JP2016007338A - Panoramic x-ray photographing device and panoramic x-ray photographing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology to efficiently set a position of a tomographic plane for generating a tomographic image.SOLUTION: An information processing device 8 of an X-ray photographing device 100 reconfigures projection image data acquired by irradiating an X-ray slit beam and generates a panoramic tomographic image. The X-ray photographing device includes a position setting part 801a that, by receiving an alteration command to alter part of a position of a tomographic plane, receives an operation to alter part of the previously set position of the tomographic plane, and sets a new position of the tomographic plane.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying continuous tomographic images.

  Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which an operator designates a position for generating a panoramic tomographic image after panoramic imaging, and generates and displays a panoramic tomographic image at that position (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In Patent Document 1, transmission data obtained by panoramic imaging is back-projected to generate three-dimensional X-ray absorption coefficient data, which are displayed as a tomographic image viewed from the axial direction of the swing axis of the swing arm. Then, the operator designates a tomographic plane position for generating a panoramic tomographic image on the tomographic image.

International Publication No. 2002/028285 Pamphlet

  However, in the case of the technique described in Patent Document 1, although the position of the panoramic tomographic plane can be designated, once the position is determined, partial changes cannot be made. In order to make a change, it is necessary to specify from the beginning again, which is a troublesome operation for the operator.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for efficiently setting the position of a tomographic plane for generating a tomographic image.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the first aspect is an X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray generator that generates X-rays, and an X-ray restricting unit that restricts the generated X-rays to an X-ray slit beam And an X-ray detector having a plurality of detection elements that output a signal corresponding to the intensity of the incident X-ray, and swiveling around a swivel axis, and moving the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector to the subject A support unit that is supported by being opposed to each other, a support unit moving unit that rotates the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector around the subject by moving the support unit, and the support unit movement A storage unit that stores projection image data output from the X-ray detector that has received the X-ray slit beam transmitted through the region of interest by tomography of the region of interest in the subject performed by driving the unit; An image for processing the projection image data stored in the storage unit And a position control unit that sets a position of a tomographic plane in accordance with the shape of the region of interest, the position setting unit including the region of interest The position of the tomographic plane before receiving the change command by receiving a change command to change a position of a part of the tomographic plane along the shape of the X-ray slit beam to a direction including a component in the transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam The tomographic image corresponding to the position of the new tomographic plane set by the position setting unit is set, and the image processing unit sets a new position of the tomographic plane composed of the changed region that has been changed and the unchanged region that is not changed. Is generated.

  A second aspect is an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the tomographic plane forms a curved surface.

  Moreover, a 3rd aspect is an X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on a 1st or 2nd aspect, Comprising: The said image process part has received the said position setting part, The part position to which the said tomographic plane was changed The tomographic image corresponding to the position of the new tomographic plane is generated by partially processing the projection image data corresponding to the above.

  Further, a fourth aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the position setting unit is configured such that the image processing unit reconstructs the projection image data. From the three-dimensional data of the region of interest obtained by this, a tomographic image viewed from the axial direction of the swivel axis in the support unit is generated and controlled to be displayed as a position setting image on the display unit. A command for setting the position of the tomographic plane executed on the image is received.

  Further, a fifth aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the position setting unit sets a position of the tomographic plane to a predetermined initial tomographic plane. Set to position.

  Further, a sixth aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the image processing unit generates the tomographic image at the initial tomographic plane position before receiving the change command, and A display unit displays the tomographic image at the initial tomographic plane position generated by the image processing unit.

  Further, a seventh aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the position setting unit performs curve interpolation so that the tomographic plane passes through the position specified in the change command, and a new The fault plane is set.

  An eighth aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the display unit corresponds to a tomographic image corresponding to a position of the tomographic plane before receiving the change command. And a tomographic image corresponding to a new position of the tomographic plane after receiving the change command are simultaneously displayed.

  A ninth aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the display unit is a tomographic image viewed from the axial direction of the pivot axis and the interest viewed from the axial direction of the pivot axis. The schematic diagram of the part is displayed in an overlapping manner.

  According to a tenth aspect, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the position setting unit is configured to change the change command for each divided region into which the region of interest is divided into a plurality of regions. Accept.

  An eleventh aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the position setting unit changes the position of the tomographic plane in the axial direction of the pivot axis. Accept instructions.

  According to a twelfth aspect, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, the position setting unit changes the position of the tomographic plane in the axial direction of the pivot axis for each of a predetermined number of positions. The change command to be accepted is accepted.

  A thirteenth aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein at least part of a tomographic plane defined in advance for the region of interest during the tomography. On the other hand, the drive control unit controls the drive of the support unit moving unit so that the optical axes of the X-ray slit beam are orthogonal to each other.

  According to a fourteenth aspect, in the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the position setting unit includes a partial region setting unit that specifies a position of the partial region at an arbitrary position on the tomographic plane, The image processing unit is configured to display a tomographic image of the partial region set by the partial region setting unit.

  The fifteenth aspect is an X-ray imaging method, wherein (a) an X-ray generator that generates X-rays formed in an X-ray slit beam by a support portion and the intensity of incident X-rays A step of supporting an X-ray detector that outputs a signal corresponding to each other with a subject sandwiched therebetween, and (b) a support unit moving unit moving the support unit, whereby the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector The step of rotating the X-ray detector around the subject, and (c) receiving the X-ray slit beam transmitted through the region of interest by tomography of the region of interest in the subject in the step (b) A step of storing projection image data output from the X-ray detector in a storage unit; and (d) an image processing unit that performs image processing on the projection image data stored in the storage unit in step (c). And (e) depending on the shape of the region of interest A step of setting a position of a tomographic plane, and (f) a position of a part of the tomographic plane along the shape of the region of interest set in the step (e) is a transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam When a change command for changing to a direction including the component is received, the position of the tomographic plane before the change command is received is set to a new position of the tomographic plane consisting of a changed area where the position of the tomographic plane is changed and an unchangeable area which is not changed Including the step of.

  According to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, it is possible to accept a change for the position of a part of the tomographic plane that has already been set. Since the position of a part of the tomographic plane can be changed in this way, the tomographic plane can be efficiently set at the position of the tomographic plane that the operator is interested in. Therefore, the image diagnosis efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, when the region of interest has a curved shape, a curved tomographic plane can be set so as to follow the curved shape.

  Moreover, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on a 3rd aspect, a calculation burden can be eased.

  Further, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to set a tomographic plane desired by the operator.

  In addition, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the tomographic plane can be automatically set at the initial tomographic plane position.

  In addition, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the operator can change the position of the tomographic plane based on the tomographic image related to the tomographic plane at the initial tomographic plane position.

  Moreover, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on a 7th aspect, the curved tomographic surface which is not steep can be set. A tomographic image that is naturally and smoothly connected can be generated.

  In addition, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the tomographic image before the change and the tomographic image after the change can be easily compared. For this reason, a tomographic plane position can be set appropriately.

  Further, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect, although a tomographic image of a tomographic plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the pivot axis is difficult to visually recognize, the tomographic position can be designated intuitively by a schematic diagram.

  Moreover, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on a 10th aspect, a tomographic plane can be set for every some division area.

  Further, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, since the tomographic plane can be set by dividing into the axial direction of the pivot axis, even when the shape of the region of interest differs for each subject in the axial direction of the pivot axis A fault plane suitable for each can be set.

  Further, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, the tomographic plane can be set at an appropriate position in the axial direction of the turning axis.

  Moreover, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on a 13th aspect, a projection image without distortion can be acquired by making it orthogonal to a tomographic plane.

  In addition, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, the tomographic plane position can be set appropriately smoothly by reducing the burden of calculation by using tomographic image generation as a partial region.

1 is a schematic perspective view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. It is a front view which shows the cephalostat applicable to an X-ray imaging apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an X-ray imaging apparatus. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the head of the subject fixed to the subject holding means. It is a figure which shows the flow of operation | movement of an X-ray imaging apparatus. It is explanatory drawing explaining the method of panoramic imaging. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the reception routine of a change of a tomographic plane position. It is a figure which shows an example of the image for position adjustment. It is a figure which shows the panoramic tomographic image displayed as an image for position adjustment. It is a figure which shows the example of the image for position adjustment when the change operation of a tomographic plane position is received. It is the schematic which shows the panoramic tomographic image updated after position adjustment. It is a figure which shows the image for position adjustment which concerns on a modification. It is the schematic which shows the example of a display of the panoramic tomographic image which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the partial panoramic tomographic image which concerns on a modification. It is a figure which shows the image for position adjustment which concerns on another modification. It is a figure which shows the shape of a tomographic plane. It is a figure which shows the image for position adjustment which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the component described in this embodiment is an illustration to the last, and is not a thing of the meaning which limits the scope of the present invention only to them. In the drawings, the size and number of each part may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding.

