JP2010167129A - X-ray imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an X-ray imaging apparatus, where an image of left or right breast chest wall is placed opposite the other so that inspection can be done on the left and right breast images by comparing them with each other. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of X-ray breast images of a subject W are taken via X-ray radiated from an X-ray radiation device 24 that moves toward and away from the subject's breasts. Two-dimensional breast images where both left and right nipples differing in visual angles are seen to be directed to left- and rightward. By placing the chest wall of the right breast seen by the right eye inside, the nipples on the images are set to be directed to left- and rightward. The image of the chest wall of the left breast seen by the right eye is placed inside opposite that of the right breast, so that the nipples can be directed to left- and rightward. Similarly by placing the image of left breast chest wall seen by the left eye inside, nipples on the images are set to be directed to left- and rightward. The image of the left breast chest wall seen by the left eye is placed inside opposite that of the right breast, so that the nipples can be directed to left- and rightward. By using a stereoscope in observing these images, another image is obtained, where the left and right chest walls are each placed opposite the other. This method makes it possible the analysis on breast images as the traditional method uses, i.e., inspection of the left and right breasts by comparing them with each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a medical X-ray imaging apparatus.

  Patent Document 1 describes a mammography apparatus (X-ray imaging apparatus) that moves an X-ray source that irradiates a subject's breast with X-rays and captures a plurality of two-dimensional images from different angles.

  Specifically, the X-ray source is moved so as to cross the front of the subject standing upright facing the X-ray source, and a plurality of two-dimensional breast images (mammographic images) having different parallax angles are captured. Furthermore, it is the structure which can obtain the stereo image of a three-dimensional breast by arranging these up and down and seeing these through stereoscopic glasses.

  Thus, an accurate inspection can be performed by obtaining a stereoscopic stereo image.

JP 2007-229201 A

  In a conventional mammography apparatus, the X-ray source is moved across the front of the subject, a plurality of two-dimensional breast images are taken from different angles, and simple two-dimensional glasses are used by arranging these two-dimensional images vertically. With this configuration, a stereo image can be obtained.

  That is, the subject's breast is imaged from the left and right of the subject. For this reason, a two-dimensional image having a parallax angle such that the nipple is oriented in the vertical direction is obtained. Then, by arranging two two-dimensional images having a parallax angle so that the nipple is oriented in the vertical direction, and viewing these images through stereoscopic glasses, a stereo image in which the nipple is oriented in the vertical direction can be obtained.

  Here, when inspecting while comparing left and right breast images, two-dimensional images of the left and right breasts are generally arranged side by side, and the left and right breast walls are compared to compare the left and right breasts. .

  That is, in order to interpret the breast in the same manner as in the conventional interpretation method, it is necessary to display the nipple so that it is directed in the left-right direction.

  However, in a conventional mammography apparatus (X-ray imaging apparatus), a breast stereo image is such that the nipple is oriented vertically, and is rotated 90 degrees so that the nipple is oriented horizontally. It is a configuration that can not be.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus (stereo mammography apparatus) capable of examining left and right breasts projected as a stereo image side by side and comparing the left and right breast walls while comparing the left and right breast walls. Providing is a challenge.

  An X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is an X-ray source that irradiates a subject's breast with X-rays, and X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray source and transmitted through the breast as an image. It comprises a detector and moving means that moves the X-ray source in a direction in which the X-ray source is in contact with or separated from the breast, and enables imaging of a plurality of breast images having parallax angles.

  According to the above configuration, the X-ray source irradiates the subject's breast with X-rays, and the X-ray detector visualizes the X-rays transmitted from the X-ray source and transmitted through the breast as an image.

  Further, the moving means moves the X-ray source in a direction in which the X-ray source is in contact with or separated from the breast, and a two-dimensional image of a plurality of breasts having parallax angles is taken.

  Then, a stereo image is obtained by arranging two-dimensional images and using simple stereoscopic glasses.

  Here, a plurality of breasts of the subject are imaged by X-rays irradiated from an X-ray source moving in a direction approaching and separating from the breast. For this reason, it is possible to obtain a two-dimensional image having a parallax angle such that the nipple is oriented in the left-right direction. Then, two two-dimensional images having a parallax angle are arranged so that the nipples are directed in the left-right direction, and these images are viewed through stereoscopic glasses, thereby obtaining a stereo image in which the nipples are directed in the left-right direction.

