JP4363689B2 - X-ray diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that irradiates a subject with X-rays, detects transmitted X-rays transmitted through the subject, and generates an X-ray image based on the detection result. The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that records a series of X-ray images (hereinafter referred to as “X-ray fluoroscopic images”) continuously obtained by exposing a dose of X-rays to a subject.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Image acquisition modes in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus include X-ray imaging and X-ray fluoroscopy.
[0003]
X-ray imaging collects high-quality images with little noise by exposing a subject with a sufficient dose of X-rays so that examination and diagnosis can be performed with high accuracy. An image obtained by X-ray imaging is permanently recorded on a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, and is read and used in later inspection and diagnosis.
[0004]
On the other hand, X-ray fluoroscopy is used in, for example, the positioning of an object for appropriately performing X-ray imaging, or a technique in which a surgeon inserts a catheter into a subject and advances the catheter to the target site in a medical diagnosis of the circulatory system. To be implemented. An X-ray fluoroscopic image is a reference image mainly displayed on a monitor, so it does not need to have high image quality, and is an image obtained by exposing a subject to a lower dose of X-rays than X-ray imaging. It is an image.
[0005]
In recent years, the past the X-ray fluoroscopic image that has been discarded, and secondary use for diagnosis after it useful are dare recording (repeat playback, etc.), the total radiation exposure amount to the subject It has become necessary to reduce as much as possible. For this purpose, a mechanism for reliably collecting useful X-ray fluoroscopic images (referred to as “fluoroscopic acquisition”) is indispensable.
[0006]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of conventional fluoroscopic collection.
[0007]
In conventional fluoroscopic collection, an operator instructs collection in advance (step S11), recording is started only after the instruction is given (step S22), and fluoroscopic collection is canceled by an instruction from the operator after a predetermined time (step S22). S24), and thus an X-ray fluoroscopic image over a predetermined period from the start of recording is recorded.
[0008]
Such conventional fluoroscopic collection has the following problems. That is, when the operator recognizes that a useful X-ray fluoroscopic image has been obtained based on the display on the TV monitor or the like, the image cannot be collected unless a collection instruction is given in advance. For example, when the operator has inadvertently forgotten the collection instruction, even if a useful fluoroscopic image is obtained, collection is not performed (step S23), and the image is observed twice. It is not possible.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to take this for a predetermined period after the operator recognizes that a useful fluoroscopic image has been obtained during fluoroscopy. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus capable of reliably recording without missing.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention is configured as follows.
[0011]
The X- ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention detects X-ray generation means for generating X-rays exposed to a subject, transmitted X-rays transmitted through the subject, and continuously detects X-rays based on the detection result. Image collection means for collecting line images, and first storage means for continuously inputting X-ray images collected by the image collection means and temporarily storing a series of X-ray images from the latest to a predetermined period before Recording instruction means for the operator to instruct image recording, and in response to an instruction for image recording from the operator by the recording instruction means, the instruction is stored in the first storage means when the instruction is given. Second storage means for reading at least part of a series of X-ray images and permanently storing the read images.
[0013]
(Function)
The X- ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention temporarily stores a series of images from the latest to a predetermined period before a series of X-ray images collected continuously, so that a useful X-ray image was obtained. When the operator recognizes this, it is possible to reliably record images up to a predetermined period.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment includes an X-ray tube 2, an image intensifier 4, an optical lens 6, a TV camera 8, a TV camera interface (I / F) 10, an image memory 12, A magnetic disk interface (I / F) 14, a magnetic disk 16, an image processing unit 18, a video signal conversion unit 20, and a TV monitor 22 are configured.
[0016]
X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 2 pass through the subject P and enter the image intensifier 4. The image intensifier 4 has an input phosphor screen, and incident X-rays are converted into electrons at the input phosphor screen. The electrons are amplified in the image intensifier 4 and converted into light at the output surface. This light is collected by the optical lens 6 and then picked up by the TV camera 8 to form an electrical two-dimensional image. The intensity of light at each point on this two-dimensional image is proportional to the intensity of transmitted X-rays.
[0017]
An X-ray fluoroscopic image captured by the TV camera 8 and obtained as a real-time two-dimensional image is A / D converted and then sent to the image processing unit 18 via the TV camera interface 10.
[0018]
The image processing unit 18 performs predetermined image processing on the transmitted two-dimensional image, and sends it to the video signal conversion unit 20. The two-dimensional image subjected to the image processing is converted into a video signal by the video signal conversion unit 20 and displayed on the TV monitor 22.
[0019]
Although not shown, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes instruction means including a foot switch and a keyboard for an operator to instruct image recording.
[0020]
The image memory 12 is provided as a first storage means for continuously inputting the X-ray fluoroscopic image processed by the image processing unit 18 and temporarily storing a series of X-ray fluoroscopic images from the latest to a predetermined period before. For example, a volatile recording medium (a semiconductor memory requiring a memory holding operation by a power source). The recording time of the X-ray fluoroscopic image during the examination is limited by the storage capacity of the image memory 12.
[0021]