<1.1. Configuration and Function>
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 performs X-ray imaging (here, X-ray CT imaging), processes the projection data collected in the main body 1 and the main body 1 to collect various images. It is roughly divided into the information processing device 8 to be generated. Note that the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is configured to execute not only X-ray CT imaging (Computed Tomography) but also panoramic X-ray tomography.

  FIG. 1 shows a left-handed XYZ orthogonal coordinate system and an xyz orthogonal coordinate system. Here, the direction parallel to the axial direction of the turning shaft 31 (here, the vertical direction) is defined as the “Z-axis direction”, the direction intersecting the Z-axis is defined as the “X-axis direction”, and the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The direction intersecting the direction is defined as “Y-axis direction”. The X-axis and Y-axis directions can be arbitrarily determined. Here, the left and right directions of the subject when the subject who is the subject M1 is positioned in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 and directly faces the column 50 are defined as X The axial direction is defined, and the front-rear direction of the subject is defined as the Y-axis direction. In the following description, the Z-axis direction may be referred to as a vertical direction, and the direction on a plane defined in two dimensions, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, may be referred to as a horizontal direction.

  The xyz orthogonal coordinate system is a three-dimensional coordinate system defined on the revolving arm 30 that revolves. Here, the direction in which the X-ray generation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 face each other is referred to as “y-axis direction”, and the horizontal direction orthogonal to the y-axis direction is referred to as “x-axis direction”. The perpendicular direction that is orthogonal is defined as the “z-axis direction”. In the present embodiment, the Z-axis direction is the same direction as the z-axis direction. Further, the swing arm 30 of the present embodiment rotates around a swing shaft 31 extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, the xyz orthogonal coordinate system rotates around the Z axis (= z axis) with respect to the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the right hand direction when the subject faces the column 50 is the (+ X) direction, the back direction is the (+ Y) direction, and the vertical direction is upward (+ Z ) Direction. Further, when the X-ray generation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 are viewed from above, the direction from the X-ray generation unit 10 to the X-ray detection unit 20 is the (+ y) direction and the (+ y) side. The left hand direction is the (+ x) direction, and the upward direction in the vertical direction is the (+ z) direction.

  Furthermore, in the following, X, Y, Z, x, y, and z may be used to define a two-dimensional coordinate or a plane. For example, a two-dimensional coordinate composed of an X coordinate and a Y coordinate may be referred to as an XY coordinate, and a two-dimensional plane extending in the X direction and the Y direction may be referred to as an XY plane.

  The main unit 1 emits an X-ray beam composed of a bundle of X-rays toward the subject M1, and detects the X-rays emitted by the X-ray generator 10 and passed through the subject M1. An X-ray detection unit 20 and a support unit 300 (swivel arm 30) for supporting the X-ray generation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 are provided. Further, the main body 1 suspends the support unit 300 and can be moved up and down in the vertical direction with respect to the column 50 by the action of a lifting motor (not shown), the column 50 extending in the vertical direction, and the main body control unit 60. And.

  The X-ray generation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 are respectively suspended and fixed at both ends of the turning arm 30 and supported so as to face each other. The turning arm 30 is suspended and fixed to the elevating unit 40 via a turning shaft 31 extending in the vertical direction.

  The X-ray generator 10 includes an X-ray generator 11 having an X-ray tube as an X-ray source inside the housing. The housing of the X-ray generation unit 10 is attached to the support unit 300 so as to be rotatable around the Z axis. This rotation function is used, for example, at the time of cephalometric photography.

  The X-ray detection unit 20 includes an X-ray detector 21 that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject M1. The X-ray detector 21 constitutes an image sensor composed of a plurality of X-ray detection elements arranged so as to spread in a two-dimensional plane (here, xz plane). The X-ray detection element converts a signal corresponding to the intensity of the X-ray into an electric signal and outputs it to the outside. The intensity of X-rays incident on the X-ray detection unit 20 is acquired by the image sensor as frame image data (image information) having a pixel value corresponding to the X-ray intensity at a required frame rate.

  As the X-ray detector 21, a MOS sensor or a CMOS sensor can be suitably used, but any electrical imaging sensor may be used as long as a frame image can be obtained. Specifically, various devices such as a flat panel detector (FPD) such as a CCD sensor and other solid-state imaging devices can be used.

  In the present embodiment, the support unit 300 is composed of a revolving arm 30 that revolves around the revolving axis 31, and the X-ray generation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 are attached to both ends of the substantially rectangular parallelepiped revolving arm 30. ing. However, the configuration of the support unit 300 that supports the X-ray generation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray generation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 may be supported in an opposed state by an annular member that rotates about the center of the annular portion.

  The raising / lowering part 40 is engaged with the support | pillar 50 standingly arranged so that it may extend along a perpendicular direction. The elevating part 40 has a substantially U-shaped structure in which the upper frame 41 and the lower frame 42 protrude on the opposite side of the side engaged with the support column 50.

  An upper end portion of the swing arm 30 is attached to the upper frame 41. In this way, the swing arm 30 is suspended from the upper frame 41 of the lift unit 40, and the swing arm 30 moves up and down as the lift unit 40 moves along the column 50.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the head of the subject M1 fixed to the subject holding means 421. As shown in FIG. The lower frame 42 is provided with subject holding means 421. The subject holding means 421 is provided with a subject holding means 421 including a rod that fixes the head of the subject M1 from the left and right, a chin rest that fixes the chin, and the like. The head of the subject is fixed so that the front-rear direction of the head is parallel or substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction. That is, in a state where the head is fixed, the median sagittal section of the head is parallel or substantially parallel to the YZ plane defined by the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Note that the subject holding means 421 is not limited to a rod or a chin rest, and may include, for example, a bite block that fixes the head when the subject M1 bites.

  The swivel arm 30 is raised / lowered according to the height of the lifting / lowering unit 40 according to the height of the subject M1 and adjusted to an appropriate position, and the subject M1 is fixed to the subject holding means 421 in this state. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the subject holding unit 421 fixes the subject M1 so that the body axis of the subject M1 is the same or substantially the same as the axial direction of the turning shaft 31.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a main body control unit 60 that controls the operation of each component of the main body unit 1 is provided inside the X-ray detection unit 20. Each configuration of the main body 1 is accommodated in the X-ray prevention chamber 70. On the outside of the wall of the X-ray prevention chamber 70, various displays are provided with respect to the main body control unit 60 and a display unit 61 configured with a liquid crystal monitor or the like for displaying various information based on control from the main body control unit 60. An operation panel 62 composed of buttons and the like for realizing command input is attached. The operation panel 62 is also used for designating the position of an imaging region such as a living organ. X-ray imaging includes various modes (panoramic X-ray tomography, CT imaging, cephalometric imaging, etc.), and the mode can be selected by operating the operation panel 62.

  An operation panel 62A having the same or similar function as the operation panel 62 and a display unit 61A having the same or similar function as the display unit 61 are provided on the back side of the X-ray detector 21 of the X-ray detection unit 20 of the main body 1. It is provided and can be operated either inside or outside the X-ray chamber 70.

  The information processing apparatus 8 includes an information processing main body 80 configured by, for example, a computer or a workstation, and can transmit and receive various data to and from the main body 1 using a communication cable. However, data may be exchanged between the main body 1 and the information processing apparatus 8 wirelessly.

  For example, a display unit 81 including a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor and an operation unit 82 including a keyboard and a mouse are connected to the information processing body unit 80. The operator can give various commands to the information processing main body 80 by a pointer operation using a mouse or the like on the characters and images displayed on the display unit 81. The display unit 81 can also be configured with a touch panel. In this case, the display unit 81 includes a part or all of the functions of the operation unit 82.

  FIG. 2 is a front view showing a cephalostat 43 applicable to the X-ray imaging apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 2, a cephalostat 43 may be provided in the elevating unit 40. The cephalostat 43 is attached to, for example, an arm 501 that extends in the horizontal direction from the middle of the column 50. The cephalostat 43 is provided with a fixture 431 for fixing the head in a fixed position and an x-ray detector 432 for cephalo imaging. As the cephalostat 43, various types including a cephalostat disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-245277 can be adopted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the main body 1 includes a drive unit 65 that includes a turning motor 60R, an X-axis motor 60X, and a Y-axis motor 60Y. The X-axis motor 60X and the Y-axis motor 60Y are an X-direction moving mechanism including a mechanical element that displaces the turning shaft 31 in the X-axis direction relative to the subject M1, and a machine that displaces in the Y-axis direction. The revolving shaft 31 is horizontally moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively, via the XY movement mechanism composed of both of the Y-direction movement mechanisms composed of the target elements.

