JP4094910B2 - X-ray imaging device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus that obtains a transmission image of the imaging object using X-rays in order to inspect the internal structure of the imaging object, and in particular, generation of halation in the transmission image and an X-ray source. The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of effectively preventing damage to the imaging device due to direct X-ray irradiation from the imaging device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, various imaging devices using X-rays have been put into practical use for the purpose of nondestructive inspection of the internal structure of an article. In general, such an imaging apparatus irradiates an object to be imaged with X-rays, and detects the X-rays transmitted through the object to be imaged by an X-ray image sensor provided opposite to the irradiation axis. A transmission image of the object to be imaged is obtained by performing processing such as conversion to an electric signal and amplification.
[0003]
  By the way, an image pickup apparatus including the image sensor is configured so that a part or the whole of the object to be imaged is accommodated within the image pickup range, but X-rays passing through the space around the object to be imaged are transmitted to the image sensor. Since direct irradiation is performed, halation may occur around the object to be imaged in the captured image. Depending on the degree of halation, the contour of the object to be imaged is eroded and the structure of the object to be imaged is obscured, so it is desirable to prevent this.
[0004]
  In addition, direct X-ray arrival to the image sensor causing halation also causes damage to the elements of the image sensor.
[0005]
  The above problems are desired to be solved to some extent by reducing the irradiation intensity of the X-ray from the X-ray generator. However, a predetermined X-ray intensity is ensured depending on the thickness in the irradiation direction of the object to be imaged. It is necessary and is not an effective solution.
[0006]
  In JP-A-2002-143137, a filter for attenuating X-rays is arranged between the X-ray generator and the object to be imaged, and this filter is retracted from the state inserted in the X-ray irradiation area. An apparatus is disclosed that is configured to take an image twice in each state and adopt an imaging result with less halation. However, with this apparatus, the occurrence of halation itself cannot be fundamentally prevented, and further damage to the image sensor in the retracted state of the filter cannot be avoided.
[0007]
  For this reason, direct X-ray arrival and halation to the image sensor can be achieved by shielding X-rays around the object to be imaged using a shielding plate or clay made of an X-ray shielding material such as lead. Prevention has been done.
[0008]
  Specifically, the shielding plate is disposed immediately in front of the image sensor, and is moved using a predetermined driving device so that the shielding plate shields the imaging range around the object to be imaged. When the shape of the object to be imaged is known in advance, the shielding plate is formed in advance according to the contour shape, and the portion that does not match the contour shape of the object to be imaged is hand-made using, for example, the above lead clay. The object is directly covered and shielded by the work.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  Since the object to be imaged, the shielding plate, and lead clay are placed in a special examination room made of X-ray shielding material so that the inspector is not exposed to X-rays, the inspector was first provided in a separate room. Check the transmission image of the object displayed in real time on the screen of the monitor, and if there is a halation, stop the X-ray irradiation and enter the examination room to enter the shield And go to set lead clay. Next, the position of the shielding plate is remotely adjusted while returning to another room and watching the monitor screen. It is sufficient if halation is eliminated by this, but if it is not eliminated, check the state of halation on the monitor screen and adjust the position of lead clay while reciprocating between the separate room and the examination room several times. It was necessary to repeat, and it took a lot of time for work.
[0010]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation, and it is not necessary for the inspector to enter the examination room in order to perform the setting work of the shield according to the shape of the object to be imaged. It eliminates the need for the inspector to enter the examination room to perform clay setting work and position adjustment work, greatly reducing the overall work time and efficiently transmitting a transmission image of the object to be imaged free of halation. An object is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that can be obtained.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  An X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray generator that irradiates an object to be imaged with X-rays, and an X-ray that obtains a transmission image of the object to be captured by X-rays transmitted through the object to be imaged.Line drawingIn an X-ray image pickup apparatus comprising an image pickup device, a plurality of shields provided so as to be independently movable,
  Each shield is connected to the irradiation optical axis of the X-ray generator or the X-ray generator.Line drawingDriving means for moving in a plane crossing the imaging optical axis of the image pickup device, each of the plurality of shields has a long rod shape or a belt shape in the moving direction, and these shields are In a direction perpendicular to the direction of movementIn close contactThe shield groups are arranged to form two rows of the shield groups, and these two rows of shield groupsIs arranged so as to sandwich the object to be imaged when viewed from the normal direction of the plane on which the plurality of shields are arranged, andThe X-ray generator is disposed so as to face the irradiation optical axis of the X-ray generator or the imaging optical axis of the X-ray image pickup device.
