-3, and L5-4 for inscribed in the frame 54 indicating the X-ray detector 80, and reversely calculates the formula (6) to calculate the lead plate 40. The position is determined and the lead plate 40 is moved by a motor (not shown) to control the X-ray flux. After the lead plate 40 is moved, the position correction information of the X-ray detector 80 is remeasured and recalculated and displayed on the detector position information display 34 (S207).

(Step S208)
The CPU 30 illuminates a lamp indicating the X-ray irradiation range included in the collimator 6. (S208).

(Step S209)
The CPU 30 asks the operator whether or not to correct the display content displayed in step S207 and the X-ray irradiation range indicated by the light irradiated in step S208 (S209). When the correction is performed, the process returns to step S203, and when the correction is unnecessary, the position correction process is terminated. Then, the operator operates the X-ray imaging button to perform X-ray imaging of the subject.

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the operator can know the positional deviation and inclination of the X-ray detector set behind the subject and can correct them before X-ray imaging. . In this embodiment, since the positional deviation and inclination of the X-ray detector are detected in individual steps, the operator can easily correct the positional deviation and inclination of the X-ray detector.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, a various deformation | transformation is possible for this invention in the range which does not change a summary.

  For example, in the above embodiment, one magnetic sensor transmitter is provided on the X-ray tube apparatus side, and three magnetic sensor receivers are provided on the X-ray detector. May be substituted. Furthermore, the number of transmitters and receivers constituting the magnetic sensor may be different from that in the above embodiment.

  For example, a magnetic position sensor unit that may be used in an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus may be used as the position detection sensor in this embodiment. This magnetic position sensor unit includes a unit main body, a magnetic generator, and a magnetic sensor that can detect a three-dimensional position coordinate and a rotation angle (azimuth: ± 180 °, elevation / tilt: ± 90 °). This unit main body is connected to the CPU 30 of this embodiment, or the program of the unit main body is executed by the CPU 30, and the X-ray tube apparatus 5 is provided with a magnetic generator. One magnetic sensor is provided in the holding member 70 or the X-ray detector 80.

  The operation procedure is as follows. First, an X-ray detector 80 fitted into the holding member 70 or an X-ray detector (for example, the FPD 90) provided with a magnetic sensor is set to a positive position serving as a reference point for detecting a displacement. Store it in the main unit. Next, an X-ray detector 80 fitted into the holding member 70 or an X-ray detector (for example, the FPD 90) provided with a magnetic sensor is installed on the back surface of the subject. Then, by executing the processing in accordance with the flowchart of FIG. 7 with the first stored position as a reference, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor is provided as the position sensor. However, a position sensor other than the magnetic sensor may be used as long as the position can be detected with the subject interposed therebetween. For example, an optical sensor that uses long-wavelength light that can pass through the subject or a position sensor that includes a wireless tag and a tag reader may be used.

  Furthermore, in the said embodiment, although the example which attaches the receiver of a magnetic sensor to the position which shifted | deviated from the center of the X-ray irradiation range was shown, these attachment positions can be variously changed.

  In the above description, both the X-ray detector position shift and the detection surface inclination are obtained, but only one of them may be obtained and the result may be displayed on the detector position information display 34.

  Although the present invention has been described by taking a round wheel as an example of the X-ray imaging apparatus, the present invention is not limited to this, and the X-ray tube apparatus and the X-ray detector are integrally supported by the holding mechanism. It is possible to apply to an X-ray imaging apparatus that is not.

<Second embodiment>
The second embodiment is an embodiment in which the X-ray tube or the X-ray detector is moved to a position where the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector face each other using the position information of the magnetic sensor.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus used in the second embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of the operation. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of another X-ray imaging apparatus to which this embodiment can be applied.

  First, the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus in FIG. 12 will be described. The X-ray irradiation means in FIG. 12 is installed below the subject, and the image receiving means is installed above the subject. The subject 118 is lying on the bed 120, and a support member 126 is integrally installed below the bed 120. The support member 126 has an arc shape that supports an X-ray tube 124 that irradiates the subject with X-rays. The arm 122 is supported.

  On the other hand, the image receiving means such as an image intensifier (hereinafter referred to as “II”) or a television camera for detecting and imaging X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 124 and passing through the subject, here, the II 130 is installed on the ceiling 150. The ceiling traveling device 140 is supported.

  Further, this X-ray imaging apparatus is provided with a mechanism for moving the X-ray tube 124 along the arc-shaped arm 122 in order to arbitrarily change the angle of X-ray irradiation. Also, on the ceiling traveling device 140 side, as an II130 drive mechanism (II drive mechanism), an attachment mechanism for freely changing the attachment angle of II130 and adjusting the angle of the detection surface of II130, and II A mechanism for moving 130 in the horizontal and vertical directions along rails installed on the ceiling is provided. Further, in this X-ray imaging apparatus, a mechanism (X-ray tube driving mechanism) and II driving mechanism for driving these X-ray tubes 124 are controlled so that the X-ray tubes 124 and II 130 are always opposed to each other during operation. Positioning control means 160 is provided.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus, a magnetic transmitter is provided in the X-ray tube 124 and a receiver is provided in I.I.130. Then, the positioning control means 160 controls the X-ray tube drive mechanism and the I.I. drive mechanism drive mechanism on the basis of the detected positional relationship, and arranges the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector to face each other.