  Further, the turning motor 60R rotates the turning shaft 31 around the Z axis via a turning mechanism including a mechanical element that rotates the turning shaft 31 relative to the subject M1. That is, the drive unit 65 moves the turning arm 30 horizontally or turns relative to the subject M1 positioned at the required position. In the present embodiment, the drive unit 65 and the turning shaft 31 constitute a support unit moving unit. In addition, when the displacement drive of the support part 300 in the Z direction is also included in the movement of the support part, a lift motor (not shown) that drives the lift part 40 up and down in the vertical direction with respect to the column 50 is also the drive part 65. Included.

  The main body control unit 60 includes a CPU 601 and a fixed disk such as a hard disk, and is configured as a general computer in which a storage unit 602 that stores various data and programs PG1, a ROM 603, and a RAM 604 are connected to a bus line. have.

  The CPU 601 executes various control programs including a program PG1 for controlling the drive unit 65. More specifically, the CPU 601 executes the program PG1 stored in the storage unit 602 on the RAM 604, thereby controlling the X-ray generation unit control unit 601a that controls the X-ray generation unit 10 according to various imaging modes. And functions as an X-ray detector controller 601b that controls the X-ray detector 20. The X-ray generation unit control unit 601a can also control the X-ray irradiation X-ray dose, and also has a function of an X-ray irradiation control unit. Further, the CPU 601 functions as a drive control unit that drives and controls the drive unit 65, and controls the drive so that, for example, the X-ray generation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 move in a trajectory corresponding to various types of imaging. The CPU 601 controls the driving of the supporting unit moving unit by controlling the driving unit 65 as a driving control unit.

  The CPU 601 constituting the main body control unit 60 and the CPU 801 constituting the information processing main body unit 80 integrally constitute a control system in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100.

  An operation panel 62 connected to the main body control unit 60 includes a plurality of operation buttons and the like. In addition to the operation buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pen, or the like can be used as an input device instead of the operation panel 62 or used together with the operation panel 62. Further, a voice command may be received and recognized by a microphone or the like. That is, the operation panel 62 is an example of an operation unit (operation unit). Therefore, the operation means may be provided with a configuration that accepts an operator's operation. In addition, the display unit 61 can be configured by a touch panel. In this case, the display unit 61 includes a part or all of the functions of the operation panel 62.

  Various kinds of information necessary for operation of the main body 1 are displayed on the display unit 61 as characters, images, and the like. However, the display content displayed on the display unit 81 of the information processing apparatus 8 may be displayed on the display unit 61. Further, various commands may be issued to the main body unit 1 through a pointer operation with a mouse or the like on a character or image displayed on the display unit 61.

  The main body control unit 60 specifies the position of the subject M1, and adjusts the trajectory when the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 are turned according to the specified position of the subject M1. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the position of the subject M1 is such that the head of the subject M1 is located at a position where the jaw is fixed to the main body 1 by the chin rest. For this reason, the position of each part (especially jawbone and teeth) of the head can be easily specified. The same applies when a bite block is used as the subject holding means 421.

  In the panoramic tomography in the present application, as shown in FIG. 4, the dental arch as a region of interest, and more specifically, the dentition with the chin rest of the subject M1 head placed on the chin rest of the subject holding means 421. A tomographic image of a portion where the bow model dm is set is acquired. The dental arch model is a virtual three-dimensional shape along the shape of the standard dental arch of the human body, and here, a virtual imaging object having a horseshoe shape in plan view corresponding to a panoramic tomography. Say. The movement trajectories of the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 are set so as to realize panoramic tomography for a portion where such a dental arch model dm exists.

  The dental arch model dm occupies a fixed position in the three-dimensional space with respect to the subject holding means 421. Since the position of the panoramic tomography indicated by the dental arch model dm is specified in the three-dimensional space in the main body 1, the position (standard position) of the dental arch model dm is a coordinate of three-dimensional coordinates. It is grasped as information. Further, the dental arch model dm is not limited to one. For example, several dental arch models dm corresponding to each age and the like such as adults (adult men or adult women), children, and elderly people may be prepared in advance so that they can be selected according to the subject M1. Information on the dental arch model dm is stored in the storage unit 802 or the like, and is read by the position setting unit 801a as appropriate.

  The shape including the size of the dental arch model dm and its position can be set by deriving commonly used ones from a general skeleton of a target group such as an adult male or an adult female. Individual dental arch models may be obtained from measurements of dental dentitions in individual oral cavity and X-ray fluoroscopic images.

  As another method for specifying the position of the dental arch model dm in the subject M1, a method using a laser beam is conceivable. Specifically, a laser beam is emitted from a position detection unit (here, a laser light source) provided in the X-ray generation unit 10 so that the laser beam is irradiated to a characteristic position on the face of the subject. The X-ray generator 10 is moved to the position. For example, if the laser beam is irradiated to the position of the mouth corner of the lips, the position of the canine that is a part of the dental arch model dm can be roughly specified. Thereby, the position where the dental arch model dm should be arranged in the subject M1 can be specified. The turning trajectories of the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 are adjusted (shifted) based on the positional information that is the detection result identified and detected in this way. Accordingly, panoramic X-ray tomography can be performed by appropriately adjusting the positional relationship between the X-ray generator 11, the X-ray detector 21, and the subject M1.

  As a mode for adjusting the position, either the X-ray generator 11 or the X-ray detector 21 moves relative to the subject M1, or the X-ray generator 11 or X with respect to the subject M1. It is assumed that both of the line detectors 21 move relatively. In any case, the positional relationship among the three of the subject M1, the X-ray generator 11, and the X-ray detector 21 is adjusted.

  The main body unit 1 is a region of interest (including a living organ, a bone (including a plurality of teeth, jaw bones, etc. constituting a dentition) or a joint) of the subject M1 in accordance with a command from the operation panel 62 or the information processing device 8. , Shoot using X-rays. The main body 1 receives various commands, coordinate data, and the like from the information processing device 8, and transmits X-ray projection data acquired by imaging to the information processing device 8.

  The information processing main unit 80 includes a CPU 801 that executes various programs, a fixed disk such as a hard disk, and includes a storage unit 802 that stores various data (including projection image data) and a program PG2, a ROM 803, and a RAM 804. The computer has a configuration as a general computer connected to the bus line.

  The CPU 801 functions as a position setting unit 801a and an image generation unit 801b by executing the program PG2 stored in the storage unit 802 on the RAM 804. The position setting unit 801a sets the position of the tomographic plane according to the shape of the region of interest. More specifically, the position setting unit 801a receives a command based on an operation input via the operation unit 82, and sets a position of a tomographic plane (hereinafter also referred to as a tomographic plane position) when generating a panoramic tomographic image. To do. Details of the setting of the tomographic plane position will be described later. The image generation unit 801b is an image processing unit that performs image processing for reconstructing projection image data acquired at the time of panoramic X-ray tomography to generate a panoramic tomographic image corresponding to a tomographic plane position.

  The information processing device 8 functions as a position setting device when the CPU 801 functions as the position setting unit 801a. Further, the information processing apparatus 8 functions as an image generation apparatus when the CPU 801 functions as the image generation unit 801b. The information processing apparatus 8 is an image processing apparatus having both functions.

  The position setting unit 801a is an element of a calculation system that sets a tomographic plane position. The setting operation including the change of the tomographic plane position from the operator is received by the position setting operation receiving unit, and the position setting unit 801a receives a command for setting the tomographic plane position through the position setting operation receiving unit. The display unit 81 for displaying the position adjustment image or the position setting image, the operation unit 82 for use by the operator to input the tomographic plane position changing operation, and other input devices, etc., constitute the position setting operation receiving unit. An example of an element.

  In general panoramic photography, one panoramic tomographic image is generated by performing shift addition in which both end portions of a strip-shaped image indicated by acquired projection image data are overlapped. On the other hand, in the present application, reconstruction operation such as back projection is performed on the projection image data to generate three-dimensional data, and a panoramic tomographic image based on the set tomographic plane is reconstructed.

  Note that the main body control unit 60 or the information processing main body unit 80 may acquire the programs PG1 and PG2 via a predetermined network line or the like. Further, the main body control unit 60 or the information processing main body unit 80 may acquire the programs PG1 and PG2 stored in a portable medium (CD-ROM or the like) by reading them with a predetermined reading device. . Further, the projection image data is not necessarily acquired by the main body unit 1. The image processing apparatus 8 may acquire projection image data acquired by another X-ray imaging apparatus via a network or the like.