[0012]
  According to the above invention,Since the plurality of shields are configured to be independently movable, even if the shape of the object to be imaged is not known in advance, the shape suitable for the object to be imaged with various and complex shapes is used as a whole. Can be formed as In addition, since the X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to perform this, it is not necessary for the inspector to enter the examination room in order to perform the setting work of the shield according to the shape of the object to be imaged. It is not necessary for the inspector to enter the examination room in order to perform the lead clay setting work and position adjustment work, and the work efficiency can be improved.
[0013]
  In the above invention, for example, prior to X-ray imaging, the object to be imaged is captured using normal visible light (that is, a reflected image of the object to be captured is obtained), and the object to be imaged is determined from the imaging result. It is also possible to configure so as to select the shield based on the contour shape.
[0014]
  The imaging for obtaining the contour shape is not limited to the imaging using visible light as described above, and for example, X-rays may be used as long as the contour shape of the object to be captured can be obtained from the reflected image. In addition, this imagingLine drawingFor the purpose of selecting a shield that matches the contour shape of the object to be picked up in the image captured by the image pickup device, X is obtained so that an image as close as possible to the contour shape of the object to be picked up in the captured image is obtained.Line drawingIt is desirable to carry out with an optical axis close to the imaging optical axis of the image pickup device. However, for example, stereo imaging is performed from two different locations with an appropriate imaging optical axis to determine the three-dimensional shape of the object to be captured, and thus XLine drawingIt is also possible to specify the contour shape of the object to be imaged along the imaging optical axis of the image pickup device.
[0015]
  Each of the shields described above is formed in a rod shape or a strip shape that is long in the moving direction, and, for example, by arranging them in a bowl shape, a shape suitable for an object to be imaged having a more complicated shape is formed from a plurality of shields. It is possible.
[0016]
  In the case of a structure having rod-like or strip-like shields that are long in the moving direction as in the above invention, these shields are provided in two rows parallel to each other in the width direction. Radiation axis of X-ray generator or XLine drawingBy arranging the imaging optical axis of the image pickup device so as to sandwich the object to be imaged when viewed in the optical axis direction, the shape suitable for the object having a more complicated shape can be obtained with a simpler configuration. It can be formed from a plurality of shields.
[0017]
  In the above invention, a discriminating unit that discriminates the shape of the object to be picked up based on an image obtained by the X-ray transmission image pick-up device, and each shield according to the shape of the object to be picked up discriminated by the discriminating unit And a first control means for controlling the drive means so as to move.
[0018]
  Furthermore, in the above invention, the image processing apparatus further includes a second control unit that controls the X-ray generator, wherein the second control unit is configured to move the shields according to the shape of the object to be imaged by the driving unit. The X-ray irradiation amount for obtaining an image used for determination by the determination means may be set at a lower level than the X-ray irradiation amount for obtaining a transmission image of the object to be captured later..
[0019]
  Then, when obtaining a transmission image of the object to be imaged, the amount of X-ray irradiation from the X-ray generator is suppressed, so even if X-rays are directly incident on the X-ray image pickup device, Damage is suppressed.
[0020]
  In the above invention, a reflection image pickup device that obtains a reflection image of the object to be picked up, a determination unit that determines the shape of the object to be picked up based on the reflection image obtained by the reflection image pickup device, and the determination First control means for controlling the drive means so as to move each shield according to the shape of the object to be imaged determined by the means.May be.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
(FirstreferenceForm)
  Figure 1The second1'sreferenceIt is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-ray image pick-up device which concerns on a form. As shown in FIG.referenceThe X-ray imaging apparatus according to the embodiment is an X-ray generator 1 for real-time imaging that continuously generates X-rays, and the X-rays generated by the X-ray generator 1 face this in the horizontal direction. It is made incident on an X-ray image pickup device 3 composed of an arranged image intensifier (II: Image Intensifier), a flat panel or the like.
[0023]
  In the X-ray irradiation area of the X-ray generator 1 between the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray image pickup device 3, an object to be imaged M that is a target for obtaining a transmission image is arranged, whereby an X-ray image is obtained. Both the X-rays that have passed through the imaging target M and the X-rays that have passed through the space around the imaging target M are incident on the imaging device 3.
