JP4732332B2 - X-ray equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray apparatus, and more particularly to an X-ray apparatus used for dental diagnosis.

  For example, the use of a dental X-ray device is essential for complete and accurate dentistry. Therefore, only based on dental X-ray images, incorrect tooth positioning and root part damage can be diagnosed with high accuracy and reliability.

  The X-ray technology used will actually fall into two different categories.

  In the case of so-called intraoral X-ray irradiation, either an X-ray radiation sensitive sensor, ie a digital sensor in the form of an X-ray film or a semiconductor sensor located in the housing, is brought into the patient's mouth and X-ray radiation is examined from the outside. Directed to the area to be done. Sensors brought into the mouth have a size in the range of a few centimeters and are mainly used to realize X-ray images of individual teeth or several adjacent teeth.

In contrast to intraoral radiation, where the X-ray radiation sensor is placed in the patient's mouth, in the case of so-called panoramic irradiation, the patient's head is located between the X-ray radiation generator and the sensor. In this X-ray technique, the X-ray head integrated with the radiation generator until the region of the patient's jaw is continuously penetrated by the X-ray radiation detected next by the X-ray radiation detector. Moves around the patient's head. Through special movement of the X-ray head, so-called panoramic irradiation, which is a schematic depiction of the patient's lower and upper jaw teeth, is realized. Such panoramic illumination is particularly useful for recognizing incorrect positioning of individual teeth.

In both oral and panoramic irradiation, the patient's exposure is relatively small compared to the exposure in X-ray examination of other parts of the body. There is an obligation to suppress as little as possible. An important prerequisite for this is to avoid unnecessary repetition of incorrect X-ray exposure due to incorrect positioning of the sensor or incorrect orientation of the X-ray head. Therefore, there is a special need to optimize the direction and arrangement of the X-ray head or the sensor element.

  For intraoral use, the challenge is on the one hand to arrange the sensor in the mouth in the desired position behind the tooth to be examined, and on the other hand to point the X-ray head in the center of the sensor. This is a problem on the one hand because the sensor is not recognized from the outside in a closed mouth, and on the other hand X-ray radiation is itself invisible, so that the dentist or the person performing the X-ray irradiation can actually want the radiation. It is because it is not certain whether it is directed to the part of. When performing panoramic irradiation, there is more difficulty than X-ray irradiation in that the X-ray head must be moved as much as possible around the patient's head in a particular plane. If this plane is separated while the X-ray head is moving, the quality of the panoramic illumination is thus clearly affected.

  It is known to use mechanical assistance to facilitate the orientation of the x-ray head when performing intraoral irradiation. For example, it is known to set a holder for an X-ray film or a digital sensor, a part of the holder protrudes from the patient's mouth, and indicates where the sensor is located in the mouth. Through this, the dentist can at least recognize in which area outside the head the X-ray radiation should be incident. However, the dentist still has a problem that it cannot be visually confirmed whether or not invisible X-ray radiation is actually incident on a desired site.

  As such, the present invention is based on the object of providing the possibility of improving the orientation of the X-ray head when performing a dental X-ray examination.

  The object is achieved using an X-ray device having the features of claim 1.

The solution according to the invention consists in providing an X-ray device with an aiming device, which generates an X-ray radiation (R) to be directed to an object (20) to be examined. An X-ray apparatus having an X-ray radiation source (10) for
An optical device through which the optical axis of the aiming device is directed to the object to be examined (20) parallel to the X-ray radiation (R), and the optical device The aiming device including a further light source (11) that generates visible pilot radiation (P) directed to the object to be examined via the X-ray radiation source (10), swiveling or moving An exit region for the X-ray radiation (R) and the pilot radiation (P) in a possible X-ray head (2), the X-ray radiation (R) and the pilot radiation (P) And an exit region (6) configured to be transmissive and forming the front end of the X-ray tube,
The permeable X-ray tube outlet region (6) is removable;
After removal of the outlet region (6), a tube extension is provided that is installed in the X-ray tube;
The outlet area is again installed at the front end of the tube extension after the extension is attached.

With the aid of pilot radiation, for example laser radiation, optical information can be applied outside the object to be examined, and it can be deduced to exactly which region the x-ray radiation is incident. In the case of intraoral radiation delivery, the remaining challenge for the dentist is to determine which area outside the patient's head should be projected of the x-ray radiation and therefore located in the mouth. The sensor to irradiate.

