JP5138178B2 - Radiation inspection equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation inspection apparatus that collects and stores a fluoroscopic image or a tomographic image of a subject while the subject is heated or cooled to a predetermined temperature.

  When inspecting specimens such as new materials, microdevices, small electronic components, multiple-member joints, etc., after heating or cooling the specimen, irradiate it with transparent radiation to obtain a fluoroscopic or tomographic image. For example, the behavior including the internal state of the subject can be grasped, which is an important examination in analyzing the internal state of the subject.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, several inspection apparatuses have been proposed for inspecting an object by heating or cooling a subject and transmitting radiation including a light source.

One of the inspection apparatuses applies radiant heat to the subject from a heating device disposed obliquely above, and irradiates the subject with light from a light source directly above, and the light passing through the subject is directly below the light. This is a configuration that is detected by a detector, converted into a video signal, and monitored (see Patent Document 1).
).

  As another inspection apparatus, radiant heat is applied to a subject from a heat source disposed obliquely below, while X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray generation unit toward the subject from directly above the subject. In this configuration, X-rays that pass through the specimen are detected by the detection unit directly below (see Patent Document 2).

  Further, as another inspection apparatus, the subject is heated by arranging the first heat source and the second heat source so as to surround the subject with a predetermined interval therebetween, and the X-ray generation unit applies the subject to the subject. This is a configuration in which X-ray fluoroscopic images are detected by a sensing unit on the opposite side with X-ray irradiation and a subject interposed therebetween (see Patent Document 3).

Furthermore, the other inspection apparatus is arranged so that the subject is placed on the rotating body and rotated, and the cylindrical heat equalizing member is arranged in a non-rotating state so as to be covered without contacting from the upper part of the subject. In this configuration, an X-ray transmission window is provided in each of opposite wall portions of the cylindrical heat equalizing member, and a tomographic image of the subject is acquired while rotating. This inspection apparatus heats or cools the soaking member with a Peltier element in the range from room temperature to about ± 60 ° C., and heats or cools the subject by radiant heat from the soaking member (see Patent Document 4).
JP 2004-340973 A (see FIG. 2) JP 2003-149173 A (see FIG. 2) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-274194 (see FIG. 1) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-274277 (see FIG. 2)

  By the way, since all the techniques of the patent documents as described above are configured such that the subject is not in contact with the heat source or the heat absorption source and is heated or cooled using the radiant heat of the heat source or the heat absorption source, the heat source or the heat absorption source. When the temperature of the specimen is raised or lowered to a predetermined temperature by heating or cooling in step 1, there is a problem that the heat transfer speed is slow and it takes a long time for the specimen to reach a desired temperature.

  In addition, since the heat source and the subject are completely separated from each other, the amount of heat released to the atmosphere increases, and the subject is held at a desired temperature unless the amount of heat required for heating or cooling is increased. It is difficult to let Furthermore, if the amount of heat required for heating or cooling is increased, the heating or cooling mechanism becomes large, and there is a problem that the inspection apparatus tends to be large.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and reduces the amount of heat released from a heat source or an endothermic source with respect to the subject, and quickly raises or lowers the subject to a desired temperature, contributing to a reduction in size. An object of the present invention is to provide a radiation inspection apparatus.

(1) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention irradiates a subject placed on a table from a radiation source and moves the table in three axial directions to change the perspective magnification or observation position. In a radiation inspection apparatus that detects radiation transmitted from the subject with a radiation detector and collects fluoroscopic images, a flat plate-shaped heat transfer unit that makes surface contact with the subject and transfers heat, and the heat Heat generation that heats or cools the heat transfer unit attached to the transfer unit in a state of being in close contact with the surface of the heat transfer unit or symmetrically, except for the flat plate portion where the subject is in surface contact A heat generation or cooling unit composed of a heat source, a heat transfer unit heated or cooled by the heat generation source or a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the subject, and a heat generation source energizing the heat generation source Power supply for The radiographic inspection apparatus collects the fluoroscopic image while placing the heat generation or cooling unit integrated with the subject on the table and heating or cooling the subject via the heat transfer unit. .

(2) Moreover, this invention is orthogonal to the irradiation direction of the radiation with which the said flat surface is irradiated from the said radiation source as said flat heat transfer part described in invention of said (1) term. The heat generation source is symmetrically attached to a surface portion of the surface portion of the heat transfer portion excluding a portion where the subject is brought into surface contact .

(3) Further, according to the present invention, when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means reaches a predetermined temperature newly added to the configuration of the invention of (1) or (2) , the fluoroscopy is performed. The image data storage means for collecting images and storing them in the storage means is added.

  According to the present invention, the amount of heat released from the heat source or the heat absorption source to the subject can be reduced, and the subject can be quickly raised or lowered to a desired temperature, contributing to downsizing of the device. Can provide.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining a first embodiment of a radiation inspection apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the radiation inspection apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a diagram of a heating unit including a temperature control system. It is a block diagram.

  The radiation inspection apparatus includes a heat generating unit 3A placed on the table 2 with the subject 1 sandwiched therebetween, a temperature controller 4, and an X-ray 5a that irradiates the subject 1 from directly below the table 2, for example. An image generator such as a personal computer, an X-ray detector 6 that is disposed directly above the subject 1, for example, detects X-rays 5a that pass through the subject 1, and outputs a fluoroscopic image signal. The storage terminal 7 is configured. The X-ray generator 5 and the X-ray detector 6 may be arranged upside down.