[0024]
  The X-ray image pickup device 3 converts incident X-rays into electric signals for each pixel and supplies them to the X-ray generator condition setting device 4 connected thereto. The X-ray generator condition setting device 4 comprises a personal computer or the like, converts an analog electric signal given from the X-ray image pickup device 3 into a digital electric signal (for example, image data such as JPEG), and performs image processing. The device 5 is provided. Further, the X-ray generator condition setting device 4 is connected to the X-ray generator 1, and based on the imaging condition control information given from the image processing device 5 described below, the driving current of the X-ray generator 1 and It has a function of controlling the drive voltage and appropriately adjusting the X-ray irradiation amount (or irradiation intensity).
[0025]
  The image processing device 5 is composed of a personal computer or the like, and displays the image data given from the X-ray generator condition setting device 4 on a monitor 6 connected thereto. Further, based on this image data, the image processing device 5 determines that the X-ray irradiation amount is excessively large as a whole (for example, the entire screen becomes whitish and the internal structure of the imaging target M cannot be understood). The imaging condition control information for reducing the irradiation amount is fed back to the X-ray generator condition setting device 4, and the X-ray irradiation amount is too small as a whole (for example, the entire screen becomes dark and the object M to be imaged becomes dark). When the internal structure is not known), imaging condition control information that increases the X-ray dose is fed back to the X-ray generator condition setting device 4.
[0026]
  The image processing apparatus 5 also has a halation prevention mechanism control function that is a feature of the present invention. In this embodiment, the image processing apparatus 5 has halation provided between the object M and the X-ray image pickup device 3. The prevention mechanism 2 is controlled to prevent the X-ray generator 1 from directly irradiating the X-ray image pickup device 3 with X-rays and the occurrence of halation in the image picked up by the X-ray image pickup device 3. It is like that.
[0027]
  As shown in FIG. 2A, the antihalation mechanism 2 according to the present embodiment includes a drive unit 21, a shielding body 22 including a plurality of types of shielding plates 22 a to 22 e, and an exchange unit 23. The shielding plates 22a to 22e have different shapes, and are formed in advance in a shape that matches the imaging target M having various shapes.
[0028]
  The exchanging unit 23 sets any one of the shielding plates 22 a to 22 e to the driving unit 21 based on the later-described halation prevention mechanism control information given from the image processing device 5, and the driving unit 21 is set by the exchanging unit 23. Any of the shield plates 22a to 22e thus moved is moved to an appropriate position in the imaging range of the X-ray image pickup device 3.
[0029]
  As shown schematically in FIG. 2B, the imaging range of the X-ray image pickup device 3, a shielding plate (shielding plate 22a in FIG. 2B) formed in accordance with the contour shape of the object M to be imaged. It is inserted in the imaging range, and the imaging range around the object M is shielded. For example, the shielding plate 22a is composed of shielding plate halves 221 and 221 that are divided into two in the vertical direction in FIG. 2B, and is formed in a portion facing these shielding plate halves 221 and 221 vertically. It arrange | positions so that the to-be-photographed object M may be pinched | interposed into the recessed part 221a. The drive unit 21 inserts the shielding plate 22a into the imaging range and shields the X-ray image pickup device 3 from being directly incident on the X-ray image pickup device 3 and preventing the occurrence of halation. The plate 22a is moved (moved in the vertical and horizontal directions in FIG. 2B).
[0030]
  Specific control of the antihalation mechanism 2 is performed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the image processing apparatus 5 controls the replacement unit 23 so that one of the shielding plates 22a to 22e set as a standard shielding plate in advance is set in the driving unit 21, and the driving unit 21 has the standard shielding. The plate is set at a predetermined initial position (step S11).
[0031]
  The image processing device 5 determines whether or not a luminance abnormality has occurred in the image data given from the X-ray generator condition setting device 4 (step S12). Here, the luminance of each pixel in the image data is examined, and if there is a pixel exceeding a predetermined luminance, the X-ray image is directly incident on the X-ray image pickup device 3 at that pixel portion, and It is determined that there is an occurrence of / or halation. Specifically, various known determination methods can be applied.
[0032]
  If no luminance abnormality has occurred ("NO" in step S12), the image processing apparatus 5 also performs direct X-ray incidence on the X-ray image pickup device 3 with the currently obtained image data. Then, it is determined that an appropriate image without halation has been obtained, and the process is terminated.
[0033]
  On the other hand, if a luminance abnormality has occurred (“YES” in step S12), the image processing apparatus 5 determines whether or not the position of the shielding plate set in the drive unit 21 can be adjusted. (Step S13). In this determination, for example, the adjusted position of the shielding plate is stored in a memory (not shown) provided in the image processing device 5 and the trial is performed to exclude the already tried position and perform subsequent position adjustment. Determine if there is no position.
