JP2011152198A - Radiographic apparatus and radiographic method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic apparatus and a radiographic method for easily adjusting a radiography condition and an image processing condition even when an operator who does not have technical knowledge on X-ray physics or image processing performs radiography. <P>SOLUTION: An operator inputs an X-ray dose when performing radiography, brightness of a radiographic image, and gradation of the radiographic image. A control unit 5 uses a table 81 stored in a storage part 8 to read tube voltage of an X-ray tube 1, tube current, radiography conditions of X-ray including X-ray radiation time when the radiography is performed, and an image processing condition including a central value of luminance and range of the luminance when the image is displayed. On the basis of the radiography conditions and image processing conditions, radiography is performed by controlling the X-ray tube 1 and an image processing operation part 52. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is based on an X-ray tube that irradiates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through a subject, and X-rays detected by the X-ray detector. The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus including an image processing calculation unit for displaying an X-ray imaging image on a display unit, and an X-ray imaging method using the X-ray imaging apparatus.

  When performing X-ray imaging using such an X-ray imaging apparatus, it is necessary to set X-ray imaging conditions and image processing conditions for displaying an X-ray image. The X-ray imaging conditions and image processing conditions differ depending on the type of diagnosis and imaging region necessary for the patient who is the subject, the physique of the patient, and the like.

  Conventionally, when setting such conditions, the operator designates the tube voltage, tube current, X-ray irradiation time, etc. of the X-ray tube, and when performing X-ray fluoroscopy, The number of frames is specified. Further, when setting the image processing conditions, the operator designates the central value of luminance and the luminance width when displaying an image on the display unit.

  On the other hand, a radiation imaging apparatus has also been proposed in which imaging conditions such as an X-ray tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time are stored in association with manual operation conditions to be manually performed by an operator (patent). Reference 1).

JP 2009-254411 A

  In order to set the above-described imaging conditions and image processing conditions, appropriate conditions cannot be set without expertise in X-ray physics and image processing. In addition, parameters that can be set by the operator may be limited in order to prevent an operator without specialized knowledge from making a dangerous setting for a patient or the like. For this reason, specialists in X-ray physics and image processing are not sufficient, and it is difficult for an operator who is not skilled in X-ray imaging to set appropriate imaging conditions and image processing conditions.

  Of course, as described in Patent Document 1, a plurality of imaging conditions having different tube voltages, tube currents, X-ray irradiation times, and the like of the X-ray tube are set in advance, and an operator can select one of the plurality of imaging conditions. If one is selected, the above-mentioned problem can be solved. However, when such a configuration is adopted, fine adjustments of imaging conditions and image processing conditions such as a request to lower the X-ray dose a little or a request to make the image displayed on the display a little brighter are performed. It becomes impossible.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. Even when an operator who does not have expertise in X-ray physics or image processing performs X-ray imaging, the imaging conditions and image processing conditions can be easily adjusted. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging method that can be performed.

  The invention described in claim 1 is detected by an X-ray tube that irradiates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have been irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through a subject, and the X-ray detector. In an X-ray imaging apparatus having an image processing calculation unit for displaying an X-ray image on the display unit based on the X-rays, an X-ray amount during X-ray imaging and a display state of the X-ray image are input. An X-ray imaging condition and an image processing condition for obtaining an X-ray imaging and X-ray imaging image display state, and an X-ray imaging and X-ray imaging image display state at the X-ray imaging Based on the X-ray dose at the time of X-ray imaging and the display state of the X-ray radiograph image input from the input unit, the X-ray dose at the time of X-ray radiography and X-ray imaging condition and image processing condition for obtaining display state of X-ray imaging image Reading, characterized in that a control unit for controlling the X-ray tube and the image processing arithmetic unit on the basis of the X-ray imaging conditions and image processing conditions.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the storage unit displays the X-ray dose and the X-ray image display state during X-ray imaging, and the X-ray dose and X during the X-ray imaging. A plurality of tables storing relations between X-ray imaging conditions and image processing conditions for obtaining a display state of a radiographic image are provided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the display state of the X-ray image includes the contrast of the image and the gradation of the image.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention, the X-ray imaging conditions include a tube voltage of the X-ray tube, a tube current, and an X-ray irradiation time.