  The heating means constituting a part of the heat generating unit 3A includes heaters 31aa and 31ab and a heater power source 32. As the heaters 31aa and 31ab, for example, ceramic heaters are used, and connected to the heater power source 32a in a state of being connected in series.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the heat generating unit 3A excluding the heating means includes a heat transfer portion 33a formed in an arbitrary shape having a predetermined thickness, for example, a rectangular flat plate shape. For example, a material such as aluminum is used for the heat transfer portion 33a, and a recessed portion having a concave cross section or a blind through hole having a predetermined cross section is formed from the opposite two side end surfaces toward the inner center. The heaters 31aa and 31ab are respectively fitted or embedded so as not to cause heat transfer loss in the recessed portion or the blind through hole.

  And the heat insulating material 34 which consists of a paper base material of a high heat resistance temperature is affixed on the one surface part of the heat transfer part 33a so that heater 31aa, 31ab fitted in each recessed part of the heat transfer part 33a may be covered. Further, a blind through hole is formed from the appropriate one end face of the heat transfer portion 33a toward the inside center, and the temperature detector 35 is inserted into the blind through hole. As the temperature detector 35, for example, a thermocouple or a resistance temperature detector is used. For example, when the temperature of the heat transfer section 33a is measured in a non-contact state, an infrared temperature detector may be used. Further, the temperature detector 35 may directly measure the temperature of the subject 1.

  The side surface portion of the heat transfer portion 33a opposite to the surface on which the heat insulating material 34 is installed is a surface portion that is in surface contact with the surface portion of the subject 1, and a plurality of steel screw bodies 36a and 36b project from the surface portion. ing. A presser plate 39 having heat insulating materials 37 and 38 made of a paper base material having a high heat resistance is attached to the screw bodies 36a and 36b so as to be able to advance and retreat. As the pressing plate 39, for example, a material such as aluminum is used.

  The heat generating unit 3A sandwiches the subject 1 between the holding plate 39 and the heat transfer portion 33a, and then fastens and fixes the subject 1 with nuts 40a and 40b. Note that grease or the like may be applied between the heat transfer unit 33a and the subject 1 in order to improve heat transfer characteristics.

  The temperature controller 4 controls the heater power source 32a so that the detected temperature reaches, for example, a predetermined temperature while the heater power source 32a is turned on and the temperature detected by the temperature detector 35 is captured and displayed.

  The X-ray generator 5 irradiates, for example, X-rays from the lower part of the table 2 toward the subject 1 and is set in a state where the subject 1 is sandwiched between the heat generating units 3A. Therefore, the heat generating unit 3A is placed on the carbon table 2 so that the surface direction of the flat heat transfer portion 33a is the see-through direction of the X-ray 5a (the irradiation direction of the X-ray 5a).

  The X-ray detector 6 is a detector having a two-dimensional resolution. I. (X-ray image. Intensifier) and a TV camera. X-ray I. Has a function of converting X-rays 5a transmitted through the subject 1 into clear visible light. The TV camera is an X-ray I.D. I. The visible light image converted in step 1 is picked up and converted into a visualized fluoroscopic image signal. A fluoroscopic image signal captured by a television camera can be converted into either an analog fluoroscopic image signal or a digital fluoroscopic image signal.

A fluoroscopic image storage terminal 7 such as a personal computer is connected to the X-ray detector 6.
The image data storage terminal 7 captures the fluoroscopic image signal from the X-ray detector 6 and stores it electronically in the disk device 8. However, when the analog fluoroscopic image signal is captured from the X-ray detector 6, the image data storage terminal 7 is multi-valued ( 256 values), and is stored in the disk device 8.

  Further, the output terminal of the temperature detector 35 is connected to the image data storage terminal 7, and the temperature detected by the temperature detector 35 is captured and stored in the disk device 8 together with the fluoroscopic image signal.

  The table 2 described above is provided with a conventionally known position adjusting mechanism (not shown). The position adjusting mechanism can change the perspective magnification or change the observation position by moving the table 2 so as to be displaceable in three axial directions orthogonal to each other, that is, up and down, left and right, and front and rear.

  An angle adjusting mechanism (not shown) is provided between the table 2 and the heat generating unit 3A. The angle adjusting mechanism finely adjusts the inclination angle and the swing angle of the heat generating unit 3A. 5a has a function of adjusting so as to transmit in the optimal transmission direction to the subject 1.

  Next, the operation of the radiation inspection apparatus configured as described above will be described.

  The operator sandwiches the subject 1 between the heat transfer section 33a and the presser plate 39, and then advances the presser plate 39 along the screw bodies 36a and 36b while screwing the nuts 40a and 40b. Tighten and fix so as to press against the heat transfer section 33a.

  Thereafter, the operator places the heat generating unit 3A on the table 2 via an angle adjusting mechanism (not shown). At this time, the heat generating unit 3 </ b> A is installed so that the surface direction of the plate-shaped heat transfer portion 33 a coincides with the see-through direction of the X-ray 5 a from the X-ray generator 5.