  Next, the operation flow of the X-ray imaging apparatus of FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Steps S301, S302, S303)
In steps S301, S302, and S303, as in steps S201, S202, and S203, the position of the X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray tube is measured from the output results of the magnetic sensor and the magnetic transmitter.

(Step S304)
In step S304, the positioning control means 160 detects the positional relationship between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector from the detection results of the magnetic transmitter and the receiver, and the X-ray tube driving mechanism and the II driving mechanism are the X-ray tube and X-ray detector. Control is performed so that the line detector is moved to a position where it is opposed to the line detector (S304).

(Step S305)
After the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are moved to positions facing each other, the positioning control means 160 again detects the position after the movement based on the detection results of the magnetic transmitter and the receiver, Display on the monitor.

(Steps S306 to S310)
In steps S306 to S310, processing similar to that in steps S205 to S209 is executed, and correction of the X-ray bundle requires provisional determination of the X-ray irradiation range and visual confirmation and correction of the X-ray irradiation range by lamp light irradiation. Judgment is made. If correction is not necessary, the process ends. If correction is necessary, the process proceeds to step S311.

(Step S311)
Correction in the manual mode, that is, the operator performs fine adjustment such as correction of the X-ray irradiation range manually, and correction of the position of the X-ray tube if necessary (S311). Then, the process ends. After the above process is completed, X-ray imaging is performed.

  According to this embodiment, the X-ray tube 124 and / or the X-ray detector (II130) are used so that the X-ray tube 124 and the X-ray detector (II130) face each other using the detection result of the magnetic sensor. ) Can be moved.

  In addition to the above X-ray imaging apparatus, the present embodiment can also be applied to an X-ray tube apparatus in which the X-ray tube moves along a ceiling rail, for example, as shown in FIG.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus of FIG. 14, an imaging table 211 loaded with an imaging cassette 210 containing a film or an imaging plate is disposed on a floor 207. A subject is placed on the imaging table 211. An X-ray tube device 213 having an X-ray tube movable aperture device 212 is provided at a position facing the imaging table 211. The X-ray tube device 213 is held by the X-ray tube holding device 215 via a retractable member 214. The X-ray tube holding device 215 includes a control unit that controls the movable diaphragm device 212. The X-ray tube holding device 215 is attached to a rail 217 disposed on the ceiling 216 so as to be freely movable in the left-right direction. Reference numeral 219 denotes a support base having an imaging cassette 218 that images the subject in a standing position, and is used for imaging the chest of the subject, for example.

  Furthermore, the X-ray imaging apparatus includes a high voltage generator 240, a communication device 241 that communicates with the console 205, and a control unit 242 that controls the operation of the X-ray imaging device.

  Further, a monitor (not shown) is installed on the console 205, and X-ray imaging condition settings and the above-described screen of FIG. 10 are displayed. The image processing device 251 performs image processing on the captured X-ray image and displays it on the image display device 254.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus of FIG. 14, the imaging cassette 210 and the imaging cassette 218 are provided with receivers, and the X-ray tube apparatus 213 is provided with a magnetic transmitter. Then, based on the position detection results of the magnetic transmitter and the receiver, the X-ray tube holding device 215 may be moved along the rail 217 so as to face the imaging cassette 210 or the imaging cassette 218.

<Third embodiment>
In the third embodiment, the relative position of the X-ray detector with respect to the X-ray imaging apparatus is displayed using the detection result of the magnetic sensor.

  When the operator presses a detector search button (not shown), the CPU 30 performs the process of step S203 described in the first embodiment, and measures the real space coordinates of the receivers 12, 13, and 14. Next, the CPU 30 displays the relative positional relationship between the X-ray imaging apparatus main body and the receivers 12, 13, and 14 on the detector position information display 34. The position of the X-ray imaging apparatus main body may be the actual coordinates (0, 0, 0) of the magnetic transmitter 11 provided in the vicinity of the X-ray tube, or the actual coordinates (0, d, 0) of the focal point F of the X-ray bundle. ).

