JP4172848B2 - X-ray detection display and X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus that emits X-rays to a subject and images and displays the transmitted X-rays for use in diagnosis of a target site. The present invention relates to an X-ray detection display and an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus that can be miniaturized and can be optimally arranged so that the display can be arranged in an arbitrary positional relationship with respect to the panel X-ray detector. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in order to use X-rays to image a target region of a subject and to make use of the diagnosis, an X-ray tube that emits X-rays and an X-ray film that exposes the transmitted X-rays of the subject are used. X-ray imaging was performed on a target site using an X-ray apparatus. In particular, when it is necessary to perform X-ray imaging in a hospital room or an operating room, X-ray film imaging has been performed using a portable X-ray apparatus such as a mobile round-trip car.
[0003]
Alternatively, an X-ray tube that emits X-rays, an X-ray image intensifier (hereinafter referred to as “X-ray II”) that enters the subject's transmitted X-rays into an optical image, and this X-ray II An X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising a TV camera that takes an optical image of a fluorescent surface of the TV and converts it into an electrical signal, and a TV monitor that displays a video signal from the TV camera as an image. Images were taken and displayed on the TV monitor.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the X-ray apparatus using the X-ray film, since the X-ray film is used to expose and image the transmitted X-ray of the subject, it is not possible to perform fluoroscopy in advance, and the captured image is confirmed. I couldn't do it, and I couldn't position it accurately, so I was shooting a wide range with a large film. Therefore, X-ray exposure due to imaging of unnecessary portions may increase, or X-ray exposure may increase due to re-imaging due to failure to obtain a good captured image.
[0005]
In addition, in an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus using an X-ray II, a TV camera, and a TV monitor, it is possible to confirm a captured image by performing fluoroscopy in advance, and to perform accurate positioning. Since the fluorescent surface of X-ray II is a spherical surface, the peripheral image may be distorted. In addition, since the field of view of the X-ray II is circular, in order to obtain an effective captured image, it is necessary to image over a range wider than the target site, which may increase X-ray exposure. Furthermore, since X-ray II, a TV camera, and a TV monitor are required, the apparatus becomes large and is not suitable for a portable X-ray apparatus such as a mobile medical examination car. It was something that could not be done.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention addresses such problems and is downsized by including a flat panel type X-ray detector and a flat panel display, and a display is provided for the panel X-ray detector. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray detection display and an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus that can be optimally arranged so as to be arranged in an arbitrary positional relationship.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an X-ray detection display according to the first invention is a flat panel X-ray detector that detects transmitted X-rays of a subject and outputs the transmitted X-rays as image data. A flat panel display that displays image data from the panel X-ray detector on a display unit, and the display can be coupled to the panel X-ray detector so as to be arranged in an arbitrary positional relationship. And a joint portion.
Further, a part of the display is provided with switching means for switching the display direction of the photographed image displayed on the display unit of the display according to the positional relationship between the arrangement of the panel X-ray detector and the display. May be.
Furthermore, a part of the display may be provided with a network connection means for transferring the obtained captured image data to another device.
[0008]
An X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is an X-ray source that emits X-rays toward a subject, and an X-ray source that is disposed opposite to the X-ray source and emitted from the X-ray source to the subject. A flat panel type X-ray detector that detects transmitted X-rays and outputs the transmitted X-rays as image data, and a flat panel display that displays image data from the panel type X-ray detector on a display unit And a universal joint portion that couples the display to the panel X-ray detector so as to be arranged in an arbitrary positional relationship.
Further, a part of the display is provided with switching means for switching the display direction of the photographed image displayed on the display unit of the display according to the positional relationship between the arrangement of the panel X-ray detector and the display. May be.
Furthermore, a part of the display may be provided with a network connection means for transferring the obtained captured image data to another device.
[0009]
Then, the X-ray source and the panel type X-ray detector are attached to both ends of an arm member formed in a C shape or a U shape, and the arm member is supported by a drive unit so as to be swingable and rotatable. Also good.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is an apparatus schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. This X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus emits X-rays to a subject and images and displays the transmitted X-rays for use in diagnosing a target site. As shown in FIG. 1, an X-ray tube 1 and a panel A type X-ray detector 2, a display 3, and a universal joint 4 are provided.