  After placing the heat generating unit 3A on the table 2 as described above, the X-ray generator 5 irradiates the X-ray 5a, and the X-ray detector 6 disposed on the opposite side of the X-ray generator 5 covers the target. X-rays 5a that pass through the specimen 1 are detected. Here, the X-ray detector 6 detects the X-ray 5a emitted from the subject 1, and then converts it into, for example, a digitized fluoroscopic image signal and outputs it. The image data storage terminal 7 captures and displays the fluoroscopic image signal converted by the X-ray detector 6, and the operator sees the table 2 and the heating unit while viewing the fluoroscopic image of the X-ray 5 a passing through the subject 1. Adjust the position and angle of 3A.

  That is, the position and angle of the table 2 and the heat generating unit 3A are finely adjusted using a position adjusting mechanism and an angle adjusting mechanism (not shown) so that a desired fluoroscopic image can be obtained in a normal temperature state. . At this time, the fluoroscopic direction of the X-ray 5a is set to the plane direction of the plate-shaped heat transfer unit 33a as described above, and the table 2 and the heat transfer unit 33a are in a range that does not interfere with the fluoroscopic image of the subject 1. An optimal see-through state is set while finely adjusting the heat generating unit 3A.

  The operator operates the temperature controller 4 to turn on the heater power supply 32a and cause the heaters 31aa and 31ab to generate heat. Heat generated by the heaters 31aa and 31ab is transmitted to the subject 1 through the heat transfer section 33a. The temperature controller 4 captures and displays the temperature detected by the temperature detector 35 at predetermined intervals, controls the heater power supply 32a so that the detected temperature becomes a predetermined temperature, and controls the heat generation of the heaters 31aa and 31ab. To do.

  As a result, the temperature of the subject 1 that is in surface contact with the heat transfer section 33a is quickly raised to a predetermined temperature. At this time, as the heat generating unit 3A, the heat insulating materials 34, 37, and 38 are attached to the outer surface of the heat transfer portion 33a and both surfaces of the presser plate 39, respectively, so that the amount of heat released from the heat transfer portion 33a to the outside. In addition, since the heat released from the subject 1 is blocked by the heat insulating material 38 on the presser plate 39 side, the subject 1 can be efficiently heated.

  The heat transfer section 33a may itself be a heating element. In that case, the temperature detector 35 is attached so as to be in close contact with the heat transfer section 33 a or the subject 1.

  The operator observes the current temperature displayed on the temperature controller 4 and when the current temperature reaches a predetermined temperature, or when the fluoroscopic image changes to a desired fluoroscopic state or fluoroscopic image, the image data An image collection command is input to the storage terminal 7. When an image collection command is input, the image data storage terminal 7 captures a fluoroscopic image output from the X-ray detector 6 and stores it in the disk device 8.

  The image data storage terminal 7 has a function of improving the image quality of a fluoroscopic image. As an image quality improvement function, for example, a digital data frame that has been converted into multiple values, which is a fluoroscopic image including noise, is captured a plurality of times, and the digital value of the same pixel in each frame is subjected to an averaging process, thereby reducing noise included in the fluoroscopic image. For example, the edge of the fluoroscopic image is enhanced by enhancing the difference of digital values between neighboring pixels of the fluoroscopic image appearing in the frame.

  Therefore, the operator appropriately applies the image quality improvement function of the image data storage terminal 7 to the fluoroscopic image, improves the image quality of the fluoroscopic image, and stores it in the disk device 8.

  Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the heat insulating material 34 is adhered to the outer surface of the heat transfer section 33a in which the heaters 31aa and 31ab are embedded, and the inner surface of the heat transfer section 33a is attached to the subject 1. Since the heat is transferred to the subject 1 while heating the heat transfer portion 33a by the heaters 31aa and 31ab, the amount of heat required for heating the subject 1 can be relatively reduced, and the heat generated by the heaters 31aa and 31ab can be reduced. It can be transmitted to the subject 1 in a short time, and the temperature of the subject 1 can be quickly heated to a predetermined temperature.

  Further, the heat transfer portion 33a excluding the heat transfer surface portion to the subject 1 and the other surface portion of the presser plate 3 are covered with heat insulating materials 34, 37, and 38, and the heat transfer portion 33a is in surface contact with the subject 1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the amount of externally lost heat generated by the heaters 31aa and 31ab to be small, so that the subject 1 can be efficiently heated, and the entire subject 1 can be heated to a uniform temperature. Contributes to downsizing

  Furthermore, unnecessary surface portions of the heat transfer section 33a and the holding plate 39 are covered with heat insulating materials 34, 37, and 38, so that the apparatus such as the X-ray generator 5 and the X-ray detector 6 in the vicinity of the subject 1 can be used. The effect of the applied temperature can be reduced.

  In addition, the subject 1, the heat transfer section 33a, and the heaters 31aa and 31ab are integrated to form the heat generating unit 3A, and the heat generating unit 3A can be handled as if it were one subject. It is very easy to modify the equipment for heating. In addition, the apparatus can be easily switched to an apparatus that does not have a heating means, and a highly versatile apparatus can be obtained.