  According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the third aspect of the invention, the image processing condition includes a luminance center value and a luminance width when an image is displayed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the display state of the X-ray image includes a switching speed of the image during fluoroscopy, and the X-ray image condition Includes the number of frames taken per unit time during fluoroscopic imaging.

  The invention described in claim 7 is detected by an X-ray tube that irradiates X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have been irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through a subject, and the X-ray detector. In an X-ray imaging method by an X-ray imaging apparatus having an image processing operation unit for displaying an X-ray imaging image on a display unit based on the X-rays, the X-ray imaging at the X-ray imaging, X-ray tube voltage during X-ray imaging to obtain brightness and darkness, X-ray imaging gradation, X-ray dose during X-ray imaging, X-ray imaging brightness, X-ray imaging gradation A storage process for storing the relationship between X-ray imaging conditions including tube current, X-ray irradiation time, and image processing conditions including a luminance center value and luminance width when displaying an image; An input step of inputting an X-ray amount at the time of imaging, brightness of an X-ray image, and gradation of the X-ray image; Based on the X-ray dose at the time of X-ray photography, the brightness of the X-ray photography image, the gradation of the X-ray photography image, the X-ray dose at the X-ray photography, the brightness of the X-ray photography image, the X-ray photography image X-ray imaging conditions including tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time for obtaining gradation, and image processing conditions including a luminance center value and a luminance width when displaying an image. A condition reading step for reading, and an X-ray imaging step for controlling the X-ray tube and the image processing operation unit to perform X-ray imaging based on the X-ray imaging condition and the image processing condition read in the condition reading step. It is characterized by having.

  According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, when the operator inputs the X-ray dose and the display state of the X-ray image at the time of X-ray imaging, the line imaging condition and the image processing condition are automatically selected. Then, X-ray imaging is executed. For this reason, even when an operator who does not have expertise in X-ray physics or image processing performs X-ray imaging, it is possible to easily adjust imaging conditions and image processing conditions.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the X-ray dose and X-ray image display state at the time of X-ray imaging and the X-ray dose and X-ray image display state at the X-ray image are obtained on a plurality of tables. By storing the relationship between the X-ray imaging conditions and the image processing conditions for this purpose, it is possible to quickly adjust the imaging conditions and the image processing conditions according to the operator's selection.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the operator can easily adjust the image processing conditions by inputting the brightness of the image and the gradation of the image.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, it is possible to easily adjust the X-ray imaging conditions including the tube voltage of the X-ray tube, the tube current, and the X-ray irradiation time in accordance with an operator input.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily adjust the image processing conditions including the luminance center value and the luminance width when an image is displayed in accordance with the input of the operator.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the display state of the X-ray image includes the image switching speed during fluoroscopy, and the X-ray image condition includes the number of frames per unit time during X-ray fluoroscopy. Even when X-ray fluoroscopic imaging is performed, imaging conditions and image processing conditions can be easily adjusted.

1 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention. The relationship between the X-ray dose input by the operator and the condition 100 related to the display state of the X-ray image and the control condition 200 of the X-ray apparatus including the X-ray image condition 201 and the image processing condition 202 set thereby are shown. It is explanatory drawing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus performs X-ray fluoroscopy, and an X-ray tube 1 for irradiating X-rays, an X-ray tube control unit 51 for controlling the X-ray tube 1, and an X-ray tube An X-ray detection unit 2 such as a flat panel detector that detects X-rays irradiated from 1 and passed through a patient 4 as a subject on the table 3 and an X-ray image detected by the X-ray detection unit 2 are subjected to image processing. An image processing calculation unit 52, a display unit 7 for displaying an X-ray image based on data detected by the X-ray detection unit 2 and image-processed by the image processing calculation unit 52, and an operator at the time of X-ray imaging An input unit 6 for inputting an X-ray dose and a display state of an X-ray image, a control unit 5 for controlling the entire apparatus, and a storage unit 8 having a plurality of tables 81 to be described later.