[0011]
The example shown in FIG. 1 has shown the case where it applies to portable X-ray apparatuses, such as a mobile round-trip car. That is, the base unit 5 is provided with a battery as a power source and a motor as a drive source. The base unit 5 is provided with moving wheels 6 and can freely move on the installation floor surface 7. It can be moved. A telescopic shaft 8 that is extendable back and forth is projected from the front surface of the base unit 5, and the X-ray tube 1 is supported at the tip of the telescopic shaft 8. In addition, an arm 9 that can be projected at an arbitrary height, position, and angle from the upper surface of the base unit 5 to the front is provided, and the panel X-ray detector 2 is supported at the tip of the arm 9. ing. The example of FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of the undertube in which the X-ray tube 1 is positioned below the table 10. This arrangement example can be applied to a cardiovascular examination apparatus in addition to a portable X-ray apparatus used in a hospital room or the like.
[0012]
In such a state, the X-ray tube 1 emits X-rays toward the subject 11 lying on the table 10. For example, the X-ray tube 1 below the table 10 has the telescopic shaft 8. Supported at the tip. Although not shown in the figure, a predetermined tube voltage is supplied to the X-ray tube 1 from a high voltage generator provided inside the base unit 5.
[0013]
The panel type X-ray detector 2 receives an X-ray image transmitted through the subject 11 and converts it into an optical image, and converts the optical image into an electrical signal using a semiconductor and outputs image data. The overall shape is a rectangular flat plate having a predetermined thickness and is also called a “planar sensor”. With recent advances in semiconductor technology, particularly TFT technology, conventional X-ray films and X-rays have been developed. Instead of II, it was developed as an X-ray detection means using semiconductors.
[0014]
This panel type X-ray detector 2 includes a phosphor that makes an X-ray image incident and converts it into an optical image, and a photo that makes the light of the phosphor incident on each pixel and converts the charge into an electrical signal. A combination of a diode and a TFT for switching and reading out the electrical signal of the photodiode for each pixel is configured so that attenuation of X-rays can be directly digitally output. The field of view of X-ray incidence is, for example, a square of 2000 pixels × 2000 pixels. In this case, a developing facility is not required unlike an X-ray film, and the detected image data can be captured and displayed as a captured image immediately by a board and a personal computer. Such a panel type X-ray detector is described in, for example, “An Improved Page-size 127 um Pixel Amorphous Silicon Image Sensor for X-Ray Diagnostics Medical Imaging Applications” (SPIE Vol. 3032 · 0277-786X / 97). Yes.
[0015]
The display 3 receives image data from the panel X-ray detector 2 and performs image processing to display a captured image on a display unit using a semiconductor. The overall shape is rectangular with a predetermined thickness. It is formed in a flat plate shape. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal structure of the display 3 includes a data capturing unit 12 for inputting image data from the panel X-ray detector 2 and a floor for inputting image data from the data capturing unit 12. An image processing unit 13 that performs adjustment processing, display position and direction control, enlargement processing, and the like as necessary, and a display unit 14 that includes a liquid crystal display or the like that displays image data processed by the image processing unit 13; And a control unit 15 for controlling the operation of the data fetching unit 12 and the image processing unit 13.
[0016]
The panel X-ray detector 2 and the display 3 are connected by a universal joint 4. This universal joint portion 4 is connected to the panel X-ray detector 2 so that the display 3 can be arranged in an arbitrary positional relationship. For example, the outer joint surface has a predetermined length and is formed in a bellows shape. It consists of a pipe-like member, and can be fixed in that state by bending, stretching or twisting in any direction. Incidentally, in the inside of the universal joint 4, a cable for transferring the image data detected by the panel X-ray detector 2 on the display 3 is in communication. The panel X-ray detector 2, the display 3 and the universal joint portion 4 constitute an X-ray detection display.
[0017]
Next, an imaging operation in the X-ray detection display and the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus configured as described above will be described. In FIG. 1, first, the subject 11 is placed on the upper surface of the table 10. Then, the telescopic shaft 8 is expanded and contracted on the lower side of the table 10 so that the X-ray tube 1 is positioned directly below the subject 11, and the arm 9 is positioned at an arbitrary height and position on the upper side of the table 10. Projecting at an angle, the panel X-ray detector 2 is positioned at a part of the subject 11 to be imaged. The display 3 connected to the panel X-ray detector 2 by the universal joint 4 is arranged at various angles and directions, and the display 3 is arranged at a position where the operator can easily see the photographed image. To do. In FIG. 1, the display 3 is tilted and arranged with the lid open with respect to the panel X-ray detector 2.