[0034]
  When the position adjustment is possible (“YES” in step S13), the image processing apparatus 5 controls the drive unit 21 to adjust the position of the shielding plate (step S14), and the brightness after the position adjustment. Abnormality is checked (step S15). If the luminance abnormality still does not disappear even after adjusting the position of the shielding plate (“YES” in step S15), the image processing device 5 returns to the processing in step S13 and adjusts the position of the shielding plate again. On the other hand, if the luminance abnormality has subsided (“NO” in step S15), the image processing apparatus 5 ends this process.
[0035]
  If the position cannot be adjusted in step S13 ("NO"), the image processing apparatus 5 controls the replacement unit 23 to replace the shielding plate set in the drive unit 21 with another shape. Then (step S16), the process returns to step S12.
[0036]
(No.1Embodiment)
  As a first embodiment of the present invention,The antihalation mechanism 2 can be configured as follows. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the antihalation mechanism 2 according to the present embodiment includes a drive unit 21 and a shielding body 22 including a plurality of shielding plate elements 222, 222.
[0037]
  As shown more specifically in FIG. 4B, the shield 22 according to the present embodiment includes strip-shaped shield plate elements 222, 222... That are long in the vertical direction in FIG. The shielding plate elements 222, 222,... Arranged in close contact with each other in parallel are arranged in two rows in the vertical direction.
[0038]
  Each shielding plate element 222 is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction (that is, the vertical direction in FIG. 4B), and is driven by the drive unit 21 independently.
[0039]
  Thus, as schematically shown in FIG. 4B, the imaging range of the X-ray image pickup device 3, the upper shielding plate element group 223 and the lower shielding plate element group 223 are covered between them. The object to be imaged is arranged within the imaging range so as to sandwich the imaged object M, and moves each shielding plate element 222 so that the lower end of the upper shielding plate element group 223 and the upper end of the lower shielding plate element group 223 A shield 22 that matches the contour shape of M is formed as a whole.
[0040]
  Specific control of the antihalation mechanism 2 according to the present embodiment is performed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the image processing apparatus 5 causes the drive unit 21 to set the shielding plate elements 222, 222,... At predetermined initial positions (step S21). Here, for example, the initial position may be a state in which the lower end of the upper shielding plate element group 223 and the upper end of the lower shielding plate element group 223 are in close contact with each other. The initial position may be a state in which the lower end and the upper end of the lower shielding plate element group 223 are separated by a predetermined distance. In the present embodiment, description will be made based on the latter example.
[0041]
  Next, the image processing device 5 determines whether or not a luminance abnormality has occurred in the image data given from the X-ray generator condition setting device 4 (step S22), and if a luminance abnormality has not occurred (step S22). In “NO”), it is determined that an appropriate image having no direct X-ray incidence or halation in the X-ray image pickup device 3 is obtained with the currently obtained image data. Then, this process ends.
[0042]
  On the other hand, if a luminance abnormality has occurred (“YES” in step S22), the image processing apparatus 5 controls the drive unit 21 to adjust the position of each shielding plate element 222 (step S23), In order to check the brightness abnormality after the adjustment, the process returns to step S22. In this way, the position of each shielding plate element 222 is adjusted until the luminance abnormality is subsided.
[0043]
  When the initial position is a state where the lower end of the upper shielding plate element group 223 and the upper end of the lower shielding plate element group 223 are in close contact with each other, each shielding plate element 222 is shielded from the opposing group. It is possible to move the plate element 222 away from the plate element 222, confirm that the luminance abnormality has once occurred, and then return the plate element 222 to the close contact direction.
[0044]
  Other configurations and operations of the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.referenceThe same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0045]
(No.2ofreferenceForm)
  The firstreferenceForm ofAnd the first embodimentThe shield 22 or the shield plate (the bookreferenceIn this embodiment, hereinafter, the “shielder 22” is simply described as being disposed between the object M and the X-ray image pickup device 3 as shown in FIG. As will be described below, the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray image pickup device 3 can be arranged at various positions.
[0046]
  The shield 22 is preferably arranged so as to shield all regions in the imaging range outside the contour of the imaging target M. For example, as shown in FIG. Can be placed directly along. Further, since X-rays are accompanied by a diffraction phenomenon as is well known, halation due to X-rays leaking from the periphery of the object M is prevented.ViewAlso from the point, it is desirable to arrange the shield 22 in close contact with the contour of the object M as in this example.