<1.2. Operation explanation>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of operations of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100. Unless otherwise specified, in the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100, panoramic X-ray imaging is mainly performed under the control of the main body control unit 60, and image processing or image display processing is mainly performed by the information processing apparatus 8. Shall be performed under the control of

  First, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100, panoramic tomography is performed (step S1). Details of the panoramic tomography will be described next.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a panoramic shooting method. 2 is a plan view when the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 are looked down from above in a direction along the turning axis 31 during panoramic tomography.

  In FIG. 6, the positional relationship between the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 with respect to the dental arch DA of the subject M1 is as follows. That is, when the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 turn with the dental arch DA interposed therebetween, the center of the front teeth from the position where the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 irradiate the left jaw with X-rays. Are displaced in the order of positions LC1, LC2, and LC3 up to the position where X-ray irradiation is performed. Further, although not shown in the figure, the right jaw passes through a trajectory that is symmetrical to the movement trajectory shown in FIG. 6 with the median plane of the subject M1 (a cross section that divides the human body into two at the center of the left and right) as a symmetry plane. The curve EN is an envelope drawn by the locus of the X-ray slit beam BX1. In other words, during panoramic tomography, when the main body 1 is looked down along the pivot axis 31, the X-ray slit beam BX1 rotates and moves so as to be in contact with the curve EN.

  The X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 are displaced while turning around a turning shaft 31 on which the turning arm 30 moves with the dental arch DA interposed therebetween. In panoramic imaging, for the purpose of preventing distortion, the optical axis of the X-ray slit beam BX1 (specifically, the X-ray slit) is applied to at least a part of the dental arch DA that forms a preset tomographic plane. It is desirable to irradiate such that the center line of the beam BX1 is orthogonal. Further, it is desirable to keep the distance between the portion to be imaged of the dental arch DA and the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 constant. In order to satisfy these conditions, the turning center of the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 sequentially moves as imaging progresses. In the present embodiment, panoramic tomography is performed with the dental arch model dm having a standard size and shape as the dental arch DA. Note that the distances between the portion to be imaged and the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 are not necessarily constant. If it is not constant, the magnification of the X-ray image projected on the X-ray detector 21 varies, but this problem can be solved by image processing (enlargement processing or reduction processing) in the information processing apparatus 8. .

  During panoramic imaging, the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 are arranged so as to face each other with the subject M1 (the head in the example shown in FIG. 1) in between. Then, the X-axis motor 60X, the Y-axis motor 60Y, and the turning motor 60R are driven so that the X-ray generator 11 and the X-ray detector 21 integrally rotate around the subject M1 (see FIG. 3). ). Further, X-rays radiated from the X-ray generator 11 are formed into an elongated X-ray slit beam BX1 extending in the z-axis direction by passing through the X-ray restricting portion 16 (primary X-ray shielding portion). Is done. The X-ray slit beam BX1 transmitted through the subject M1 preferably has an unnecessary X-ray portion scattered by a collimator (secondary X-ray shield) provided in front of the X-ray detector 21 forming the slit. Is blocked. Of the X-ray slit beam BX 1, the beam transmitted through the slit of the collimator enters the X-ray detector 21.

  Returning to FIG. 5, by completing panoramic tomography in step S <b> 1, a plurality of elongated projection image data (that is, the above-described frame image data) based on the intensity of the X-rays incident on the X-ray detector 21 is obtained. Obtained (step S2). These projection image data are transmitted to the information processing apparatus 8 at an appropriate timing. The transmitted projection image data is stored in the storage unit 602.

  Next, the information processing device 8 generates a panoramic tomographic image for the standard tomographic plane and displays it on the display unit 81 (step S3). Specifically, the information processing apparatus 8 generates three-dimensional data corresponding to the X-ray absorption by performing reconstruction calculation, for example, back projection, on the projection image data obtained in step S2. The three-dimensional data is obtained by managing the X-ray absorption at each captured point as voxel data, and data indicating the X-ray absorption is recorded for each voxel. The information processing apparatus 8 slices the three-dimensional data at a position of a standard tomographic plane (standard tomographic plane position) that is defined in advance corresponding to the dental arch model dm, and is a panoramic tomogram that is one slice image. Generate an image. Then, the information processing apparatus 8 displays the generated panoramic tomographic image on the display unit 81. The position setting unit 801a reads the position of the standard tomographic plane from the storage unit, and based on this, the image generation unit 801b generates a panoramic tomographic image formed on the standard tomographic plane.

  As an example of back projection in the reconstruction operation, a filtered back projection method can be employed. For example, when calculating the back projection from the projection image data for each voxel, a filter that increases the coefficient of the position corresponding to the target voxel in the projection image data and decreases the coefficient of the other position is used. As a result, a calculation is performed to cancel a portion that deviates from the target voxel so as not to have an excessive density value.

  As the image processing, in addition to back projection, there is also a composition processing that superimposes the projection image data so as to emphasize the density information of the desired tomographic plane position, which can also be used in the present application. However, back projection processing may be more advantageous in that three-dimensional voxel data can be clearly generated at locations that can be targets for tomographic plane setting.

  In the present application, “slicing” means cutting a region indicated by three-dimensional data with a predetermined thickness along a certain plane (or curved surface). Further, the slice image refers to an image obtained by developing the cut out portion of the imaging region having a certain thickness into a two-dimensional image (tomographic image) based on the X-ray absorbance indicated by the three-dimensional data. The generation of a slice image is a general image processing executed on a computer or a workstation.

  When the display of the panoramic tomographic image for the standard tomographic plane is completed, the information processing apparatus 8 starts a reception routine for changing the tomographic plane position (step S4). Details of this routine will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the acceptance routine for changing the tomographic plane position. The routine according to step S4 is executed for the purpose of changing the tomographic plane position for generating the panoramic tomographic image from the standard tomographic plane position set in step S3 to a position desired by the operator. In the present application, “change of the tomographic plane position” is a concept including changing the shape of the tomographic plane and further moving (translating) without changing the shape.

  When the tomographic plane position changing routine is started, the information processing device 8 displays an image (position adjustment image or position setting image) for adjusting the tomographic plane position on the display unit 81 (step S11). It should be noted that the process of setting and changing the tomographic plane position described below is performed under the control of the position setting unit 801a.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the position adjustment image IPA. The information processing apparatus 8 displays an image of the dental arch DAs shown in FIG. 8 on the display unit 81 as the position adjustment image. The dental arch DAs shown in FIG. 8 schematically shows the dental arch of the lower jaw as seen from the top of the subject M1. More specifically, the dental arch DAs indicates a dental arch adapted to the dental arch model dm in the subject M1 set in step S3. In the figure, the actual position of the dental arch DAr of the subject M1 is indicated by a broken line. As shown in FIG. 8, at the time of step S11, the setting line L10 indicating the position of the tomographic plane is set to the standard tomographic plane position LCs corresponding to the dental arch DAs. Further, the information processing apparatus 8 displays a panoramic tomographic image about the setting line L10 set at the present time on the display unit 81, as a position adjustment image, separately from the image of the dental arch DAr.

  Assuming a surface that cuts the region of interest in the longitudinal direction over the entire region (hereinafter referred to as “longitudinal section”. In the illustrated example, the longitudinal section is a plane), the position adjustment image is a plane parallel to the longitudinal section. It is preferable that the image is a slice plane. For example, when a dental arch is a target, a slice plane that slices the entire region of the dental arch in the longitudinal direction is a longitudinal section, and when a cervical vertebra is a target, a median plane is a longitudinal section.

  The dentition is arranged substantially on a plane with respect to the crown portion. If the slice plane parallel to the plane is the above-mentioned longitudinal section and the position adjustment image as shown in FIG. 8 is used, the entire dental arch can be observed even if the dental arch is curved. Is preferred.

  In the embodiment of the present application, a surface that cuts the region of interest in the longitudinal direction over the entire region is referred to as a longitudinal section LS, an image of the longitudinal section is referred to as a longitudinal section image ILS, and a longitudinal sectional image of a dental arch as shown in FIG. It will be referred to as a row bow longitudinal cross-sectional image DLS. That is, the dental arch longitudinal sectional image DLS is an example of the longitudinal sectional image ILS.

  As described above, the longitudinal cross-sectional image ILS and the dental arch longitudinal cross-sectional image DLS may schematically show the shape of the region of interest, such as a diagram illustration. If there is CT image data taken in the past, an axial cross-sectional image of the jaw may be used. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 15, the tomographic image obtained by slicing the three-dimensional data obtained by back projecting the projection image data acquired by panoramic tomography on the slice plane viewed from the axial direction of the Z axis may be used. .