  The CPU 30 displays the two-dimensional coordinate system on the screen on the detector position information display 34, uses the origin as the main body of the X-ray imaging apparatus, and markers 12S, 13S, and 14S based on the actual coordinates of the receivers 12, 13, and 14 as well. This is shown in the two-dimensional coordinate system. Thereby, it is possible to present to the operator which direction the receivers 12, 13, and 14 are positioned in the left, right, up and down directions with the X-ray imaging apparatus main body as the center.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a screen display example displayed in the third embodiment, and is a two-dimensional coordinate system screen displayed on the screen on the detector position information display 34. On the screen of FIG. 15, an x-axis 51 and a y-axis 52 are displayed. An intersection 50 between the x-axis 51 and the y-axis 52 indicates the current position of the X-ray imaging apparatus. Furthermore, on the screen of FIG. 15, markers 12S and 13S that indicate the relative positions of the receivers 12, 13, and 14 with the intersection 50 as a reference based on the detection results (receiver coordinates) of the receivers 12, 13, and 14. , 14S are displayed. By looking at this display, the operator has the holding member 70 and the X-ray detector 90 in which the receivers 12, 13, and 14 are mounted in any direction around the intersection 50, that is, the current position of the X-ray imaging apparatus. This makes it easy to identify the positions of the holding member 70 and the X-ray detector 90.

  Furthermore, if the distance from the intersection 50 to the receivers 12, 13, and 14 is measured based on the output of the magnetic transmitter and the sensitivity of the receiver, the positions of the holding member 70 and the X-ray detector 90 can be specified more easily.

  Also, if it becomes impossible to send and receive signals between the magnetic transmitter and the receivers 12, 13, and 14, it means that signals can be sent and received between the magnetic transmitter and the receivers 12, 13, and 14. It means that the magnetic transmitter and the receivers 12, 13, 14 deviate from the possible range. Therefore, by transmitting and receiving signals between the magnetic transmitter and the receivers 12, 13, and 14 at all times or at predetermined intervals, the magnetic transmitter and the receivers 12, 13, and 14 can transmit and receive signals within a predetermined range (signal transmission and reception is possible). It is possible to detect whether it is within the range. Thereby, misplacement of the holding member 70 and the X-ray detector 90 and theft can be prevented. When the magnetic transmitter and the receivers 12, 13, 14 are separated to the vicinity of the limit of the range in which signals can be transmitted and received, a warning display or a warning sound may be generated.

The side view which shows the structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment. The front view which shows the structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment. The perspective view of the holding member of the X-ray detector which concerns on this embodiment. The top view in the state where the X-ray detector was inserted in the holding member concerning this embodiment. The schematic block diagram which shows the structure of portable FPD. The block diagram which shows the connection of the unit which makes the principal part of 1st embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on 1st embodiment. The figure which shows the measurement and calculation method of position shift and inclination of the X-ray detector in 1st embodiment. The figure which shows the calculation method of the irradiation range of the X-ray flux in 1st embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a screen display which displayed the position of the X-ray detector and the X-ray bundle. The schematic diagram explaining the display content of the screen display of FIG. The side view which shows the structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of 2nd embodiment. The side view which shows the structure of the other X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on 2nd embodiment. The figure which shows the example of a screen display which displayed the position of the X-ray detector with respect to X-ray imaging apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 cart, 2 X-ray control unit, 5 X-ray tube device, 6 collimator, 80 X-ray detector, 9 subject, 11 transmitter of magnetic sensor, 12, 13, 14 receiver of magnetic sensor, 30 CPU, 32 operation unit 33 X-ray imaging condition display, 34 Detector position information display, 70 Holding member, 90 FPD

Claims (7)

An X-ray imaging apparatus body equipped with an X-ray tube;
An X-ray detector configured separately from the X-ray imaging apparatus body;
A position sensor for detecting a positional relationship between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector;
Based on the detection result of the position sensor, the position of the X-ray detector with respect to the irradiation range of the X-ray bundle irradiated from the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector with respect to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the X-ray bundle. Computing means for obtaining at least one of the inclinations of the detection surface;
Display means for displaying the calculation result;
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: The position sensor includes a magnetic sensor transmitter and a magnetic sensor receiver,
At least three of the magnetic sensor transmitters or at least three of the magnetic sensor receivers are disposed at positions sandwiching the detection surface of the X-ray detector.
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The X-ray detector includes the position sensor, and the calculation means uses the position sensor to detect whether the X-ray detector is within a predetermined range from the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. The display means further displays the detection result.
Alternatively, the X-ray detector is detachably held, and the calculation means further includes a holding member provided with the position sensor, and the holding member is predetermined from the X-ray imaging apparatus main body using the position sensor. The display means further displays the result of the detection.
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that A collimator for limiting the X-ray flux;
Control means for controlling the collimator according to the position of the X-ray detector based on at least one of the position obtained by the computing means and the inclination of the detection surface;
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The apparatus further comprises moving means for moving the X-ray tube to a position facing the X-ray detector based on at least one of the position of the X-ray detector and the inclination of the surface obtained by the calculating means.
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A holding member for an X-ray detector for an X-ray imaging apparatus,
A storage section for detachably storing an X-ray detector configured separately from an X-ray imaging apparatus main body including an X-ray tube;
A position sensor for detecting a positional relationship with an X-ray tube that emits X-rays detected by the X-ray detector;
A holding member for an X-ray detector. It is configured separately from the main body of the X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with the X-ray tube,
A position sensor for detecting a positional relationship with the X-ray tube provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus body;
An X-ray detector characterized by that.

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