[0018]
In this state, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 1 pass through the subject 11 on the table 10, and the transmitted X-rays enter the panel X-ray detector 2. Then, the transmitted X-ray is converted into an optical image by the panel-type X-ray detector 2, and the optical image is converted into an electrical signal using a semiconductor and output as image data. As shown in FIG. 3, the image data is transferred to the display device 3 via the cable in the universal joint portion 4 and displayed as a captured image on the display portion 14. In this case, the surgeon can output the weak X-ray while observing the image displayed on the display unit 14 to accurately position the panel type X-ray detector 2. And since a picked-up image can be confirmed immediately after X-ray imaging, the failure of imaging | photography is eliminated.
[0019]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another arrangement example of the display 3 with respect to the panel type X-ray detector 2. This arrangement example is a case where an operator is present obliquely in front of the panel type X-ray detector 2 and the display 3 is observed, and the display 3 is arranged substantially vertically and is shaken in an oblique direction. Yes.
[0020]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another example of the support of the panel X-ray detector 2 with respect to the distal end portion of the arm 9. In this example, the side portion on the opposite side of the panel type X-ray detector 2 with respect to the example of FIG. 1 is supported by the tip portion of the arm 9, and the indicator 3 is positioned on the side where the operator stands. is there. In the case of FIG. 5, the lid is greatly opened with respect to the panel X-ray detector 2, and the display 3 is suspended from the front side, and the screen of the display unit 14 is inclined toward the front side.
[0021]
FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another arrangement example of the display 3 with respect to the panel type X-ray detector 2. This arrangement example is a case where an operator is present in front of the panel type X-ray detector 2 and the display unit 3 is observed, and the display unit 3 is positioned above the panel type X-ray detector 2. The screen of the display unit 14 is inclined backward toward the front side.
[0022]
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing still another arrangement example of the display 3 with respect to the panel type X-ray detector 2. In this arrangement example, the display 3 is positioned in the same plane on the front side of the panel X-ray detector 2, and the screen of the display unit 14 is in a horizontal state on the front side.
[0023]
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing still another arrangement example of the display 3 with respect to the panel type X-ray detector 2. In this arrangement example, the display 3 is overlapped on the upper surface of the panel X-ray detector 2, and the screen of the display unit 14 is in a horizontal state with the screen facing upward.
[0024]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the X-ray tube 1 and the panel X-ray detector 2. This example shows an arrangement of an overtube in which the X-ray tube 1 is positioned above the table 10. In this case, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5, the positions of the telescopic shaft 8 and the arm 9 are switched, the panel type X-ray detector 2 is placed on the upper surface of the table 10, and the panel type X-ray detector 2 is placed on the upper surface. The subject 11 is laid down. In addition, also in this arrangement of overtubes, various arrangements shown in FIGS. 3 to 7 can be applied to the arrangement examples of the display 3 with respect to the panel X-ray detector 2 as required.
[0025]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing another example of the display 3. In this example, the display direction of the captured image displayed on the display unit 14 of the display 3 according to the positional relationship between the arrangement of the panel X-ray detector 2 and the display 3 is displayed on a part of the display 3. A display direction changeover switch 16 is provided as a means for switching between, and a network connection terminal 17 is provided in a part of the display 3 as a network connection means for transferring the data of the captured image obtained to another device. Is.
[0026]
According to the example of FIG. 10, when the positional relationship between the arrangement of the panel X-ray detector 2 and the display 3 is changed as shown in FIGS. In some cases, the display unit 14 may be turned upside down when the surgeon is positioned on the left or right side of the panel X-ray detector 2. In response to this, the display direction changeover switch 16 is operated as necessary to change the left and right of the photographed image displayed on the display unit 14 and upside down. For example, a means for rotating the display of the photographed image by 90 degrees each time the display direction changeover switch 16 is pressed may be provided, and the display image may be switched in a desired direction according to the side where the operator is located.
[0027]
In addition, by connecting the cable connected to the network connection terminal 17 to, for example, a network connection terminal provided in a hospital room, the data of the captured image obtained by the panel X-ray detector 2 and the display 3 can be changed to other types. It can be digitally transferred to the apparatus, and an efficient inspection can be performed. In addition, the panel X-ray detector 2 and the display 3 can be used alone. After imaging, the surgeon can take it to another examination room and connect it to the network, or bring it directly to the examination requester. It is also possible to do.