(Modification in the first embodiment)
(1) In the above embodiment, the heaters 31aa and 31ab such as ceramic heaters are provided on the heat transfer portion 33a side. However, for example, a plurality of heaters may be provided on the holding plate 39 side as well. When a plurality of heaters are provided on the holding plate 39 side, the heaters 31aa and 31ab on the heat transfer portion 33a side and the plurality of heaters on the holding plate 39 side, that is, four heaters are connected in series and connected to the heater power supply 32a. In addition, when a plurality of heaters are provided on the side of the presser plate 39, the configuration is such that the subject 1 is directly contacted without attaching the heat insulating material 38 to the inner surface of the presser plate 39.

  According to such a configuration, the two opposing surfaces of the subject 1 are heated by the heaters 31aa, 31ab on the heat transfer section 33a side and the plurality of heaters on the presser plate 39 side, so that the amount of heat generated from these heaters is effective. The temperature of the subject 1 can be set to a predetermined temperature and a uniform temperature at an earlier stage, which greatly contributes to downsizing.

(2) As another modification, for example, the entire heat generating unit 3A or the periphery facing the outside of the subject 1 may be surrounded by a plate material to prevent air convection. At this time, as the plate material, a carbon plate having good X-ray transparency or a heat insulating material of a paper base material is used for a portion reflected in a fluoroscopic image, and a rock wool material having a good heat insulating property is used for the other portions.

  According to such a configuration, the image quality of the X-ray fluoroscopic image is hardly deteriorated, the temperature drop of the subject 1 caused by air convection around the subject 1 can be prevented, and the entire subject 1 is further shortened. The temperature can be made uniform over time.

(3) The heat generating unit 3A applied to the radiation inspection apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as shown in FIG. 3, for example.

  The heat generating unit 3A shown in FIG. 3 is not changed in that the subject 1 is sandwiched by using the heat transfer portion 33a and the holding plate 39 in the same manner as described above, but in this modification, the heater is provided in the heat transfer portion 33a. The subject 1 is sandwiched between the heat transfer portion 33a and the presser plate 39 without providing 31aa and 31ab and with the heat insulating material 38 attached to the inner surface of the presser plate 39 removed.

  Then, when the subject 1 is sandwiched, heaters 31ac, 31ad such as ceramic heaters and heat transfer bodies 41a, 41b are interposed in a space formed between the heat transfer portion 33a and the presser plate 39. . That is, the heater 31ac and the heat transfer body 41a are overlapped from one side surface of the space formed between the heat transfer portion 33a and the presser plate 39 toward the vicinity of the subject 1 arranged in the inner central portion. The heater 31ad and the heat transfer body 41b are overlapped from the other side facing the one side to the vicinity of the subject 1 in the inner central portion.

  As the heat transfer bodies 41a and 41b, for example, heat-resistant rubber that has good thermal conductivity and can maintain elasticity even at high temperatures is used.

  According to such a configuration, heat generated from the two heaters 31ac and 31ad inserted into the inner central portion from the opposite side surfaces of the space portion formed between the heat transfer portion 33a and the pressing plate 39 is slight. Heat generated from the two heaters 31ac and 31ad is applied to the subject 1 through the gap, and is directly contacted from the heat transfer portion 33a and the inner side surface of the presser plate 39 through the heat transfer portion 33a and the presser plate 39. It can be given to the specimen 1. As a result, since the subject 1 is simultaneously heated from the four directions of the subject 1, heat loss to the outside other than the subject 1 can be greatly reduced, and the supply power for heating the subject 1 can be reduced. It can be made smaller, and it contributes to downsizing of the device.

  Further, since the subject 1 is simultaneously heated from the four directions of the subject 1, the heat generated by the heaters 31ac and 31ad can be efficiently transmitted to the subject 1, and the temperature of the subject 1 can be made uniform in a shorter time. Can be close to temperature.

(4) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, after setting the subject 1 to be sandwiched between the heat transfer portion 33a and the presser plate 39, the presser plate 39 is advanced while the nuts 40a and 40b are screwed, and the subject is moved. 1 is tightened and fixed, but the position of the subject 1 may be slightly shifted during the examination due to the degree of tightening or for some reason.

  Therefore, as another modification of the present embodiment, a slight length from the lower equivalent position of the subject 1 on either one of the inner side surface portion of the heat transfer portion 33a and the inner side surface portion of the presser plate 39 or both surface portions. The stopper may be attached and used to position the subject 1 at a lower position.

  Thereby, the position shift of the subject 1 is eliminated during the examination, and the situation in which the subject 1 falls can be avoided in advance. Furthermore, when the subject 1 is placed between the heat transfer portion 33a and the presser plate 39, the subject 1 can be placed while being positioned easily and quickly.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat generating unit showing a second embodiment in the radiation inspection apparatus according to the present invention.
This embodiment is an example of a heat generating unit 3B in which a flat plate-like heat transfer portion 33a and a flat plate-like heat insulating material 34 are superposed on the upper surface portion of the table 2 and placed horizontally.

  Specifically, in the heat generating unit 3B, a flat heat insulating material 34 having a shape substantially similar to that of the heat transfer portion 33b is attached to a lower surface portion of, for example, a rectangular flat plate heat transfer portion 33b arranged horizontally. The For the heat transfer portion 33b, a material having a good thermal conductivity such as aluminum or carbon and having a small X-ray absorption coefficient is used as a flat plate.