  That is, the breast wall of the right breast image of the right breast is set to the inside, and the nipple is set to face left and right, the chest wall of the right breast image of the left breast is set to face the chest wall of the right breast, and the nipple is turned to the left and right. set.

  Similarly, set the chest wall of the left breast image of the right breast to the inside and the nipple to the left and right, set the chest wall of the left breast image of the left breast to the inside of the chest wall of the right breast, and the nipple to the left and right Set as follows.

  A stereo image obtained by viewing these two-dimensional images through stereoscopic glasses is an image in which the nipples face in the left-right direction and the left and right chest walls are abutted.

  In this way, the left and right breasts projected as a stereo image are arranged side by side, and further, an image in which the left and right breast walls are abutted is obtained, so that inspection can be performed while comparing the left and right breasts.

  An X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein a mounting table is provided that projects in a moving direction of the moving means, and the X-ray detector is provided on a protruding edge side of the mounting table. It is provided in.

  According to the said structure, a mounting base is provided so that it may protrude in the moving direction of a moving means, and the X-ray detector is provided in the protrusion edge side of the mounting base.

  Then, the subject stands on the protruding edge side of the mounting table, the breast is placed on the mounting table from the protruding edge side, the X-ray source irradiates the subject's breast with X-rays, and the X-ray detector is irradiated from the X-ray source. The X-rays transmitted through the breast are visualized as an image.

  Further, the moving means moves the X-ray source in a direction in which the X-ray source is in contact with or separated from the breast, and two-dimensional images of a plurality of breasts having parallax angles are taken.

  In this way, a two-dimensional image having a parallax angle in the direction of approaching and separating from the breast can be captured with a simple configuration.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the moving means moves the X-ray source in a linear shape or an arc shape.

  According to the above configuration, the moving means moves the X-ray source linearly or arcuately, and the X-ray source comes in contact with and separates from the breast.

  In this way, the X-ray source can be easily moved toward and away from the breast by moving a simple movement locus.

  An X-ray imaging apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the X-ray imaging direction according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the X-ray is emitted from the X-ray source in conjunction with the movement of the X-ray source. And an emission direction control means for directing the X-rays emitted from the moving X-ray source toward the X-ray detector is provided.

  According to the said structure, it can prevent that a test subject is irradiated with an X-ray by a radiation | emission direction control means directing the X-ray emitted from the moving X-ray source to an X-ray detector.

  According to the present invention, the left and right breast images are arranged side by side by matching the chest walls of the left and right breasts that are three-dimensionally projected, so that the examination can be performed while comparing the left and right breast images.

1 is a side view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A) (B) It is drawing which showed the two-dimensional image imaged by the X-ray imaging device concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the stereo image projected using the two-dimensional image. It is the schematic diagram which showed the structure of the stereo image display apparatus which projects the two-dimensional image imaged with the X-ray imaging device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention as a stereo image. 1 is a plan view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (A) (B) It is sectional drawing which showed the imaging stand and compression board of the X-ray imaging device which concern on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a perspective view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the side view which showed the X-ray imaging device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  An example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

(overall structure)
As shown in FIG. 6, the X-ray imaging apparatus (mammography) 10 is an apparatus that images a breast N of a standing subject W (see FIG. 4) with X-rays, and is CC (head-to-tail direction. (Cranio & Caudal). )) An apparatus capable of performing both imaging and MLO (internal and external oblique directions, Media-Lateral-Oblique) imaging.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 includes a substantially U-shaped measurement unit 12 provided on the front side of the apparatus and a base unit 14 that supports the measurement unit 12 from behind. The measuring unit 12 is provided with a rotating shaft 16 that extends to the back surface and is rotatably supported by the base unit 14. Measurement is performed by supporting the rotating shaft 16 by the base unit 14. The part 12 is rotatably supported by the base part 14.

  Furthermore, the measurement unit 12 includes an imaging table 22 as a mounting table on which a planar imaging surface 20 on which a breast N (see FIG. 4) of a standing subject W (patient) is placed, and an X-ray tube ( A radiation irradiation device 24 as an X-ray source that irradiates the imaging surface 20 with X-rays for examination, a compression plate 26 that presses the breast N against the imaging surface 20, an imaging table 22, and radiation. And a holding member 28 that holds the irradiation device 24. The holding member 28 is provided with a rotating shaft 18 that rotatably supports an L-shaped L-shaped frame 30 to which the radiation irradiation device 24 is attached. A configuration in which the L-shaped L-shaped frame 30 to which the radiation irradiation device 24 is attached moves in an arc shape around the rotation shaft 18 will be described later.