[0028]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing another example of support of the X-ray tube 1 and the panel X-ray detector 2. In this example, the X-ray tube 1 and the panel type X-ray detector 2 are attached to both ends of an arm member 18 formed in a C shape or a U shape, and the arm member 18 is provided on the upper surface of the base unit 5. It is supported by a drive unit 20 projecting forward from the base 19 so as to be swingable and rotatable. In this case, by rotating the arm member 18, the arrangement of the under tube and the arrangement of the over tube can be switched in the arrangement of the X-ray tube 1 and the panel X-ray detector 2.
[0029]
In the above description, the X-ray tube 1 is taken as an example of the X-ray source. However, the present invention can be applied to any apparatus that generates X-rays. Further, the X-ray detection display in the present invention may be used for auxiliary imaging of the X-ray CT apparatus, for example, imaging of a scanogram image or the like, or may be similarly replaced in an X-ray imaging system using a C arm. . Therefore, it can be used independently of the X-ray source that generates X-rays.
[0030]
【The invention's effect】
Since the present invention is configured as described above, according to the X-ray detection display according to the first invention, a flat panel X-ray detector and a flat display are connected by a universal joint. It is possible to reduce the size and optimally arrange the display so that the display can be arranged in an arbitrary positional relationship with respect to the panel type X-ray detector.
According to the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus of the second invention, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray source toward the subject, and the X-ray detector is arranged so as to face the X-ray source. Transmitted X-rays of X-rays radiated from the radiation source to the subject are detected and output as image data. The image data from the panel-type X-ray detector is displayed on the display unit of the display, and the panel-type X The display unit can be arranged in an arbitrary positional relationship with respect to the panel type X-ray detector by a universal joint unit that couples the line detector and the display unit. In this case, the operator can accurately position the panel X-ray detector by outputting weak X-rays while observing an image displayed on the display unit of the display. Therefore, unnecessary X-ray exposure to the subject can be prevented. Further, since the captured image can be confirmed immediately after the X-ray imaging, there is no failure in imaging.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an apparatus schematic diagram showing an embodiment of an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a display device.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a captured image is displayed on a display unit of a display device.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another arrangement example of the display with respect to the panel type X-ray detector.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another example of the support of the panel X-ray detector with respect to the tip of the arm.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another arrangement example of the display with respect to the panel type X-ray detector.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing still another arrangement example of the display unit with respect to the panel type X-ray detector.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing still another arrangement example of the display unit with respect to the panel type X-ray detector.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the arrangement of the X-ray tube and the panel X-ray detector.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of a display device.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing another example of support of an X-ray tube and a panel type X-ray detector.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... X-ray tube 2 ... Panel type X-ray detector 3 ... Display 4 ... Universal joint part 5 ... Base unit 6 ... Wheel 8 ... Telescopic shaft 9 ... Arm 10 ... Table 11 ... Subject 12 ... Data acquisition part 13 ... Image processing unit 14 ... Display unit 15 ... Control unit

Claims (7)

A flat panel type X-ray detector that detects transmitted X-rays of a subject and outputs the transmitted X-rays as image data;
A flat panel display for displaying image data from the panel-type X-ray detector on a display unit;
A universal joint for coupling the display to the panel X-ray detector in an arbitrary positional relationship;
An X-ray detection display device comprising: A part of the display is provided with switching means for switching the display direction of the photographed image displayed on the display unit of the display according to the positional relationship between the arrangement of the panel X-ray detector and the display. The X-ray detection display according to claim 1. 3. The X-ray detection display according to claim 1, wherein a part of the display is provided with a network connection means for transferring the obtained captured image data to another apparatus. An X-ray source that emits X-rays toward the subject;
A flat panel X-ray detector which is disposed opposite to the X-ray source, detects X-ray transmitted X-rays emitted from the X-ray source to the subject, and outputs the transmitted X-rays as image data; ,
A flat panel display for displaying image data from the panel-type X-ray detector on a display unit;
A universal joint for coupling the display to the panel X-ray detector in an arbitrary positional relationship;
An X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus comprising: A part of the display is provided with switching means for switching the display direction of the photographed image displayed on the display unit of the display according to the positional relationship between the arrangement of the panel X-ray detector and the display. The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4. 6. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a part of the display is provided with a network connection means for transferring the acquired image data to another apparatus. The X-ray source and the panel-type X-ray detector are attached to both ends of an arm member formed in a C shape or U shape, and the arm member is supported by a drive unit so as to be swingable and rotatable. The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

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