  The optical information generated with the aid of pilot radiation has different properties in each case depending on the type of examination to be performed. In the case of intraoral X-ray irradiation, it is sufficient to generate information specifying the center of the projected X-ray radiation. For this purpose, for example, a point, a circle—in the case of a ring-shaped pilot beam—or a cross projection can be used. The use of a ring-shaped pilot beam to generate a circle provides the advantage through which inferences can be made regarding the nature of the axis of interest compared to the x-ray head. This is because when the pilot beam is not perpendicularly incident, the ring-shaped pilot beam is deformed into an ellipse.

  If panoramic illumination is to be performed, the pilot radiation is desirably achieved such that a line with a horizontal direction is projected outside the patient's head. The use of the line is useful in this case because the plane is characterized where the x-ray head is moved around the patient's head. For example, if it was previously shown how the occlusal surface developed with the aid of a face bow on the patient's cheek, the rotational surface of the X-ray head could be optimally aligned with the occlusal surface with the aid of pilot radiation. In addition, panoramic illumination is optimized.

  A further possibility is the creation of a scale using a plurality of lines parallel to the pilot radiation, which opens up the possibility of determining the distance between the X-ray head and the patient's head.

A light source for pilot radiation, preferably a laser emitting light in the visible range, such as a HeNe laser or a laser diode, is usually placed in an X-ray head having an X-ray source for generation of X-ray radiation. . A beam splitter, preferably disposed in the beam path of the X-ray radiation, is used, such as an optical device oriented substantially parallel to the X-ray radiation. For X-ray radiation, in contrast to pilot radiation, the beam splitter acts in a reflective manner and is substantially transparent. A material that clarifies this required characteristic is, for example, aluminum.

According to the advantageous results of the invention , the light source for pilot radiation is not always switched on, but only works under certain circumstances, and at some point or after the execution of X-ray irradiation. The switch is turned off under circumstances. Through this, as will be explained in more detail below, this determines whether the X-ray device is ready for use in a simple or quick manner, whether the film has been correctly exposed, or whether the patient has moved. The possibility to do so is offered to dentists and other people performing X-ray irradiation.

  A further achievement of the present invention relates to the fact that the X-ray head is arranged directly on or outside the patient's head when carrying out intraoral X-ray irradiation. Since the pilot radiation is useful to the dentist when it can be observed well by him, at least the tip of the x-ray tube is formed to be transparent. Through this, the dentist can recognize in which region the X-ray radiation is finally incident even when the X-ray head is placed directly on the patient's head.

  Optical devices such as beam sputtering are used for the purpose of directing the optical observation system in the axis of X-ray radiation. This is useful, for example, in the evaluation of X-ray irradiation to see the area to be irradiated from the direction of X-ray radiation so that the incident location and lateral expansion of the irradiation area can be better monitored. If you are interested. For example, a camera or other viewing device is used for this purpose that is directed to an area emitted by X-ray radiation with the aid of a beam splitter.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The main component of the X-ray apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and generally given by reference numeral 1 is an X-ray head 2 containing an X-ray light source, which is the central unit 4 and the base of the X-ray apparatus 1. It is connected so that it can be moved through the framework 3. The base of the X-ray head 2 is placed so that it can be swung or moved at as many free angles as possible, i.e. for flexible use. In this irradiation method, the X-ray head 2 does not move during irradiation, so that the illustrated base is provided especially for carrying out from intraoral X-ray irradiation. In the case of so-called panoramic illumination, on the contrary, the X-ray head 2 pivots around a specific axis, which must be achieved automatically in order to achieve a satisfactory image quality. The arrangement for the guided movement of the X-ray head 2 that is necessary for this purpose is not shown in FIG.

The central unit 4 contains the main control elements necessary for the control of the X-ray head 2 or the X-ray radiation source arranged therein. The central unit 4 is further an input device 5 through which the main parameters (for example radiation time, radiation duration, tube current (mA), tube voltage (kV), etc.) for performing an X-ray examination are input. . Based on this input, the central unit 4 generates control signals that are transmitted to the X-ray radiation sources arranged in the X-ray head 2 through lines running in the framework 3. X-ray radiation generated in response is emitted via a tube 6 in the forward radiation exit area of the X-ray head 2. As will be described in more detail below, the X-ray tube 6 is configured to transmit X-rays, at least in its forward region, to open the possibility of using the assistance provided by the pilot radiation to the dentist. The For example, the X-ray tube 6 is made of Plexiglas (registered trademark) .