[0047]
  However, when the imaging target M has a very fragile structure or a weak structure or is easily affected by an impact, for example, the shield 22 is as shown in FIG. 7 or when it is necessary to dispose the X-ray generator 1 between the X-ray generator 1 and the object M to be substantially separated from the object M as shown in FIG. There is also.
[0048]
  In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the shield 22 is disposed between the X-ray generator 1 and the imaging target M, the shield 22 is irradiated with X-rays. It can be brought into close contact with the mouth 1a to have a slit-like effect. In the case of such a configuration, X-rays from the X-ray irradiation port 1a do not diffract and leak through the slit-like portion of the shield 22, and it is possible to prevent halation more effectively.
[0049]
  As described above, when the concave portion (the portion illustrated by reference numeral “221a” in FIG. 2B) matched with the contour shape of the object M of the shield 22 is brought into close contact with the object M, Although the shape follows the contour shape of the object M to be imaged, when the shield 22 is disposed at a position other than that between the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray image pickup device 3, the concave portion is The shape is substantially similar to the contour shape of the object M to be imaged. However, it is desirable from the viewpoint of preventing halation that the concave portion is formed so as to slightly overlap the imaging target M in the imaging range in consideration of the X-ray diffraction phenomenon as described above.
[0050]
  Further, as in each example described above, the shield 22 can have various thicknesses in the direction between the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray image pickup device 3, for example, as shown in FIG. Thus, it is possible to arrange a plurality of shields 22 in this direction so as to have a substantial thickness.
[0051]
  BookreferenceOther configurations and functions ofFirst referenceForm ofAnd the first embodimentThe same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0052]
  (No.2Embodiment)
  In addition, the above1'sIn the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a CCD camera 7 that captures a reflected image of the object M is connected to the X-ray generator condition setting device 4, and the object captured by the CCD camera 7 is connected. It is also possible to discriminate the contour shape of the imaging subject M from the reflected image of the imaging subject M by the image processing device 5 and configure the shield 22 according to the contour shape. In this case, the luminance abnormality determination described above is unnecessary.
[0053]
  The CCD camera 7 images the object M in accordance with an instruction from the image processing device 5 via the X-ray generator condition setting device 4, and gives the imaging result to the X-ray generator condition setting device 4. The X-ray generator condition setting device 4 converts the analog electric signal given from the CCD camera 7 into a digital electric signal (for example, image data such as JPEG) as in the processing for the X-ray image pickup device 3. The image processing apparatus 5 is provided.
[0054]
  In FIG. 8, the CCD camera 7 is disposed on the side for the sake of illustration, but it is necessary to acquire a shape corresponding to the contour image of the object M captured by the X-ray image pickup device 3. It is preferable to match the imaging optical axis of the X-ray image pickup device 3 as much as possible. However, depending on the processing capability of the image processing device 5, for example, the object to be imaged M is stereo-imaged by two CCD cameras 7, and the three-dimensional shape of the object to be imaged M obtained from the imaging results is used as the X-ray image imager 3. It is also possible to determine the contour shape of the object M to be captured.
[0055]
  The specific control of the antihalation mechanism 2 according to the present embodiment is as follows.reference9, the image processing device 5 instructs the CCD camera 7 to image the object M (step S31), as shown in FIG. The contour shape of the object M and the position in the imaging range are determined from the image data obtained as a result (step S32).
[0056]
  Next, the image processing apparatus 5 selects a shielding plate (any one of the shielding plates 22a to 22e) according to the determined contour shape of the imaging object M, and selects the selected shielding plate as a drive unit. The exchanging unit 23 is controlled so as to be set to 21 (step S33), and the driving unit 21 is made to set the shield 22 at a corresponding position in the imaging range of the determined object M (step S34).
[0057]
  Also,FirstIn the case of having the configuration of the antihalation mechanism 2 as in the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the image processing device 5 instructs the CCD camera 7 to image the object M (step S41). Then, the contour shape of the object M and the position in the imaging range are determined from the image data obtained as a result (step S42).
[0058]
  Next, the image processing apparatus 5 controls the drive unit 21 to position each shielding plate element 222 in a shape corresponding to the determined contour shape and position of the imaging target M (step S43).