The magnetic disk 16 and the magnetic disk interface (I / F) have a series of X-ray fluoroscopy stored in the image memory 12 at the time when the instruction is given by the instruction means when the instruction is given by the operator. It is provided as means for reading at least a part of the image and permanently storing the read image.
[0022]
The operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of fluoroscopic collection of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0024]
The fluoroscopic image processed by the image processing unit 18 is continuously input to the image memory 12. In the image memory 12, the images are written in order from the top address, and when the image is written up to the last address and there is no free space, the next image is written back to the top address. That is, the image memory 12 is used as a so-called ring buffer. By such an operation of the image memory 12 as a ring buffer, a series of X-ray fluoroscopic images from the latest to a predetermined period before are temporarily stored.
[0025]
Here, an operator who observes an X-ray fluoroscopic image displayed in real time on the TV monitor 22 has a useful X-ray fluoroscopic image (an important “scene” that is to be observed again later). If it is recognized (step S2) and an image recording instruction is issued via the instruction means to record (perspective collection), the process proceeds to step S3. If no instruction is given, the X-ray fluoroscopic image is temporarily stored in step S1.
[0026]
In step S3, at least a part of the series of fluoroscopic images stored in the image memory 12 when the instruction in step S2 is given is read. The read image is written to the magnetic disk 16 via the magnetic disk interface (I / F) 18 and stored permanently. Such an image writing operation on the magnetic disk 16 is preferably subjected to background processing, for example, independently of the temporary storage of the fluoroscopic image in step S1.
[0027]
Note that, in step S2, it may be configured so that “perspective reproduction” can be instructed. In this case, at the time when the instruction is given, at least a part of a series of fluoroscopic images stored in the image memory 12 is read out, converted into a video signal by the video signal converter 20, and repeatedly displayed on the TV monitor 22. Is done.
[0028]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the predetermined period after the operator recognizes that a useful X-ray fluoroscopic image is obtained during X-ray fluoroscopy, the X-ray fluoroscopic image at that time is always displayed. Temporarily stored. This makes it possible to reliably record useful images without missing them. Therefore, the operator can concentrate on the fluoroscopic operation and procedure at that time, and the operability is improved.
[0029]
By making it possible to reliably collect useful X-ray fluoroscopic images, secondary use of X-ray fluoroscopic images increases. For example, even without performing the X-ray imaging, some examined using the collected X-ray fluoroscopic image allows diagnosis, this contributes to a reduction in radiation exposure dose.
[0030]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0031]
The X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the first embodiment described above permanently stores a series of fluoroscopic images obtained continuously and a series of fluoroscopic images at the time when an instruction to record is given from an operator. Each of the storage means is configured separately by an image memory and a magnetic disk. On the other hand, the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that these two means are constituted by one means. That is, although not shown, the image memory and the magnetic disk in the configuration of FIG. 1 are replaced by a single storage unit.
[0032]
This storage means has at least two divided storage areas, and the collected X-ray fluoroscopic images of the subject are continuously input through the TV camera interface. The first storage area temporarily stores a series of X-ray fluoroscopic images from the latest to a predetermined period before.
[0033]
When an image recording is instructed by the operator, at least a part of the series of X-ray fluoroscopic images stored in the first storage area at the time when the instruction is issued is transferred to the second storage area. . The second storage area permanently stores the transferred image.
[0034]
Advantages similar to those of the first embodiment can be obtained by the second embodiment.
[0035]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, this is missed for a predetermined period after the operator recognizes that a useful X-ray fluoroscopic image is obtained during X-ray fluoroscopy. It can be recorded reliably. Recorded X-ray fluoroscopic image contributes to reduce the total radiation exposure amount to a subject by being used for diagnosis or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of fluoroscopic collection of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the first embodiment. Flow chart showing the flow of conventional fluoroscopy collection [Explanation of symbols]
2 ... X-ray tube 4 ... Image intensifier 6 ... Optical lens 8 ... TV camera 10 ... TV camera interface 12 ... Image memory 14 ... Magnetic disk interface 16 ... Magnetic disk 18 ... Image processor 20 ... Video signal converter 22 ... TV monitor

Claims (4)

X-ray generation means for generating X-rays exposed to the subject;
Image collecting means for detecting transmitted X-rays transmitted through the subject and continuously collecting X-ray images based on the detection results;
First storage means for continuously inputting X-ray images collected by the image collection means and temporarily storing a series of X-ray images from the latest to a predetermined period before;
Recording instruction means for an operator to instruct image recording;
In response to an instruction for image recording from the operator by the recording instruction means, at least a part of a series of X-ray images stored in the first storage means at the time when the instruction is given, X-ray diagnostic apparatus, comprising: second storage means for permanently storing the read image.   The X-ray diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit is configured by a volatile storage medium, and the second storage medium is configured by a nonvolatile storage medium. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first storage unit is a semiconductor memory, and the second storage unit is a magnetic disk. Fluoroscopic reproduction instruction means for an operator to instruct fluoroscopic reproduction;
In response to an instruction for fluoroscopic reproduction from the operator by the fluoroscopic reproduction instruction means, at least a part of a series of X-ray images stored in the first storage means at the time when the instruction is given, The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising fluoroscopic reproduction means for displaying the read image on a monitor.

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