  The holding member 28 holds the imaging table 22 and the radiation irradiation device 24 so that the imaging surface 20 and the radiation irradiation device 24 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. Furthermore, a slide holding unit 38 is provided on the imaging surface 20 of the imaging table 22 so as to move the compression plate 26 and change the distance between the compression plate 26 and the imaging surface 20.

  Further, the holding member 28 is provided with a pair of handles 34 that the subject W holds with both hands during CC imaging so as to sandwich the imaging surface 20. Further, the grip portion 36 that constitutes the handle 34 and is gripped by the subject W is a substantially straight rod-shaped portion that is inclined to the side opposite to the subject side (that is, the back side for the subject) with respect to the normal line of the imaging surface 20. As it approaches 20, it gradually approaches the subject W side.

  On the other hand, on the front side (subject side) of the imaging table 22 is provided a chest wall abutting portion 38 that abuts a chest portion below the breast N of the subject W (see FIG. 4) during CC imaging. Further, a radiation detector 40 as an X-ray detector that is irradiated with radiation that has passed through the imaging surface 20 is provided inside the imaging table 22.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the compression plate 26 includes a contact portion 42 that comes into contact with the breast N and an extending portion 46 that extends from the contact portion 42 to the back side (opposite to the subject side). I have. The extending portion 46 is movably held by the slide holding portion 38. Further, the contact portion 42 has a U-shaped cross section in which the opposite side of the compression surface 42 </ b> A that compresses the breast N is opened. In FIG. 1, the handle 34 is not shown in order to make the compression plate 26 and the like easier to see.

  With this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 </ b> A and 5 </ b> B, the subject W places the breast N on the imaging surface 20 and slides the compression plate 26 toward the breast N, so that the breast N is It is fixed to the photographing surface 20.

(Main part configuration)
Next, a configuration in which the L-shaped L-shaped frame 30 to which the radiation irradiating device 24 is attached moves in an arc shape around the rotation shaft 18 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the axial direction of the rotation shaft 18 extends across the front of the subject W. The rotating shaft 18 is provided with a motor 50 as a moving means for rotating the rotating shaft 18 to rotate the L-shaped frame 30, and the rotational drive of the motor 50 is connected to the motor 50. It is controlled by the control unit 52.

  With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, when the control unit 52 drives the motor 50 to rotate the rotary shaft 18, the L-shaped frame 30 rotates and the radiation irradiation device 24 contacts the breast N. It moves like a circular hole in the direction of separation.

  Further, the radiation irradiation device 24 is provided with a collimator 56 through which X-rays emitted from the radiation irradiation device 24 pass. Further, the opening 58 of the collimator 56 is adjusted in conjunction with the movement of the radiation irradiation device 24 to change the X-ray emission direction, and the X-ray emitted from the moving radiation irradiation device 24 is directed to the radiation detector 40. An opening control unit 60 as an emission direction control unit is provided.

  That is, the aperture is set so that X-rays are emitted to the radiation detector 40 provided on the protruding edge side of the imaging table 22 provided so as to protrude in the moving direction in which the radiation irradiation device 24 moves by driving the motor 50. The control unit 60 adjusts the opening 58. This prevents the subject W from being hit by X-rays.

(Action / Effect)
As shown in FIG. 5A, the subject W places the breast N on the imaging surface 20 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 10. When the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 is set to the imaging mode in this state, as shown in FIG. 5B, the compression plate 26 moves toward the imaging surface 20, and the compression surface 42A directs the breast N toward the imaging surface 20. Squeeze. Thereby, the breast N is fixed to the imaging surface 20.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the control unit 52 drives the motor 50 to move the radiation irradiation device 24 in a direction in which the subject 52 is in contact with or separated from the breast N of the subject W.

  Further, the opening controller 60 adjusts the opening 58 so that X-rays emitted from the moving radiation irradiation device 24 are emitted toward the radiation detector 40.

  In this way, by moving the radiation irradiation device 24 in a direction in which the radiation irradiation device 24 is in contact with and away from the breast N, a two-dimensional image having a parallax angle is captured for each of the left and right breasts N.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the captured two-dimensional image is set in a stereo image display device 70 that displays a stereo image.