  In this X-ray imaging apparatus, the control unit 5 transmits a control signal to the X-ray tube control unit 51 to control the tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time applied to the X-ray tube 1. . Further, when the control unit 5 issues a command to the image processing calculation unit 52 and the X-ray detection unit 2, the number of imaging frames per unit time during X-ray fluoroscopic imaging and the luminance when displaying an image on the display unit 7 are described. The image processing conditions including the center value and the luminance range are controlled. Note that when controlling the luminance of the image displayed on the display unit 7, an IBS gate circuit (not shown) for creating an IBS signal (automatic luminance adjustment signal) is also used, and an image processing arithmetic unit using this IBS signal 52 executes image processing including luminance control.

  In this X-ray imaging apparatus, the input unit 6 is used to input the X-ray dose during X-ray imaging and the display state of the X-ray imaging image. At this time, the information input by the operator is not based on the X-ray generation conditions of the X-ray tube such as the conventional tube voltage and tube current, or the image processing conditions such as the luminance, but in accordance with the purpose of the X-ray imaging. The information is easy to understand even for an operator who does not have expertise in X-ray physics or image processing.

  FIG. 2 shows a control condition 200 of an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray dose input by an operator and a condition 100 related to a display state of the X-ray imaging image, and an X-ray imaging condition 201 and an image processing condition 202 set thereby. It is explanatory drawing which shows these relationships.

  In this embodiment, the condition of the X-ray dose input by the operator is only the condition of “low / high X-ray dose”. This condition has five levels. On the other hand, the conditions relating to the display state of the X-ray image input by the operator are “the image is dark / bright / dark”, “the image gradation is narrow / wide”, and “the speed during fluoroscopy” The three conditions are “slow / fast”. Each of these conditions also has five levels.

  On the other hand, the X-ray imaging conditions 201 set based on these pieces of information include “tube voltage”, “tube current”, “X-ray irradiation time” for the X-ray tube 1 and “unit time during fluoroscopic imaging”. Number of frames per frame (fps) ”. The image processing conditions 202 set based on these pieces of information are “luminance center value (Window Level)” and “luminance width (Window Width)” when an image is displayed on the display unit 7. Yes.

The storage unit 8 obtains the selection conditions regarding the X-ray imaging and X-ray imaging image display state input by the operator and the X-ray imaging and X-ray imaging image display status at the X-ray imaging. A plurality of tables 81 for determining the relationship between the X-ray imaging conditions and the image processing conditions are stored. For example, the number of tables is “5 ⁴ (if the four types of data have five levels of conditions, as in the condition 100 related to the X-ray dose and X-ray image display state shown in FIG. 5 to the 4th power) ”. The data in these tables 81 is experimental and empirical while changing processing conditions in advance, taking into account specialized information such as X-ray physics and image processing, and taking into consideration imaging conditions and imaging results at that time. This is what was requested. When executing X-ray imaging, the data in these tables 81 is read out by the control unit 5.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus having the above configuration, the above-described table 81 is stored in the storage unit 8 before X-ray fluoroscopy. During X-ray imaging, the operator uses the input unit 6 to input conditions relating to the X-ray dose and the display state of the X-ray imaging image. In this case, for example, “X-ray dose is slightly lower (2), image is slightly brighter (4), gradation is clear (5), and the speed during fluoroscopy is normal (3)”, etc. It is only necessary to input information that is easy to understand in accordance with the purpose of shooting.

  If the input of necessary conditions from the input unit 6 is completed, the control unit 5 performs the X-ray imaging from the storage unit 8 based on the input X-ray dose and the display state of the X-ray imaging image. The table 81 corresponding to the X-ray imaging condition and the image processing condition for obtaining the X-ray dose at that time and the display state of the X-ray imaging image is read. The control unit 5 controls the X-ray tube 1 via the X-ray tube control unit 51 on the basis of the information in the table 81, and the X-ray detection unit 2 and the display unit via the image processing calculation unit 52. 7 is executed to perform X-ray imaging and display.