  The heat generating unit 3B places the subject 1 on the central portion of the upper surface of the flat plate-shaped heat transfer portion 33b, and symmetrically forms four heaters 31aa on the surface portion of the upper surface portion of the heat transfer portion 33b excluding the subject 1. , 31ab, 31ac, 31ad (31ad not shown) are arranged in close contact with each other, and heat generated by these heaters 31aa, 31ab, 31ac, 31ad is evenly transmitted to the heat transfer section 33b to heat the subject 1. It is a configuration. These heaters 31aa, 31ab, 31ac, 31ad are connected in series and connected to a heater power source 32a.

  Further, in the heat generating unit 3B, a temperature detector 35 such as a resistance temperature detector is disposed in a close contact state on the upper surface portion of the flat heat transfer portion 33b. The temperature detector 35 detects the temperature transmitted to the subject 1 by the heat transfer unit 33 b and sends it to the temperature controller 4 and the image data storage terminal 7.

  An example of the arrangement of the heat generating unit 3B with respect to the table 2 is arranged so that the flat plate surface portion of the heat transfer portion 33b is orthogonal to the see-through direction of the X-ray 5a emitted from the X-ray generator 5, and through an angle adjusting mechanism (not shown). It is arranged on the table 2.

The operation of the radiation inspection apparatus in this embodiment will be described.
The X-ray generator 5 emits X-rays 5a, passes through the subject 1 with an X-ray detector 6 disposed on the opposite side of the X-ray generator 5 with the table 2 and the heat generating unit 3B (not shown) interposed therebetween. The incoming X-ray 5a is detected. The image data storage terminal 7 captures and displays the fluoroscopic image signal converted by the X-ray detector 6 as described above. The operator adjusts the position and angle of the table 2 and the heat generating unit 3B while viewing the fluoroscopic image of the X-ray 5a passing through the subject 1, and sets so as to obtain an appropriate fluoroscopic image at room temperature. . At this time, the X-rays 5a pass through the heat insulating material 34, the heat transfer unit 33b, and the subject 1. In particular, the X-ray transmission distance of the heat insulating material 34 and the heat transfer unit 33b is not excessively long. Fine-tune the angle to set the appropriate perspective.

  After positioning the table 2 and the heat generating unit 3B, the heater power supply 32a is turned on from the temperature controller 4, and current is supplied to the four heaters 31aa, 31ab, 31ac, 31ad. Heat generated by the heaters 31aa, 31ab, 31ac, and 31ad due to the energization is conducted to the heat transfer unit 33b and is transmitted to the subject 1 that is in surface contact with the heat transfer unit 33b. At this time, since the heaters 31aa, 31ab, 31ac, and 3ad are arranged symmetrically on the upper surface of the heat transfer unit 33b, the subject 1 is heated from four directions through the heat transfer unit 33b. As a result, the subject 1 is heated to a uniform temperature by the transmitted heat transmitted from the four directions.

  On the other hand, the X-ray 5 a irradiated from the X-ray generator 5 passes through the heat insulating material 34, the heat transfer unit 33 b and the subject 1 and reaches the X-ray detector 6. The X-ray detector 6 detects the X-ray 5a transmitted through the subject 1, and then converts it into, for example, a digitized fluoroscopic image signal and outputs it. The X-ray detector 6 may output an analog fluoroscopic image signal and convert it to a digital fluoroscopic image signal on the image data storage terminal 7 side.

  When an image acquisition command is input, the image data storage terminal 7 takes in the fluoroscopic image output from the X-ray detector 6 and stores it in the disk device 8 together with the temperature detected by the temperature detector 35.

  According to this embodiment, a large area portion of the subject 1 is heated from the four heaters 31aa, 31ab, 31ac, 31ad disposed symmetrically on the upper surface of the heat transfer section 33b through the heat transfer section 33b. Then, X-rays are irradiated from a direction perpendicular to the large surface of the subject 1, and a fluoroscopic image of the subject 1 is detected by the X-ray detector 6. At this time, the images of the heat insulating material 34 and the heat transfer unit 33b are also reflected in the fluoroscopic image. However, since the heat insulating material 34 and the heat transfer unit 33b have a small X-ray absorption coefficient, there is little influence on the fluoroscopic image.

  With such a configuration, by increasing the heat transfer rate of the heat source with respect to the subject 1, the subject 1 can be quickly heated to a desired temperature, and a radiation inspection apparatus that can be reduced in size can be provided.

  In this embodiment, the subject 1 is placed in close contact on the laminated body of the plate-like heat transfer portion 33b and the plate-like heat insulating material 34, but the upper surface portion of the subject 1 is further provided. The structure which has arrange | positioned the presser plate in may be sufficient. Thereby, the contact degree is increased by pressing the subject 1 toward the heat transfer portion 33b, and heat transfer can be accelerated.