[0059]
  Other configurations and operations of the present embodiment are as described above.First reference formAnd the second1The same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0060]
(No.3ofreferenceForm)
  Each of the above embodimentsAnd reference formIn FIG. 6, various types of shields 22 have been described. However, as shown in FIG. 6B, if the shields 22 are allowed to be in close contact with the imaging target M, the shields 22 may be Such a configuration is also possible, and by this configuration, the control itself by the image processing device 5 as described above can be made unnecessary.
[0061]
  BookreferenceFor example, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the shield 22 according to the embodiment may be composed of a box-shaped container C having an appropriate size and material, and iron powder 22P filled in the container C. Is possible. The iron powder 22P acts to attenuate X-rays, and appropriately adjusts the shielding effect by changing the thickness (the size of the container C in the direction between the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray image pickup device 3). It is possible.
[0062]
  Therefore, the iron powder 22P is filled so as to cover the periphery of the imaging object M arranged in the container C.referenceIn the case of the configuration, the imaging object M may be exposed from the iron powder 22P in the thickness direction.
[0063]
  Further, as such an X-ray shielding material, in addition to a particulate material such as iron powder 22P, for example, liquid metal 22W can be used as shown in FIG.
[0064]
  BookreferenceOther configurations and operations of the form ofFirst reference formAnd above1The same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0065]
(No.4ofreferenceForm)
  The X-ray image pickup apparatus according to the present embodiment does not place the X-ray image pickup device 3 opposite to the X-ray generator 1 but generates X-rays more than the image pickup object M as shown in FIG. The backscattered X-rays from the imaging target M are made incident on the X-ray image pickup device 3. Therefore, in this configuration, since no direct X-ray is incident on the X-ray image pickup device 3 and no halation occurs, the anti-halation mechanism 2 is not necessary. In addition, the image processing apparatus 5 No special processing is required.
[0066]
  BookreferenceOther configurations and actions of the form are described above.First reference formAnd above1The same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0067]
(No.3Embodiment)
  The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is2Without using the CCD camera 7 as shown in the embodiment, the contour shape of the object M is discriminated above.First reference formAnd above1The X-ray image pickup device 3 as shown in the embodiment can be used.
[0068]
  Specifically, first, the firstreferenceWhen the image processing apparatus 5 has the configuration of the antihalation mechanism 2 as shown in FIG. 13, the image processing apparatus 5 first starts from the X-ray generator 1 via the X-ray generator condition setting apparatus 4. Is set to a level (LOW) lower than the dose for obtaining a normal transmission image (step S51).
[0069]
  Next, the image processing apparatus 5 determines the contour shape of the imaging object M and the position in the imaging range from the transmission image data of the imaging object M obtained by the X-ray image pickup device 3 as a result (step S52).
[0070]
  Furthermore, the image processing apparatus 5 selects a shielding plate (any one of the shielding plates 22a to 22e) according to the determined contour shape of the object M to be imaged, and selects the selected shielding plate as a drive unit. The exchanging unit 23 is controlled so as to be set to 21 (step S53), and the driving unit 21 is caused to set the shield 22 at a corresponding position in the imaging range of the determined object M (step S54).
[0071]
  Then, the image processing apparatus 5 sets the X-ray irradiation amount to return to the irradiation amount level (HI) for obtaining a normal transmission image (step S55).
[0072]
  On the other hand1In the case of having the configuration of the antihalation mechanism 2 as in the embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 14, the image processing apparatus 5 first has an X-ray generator via the X-ray generator condition setting device 4. The X-ray dose from 1 is set to a level (LOW) lower than the dose for obtaining a normal transmission image (step S61).
[0073]
  Next, the image processing device 5 determines the contour shape of the imaging object M and the position in the imaging range from the transmission image data of the imaging object M obtained by the X-ray image pickup device 3 as a result (step S62).
[0074]
  Furthermore, the image processing device 5 controls the drive unit 21 to position each shielding plate element 222 in a shape corresponding to the determined contour shape and position of the object M (step S63).
[0075]
  Then, the image processing apparatus 5 sets the X-ray irradiation amount to return to the irradiation amount level (HI) for obtaining a normal transmission image (step S64).
[0076]
  Thus, when obtaining the contour shape of the object M to be imaged, the X-ray irradiation amount from the X-ray generator 1 is suppressed, so that even if X-rays are directly incident on the X-ray image pickup device 3, Damage to the image pickup device 3 is suppressed.