  When the longitudinal section is a plane, the calculation process is easier than the curved surface. However, depending on the shape of the part, it is also conceivable to make the longitudinal section a curved surface.

  As described above, the position of the standard longitudinal section LS is determined as a slice plane viewed from the axial direction of the Z axis. As an example, the following determination method is conceivable. That is, assuming that the subject M1 is fixed to the subject holding means 421 with the closed mouth, the standard of the target group is calculated on the three-dimensional space coordinates in which the main body unit 1 exists in the calculation from the standard position where the fixed head should be. The position of the occlusal surface MS can also be set.

  The upper jaw portion and the lower jaw portion of the dental arch model dm are in a positional relationship to sandwich the occlusal surface MS (not shown). For example, the occlusal surface MS is a longitudinal section LS, and a longitudinal section image ILS (specifically, a dental arch longitudinal section image DLS) is generated and displayed as a position adjustment image IPA. Strictly speaking, since the dental arch has no jawbone at the position of the occlusal surface, the dental arch does not necessarily have a shape like the dental arch longitudinal cross-sectional image DLS shown in FIG. However, since the dental arch longitudinal cross-sectional image DLS is used for displaying and setting the position of the setting line L10, the dental arch may have a characteristic shape so that the position of the tomographic plane can be easily determined.

  The longitudinal section LS does not necessarily have to be defined at the location of the occlusal surface MS, but may be defined in a plane parallel to the occlusal surface MS. Further, the line-of-sight direction for viewing the longitudinal section LS may be a direction in which the longitudinal section LS is viewed in front or substantially in front, not strictly in the axial direction of the Z axis.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a panoramic tomographic image displayed as a position adjustment image. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the tomographic plane position set in step S3 is not a position corresponding to the actual dental arch DAr. For this reason, the panoramic tomographic image i1 shown in FIG. 9 is an out-of-focus image. In such a panoramic tomographic image i1, since it is difficult to sufficiently acquire information necessary for image diagnosis, the information processing apparatus 8 changes the tomographic plane position according to the actual position of the dental arch DAr. The operation to be accepted is accepted.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the information processing apparatus 8 that has displayed the position adjustment image determines whether an instruction to change the tomographic plane position has been received from the operator (step S <b> 12). If it is determined that the change command has been received, the information processing apparatus 8 executes the update of the panoramic tomographic image according to step S13. If it is determined that the change command has not been received, the information processing apparatus 8 skips step S13 and executes step S14.

  In step S14, the information processing apparatus 8 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to end the tomographic plane position change reception routine (step S4). If it is determined that there is an end instruction, the routine ends. If it is determined that there is no end instruction, the information processing apparatus 8 returns to step S12 and executes the determination process according to step S12 again.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the position adjustment image IPA (DLS) when a tomographic plane position changing operation is received. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the position of the original setting line L10 indicated by the broken line is changed to the setting line L10 indicated by the solid line. In the following description, a change operation means that a change command is issued through the change operation.

  Specifically, one point Pk1 in the front tooth region, one point Pk2 in the left molar region, one point Pk3 in the right molar region, one point Pk4 in the left temporomandibular joint region, and one point Pk5 in the right temporomandibular joint region Each has undergone a change operation in the direction of transmission of the X-ray slit beam at each point. As a result, the original setting line L10 is expanded to different magnifications in the left and right directions and forward. As a result, a curved setting line L10 corresponding to the actual shape of the dental arch DAr is set.

  The change direction of each of the points Pk1 to Pk5 in the front tooth region does not necessarily include only the component in the transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam at each point, but includes the component in the direction intersecting the transmission direction. May be. That is, a change operation including a component in the transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam is accepted. The “transmission direction” of the X-ray slit beam includes not only a positive direction (a direction away from the X-ray source) but also a vector in a negative direction (a direction toward the X-ray source).

  In the dental arch DAs, a change area in which the position of the tomographic plane before the change operation is changed and an invariable area that is not changed are set in the process of the change operation. For example, for the point Pk1, a plurality of areas AR1 to AR5 are allocated along the direction of curvature of the dental arch DAs, and the point Pk1 is changed. Then, in the areas AR1 to AR3, new tomographic plane positions are set in accordance with the change of the point Pk1, but the areas AR4 and AR5 are set so that the positions of the tomographic planes before the change operation is maintained. be able to. An area of the setting line within a predetermined distance from the point Pk1 on the setting line L10 may be a change area, and the remaining area may be an invariable area.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the change operation is applied to each one point of Pk1 to Pk5. However, a certain range, for example, a range over 2 to 3 teeth may be subjected to the change operation. . For example, as an example of changing the tomographic plane position of the front tooth region, a change operation is applied to the tooth at the point Pk1 shown in FIG. 10 and the region including all the teeth on both sides thereof. It may be configured such that the position of the tomographic plane extending over is moved collectively.

  When the position of the setting line L10 is changed in this way, the information processing apparatus 8 specifies a new tomographic plane position (a position on the three-dimensional coordinate) based on the changed setting line L10. Then, the information processing device 8 generates a panoramic tomographic image for the specified tomographic plane position. Further, the panoramic tomographic image already displayed on the display unit 81 is updated to the generated new panoramic tomographic image. A new panoramic tomographic image and a new panoramic tomographic image may be displayed simultaneously. Thereby, since the panoramic tomographic image generated before and after the change of the tomographic plane position can be satisfactorily compared, the tomographic plane position can be set to an appropriate position.

  When the operator determines that the changed setting line L10 is appropriate as a new tomographic plane position, the image of the dental arch DAs may be deformed so as to conform to the setting line L10. For example, when the operator issues a command to adapt the image of the dental arch DAs to the setting line L10 through the operation unit 82, the information processing device 8 calculates the coordinates of the setting line L10 after the change and sets the center of each tooth. An image of a new dental arch DAs passing through the line L10 is generated. Then, the information processing device 8 may erase the original image of the dental arch DAs from the display screen and display a new image of the dental arch DAs.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the panoramic tomographic image i1 updated after the position adjustment. The image shown in FIG. 11 corresponds to the panoramic tomographic image displayed in step S14. As shown in FIG. 11, a panoramic tomographic image in focus can be generated by appropriately adjusting the position of the tomographic plane. In this manner, the position adjustment of the tomographic plane position is performed so that the portion in which the operator is interested is focused.

  The panoramic tomographic image i1 updated after the position adjustment may be stored together with the projection image data in the storage unit 602, and recalled at a later date so that the tomographic plane position can be adjusted again. In that case, the position adjustment image may be reproduced. That is, the position of the setting line L10 of the called panoramic tomographic image i1 can be reproduced and displayed on the position adjustment image, and further adjustment operations may be accepted. As described above, when the image of the new dental arch DAs is deformed in conformity with the changed setting line L10, the deformed position adjustment image can be made reproducible. The same applies to the modified examples described later.

  As a method for designating the changed tomographic plane position, for example, the operator sets several control points on the setting line L10, and moves the respective control points to change the position of the setting line L10. You may make it do. At this time, the control points may be automatically interpolated with straight lines or curves. When interpolating with a curve, it is conceivable to use a spline curve, a Bezier curve, or the like. In this case, a change can be accepted for the position of a part of the setting line L10 (that is, a part of the tomographic plane). Thus, since a part of the tomographic plane can be changed, the tomographic plane can be set at the position of the panoramic fault that the operator is interested in. Therefore, the image diagnosis efficiency can be improved. By performing interpolation with a curve, it is possible to set a curved tomographic surface that is not steep. A tomographic image that is naturally and smoothly connected can be generated.

  Alternatively, part or all of the setting line L10 before the change may be deleted so that a new setting line L10 can be designated from scratch. In this case, for example, a new setting line L10 may be generated by designating several points by an operator and connecting the points by curve interpolation. Alternatively, a pre-defined assumption line (including a straight line or a curve) may be arranged on the position adjustment image, and the arranged assumption line may be set as a new setting line L10. At this time, the shape of the hypothetical line may be arbitrarily deformable.

  In this embodiment, the position of the standard tomographic plane defined in advance is set as the initial tomographic plane position in step S3. Therefore, a panoramic tomographic image for the initial tomographic plane position (that is, the standard tomographic plane position) is generated and displayed before the tomographic plane position changing operation according to step S4. However, in step S3, instead of setting the standard tomographic plane position as the initial tomographic plane position, the operator designates the setting line L10 so that the initial tomographic plane position is set based on the operator's designation. Good. Also in this case, the setting line L10 may be generated by designating several points by the operator and connecting the points by curve interpolation.

<Modification of position adjustment image>
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a position adjustment image IPA (DLS) according to a modification. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of the panoramic tomographic image i1 according to the modification.