  In addition, the same modification as the modification described in the first embodiment is possible, and the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of a heat generating unit showing a third embodiment of the radiation inspection apparatus according to the present invention.
In this embodiment, an example of a heat generating unit 3C that removes the heaters 31aa, 31ab, 31ac, and 31ad shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, directly energizes the heat transfer unit 33c, and directly heats the heat transfer unit 33c itself. It is. Other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

  Specifically, in the heat generating unit 3C, a flat heat insulating material 34 having a shape substantially similar to that of the heat transfer portion 33c is attached to a lower surface portion of, for example, a rectangular flat plate heat transfer portion 33c arranged horizontally. The That is, the heat generating unit 3C is the same as that of the second embodiment, but in particular, a heat transfer part 33c made of carbon is used, and the heat transfer part 33c made of carbon is connected to the heating power supply 32b. Thereby, the heat transfer unit 33c directly generates heat by the heating power source 32b. As the heat insulating material 34, a paper substrate having a high heat resistance temperature is used as described above.

The operation in this embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, when the heating power supply 32b is turned on based on a command from the temperature controller 4 and a current is passed through the carbon heat transfer section 33c, the heat transfer section 33c itself generates heat, and the subject 1 Heat. Carbon, which is a constituent material of the heat transfer section 33c, has a high heat-resistant temperature, good thermal conductivity, and low X-ray absorption, so that it has little influence on the fluoroscopic image of the subject 1 with X-rays. Other operations are the same as those in the above-described embodiment.

  Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the heat transfer unit 33c itself generates heat, the contact surface of the subject 1 that is in close contact with the heat transfer unit 33c can be heated almost uniformly, and the entire subject 1 can be heated to a uniform temperature. Can be. Other effects are the same as those of the second embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the subject 1 is placed on the laminated body of the flat heat transfer part 33c and the flat heat insulating material 34. However, the modification of the second embodiment is provided. As described in the example, a structure in which a pressing plate is disposed on the upper surface side of the subject 1 may be used. Thereby, the heat transfer between the subject 1 and the heat transfer section 33c can be enhanced.

  Moreover, the structure which installed the heat transfer part made from carbon in the close_contact | adherence state on the upper surface side of the subject 1 may be sufficient. Then, the carbon heat transfer portion 33c on which the subject 1 is placed and the carbon heat transfer portion disposed on the upper surface side of the subject 1 are connected in series and connected to the heating power source 32b. At this time, the same heat insulating material as that of the heat insulating material 34 is attached to the upper surface of the carbon heat transfer portion disposed on the upper surface side of the subject 1.

  According to such a configuration, since the upper and lower surfaces of the subject 1 are heated by the heat transfer section, the temperature of the entire subject 1 can be further heated in a uniform state.

  Other effects are the same as those of the second embodiment.

(Fourth embodiment)
In each of the above-described embodiments, the heat transfer units 33a, 33b, and 33c are heated using the heater power supply 32a and the heating power supply 32b. For example, the heat transfer units 33a and 33b are heated to a predetermined temperature using a cooling unit. The structure which cools to may be sufficient.

  The cooling means includes, for example, a Peltier element that connects a surface having a cooling effect in close contact with the heat transfer portions 33a and 33b, and a Peltier element power source that replaces the heater power source 32 that supplies current to the Peltier element. . The Peltier element power source is connected to the temperature controller 4 as shown in FIG. 2 in addition to the Peltier element.

  Note that the Peltier element is joined to the heat transfer units 33a and 33b so as not to overlap the fluoroscopic image of the examination target region of the subject 1. That is, the Peltier element is attached to the heat transfer section 33a or 33b so as not to overlap with the fluoroscopic image of the subject 1. Other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

The operation in this embodiment will be described.
As in the first embodiment, the operator uses the position adjustment mechanism (not shown) and the angle adjustment mechanism (not shown) to adjust the table 2 and the cooling / heating unit so that a desired perspective image can be obtained at room temperature. Adjust the position and angle. When the operator performs an operation necessary to operate the temperature controller 4, the Peltier element power supply is turned on based on the ON command, and current is supplied to the Peltier element. As a result, the Peltier element absorbs the heat of the subject 1 and decreases the temperature of the subject 1. At this time, the temperature controller 4 controls the Peltier element power supply so that the temperature detected by the temperature detector 35 becomes a predetermined set temperature, and cools the subject 1 to a desired temperature.

  The operator observes the current temperature displayed on the temperature controller 4, but when the current temperature becomes a desired temperature, or when the fluoroscopic image is in a desired state or a change is seen in the fluoroscopic image, An image collection command is input to the image data storage terminal 7. The image data storage terminal 7 collects a fluoroscopic image from the X-ray detector 6 based on the input image collection command, and stores it in the disk device 8 together with the current temperature data detected by the temperature detector 35. Other details of the operation are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will be described in the description thereof.

  According to such an embodiment, a fluoroscopic image of the subject 1 can be taken out using the Peltier element without imprinting the image of the Peltier element in a portion necessary for the observation of the fluoroscopic image. The temperature of 1 can be lowered to a desired temperature lower than room temperature.

(Modification in the fourth embodiment)
(1) The Peltier element can lower or increase the temperature of the surface that is in close contact with the heat transfer portions 33a and 33b of the Peltier element, depending on the direction of the current flowing through the Peltier element. That is, in the same configuration as that of the fourth embodiment described above, if the direction of the current supplied from the Peltier element power source to the Peltier element is opposite to that of the fourth embodiment, the Peltier element The surface that is in close contact with the heat transfer portions 33a and 33b can generate heat.