[0077]
  Other configurations and operations of the present embodiment are as described above.First reference formAnd above1The same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0078]
(No.4Embodiment)
  In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, the determination of the contour shape of the object to be imaged M and the imaging of the transmission image of the object to be imaged M are installed for each process as shown in FIG. Two line sensors (the first X-ray image pickup device 31 and the second X-ray image pickup device 32) are configured to perform. The positional relationship among the X-ray generator 1, the object to be imaged M, and the X-ray image pickup device (here, the first X-ray image pickup device 31 and the second X-ray image pickup device 32) is as described above.First reference formAnd above1It is the same as the form.
[0079]
  In the present embodiment, the object to be imaged M is moved from the left side to the right side in FIG. 15 by a transfer device 8 such as a belt conveyor, for example, and the first X-ray image pickup device 31 and the first X-ray image pickup device 31. The 2X-ray image pickup devices 32 are arranged in this order in the transport direction of the transport device 8.
[0080]
  As described above, each of the first X-ray image pickup device 31 and the second X-ray image pickup device 32 is composed of line sensors, and is arranged in parallel with each other with the array direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
[0081]
  The first X-ray image pickup device 31 is connected to the X-ray generator condition setting device 4, and a filter 30 f that attenuates incident X-rays to the first X-ray image pickup device 31 is provided on the image pickup surface side. Yes. The filter 30f prevents direct incidence of X-rays from the X-ray generator 1 to the first X-ray image pickup device 31, and also generates halation that can be generated in transmission image data obtained by the first X-ray image pickup device 31. The contour shape of the object to be imaged M can be obtained from the transmission image data by preventing it to some extent. Here, the first X-ray image imager 31 captures even the internal structure of the object to be imaged M. There is no need to be configured to be
[0082]
  The second X-ray image pickup device 32 is connected to the X-ray generator condition setting device 4 and includes the antihalation mechanism 2 on the image pickup surface side. The structure of the antihalation mechanism 2 according to the present embodiment is1The second X-ray image pickup device 32 according to this embodiment is basically configured in the following manner corresponding to the configuration of the array sensor. .
[0083]
  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the antihalation mechanism 2 of the second X-ray image pickup device 32 according to the present embodiment from the transport direction of the transport device 8. As described above, the second X-ray image pickup devices 32 are configured in an array along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the transport device 8, that is, the left-right direction in FIG.
[0084]
  The antihalation mechanism 2 includes, for example, a pair of shielding plate elements 222 and 222 having a strip shape, and is arranged in a face-to-face manner so as to cover the imaging surface of the second X-ray image pickup device 32. The shielding plate elements 222, 222 according to the present embodiment are also the first1It is comprised so that it may move to the longitudinal direction by the drive part 21 as shown in this embodiment.
[0085]
  The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, and can provide the same functions as those of the above-described embodiments as follows.
[0086]
  As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17, the image processing apparatus 5 first scans one position in the transport direction of the imaging target M in the array direction by the first X-ray image pickup device 31 to obtain transmission image data of this portion. (Step S71).
[0087]
  Next, the image processing device 5 determines the end point position (contour position) in the scanning direction in the imaging range of the imaging target M from the transmission image data obtained by the first X-ray image capturing device 31 (step S72).
[0088]
  Further, the image processing device 5 controls the drive unit 21 to position each shielding plate element 222 at a position corresponding to the determined end point position of the object to be imaged M (step S73).
[0089]
  Then, the second X-ray image pickup device 32 scans the same scanning position as that of the first X-ray image pickup device 31 to obtain transmission image data of this portion (step S74).
[0090]
  The above processing is repeated so as to scan the entire portion of the object to be imaged M in accordance with the conveyance speed of the object to be imaged M by the conveying device 8.
[0091]
  The first X-ray image pick-up device 31 and the second X-ray image pick-up device 32 need to scan the same position of the object M to be imaged in the transport direction. Such synchronous scanning is performed by the X-ray image pick-up device. This can be achieved by determining the transport speed of the transport device 8 in consideration of the processing speed of each part.
[0092]
  Other configurations and operations of the present embodiment are as described above.First reference formAnd above1The same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the inspector to enter the examination room in order to perform the setting work of the shield according to the shape of the object to be imaged. It is not necessary for the inspector to enter the examination room to perform the work and the position adjustment work, and the entire work time can be greatly reduced to efficiently obtain a transmission image of the object to be imaged free of halation. it can.
[Brief description of the drawings]
[Figure 1]First referenceIt is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-ray image pick-up device which concerns on a form.