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the internal structure of an X-ray head 2 having, on the one hand, an X-ray radiation source 10 for generating X-ray radiation R and on the other hand an aiming device consisting of a pilot radiation source 11 and a beam splitter 12. . The aiming device shows the direction of the X-ray radiation R with the aid of the pilot beam P. Both the X-ray source 10 and the pilot source 11 are controlled by the central unit of the X-ray apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and are connected to this unit via two lines 10a and 11a running in the framework 3 for this purpose. Is done.

  The pilot radiation P must be visible because the pilot radiation is to provide the optical aid to direct the X-ray head 2 towards the object to be examined by the dentist. For this reason, laser radiation in the red range is preferably used. For example, a helium-neon (HeNe) laser or a laser diode can be used as the light source 11 for pilot radiation.

  With the aid of the pilot beam P, the orientation of an X-ray head 2 is simplified and the X-ray radiation R and the pilot radiation P are aligned with each other more precisely. Preferably, the two reviewers are oriented in the direction of each other's axis, however it is achieved that some assistance is at least parallel to each other or simply offset from each other at a small angle.

A coaxial alignment of the pilot radiation P with respect to the X-ray radiation R is provided by the beam splitter 12. The beam splitter 12 is arranged in the radiation path of the X radiation R. What is important here is that the beam splitter 12 is made of a material that can simply pass through the X-ray radiation R, but conversely the pilot beam P. For this purpose, it is recommended that the beam splitter 12 be implemented using a flat aluminum plate, since aluminum has desirable properties. If the beam splitter 12 is completely flat, the laser beam P emitted from the pilot radiation source 11 is projected in a point manner on the surface of the object to be examined, which represents the center of the X-ray radiation R. To do.

The application of the beam splitter 12 in the X-ray radiation path can be used to enhance the X-ray radiation due to the so-called inherent transmission characteristics associated with it, and the resulting scattered It should be noted that the emitted radiation is absorbed inside the X-ray head. Here, aluminum has the advantage that it is used in any case for the realization of the inherent transmission properties of X-ray radiation, so that the inherent transmission properties together with the corresponding setting of the mirror or beam splitter material thickness. Be triggered. The inherent transmission properties and the technical data of the device thereby remain unchanged.

FIG. 3 shows an arrangement of the X-ray radiation source 10, the light source 11 for the pilot beam P and the beam splitter 12 in place of FIG. 2 differs from the illustration in FIG. 2 in that the beam splitter 12 is not arranged at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the path of the X-ray radiation R. For the method of function of the beam splitter 12, however, unlike the arrangement of illustrated in FIG. 2 does not occur.

  The assistance obtained through the use of pilot radiation for the dentist during the orientation of the x-ray head is described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 4 thus shows the case of an application for intraoral X-ray irradiation, in which a sensor 15 that senses X-ray radiation is arranged in the mouth of the patient's head 20 schematically illustrated. In the case of this inspection, it is necessary to direct the X-ray head 2 so that the X-ray radiation R enters the sensor 15 as optimally as possible.

Pilot radiation P is, according to the present invention to produce a mark 16 for indicating clearly that the X-ray radiation R is incident on the region of the patient's head 20 or the position outside the head 20 Easy. For the dentist, the problem was reduced simply by determining the required position outside the patient's head 20. This required position is necessary to strike a sensor disposed in the mouth. In this case, it is advantageous that at least the area in the front direction of the tube 6 of the X-ray head 2 is transparent . This is because the position 16 where the pilot beam P is incident can also be recognized even when the X-ray head 2 is placed directly on the patient's head. Also, when the X-ray tube 6 projects on the housing of the X-ray head 2, it is advantageous to configure the X-ray tube 6 to be transmitted in order to be able to optimally utilize the assistance of pilot radiation. There is .

Based on further results, remove the portion that transmits the X-ray tube 6 can be can be configured, thus may attach the extension of the tube. Further, in this variant, is provided at least front end region of the tube is configured to transmit. For example, the part that transmits through the pilot beam for more effective assistance can be repositioned at the front end after attachment of the extension.

  Further smoothing of the orientation of the X-ray head 2 is that the holder of the sensor 15 must be combined with a mechanical aiming device not shown so that the X-ray radiation R has to be incident in order to illuminate the sensor 15. This is achieved due to the fact that it is connected in a defined manner with the holder of the sensor 15 with the aid of an alignment device that clearly defines the area outside the patient's head. If this holder is further provided with a target mark, the correct alignment of the X-ray head 2 is indicated, for example, by the incidence of the pilot beam P on the target mark. The quality of X-ray irradiation obtained through this is greatly improved. At the same time, it is certain that the irradiation does not have to be repeated due to misalignment of the X-ray head 2. The target mark in this case is a so-called “target” that refers to a sensor or X-ray film and can monitor the correct position or alignment of the X-ray beam.