  Therefore, the Peltier element absorbs heat or generates heat according to the direction of the energization current from the Peltier element power source, and the heat transfer portions 33a, 33b and the like can be changed to a temperature lower or higher than normal temperature.

  In this modification, the Peltier element and the power source for the Peltier element can be said to be heating / cooling means.

  According to this modification, the temperature of the heat transfer parts 33a and 33b can be freely moved up and down with the normal temperature as a boundary without changing the configuration of the first and second embodiments described above. The other effects are the same as those of the first and second embodiments.

(2) Further, as another modification, for example, the heat insulating material 38 is removed from the configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the presser plate 39 is separated from the first Peltier element connected to the heat transfer portions 33a and 33b described above. Similarly, the second Peltier element may be connected so as to be in close contact with each other.

  According to such a configuration, heat absorption or heating control is performed on the subject 1 from both sides by the heat transfer units 33a and 33b and the presser plate 39 that sandwich the subject 1, so that the subject is separated at room temperature. The whole 1 can be cooled or heated to a more uniform upper and lower predetermined temperature.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of the radiation examination apparatus according to the present invention, and is a block diagram showing an example of storing a fluoroscopic image by the image data storage terminal 7 in particular.

  The image data storage terminal 7 inputs interface means 7a having functions such as a signal conversion and a multiplexer for acquiring a fluoroscopic image and temperature information digitized from the X-ray detector 6 and the temperature detector 35, and a subject name and the like. Or an input unit 7b such as a keyboard or mouse for inputting an image collection command, an image storage processing unit 7c composed of a CPU for storing perspective images and temperature information, a disk device 8, and a display unit 7d. Composed.

  The disk device 8 is provided with a fluoroscopic image storage unit 8a and a file name storage unit 8b. The file name storage unit 8b is an area for storing a file name when saving a fluoroscopic image, and an appropriate area of the disk device 8 or another appropriate memory, for example, a buffer memory for temporarily storing data. It may be used. In the file name storage unit 8b, the subject name storage area 8ba for storing the subject name input by the operator from the input means 7b, and the detected temperature taken in from the temperature detector 35 when the fluoroscopic image to be stored is acquired. A detection temperature storage area 8bb for storing, a date storage area 8bc for storing date data when a fluoroscopic image is acquired, a file format, for example, a file format data storage area 8bd for storing image file format data by bitmap, and the like. .

  The operation of such a configuration will be described.

  When the subject name is inputted from the input means 7b at the time of examination of the subject 1 or at a necessary timing of the examination, or when the subject name is inputted based on the message displayed on the display unit 7d, the image storage processing unit 7c. Takes the subject name and stores it in the subject name storage area 8ba of the file name storage unit 8b.

  Thereafter, when the image storage processing unit 7c receives an image collection command from the input unit 7b or the temperature controller 4 in the examination stage of the subject 1, the image storage processing unit 7c digitizes the temperature detector 35 via the interface unit 7a. Temperature information is acquired and stored in the detected temperature storage area 8bb, and date data is acquired from a clock function (not shown) of the image data storage terminal 7 and stored in the date storage area 8bc. Further, the file format data of the perspective image file format (bitmap) is stored in the file format data storage area 8bd.

  Then, the image storage processing unit 7c captures the digital perspective image from the X-ray detector 6 via the interface means 7a and stores it in the perspective image storage unit 8a of the disk device 8. At this time, the file name storage unit A file name is automatically generated using the data stored in 8b, and the fluoroscopic image is saved with the generated file name.

  For example, a file name “sample1 150 deg 06-04-15 10-30-25.bmp” is generated. Here, “sample1” is the name of the subject, “150 deg” is the detected temperature measured by the temperature detector 35, “06-04-15” is the date April 15, 2006, and “10-30-25” is At time 10:30:25, “bmp” is the image file format (bitmap) of the fluoroscopic image.

  As described above, when the fluoroscopic image of the subject 1 is stored in the disk device 8, the file name as described above is generated, and if the fluoroscopic image is stored in the disk device 8, the operator inputs the name of the subject. Alternatively, it is possible to obtain a file name including temperature and date simply by selecting and inputting from a plurality of types of subjects 1 displayed on the display unit 7d. The temperature at the time of collecting images can be grasped.

(Other variations)
(1) In the first to fourth embodiments, X-rays are used as the transmissive radiation. However, using other equipment such as γ-rays, neutrons, and microwaves, It is good also as a structure which obtains the fluoroscopic image of the test substance 1. FIG.

(2) In the first to fourth embodiments, when the temperature displayed on the temperature controller 4 by the operator reaches a desired temperature, or the fluoroscopic image changes to a desired state or a fluoroscopic image. In the example described above, an image collection command is input to the image data storage terminal 7 and a fluoroscopic image is collected. However, for example, a predetermined temperature is set in the temperature controller 4 and detected by the temperature detector 35. A configuration may be used in which an image collection command is sent to the image data storage terminal 7 when the predetermined temperature reaches a predetermined temperature.

(3) Further, as the temperature controller 4, a relationship between time and temperature (hereinafter referred to as a temperature profile) is set in advance, and based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector 35, the heater power supply 32 a is set according to the temperature profile. The power source for the Peltier element may be controlled to change the heating temperature of the subject 1 over time.