  Specifically, the right-eye image 72A of the right breast is set with the chest wall inward as shown in the figure, the nipple is set on the upper right side so that the left and right directions are directed, and the right-eye image 74A of the left breast is set with the chest wall inward as shown Set the teat on the upper left side so that the nipple is facing left and right.

  Furthermore, the left breast image 72B of the right breast is set so that the chest wall is inward as shown in the drawing, the nipple is set on the lower right side so as to face in the left-right direction, and the left breast image 74B of the left breast is inward as shown in the drawing. Set the teat on the lower left side so that the nipple is facing left and right.

  Then, by viewing the beam splitter mirror 78 through the deflection glasses 76, a stereo (stereoscopic) image is displayed on the beam splitter mirror 78.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2A, two two-dimensional images for the right breast (right eye image 72A, left eye image 72B) and two two-dimensional images for the left breast (right eye image 74A, left eye By using the image 74B), as shown in FIG. 2B, a three-dimensional right breast image 80 and a left breast image 82 in which the left and right chest walls are abutted can be obtained.

  In this manner, the right and left breast walls are matched, and the three-dimensional right breast image 80 and the left breast image 82 are arranged on the left and right, so that the examination can be performed while comparing the left and right breasts.

  Further, the control unit 52 drives the motor 50 and moves the radiation irradiation device 24 in an arc shape, so that the radiation irradiation device 24 can be easily brought into and out of contact with the breast N.

  Further, the opening control unit 60 adjusts the opening 58 to direct the X-rays emitted from the moving radiation irradiation device 24 toward the radiation detector 40, thereby irradiating the subject W with the X-rays. Can be prevented.

  Note that the intensity of X-rays to be irradiated may be changed in two imaging before and after contact / separation. In that case, if the intensity of the X-rays before photographing that is the same as that of normal mammography is increased, a substantially similar S / N mammogram can be obtained. Comparison is easy.

  In mammography, the position of the breast in the captured image may be slightly different on the left and right depending on the breast positioning of the photographer. In that case, the image interpreter moves the position of the breast in the image in the vertical direction by using either the right eye image (72A or 74A) or the left eye image (72B or 74B) on the stereo image display device. The image display device automatically adjusts the position of the left and right breasts in the vertical direction. In this case, the stereo image display device recognizes the amount of movement and the corresponding right-eye image and left-eye image. The position may be adjusted by the same amount.

  Next, an example of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the same member as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the radiation irradiation device 24 provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is not held by the holding member 28 so as to move in a circular hole shape via the L-shaped frame 90, and is linear. Is held to move on.

  Specifically, the L-shaped frame 90 is held by the holding member 28 by the holding portion 92, and moves linearly in the direction in which the holding portion 92 contacts and separates from the subject W inside the holding member 28. A driving unit 94 is provided. Further, a control unit 96 that controls driving of the driving unit 94 is provided.

  With this configuration, the control unit 96 drives the drive unit 94 to move the radiation irradiation device 24 linearly, whereby the radiation irradiation device 24 can be easily brought into and out of contact with the breast N.

  In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the intensity of the irradiated X-rays may be changed in the imaging before and after contact and separation, and the position of the breast on the image is adjusted. In such a case, the right eye image and the left eye image may be adjusted by the same amount by adjusting the position of the breast in the vertical direction by the image reader or automatically adjusting the position by the stereo image display device.

10 X-ray imaging device 22 Imaging stand (mounting stand)
24 Radiation irradiation equipment (X-ray source)
40 Radiation detector (X-ray detector)
50 Motor (moving means)
52 Control unit (moving means)
60 Aperture control section (outgoing direction control means)
94 Drive unit (moving means)
96 Control unit (moving means)
N Breast W Subject

Claims (4)

An X-ray source that irradiates the subject's breast with X-rays;
An X-ray detector that visualizes an X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source and transmitted through the breast as an image;
A moving means for moving the X-ray source in a direction in which the X-ray source is in contact with and away from the breast, and enabling imaging of a plurality of breast images having a parallax angle;
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: A mounting table extending in the moving direction of the moving means is provided;
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray detector is provided on a protruding edge side of the mounting table.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit moves the X-ray source in a linear shape or an arc shape.   An emission direction control for changing the emission direction of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source in conjunction with the movement of the X-ray source and directing the X-rays emitted from the moving X-ray source toward the X-ray detector. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein means are provided.

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