FIG. 5 shows a further advantageous embodiment of the aiming device according to the invention . In this case, so-called panoramic irradiation is realized, and the X-ray head 2 turns around the central axis 21 of the patient's head 20. At the same time, the sensor 17 located on the opposite side of the patient's head moves in the same defined manner, through which an overview illumination of the upper and lower jaw teeth is obtained.

The problem with this irradiation technique is that the X-ray head 2 should move as much as possible in the patient's occlusal plane in order to obtain optimal imaging results. X-ray radiation and coaxial, in this case does not generate a point outside the patient's head 20, to generate a horizontal line 18 which intersects the central axis of the X-ray radiation Instead, the An aiming device according to the invention may be constructed. Line 18 thus represents the surface of rotation of the X-ray head 2. For the dentist, the task of orienting the X-ray head 2 results in bringing the line 18 shown using pilot radiation to the occlusal surface of the patient 20. However, previously, with the use of a facebow, it has been achieved in a simple way that how the occlusal surface will be shown or marked on the patient's cheek. At this stage, the dentist determines the development or arrangement of the so-called “Frankfurt horizontal plane”. The x-ray head 2 is finally oriented so that the line 18 produced simply by the pilot radiation strikes the mark.

  The generation of lines instead of individual points with the aid of pilot radiation can thus be achieved by a particularly simple method in which the beam splitter shown in FIG. 2 is not flat but slightly domed. Through this, spreading from the pilot beam is accomplished and the desired line is generated.

  Instead of projecting one point or line with the aid of a pilot beam, however, when other marks are projected, it allows proper orientation of the X-ray head towards the patient's head. For example, a pilot beam can be generated that runs coaxially with the ring-shaped or cross-shaped X-ray radiation. Other possibilities further include projecting multiple lines running in parallel to provide a scale. This scale opens up the possibility of determining the sensation between the X-ray source and the patient's head.

  Finally, it should be noted that the pilot radiation not only assists in directing the X-ray head, but is also used to indicate the investigation status of the X-ray device to the dentist. Preferably, when a complete X-ray system including both an X-ray device and a digital image sensing device is ready for use, the pilot beam is not activated simultaneously. Usually, a simple check is performed by the dentist whether the irradiation system is also a usable housing prior to activation of the X-ray source. Otherwise, the patient will be unnecessarily exposed to radiation. That corresponding check is unnecessary in the case of a beneficial outcome of the invention. This is because it is clear to the dentist whether the entire system is ready for use based on the presence or absence of pilot radiation during X-ray head alignment. In order to indicate an error during operation of the system, the pilot radiation is adjusted, for example, and a mark appearing on the patient's face flashes.

  After being carried out of the x-ray exposure, the pilot beam is switched off manually or automatically, but preferably remains activated for some more time. This so-called excess light control has the potential to allow the dentist to further check after irradiation whether the patient has moved his head during that time or whether the direction of the X-ray head towards the patient's head has changed during that time. provide. This excess light control is particularly useful when using classic X-ray radiation detectors, X-ray films. This is because, before the film is developed, the dentist can determine whether the irradiation is incomplete and whether the procedure must be repeated.

  In addition, the beam splitter is also used to direct an optical observation system (not shown) in the x-ray beam axis. For example, if it is useful to look at the irradiated area from the direction of the X-ray beam during the evaluation of the X-ray exposure to better monitor the incident site and the lateral stretch of the irradiated area Is interesting. For example, for this purpose, a beam splitter may be directed to an area illuminated by X-ray radiation and a camera or other observation device may be used.

  Another possibility that is particularly useful for the production of panoramic radiation is to spread the pilot beam and observe the incident area of the pilot radiation simultaneously with the observation device or camera. From the distortion of the pilot radiation spread on the patient's face, the distance and direction of the patient's head can be determined, from which the corresponding program parameters for movement of the X-ray head are automatically derived. The combination of pilot radiation with an optical observation device opens up the possibility of realizing an irradiation procedure that runs virtually and completely on its own. Information obtained with the aid of a camera can further be used to derive support for positioning the patient's head.