(4) In the first to fourth embodiments, temperature control is performed, but this is not essential. The temperature controller 4 may be eliminated, a temperature indicator may be added, and a dial for changing the heater current (heat generation amount) may be added to the heater power supply.

  With this configuration, the operator adjusts the temperature by turning the dial while watching the temperature display. Alternatively, the inspection is performed while fixing the dial and changing the temperature according to the course. By omitting the temperature controller 4, the device becomes simpler.

(5) Furthermore, as the image data storage terminal 7, a plurality of times that are not necessarily constant intervals or a plurality of temperatures that are not necessarily constant intervals are set, and when these set times or set temperatures are reached, the subject is automatically selected. One perspective image may be collected and stored in the disk device 8.

  According to such a configuration, the fluoroscopic images intended by the operator can be automatically collected without depending on the operation of the operator.

(6) In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the example in which the position and angle of the table 2 and the heat generating units 3A and 3B are finely adjusted has been described. For example, the table on which the subject 1 is placed. If the fluoroscopic images of the subject 1 are collected and stored while rotating the 2 or the heat generating units 3A and 3B themselves at a predetermined angle with respect to a predetermined axis perpendicular to the X-ray fluoroscopic direction, A large number of tomographic images can be acquired by performing a known reconstruction process after the fluoroscopic images are prepared.

  Therefore, according to such a configuration, the behavior of the subject 1 due to a temperature change can be grasped three-dimensionally from the reconstructed tomographic image of the subject 1.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a radiation inspection apparatus according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram of the heat generating unit demonstrated as 1st Embodiment of the radiation inspection apparatus which concerns on this invention, Comprising: The figure (a) is a top view of a heat generating unit, The figure (b) is a side view of a heat generating unit. It is a block diagram of the heat generating unit described as a modified example of the first embodiment of the radiation inspection apparatus according to the present invention, in which (a) is a top view of the heat generating unit and (b) is a heat generating unit. Side view. It is a block diagram of the heat generating unit demonstrated as 2nd Embodiment of the radiation inspection apparatus which concerns on this invention, Comprising: The figure (a) is a front view of a heat generating unit, The figure (b) is the figure (a). The right view of the heat generating unit shown. It is a block diagram of the heat generating unit containing the heating power supply demonstrated as 3rd Embodiment of the radiation inspection apparatus which concerns on this invention, Comprising: The figure (a) is a front view of a heat generating unit, The figure (b) is the figure. The right view of the heat-emitting unit shown to (a). The block diagram which shows an example of the image data storage terminal demonstrated as 5th Embodiment of the radiography apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the data storage area of the file name memory | storage part which memorize | stores the data for automatically producing | generating the file name of a fluoroscopic image.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Subject, 2 ... Table, 3A, 3B, 3C ... Heat generating unit (cooling unit), 4 ... Temperature controller, 5 ... X-ray generator, 6 ... X-ray detector, 7 ... Image data storage terminal, 7a ... interface means, 7c ... image storage processing unit, 8 ... disk device, 8a ... fluoroscopic image storage unit, 8b ... filter name storage unit, 31aa, 31ab, 31ac, 31ad ... heater (heat generation source), 32a ... heater power supply, 32b ... Heating power source, 33a-33c ... Heat transfer part, 34 ... Heat insulating material, 35 ... Temperature detector, 37, 38 ... Heat insulating material, 39 ... Holding plate, 41a, 41b ... Heat transfer body.

Claims (4)

Radiation is applied to a subject placed on a table from a radiation source, the table is moved in three axial directions to change the perspective magnification or observation position, and the radiation transmitted from the subject is detected by a radiation detector. In a radiological examination apparatus that detects and collects fluoroscopic images,
Symmetrically in the heat transfer section or in the heat transfer , except for a flat plate-shaped heat transfer section that makes surface contact with the subject and transfers heat and a flat plate portion with which the subject makes surface contact with the heat transfer section. Temperature detection for detecting the temperature of the heat generation source that is attached in close contact with the surface of the unit and that heats or cools the heat transfer unit, and the temperature of the heat transfer unit or the subject that is heated or cooled by the heat generation source An exothermic or refrigeration unit composed of means;
A power source for a heat generation source for energizing the heat generation source,
A radiological examination characterized in that the heat generation or cooling unit integrated with the subject is placed on the table, and the fluoroscopic image is collected while heating or cooling the subject via the heat transfer unit. apparatus. The radiation inspection apparatus according to claim 1,
The plate-shaped heat transfer unit is arranged so that the plate-shaped surface is orthogonal to the radiation direction of radiation irradiated from the radiation source,
The radiation inspection apparatus, wherein the heat generation source is symmetrically attached to a surface portion of the surface portion of the heat transfer portion excluding a portion where the subject is brought into surface contact. The radiological examination apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A radiological examination apparatus, comprising: an image data storage unit that collects the fluoroscopic image and stores it in a storage unit when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit reaches a predetermined temperature. The radiological examination apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
When the fluoroscopic image is collected, a file name including numerical data of the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit is attached, and an image data storage unit for storing the collected fluoroscopic image in a storage unit is added. Characteristic radiological examination apparatus.

Images