  The example shown in FIG. 12 is the same as that shown in FIG. 10 in that the position of the setting line L10 is changed on the dental arch DAs displayed as the position adjustment image. However, locations where the position is changed are limited to the line segments LP1, LP2, and LP3 surrounded by the three partial regions Pt1, Pt2, and Pt3 indicated by the broken lines in the setting line L10.

  In this modification, it is possible to move the line segments LP1, LP2, LP3 from the cheek side toward the tongue side or from the tongue side toward the cheek side. When the positions of the line segments LP1, LP2, LP3 are changed, the information processing apparatus 8 performs partial panoramic tomographic images only on the tomographic planes corresponding to the positions of the new line segments LP1, LP2, LP3 in the setting line L10. i11, i12, and i13 are generated.

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the information processing apparatus 8 superimposes the generated partial panoramic tomographic images i11, i12, and i13 on the original panoramic tomographic image i1 (that is, the tomographic image for the standard tomographic plane position LCs). To display. The positions of the partial panoramic tomographic images i11, i12, i13 on the panoramic tomographic image i1 correspond to the positions of the line segments LP1, LP2, LP3 on the original setting line L10.

  When any of the line segments LP1, LP2, and LP3 in FIG. 12 is changed, any of the updated partial panoramic tomographic images i11, i12, and i13 is displayed on the panoramic tomographic image i1. It becomes. If the updated partial panoramic tomographic images i11, i12, and i13 are desired in-focus images, the operator issues a command to complete the position change.

  In the case of this modification, when the position change of the line segments LP1, LP2, and LP3 is completed, the line segments LP1 and LP2 after the change and the line segments LP1 and LP3 are connected by curves as shown by broken lines in FIG. Curve interpolation processing is performed. Further, a line segment extending backward from LP2 toward the left temporomandibular joint and a line segment extending backward from LP3 toward the right forehead joint are also interpolated. As a result, a new setting line L10 is generated. Note that the line segment to be interpolated is the line segment connecting the line segments LP1 and LP2, the line segment LP1 and LP3, the line segment extending backward from the line segment LP2, and the line segment LP3 in the original setting line L10. The line segment extending rearward from may be the same or may be enlarged or reduced. In this way, when a new setting line L10 is set, a panoramic tomographic image about the tomographic plane corresponding to the new setting line L10 is generated and displayed on the display unit 81.

  In the case of the present modification, the information processing apparatus 8 excludes the original panoramic tomographic image i1 generated by default until one of the setting lines L10 (that is, the tomographic plane) is determined until the position of the setting line L10 is determined. Only the partial panoramic tomographic image for the part is generated, and the tomographic image for the other part is not generated. For this reason, since the burden of calculation can be reduced, the partial panoramic tomographic image can be displayed smoothly. For this reason, the position of the tomographic plane can be set efficiently.

  In other words, in this modified example, the dental arch that is the site of interest is divided into a plurality of partial areas Pt1, Pt2, and Pt3, and a change operation is accepted for each of the divided areas.

  Note that the number of partial areas for generating a partial panoramic tomographic image is not limited to three as in the present modification, and may be arbitrarily changed. Further, the position of the partial area may be arbitrarily changed. The position setting unit 801a may accept such a partial area setting. In this case, the position setting unit 801a functions as a partial region setting unit.

  In the above example, the line segments LP1, LP2, and LP3 are moved from the cheek side to the tongue side, or from the tongue side to the cheek side, but a new position may be designated by a point. . In this case, line interpolation processing may be performed only in the partial areas Pt1, Pt2, and Pt3.

<Other modification 1>
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a display example of partial panoramic tomographic images i11, i12, and i13 according to the modification. In the display example shown in FIG. 13, the generated partial panoramic tomographic images i11, i12, i13 are displayed on the original panoramic tomographic image i1 until the position of the setting line L10 is determined. However, only the partial panoramic tomographic images i11, i12, and i13 may be displayed on the display unit 81 as shown in FIG.

  In the first modification, only the partial areas Pt1, Pt2, and Pt3 of the original panoramic tomographic image i1 are displayed from the beginning, and the entire new panoramic tomographic image i1 is displayed after focusing. May be. Also, the original entire panoramic tomographic image i1 is displayed, erased on the display, and switched to the display of only the partial panoramic tomographic images i11, i12, i13, and the entire panoramic tomographic image i1 is displayed after focusing. You may do it.

<Other modification 2>
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a position adjustment image IPA (DLS) according to another modification. In the example shown in FIG. 15, a Z-axis tomographic image F10 is displayed in addition to the dental arch DAs as the position adjustment image. This Z-axis tomographic image F10 is a tomographic image obtained by slicing three-dimensional data obtained by back projecting the projection image data acquired in step S2 with a slice plane viewed from the axial direction of the Z-axis (that is, the turning axis 31). It is. Since the Z-axis tomographic image F10 is reconstructed from the X-ray slit beam BX1 having a limited width, unlike a tomographic image acquired by so-called X-ray CT imaging, each part such as a tooth or a jawbone is shown. It is difficult to grasp clearly. However, since the position of each tooth can be roughly specified, it can be effective information when setting the position of the setting line L10. In addition, since the tomographic image viewed from the axial direction of the swivel axis is incomplete, it is difficult to visually recognize, so that the operator can intuitively set the tomographic position by displaying the dental arch DAs, which is a schematic diagram, simultaneously superimposed. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the dental arch DAs is also displayed at the same time, but can be omitted.

<About modification of the shape of the fault plane>
The shape of the tomographic plane set in the present embodiment may be a plane extending parallel to the Z-axis direction or a plane not parallel to the Z-axis direction. A method for setting a surface that is not parallel to the Z-axis direction will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

  16 and 17 are diagrams illustrating position adjustment images according to a modification of the example illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. In the example shown in FIG. 17, a panoramic tomographic image i2 is displayed. For convenience of explanation, on the right side of the panoramic tomographic image i2, on the right side of the dental arch DAr of the subject M1, a section of the upper jaw front tooth FT1 and lower jaw front tooth FT2 cut along the YZ plane (tooth) A column section DAc) is schematically shown.

  As shown in the dentition cross section DAc, the general dental arch DAr is composed of the upper anterior teeth FT1 and the lower anterior teeth FT2 from the root side to the distal end side, from the back side (+ Y direction) to the front side (−Y direction). It grows to incline. Here, it is assumed that a standard tomographic plane composed of a plane extending parallel to the Z-axis direction is a standard tomographic plane FS1 (not shown). In the case of the standard tomographic plane FS1, since the shape is parallel to the Z-axis direction, the subject M1 may not necessarily correspond to the shape near the front teeth of the dentition. Then, the panoramic tomographic image reconstructed based on such a standard tomographic plane FS1 may be an unclear tomographic image out of focus.

  On the other hand, a panoramic tomographic image in focus can be generated by setting a tomographic plane that matches the direction in which the front teeth FT1 and FT2 extend. In this example, first, in order to designate the position of the tomographic plane in the panoramic tomographic image i2, three partial area frames F1, F2, and F3 arranged in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) corresponding to the axial direction of the turning shaft 31 are displayed. Is displayed (see FIG. 17).

  The partial area frames F1, F2, and F3 are frames that define a partial area smaller than the panoramic tomographic image i2. The partial area frames F1, F2, and F3 may all be movable in the vertical direction (direction corresponding to the axial direction of the turning axis) based on a predetermined operation by the operator. Further, the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3 may be movable in the lateral direction (direction in which the tomographic plane extends).

  In the present embodiment, the position in the depth direction (position in the Y-axis direction) of the tomographic plane corresponding to the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3 is adjusted using the position adjustment image IPA (DLS) shown in FIG. As a result, the position of the tomographic plane is changed. That is, the position adjustment image IPA (DLS) as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed for each position in the Z direction of each of the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the location where the position is changed is limited to the line segment LP1 ′ surrounded by the partial region Pt1 ′ indicated by the broken line in the setting line L10. This point is common to that shown in FIG. However, the changeable partial area is limited to one partial area Pt1 ′.

  For example, assume that the position adjustment image shown in FIG. 16 is displayed for the frame F1. By moving the line segment LP1 ′, a partial tomographic plane is set at a new position, and a partial panoramic tomographic image PF1 corresponding to the new position is generated. The generated partial panoramic tomographic image PF1 is displayed in the partial region frame F1. Further, similar operations are accepted for the frames F2 and F3. The position change operation is applied to the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3, the panoramic tomographic image i2 is handled as the position adjustment image IPA, and the position is changed only in the respective areas of the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3. An operation may be accepted. In this case, both the position changing operation for the dental arch longitudinal sectional image DLS and the position changing operation for the partial region frames F1, F2, F3 may be accepted, and the dental arch longitudinal sectional image DLS is displayed. May be omitted.