  As described above, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention, the table 81 in which appropriate data is stored in advance is selected only by inputting easy-to-understand information according to the purpose of the X-ray imaging, and the X-ray Imaging and X-ray imaging images are displayed. For this reason, even an operator who does not have expertise in X-ray physics or image processing can execute appropriate X-ray imaging.

  In the above-described embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus that performs X-ray fluoroscopy has been described. However, when only normal X-ray imaging is performed, an image switching speed during fluoroscopy is displayed as a display state. In addition, it is not necessary to select the number of imaging frames per unit time at the time of X-ray fluoroscopic imaging as X-ray imaging conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray tube 2 X-ray detection part 3 Table 4 Patient 5 Control part 6 Input part 7 Display part 8 Memory | storage part 51 X-ray tube control part 52 Image processing calculating part 81 Table 100 X dose and the display state of an X-ray imaging image Related conditions 200 Control conditions of X-ray imaging apparatus 201 X-ray imaging conditions 202 Image processing conditions

Claims (7)

An X-ray tube for irradiating X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passing through the subject, and a display unit based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: an image processing calculation unit for displaying an X-ray image;
An input unit for inputting an X-ray dose at the time of X-ray imaging and a display state of the X-ray image;
Stores the relationship between the X-ray imaging and X-ray imaging display state during X-ray imaging and the X-ray imaging conditions and image processing conditions for obtaining the X-ray imaging and X-ray imaging display status during X-ray imaging A storage unit to
To obtain the X-ray dose and X-ray image display state during X-ray imaging from the storage unit based on the X-ray dose and X-ray radiograph image display state input at the input unit. A control unit that reads out the X-ray imaging conditions and the image processing conditions, and controls the X-ray tube and the image processing calculation unit based on the X-ray imaging conditions and the image processing conditions;
An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The storage unit displays an X-ray imaging and X-ray imaging image display state at the time of X-ray imaging, and an X-ray imaging condition and an image processing condition for obtaining the X-ray imaging and X-ray imaging image display state at the X-ray imaging. X-ray imaging apparatus comprising a plurality of tables storing the relationship between The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
An X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the display state of the X-ray imaging image includes image contrast and image gradation. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray tube voltage, a tube current, and an X-ray irradiation time. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3,
The image processing condition is an X-ray imaging apparatus including a central value of luminance and a luminance width when an image is displayed. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The display state of the X-ray image includes a switching speed of the image during fluoroscopy,
The X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray imaging apparatus including the number of imaging frames per unit time during X-ray fluoroscopic imaging. An X-ray tube for irradiating X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passing through the subject, and a display unit based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector In an X-ray imaging method by an X-ray imaging apparatus including an image processing calculation unit for displaying an X-ray imaging image,
To obtain the X-ray dose at the time of X-ray imaging, the brightness of the X-ray image, the gradation of the X-ray image, the X-ray dose at the X-ray image, the brightness of the X-ray image, and the gradation of the X-ray image X-ray imaging conditions including X-ray tube voltage, tube current, and X-ray irradiation time during X-ray imaging, and image processing conditions including a luminance center value and luminance width when displaying an image A storage step for storing the relationship between
An input process for inputting an X-ray dose at the time of X-ray imaging, brightness of the X-ray image, and gradation of the X-ray image;
Based on the X-ray dose at the time of X-ray imaging, the brightness of the X-ray image, and the gradation of the X-ray image, the X-ray dose at the X-ray image, the brightness of the X-ray image, X Including X-ray tube conditions, X-ray tube conditions, X-ray irradiation conditions including X-ray irradiation time, and the center value of luminance and the luminance range for displaying an image to obtain the gradation of the X-ray image A condition reading step for reading image processing conditions;
Based on the X-ray imaging conditions and image processing conditions read out in the condition reading step, the X-ray imaging step of controlling the X-ray tube and the image processing calculation unit and performing X-ray imaging;
An X-ray imaging method comprising:

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