  The present invention can provide assistance that allows the X-ray head of an X-ray device to be directed to a simple and reliable desired position. The means required for this purpose does not require high costs and facilitates a significant increase in irradiation quality. The use of a pilot beam is a simple way to determine whether the system is ready for use or whether there is a system defect that increases the risk of unloading the X-ray examination. Provides the possibility to show.

FIG. 1 is an overall view of a dental X-ray apparatus based on the invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of various light sources in the X-ray head and radiation path. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative of the possibility for coupling in pilot radiation. FIG. 4 shows the assistance provided by pilot radiation in the case of intraoral irradiation. FIG. 5 shows the assistance provided by pilot radiation in the case of panoramic illumination.

Claims (25)

An x-ray apparatus having an x-ray radiation source (10) for generating x-ray radiation (R) to be directed to an object (20) to be examined,
The X-ray apparatus
An optical device through which the optical axis of the aiming device is directed to the object to be examined (20) parallel to the X-ray radiation (R);
The aiming device comprising a further light source (11) that generates visible pilot radiation (P) directed through the optical device to the object to be examined;
An exit region for the X-ray radiation (R) and the pilot radiation (P) in an X-ray head (2) comprising the X-ray radiation source (10) and configured to be pivotable or movable; An exit region (6) configured to transmit the X-ray radiation (R) and the pilot radiation (P) and forming a front end of the X-ray tube;
Have
The permeable X-ray tube outlet region (6) is removable;
After removal of the outlet region (6), a tube extension is provided that is installed in the X-ray tube;
The outlet region is installed again at the front end of the tube extension after attachment of the extension.
X-ray device. The optical device is formed by a beam splitter (12) arranged in the beam path of the X-ray radiation (R).
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. The beam splitter (12) acts to reflect light in the visible wavelength range and transmits the X-ray radiation (R).
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 2. The beam splitter (12) is made of aluminum,
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 3. The beam splitter (12) also realizes inherent transmission characteristics ;
The X-ray apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The pilot radiation is projected in a point as a light spot (16) in the object to be examined,
The X-ray radiation (R) and the pilot radiation (P) are coaxial with each other,
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. The pilot radiation (P) is projected as a line (18) in the object to be examined,
The line (18) intersects the central axis of the X-ray radiation (R);
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. The pilot radiation (P) is imaged as a horizontally oriented line (18).
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 7. The line (18) defines a plane of rotation for rotational movement of the X-ray head (2) including the X-ray radiation source (10).
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 7 or 8. A plurality of parallel lines are projected onto the object to be examined;
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 7. The beam splitter (12) is dome-shaped or bent in the region of the point of incidence of the pilot radiation (P);
The X-ray apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 and claims 7 to 10. The pilot radiation (P) is projected onto the object to be examined as a substantially circular or cross-shaped mark,
The X-ray radiation (R) and the pilot radiation (P) are oriented coaxially with each other,
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. A holder for a sensor (15) provided for detection of said X-ray radiation (R) and for alignment in the mouth of a patient (20);
The holder is connected in a defined manner with an aiming device arranged outside the mouth, with the aid of an alignment device,
The aiming device has an aiming mark indicating an incident point for the pilot radiation (P);
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. The pilot radiation (P) is red;
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. The light source for the pilot radiation is a HeNe laser (12) or a diode laser,
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 14. The transparent exit area (6) of the X-ray head (2) is formed of Plexiglas (registered trademark).
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. The pilot radiation (P) indicates the operating state of the X-ray apparatus (1) and / or the image detection device,
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. The pilot radiation (P) is activated only when the X-ray apparatus (1) and / or the image-detected device is ready for use,
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 17. The pilot radiation remains activated after the activation of the X-ray source, for checking the posture of the object to be examined or for checking the orientation of the X-ray head ;
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. The X-ray apparatus has an optical observation system that detects an incident region of the pilot radiation (P).
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1. Information about the spacing and orientation of the object to be examined is obtained from the distortion of the pilot radiation (P) detected on the surface of the object to be examined, detected by the optical observation system,
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 20.   The program parameters for the movement of the X-ray head (2) including the X-ray radiation source (10) are derived on the basis of information on the spacing and orientation of the object to be examined. X-ray equipment. The optical device (12) directs the optical observation system in the axis of the X-ray beam;
The X-ray apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22. The observation system is a camera;
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 23. The X-ray apparatus is a dental X-ray apparatus.
The X-ray apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 24.

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