2A is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the antihalation mechanism shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a configuration of a shield provided in the antihalation mechanism shown in FIG. 2A. It is a schematic diagram which shows.
FIG. 3 shows the firstreference5 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the antihalation mechanism shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 (a) is a diagram of the present invention1It is a block diagram which shows another example of a structure of the antihalation mechanism which concerns on embodiment of this, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the shielding body with which the antihalation mechanism shown to Fig.4 (a) is provided. .
FIG. 515 is a flowchart showing the control content of the halation prevention mechanism shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 (a)First reference form and firstIt is a schematic diagram which shows the installation position of the shield which concerns on embodiment of this, (b) is the 1st of this invention.2ofreferenceIt is a schematic diagram which shows the installation position of the shield which concerns on this form.
FIG. 7A shows the first2ofreferenceIt is a schematic diagram which shows another installation position of the shield which concerns on the form of (b),2It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure which changed the substantial thickness of the shield which concerns on this reference form.
FIG. 8 shows the first aspect of the present invention.2It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-ray image imaging device which concerns on this embodiment.
FIG. 923 is a flowchart showing the control content of the halation prevention mechanism shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B by the image processing apparatus of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 102It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the halation prevention mechanism shown to Fig.4 (a) and (b) by the image processing apparatus of the X-ray imaging device which concerns on this embodiment.
FIG. 11ThirdofreferenceIt is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the shield which concerns on the form.
FIG. 124ofreferenceIt is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-ray image pick-up device which concerns on a form.
FIG. 1333 is a flowchart showing the control content of the halation prevention mechanism shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B by the image processing apparatus of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 143It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the halation prevention mechanism shown to Fig.4 (a) and (b) by the image processing apparatus of the X-ray imaging device which concerns on this embodiment.
FIG. 15 shows the first aspect of the present invention.4It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the X-ray image imaging device which concerns on this embodiment.
FIG. 164It is a schematic diagram from the conveyance direction of a conveyance apparatus which shows the structure of the halation prevention mechanism of the 2nd X-ray image pick-up device which concerns on this embodiment.
FIG. 174It is a flowchart which shows the control content by the image processing apparatus of the X-ray imaging device which concerns on this embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 X-ray generator
2 Halation prevention mechanism
3 X-ray imaging device
4 X-ray generator condition setting device
5 Image processing device
6 Monitor
7 CCD camera
8 Transport device
22 Shield
22a-22e Shield plate
22P iron powder
22W liquid metal
30f filter
31 1st X-ray image pick-up device
32 Second X-ray image pickup device
221 Half of shielding plate
222 Shield element
223 Shield element group
C container
M Object to be imaged

Claims (4)

An X-ray image pickup apparatus comprising: an X-ray generator that irradiates an X-ray to the object to be picked up; and an X-ray image pick-up device that obtains a transmission image of the object to be picked up by X-rays transmitted through the object to be picked up ,
A plurality of shields provided independently movable,
Driving means for moving each shield in a plane crossing the irradiation optical axis of the X-ray generator or the imaging optical axis of the X-ray image pickup device;
Each of the plurality of shields has a long rod shape or a belt shape in the moving direction,
These shields are closely arranged in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction to form a shield group, and the shield groups are provided in two rows,
These two rows of shields are arranged so as to sandwich the object to be imaged when viewed from the normal direction of the plane on which the plurality of shields are arranged, and the irradiation optical axis of the X-ray generator or the X An X-ray image pickup apparatus, wherein the X-ray image pickup apparatus is disposed so as to face an image pickup optical axis of a line image pickup device. Discriminating means for discriminating the shape of the object to be picked up based on an image obtained by the X-ray image pick-up device;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first control unit configured to control the driving unit so as to move each of the shields according to the shape of the imaging object determined by the determination unit. X-ray imaging apparatus. A second control means for controlling the X-ray generator;
The second control unit is configured to determine the discriminating unit rather than an X-ray irradiation amount for obtaining a transmission image of the object to be imaged after each of the shields is moved according to the shape of the object to be imaged by the driving unit. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an X-ray irradiation amount for obtaining an image used for discrimination is set at a low level. A reflected image imager for obtaining a reflected image of the object;
Discriminating means for discriminating the shape of the object to be imaged based on the reflection image obtained by the reflection image capturing device;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a first control unit configured to control the driving unit so as to move each of the shields according to the shape of the imaging object determined by the determination unit. X-ray imaging apparatus.

Images