  Longitudinal sections LS1, LS2, and LS3 corresponding to the height of each partial area frame are set in each of the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3, and dental arch longitudinal sectional images DLS1, DLS2, and DLS3 of the respective longitudinal sections LS are obtained. It may be displayed. At this time, the dental arch longitudinal cross-sectional images DLS1, DLS2, and DLS3 are all displayed simultaneously, or the dental arch longitudinal cross-sectional images DLS1, DLS2, and DLS3 are selectively switched and displayed. May be.

  When partial tomographic planes corresponding to the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3 are moved, partial panoramic tomographic images PF1, PF2, and PF3 corresponding to the positions of the partial tomographic planes are generated. The partial panoramic tomographic images PF1 to PF3 are generated in the same manner as the partial panoramic tomographic image i11 shown in FIG. However, the generated partial panoramic tomographic images PF1 to PF3 have a size defined by the partial area frames F1 to F3.

  The generated partial panoramic tomographic images PF1 to PF3 are displayed in the partial area frames F1 to F3. That is, each time the position of the partial tomographic plane in the depth direction is changed, new partial panoramic tomographic images PF1 to PF3 are generated in the partial area frames F1 to F3, and are displayed over the panoramic tomographic image i2. The

  When the position in the depth direction of the partial tomographic plane corresponding to each of the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3 is set, a tomographic plane is newly set based on the set position. The panoramic tomographic plane adjusted for each position in the Z-axis direction of the partial area frames F1, F2, and F3 is smoothly connected in the Z-axis direction, so that a part of the tomographic plane in the Z-axis direction is in the Z-axis direction. A tomographic plane that protrudes in an orthogonal direction (here, the -Y direction) is set.

  As described above, in this modification, the partial tomographic planes aligned along the turning axis 31 are defined, and the dental arch that is the region of interest is divided into a plurality along the turning axis 31. And the position change operation is received for every division area.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17, three partial area frames are provided, but only a smaller number of frames may be provided. For example, only one of the illustrated partial area frames F1 to F3 may be provided, or only two of them may be provided.

<Position adjustment in the Z-axis direction>
As described in FIG. 17, the information processing apparatus 8 may accept a change in position along the axial direction (Z-axis direction) of the turning axis. By changing the position of the tomographic plane in the Z-axis direction, the part of the subject M1 shown in the generated panoramic tomographic image is changed in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the position of the tomographic plane can be appropriately set according to the position in the Z-axis direction of the part of interest to the operator.

  For example, a longitudinal section LS is set for each of a plurality of different positions that have a predetermined number in the Z direction, and a position adjustment image IPA (DLS) as shown in FIG. 8 is prepared for each longitudinal section LS. A first longitudinal section LS is set on the aforementioned occlusal surface MS, a second longitudinal section LS is set parallel to the occlusal surface MS, and a second longitudinal section LS is set at the position of the upper teeth higher than the occlusal surface MS, It is conceivable to set the third longitudinal section LS at the position of the lower jaw teeth lower than the occlusal surface MS. The positions of the first to third longitudinal sections LS may be substantially the same positions as the areas of the partial area frames F1 to F3 in FIG. Further, instead of the position adjustment image IPA (DLS) as shown in FIG. 8, a position adjustment image IPA (DLS) as shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 12 or FIG. 15 may be used. A limited number of longitudinal sections LS and corresponding position adjustment images IPA (DLS) may be prepared, such as three for each of different positions in the Z direction. It may be prepared so that it can be appropriately selected.

  In the above-described embodiment, the jaw of the subject M1 is a subject to be imaged, and the tomographic plane corresponding to the dental arch DA is a curved surface. However, the tomographic plane may be a plane or a plane having a combination of a plane and a curved surface. Further, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 may target a region other than the dental region such as a jaw, or may target a region in another medical field such as an otolaryngology region or an oral surgery region. . The maxilla, mandible, spine, etc. may be the target site. For example, the state of the root canal may be diagnosed in detail by applying to individual teeth themselves. At this time, the shape of the tomographic plane may be a plane, a curved surface, or a combination of these depending on the shape of the imaging target region.

  The present invention can also be realized as the following X-ray image processing method.

An X-ray image processing method comprising:
(A) An X-ray generator that generates X-rays formed in an X-ray slit beam and an X-ray detector that outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of incident X-rays are sandwiched by the support unit. And supporting each other at
(B) a step of rotating the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector around the subject by a support unit moving unit moving the support unit;
(C) receiving projection image data output from the X-ray detector that has received the X-ray slit beam transmitted through the region of interest by tomography of the region of interest in the subject in the step (B). Storing the projection image data obtained by the above in a storage unit;
(D) An image processing unit performs image processing on the projection image data stored in the storage unit in the step (C);
(E) setting the position of the tomographic plane according to the shape of the region of interest;
(F) A command for changing a position of a part of the tomographic plane along the shape of the region of interest set in the step (E) to a direction including a component in the transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam is accepted. A step of setting a new position of the tomographic plane composed of a changed area in which the position of the tomographic plane before the change command is received and an invariable area that is not changed,
(G) generating a tomographic image corresponding to the position of the new tomographic plane;
An X-ray image processing method.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined or omitted as long as they do not contradict each other.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main-body part 8 Information processing apparatus 11 X-ray generator 16 X-ray control part 21 X-ray detector 30 Turning arm 31 Turning axis 60 Main body control part 601 CPU
65 Drive unit 80 Information processing body unit 81 Display unit 82 Operation unit 100 X-ray imaging apparatus 300 Support unit 421 Subject holding means 801a Position setting unit 801b Image generation unit 802 Storage unit BX1 X-ray slit beam IPA Position setting image DA Tooth Row arch DAr Dental arch DAs Dental arch EN Curve F1-F3 Partial area frame F10 Z-axis tomographic image FS1 Standard tomographic plane FS2 Tomographic plane FSF1-FSF3 Partial tomographic plane FT1, FT2 Front tooth L10 Setting line LCs Standard tomographic plane position LP1- LP3 line segment M1 subject PF1-PF3 partial panoramic tomographic image PG1, PG2 program PG2 program Pt1-Pt3 partial area dm dental arch model i1, i2 panoramic tomographic image i11-i13 partial panoramic tomographic image

In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect is a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus, which includes an X-ray generator that generates X-rays and an X-ray restriction that restricts the generated X-rays to an X-ray slit beam. And an X-ray detector having a plurality of detection elements that output signals according to the intensity of incident X-rays, and a swiveling axis around the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector. A support unit that supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector around the subject by moving the support unit; A projection image output from the X-ray detector that has received the X-ray slit beam transmitted through the region of interest by panoramic tomography using the dental arch in the subject as a region of interest performed by driving the moving unit A storage unit for storing data, and the storage unit stored in the storage unit An image processing unit for processing the shadow image data, a drive control unit for controlling the driving of the support portion moving portion, a position setting operation accepting unit that accepts an operation for changing the position of the tomographic plane of the panoramic tomographic, the position setting operation A position setting unit that sets the position of the tomographic plane based on a command received through the receiving unit, and the position setting unit is configured to accept an operation for changing the position of the tomographic plane via the position setting operation receiving unit. by accepting a change instruction for changing a position of the part of the tomographic plane for Ingredients of the transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam is altered change area position of the tomographic plane before receiving the change instruction fault image to set the position of the new cross layer surface made constant region that does not change, the image processing section, which corresponds to the position of the new tomographic plane set by the position setting part and To generate.

A second aspect is a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the tomographic plane forms a curved surface.

Moreover, a 3rd aspect is a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on a 1st or 2nd aspect, Comprising: The said image processing part is a part of the said tomographic plane changed which the said position setting part received. by treating partially the projection image data corresponding to the position, and generates a tomographic image corresponding to the position of the new cross layer surface.

Further, a fourth aspect is a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the position setting unit is configured to reconstruct the projection image data by the image processing unit. Generating a tomographic image viewed from the axial direction of the pivot axis in the support unit from the three-dimensional data of the region of interest obtained by performing the control so as to be displayed as a position setting image on the display unit; A command for setting the position of the tomographic plane to be executed on the work image is received.

The fifth aspect is a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the position setting unit sets a position of the tomographic plane to a predetermined initial fault. Set to surface position.

Further, a sixth aspect is the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the image processing unit generates the tomographic image at the initial tomographic plane position before receiving the change command, wherein the display unit displays the cross-sectional layer image that put in the initial tomographic plane position generated by the image processing unit.

Further, a seventh aspect is a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the position setting unit performs curve interpolation so that the tomographic plane passes through the position specified in the change command, setting the new cross layer surface.

In addition, according to an eighth aspect, in the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the display unit corresponds to a tomogram corresponding to the position of the tomographic plane before receiving the change command. image, simultaneously displays the tomographic image corresponding to the position of the new cross layer surface after receiving the change instruction.

Further, a ninth aspect is a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the display unit is a tomographic image viewed from the axial direction of the pivot axis and the axial view of the pivot axis. A schematic diagram of the region of interest is displayed superimposed.

According to a tenth aspect, in the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the position setting unit changes the change for each divided region into which the region of interest is divided into a plurality of regions. Accept instructions.

The eleventh aspect is the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the position setting unit changes the position of the tomographic plane in the axial direction of the pivot axis. Accept change orders.

A twelfth aspect is the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the position setting unit sets the position of the tomographic plane in the axial direction of the pivot axis for each of a predetermined number of positions. Accept a change order to change.

The thirteenth aspect is the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein at least a part of a tomographic plane defined in advance for the region of interest during the tomography. On the other hand, the drive control unit controls the drive of the support unit moving unit so that the optical axes of the X-ray slit beam are orthogonal to each other.

Further, in a fourteenth aspect, in the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the position setting unit includes a partial region setting unit that specifies a position of the partial region at an arbitrary position on the tomographic plane, The image processing unit is configured to display a tomographic image of the partial region set by the partial region setting unit.

A fifteenth aspect is a panoramic X-ray imaging method, in which (a) an X-ray generator that generates X-rays formed in an X-ray slit beam by a support unit, and the intensity of incident X-rays A process of supporting an X-ray detector that outputs a signal in accordance with the object so as to face each other with the subject interposed therebetween;
(B) a step of rotating the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector around the subject by the support unit moving unit moving the support unit; and (c) the subject in the step (b). Storing in the storage unit projection image data output from the X-ray detector that has received the X-ray slit beam transmitted through the region of interest by panoramic tomography using the dental arch in the region as a region of interest; , the projection image data stored in the storage unit at; (d) (c) step, the image processing unit receives a process of image processing, the operation of changing the position of the cross-sectional layer surface of the (e) panoramic tomographic a step, based on the operation received by the (f) step (e), seen including and a step of setting a position of the tomographic plane, in step (e), a part of the position of the tomographic plane Transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam A change operation to be changed is accepted, and in step (f), a position of a new tomographic plane composed of a changed area in which the position of the tomographic plane before the change operation is changed and an unchanged area that is not changed is set. .

According to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, it is possible to accept a change for the position of a part of the tomographic plane that has already been set. Since the position of a part of the tomographic plane can be changed in this way, the tomographic plane can be efficiently set at the position of the tomographic plane that the operator is interested in. Therefore, the image diagnosis efficiency can be improved.

In addition, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, when the region of interest has a curved shape, a curved tomographic plane can be set along the curved shape.

Moreover, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third aspect, the calculation burden can be reduced.

In addition, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, it is possible to set a tomographic plane desired by the operator.

Further, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the tomographic plane can be automatically set at the initial tomographic plane position.

Moreover, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the operator can change the position of the tomographic plane based on the tomographic image related to the tomographic plane at the initial tomographic plane position.

In addition, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the seventh aspect, it is possible to set a non-steep curved tomographic plane. A tomographic image that is naturally and smoothly connected can be generated.

Further, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the tomographic image before the change and the tomographic image after the change can be easily compared. For this reason, a tomographic plane position can be set appropriately.

In addition, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect, although a tomographic image of a tomographic plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the pivot axis is difficult to visually recognize, the tomographic position can be designated intuitively by a schematic diagram.

In addition, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the tenth aspect, a tomographic plane can be set for each of a plurality of divided regions.

In addition, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, since the tomographic plane can be set by dividing it in the axial direction of the turning axis, the shape of the region of interest differs for each subject in the axial direction of the turning axis. Can also set the tomographic plane suitable for each.

Moreover, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the twelfth aspect, the tomographic plane can be set at an appropriate position in the axial direction of the turning axis.

Further, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, it is possible to acquire a projection image without distortion by being orthogonal to the tomographic plane.

Further, according to the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus according to the fourteenth aspect, it is possible to reduce the burden of calculation by setting the generation of the tomographic image as a partial region, and to smoothly set the tomographic plane position appropriately.

Claims (15)

An X-ray generator for generating X-rays;
An X-ray restricting section for restricting the generated X-rays to an X-ray slit beam;
An X-ray detector including a plurality of detection elements that output signals according to the intensity of incident X-rays;
A support unit that rotates around a rotation axis and supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector so as to face each other with a subject interposed therebetween;
A support unit moving unit that moves the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector around the subject by moving the support unit;
Projection image data output from the X-ray detector that has received the X-ray slit beam transmitted through the region of interest is stored by tomography of the region of interest in the subject performed by driving the support unit moving unit. A storage unit to
An image processing unit for processing the projection image data stored in the storage unit;
A drive control unit for controlling the drive of the support unit moving unit;
A position setting unit that sets the position of the tomographic plane according to the shape of the region of interest;
With
The position setting unit includes:
The tomography before receiving the change command by receiving a change command to change a position of a part of the tomographic plane along the shape of the region of interest to a direction including a component in the transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam Set a new position of the tomographic plane consisting of a change area where the position of the plane has been changed and an invariant area which is not changed,
The image processing unit
An X-ray imaging apparatus that generates a tomographic image corresponding to a new position of the tomographic plane set by the position setting unit. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
An X-ray imaging apparatus in which the tomographic plane is curved. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The image processing unit responds to a new position of the tomographic plane by partially processing the projection image data received by the position setting unit and corresponding to the changed partial position of the tomographic plane. An X-ray imaging apparatus that generates a tomographic image to be generated. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The position setting unit generates a tomographic image viewed from the axial direction of the pivot axis in the support unit from the three-dimensional data of the region of interest obtained by the image processing unit reconstructing the projection image data. Control to display as a position setting image on the display unit,
An X-ray imaging apparatus that receives a command for setting a position of the tomographic plane to be executed on the position setting image. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the position setting unit sets the position of the tomographic plane to a predetermined initial tomographic plane position. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 5,
The image processing unit generates the tomographic image at the initial tomographic plane position before receiving the change command,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the display unit displays the tomographic image at the initial tomographic plane position generated by the image processing unit. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the position setting unit sets a new tomographic plane by performing curve interpolation so that the tomographic plane passes through a position specified in the change command. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The display unit simultaneously displays a tomographic image corresponding to the position of the tomographic plane before receiving the change command and a tomographic image corresponding to the position of the new tomographic plane after receiving the change command, X-ray imaging device. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 4,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the display unit displays a tomographic image viewed from the axial direction of the pivot axis and a schematic diagram of the region of interest viewed from the axial direction of the pivot axis. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the position setting unit receives the change command for each divided region in which the region of interest is divided into a plurality of regions. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the position setting unit receives a change command for changing the position of the tomographic plane in the axial direction of the turning axis. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 11,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the position setting unit receives a change command for changing the position of the tomographic plane in the axial direction of the turning axis for each of a predetermined number of positions. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
During the tomography, the drive control unit moves the support unit moving unit so that the optical axis of the X-ray slit beam is orthogonal to at least a part of a tomographic plane defined in advance for the region of interest. X-ray imaging apparatus that controls the driving of the X-ray. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 4,
The position setting unit includes a partial region setting unit that specifies the position of the partial region at an arbitrary position on the tomographic plane,
The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the image processing unit is configured to display a tomographic image of a partial region set by the partial region setting unit. X-ray imaging method,
(A) An X-ray generator that generates X-rays formed in an X-ray slit beam and an X-ray detector that outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of incident X-rays are sandwiched by the support unit. And supporting each other at
(B) a step of rotating the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector around the subject by the support unit moving unit moving the support unit;
(C) Projection image data output from the X-ray detector that has received the X-ray slit beam transmitted through the region of interest by tomography of the region of interest in the subject in the step (b) is stored in the storage unit Memorizing the process,
(D) an image processing unit performing image processing on the projection image data stored in the storage unit in the step (c);
(E) a step of setting a position of a tomographic plane according to the shape of the region of interest;
(F) A change command for changing a position of a part of the tomographic plane along the shape of the region of interest set in the step (e) to a direction including a component in the transmission direction of the X-ray slit beam. A step of setting a new position of the tomographic plane composed of a changed area in which the position of the tomographic plane before the change command is received and an invariable area not changed by being accepted;
An X-ray imaging method including: