JP5180529B2 - X-ray fluoroscopy system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluoroscopic imaging system. In particular, when performing sequential fluoroscopy and imaging (hereinafter simply referred to as imaging) of a large number of subjects during a group medical examination, etc., a predetermined preparation instruction is given to the next subject based on the imaging progress of the subject currently being imaged. The present invention relates to a fluoroscopic imaging system that can be performed.

  X-ray fluoroscopy tables are widely used for mass screening. As this photographing stand, a photographing stand described in Patent Document 1 is known. The imaging table includes a top plate on which the subject is placed, an X-ray generation unit that irradiates the subject with X-rays from one direction of the top plate, and an X-ray that is located on the other side of the top plate and passes through the subject. An X-ray detection unit that converts and outputs image data. The top plate can be moved up and down, and the X-ray generation unit and the X-ray detection unit can also be kept facing each other to change the X-ray irradiation direction on the subject.

  By the way, in group medical examinations and the like, since a large number of subjects are photographed one after another, the efficiency of photographing is required. In order to increase the efficiency, an attendant often instructs the next subject to perform a predetermined preparation operation during imaging of a subject.

  For example, if the number of shots per subject is eight, the laboratory technician signals the attendant when the shooting of the subject currently being shot is completed up to a predetermined number, and in response to the cue The attendant issues a preparation instruction to the next subject. Specific examples of the preparation instruction include the following.

(1) When the first image has been taken, the next subject is instructed to change to the test clothes.
(2) When the fifth image is taken, instruct the next subject to drink the foaming agent.
(3) When the eighth imaging is completed, the next subject is instructed to enter the imaging room.

  In addition, when shooting with an X-ray roll film, the number of shots can be known by a counter that counts the number of windings of the film. For this reason, the end of the current imaging is predicted from the display of the counter, and a preparation operation may be instructed to the next subject.

JP 2000-37381 A (FIG. 1)

  However, in conventional imaging using a fluoroscopic imaging table, there is a risk that the technologist will concentrate on the operation of the fluoroscopic imaging table, and the signal from the laboratory technician to the attendant or the next subject will not be transmitted accurately. was there.

  Furthermore, the method using a roll film counter cannot be used in the current mainstream filmless digital fluoroscope.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to automatically give a predetermined preparation instruction to the next subject from the imaging progress of the subject currently being imaged. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system.

  The X-ray fluoroscopic system of the present invention is an X-ray fluoroscopic system for irradiating a subject with X-rays and sequentially acquiring image data of the subject for each subject. This system includes progress status grasping means for grasping index information indicating the progress of imaging of a subject who is currently photographing, and a preparation notification for notifying a next subject of a predetermined preparation instruction based on the index information. Means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to grasp the imaging progress status of the subject currently being imaged by the progress status grasping means. And according to the imaging progress status, a predetermined preparation instruction for the next subject can be automatically notified by the preparation notification means. Therefore, the inspection engineer does not need to give a signal to the attendant, and can concentrate on the operation of the imaging table. On the other hand, the attendant or the next subject can grasp the progress status of the subject currently being imaged almost in real time, and can accurately perform the preparation operation.

  Here, the index information is an index indicating the progress status, such as the number of images of the subject currently being imaged and the elapsed time of imaging. The predetermined preparation instruction based on the index information includes not only a specific instruction for a preparation operation associated with the index information but also a case where the index information itself has a function as a preparation instruction. Furthermore, “notify the preparation instruction for the next subject” means not only the notification of the preparation instruction directly to the subject but also the preparation instruction for the attendant who guides the progress of the examination to the subject. This includes cases where

  As one form of the system of the present invention, it is possible to further include determining means for obtaining the index information from the progress status grasping means and determining whether or not the index information has reached a specified value. In this case, when the index information reaches a specified value by the determination by the determination unit, the preparation notification unit notifies a predetermined preparation instruction for the next subject.

  According to this configuration, an appropriate preparation instruction can be issued to the next subject when necessary according to the imaging progress of the subject currently being imaged. Therefore, it is possible to notify the preparation operation required by the next subject more directly as compared with the case where the index information itself is simply displayed as the preparation instruction.

  As one form of the system of the present invention having a judging means, the progress status grasping means is an image file means for storing photographed image data in association with the subject, and determines the number of subjects that have been photographed. Detection is performed as index information. In this case, the determination unit determines whether or not the number of completed images has reached a specified number among the number of images set in advance per subject.

  Usually, in group examinations and the like, the number of images taken per subject is determined to be seven or eight. Therefore, if the number of imaging completions of the subject currently being imaged is used as the index information, the imaging progress of the subject can be grasped with high accuracy. An appropriate preparation instruction can be issued to the next subject by determining whether or not the number of images to be taken has reached the specified number.

  In the case where the imaging end number of the currently imaged subject is used as the index information, a plurality of prescribed number of images in the determination unit can be set, and the preparation notification unit is configured to notify different preparation instructions according to each prescribed number of images. Is preferred. The specified number of sheets is set, for example, as a first specified number, a second specified number, etc.

  According to this configuration, an appropriate preparation instruction can be notified according to the imaging progress stage of the subject currently being imaged, and imaging work can be efficiently performed on a large number of subjects.

  In addition, as one form of the system of the present invention, the progress status grasping means is an image file means for storing the photographed image data in association with the subject, and the first image data of the subject currently photographed. It is also possible to detect the acquisition time as index information. In this case, the determination unit determines whether a specified time has elapsed from the acquisition time of the first image data.

  As described above, in the case of group examination, generally, the number of images taken for one subject is determined, and the examination technique is repeatedly performed based on a certain pattern. At that time, if the acquisition time of the first image data of the subject that is currently imaged is grasped as the index information, the elapsed time corresponding to the number of images taken thereafter can be grasped empirically to some extent. Therefore, if it is determined by the determining means whether or not the specified time has elapsed from the acquisition time of the first image data, it is possible to accurately grasp when the preparation instruction should be issued by the preparation notifying means.

  One form of the system of the present invention is that the user can change the specified value in the determination means.

  The number of photographs taken per subject and the photographing technique vary depending on the examination facility. Therefore, if the user can change the prescribed value in the determination means, a preparation instruction can be issued at an appropriate time according to the progress of photographing at each inspection facility.

  As one form of the system of the present invention, the preparation notification means is configured so that the user can change the contents of the preparation instruction.

  The preparation operation performed by the next subject differs depending on the examination facility. For example, when taking a picture in the examination bus, there is a change of clothes to the examination clothes as a preparatory action. In many cases, a change of clothes is performed in advance because the subject makes a round of inspection. Therefore, if the user can change the content of the preparation instruction, an appropriate preparation instruction according to the inspection facility can be issued.

  As one form of this invention system, it is mentioned that a preparation alerting | reporting means is a display means which displays a preparation instruction | indication visually.

  By displaying a preparation instruction with characters or figures on a display or the like, or by turning on or blinking a lamp, a preparation instruction that is easy to understand visually can be given to an attendant or the next subject.

  As one form of this invention system, it is mentioned that a preparation alerting | reporting means is an utterance means which shows a preparation instruction with an audio | voice.

  It is possible to give an easy-to-understand preparation instruction to the attendant or the next subject by playing the preparation instruction contents by sound or sounding the buzzer.

  The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system of the present invention can automatically give a predetermined preparation instruction to the next subject based on the imaging progress of the subject currently being imaged.

[Configuration of X-ray fluoroscopy system]
An example of the fluoroscopic imaging system of the present invention is shown in FIG. This system is capable of fluoroscopy and radiography with X-rays, and has a fluoroscopy table 1 and a console 2.

  The fluoroscopic imaging table 1 includes a top board 10 on which the subject P is placed, an X-ray generation unit 20 that irradiates the subject P with X-rays, and an X-ray detection unit 30 that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject P. .

  The top plate 10 is supported by a gantry (not shown). The gantry can raise and lower the top board 10, and can adjust the inclination and height of the top board 10 according to the inspection and the procedure. The top plate 10 can also slide in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. These operations are controlled via the position control unit 40 according to commands from the console 2.

  The X-ray generator 20 is supported by a support (not shown), and adjusts an X-ray irradiation field and an X-ray tube 21 that generates X-rays when a predetermined voltage is applied from a high-voltage device (not shown). And an X-ray movable diaphragm 22. The X-ray generation unit 20 can move up and down, move left and right, and move back and forth. The position of the X-ray generation unit 20 relative to the subject P can be changed by the control of the position control unit 40. The X-ray irradiation conditions are set via the console 2, and are controlled by the X-ray controller 45 so as to supply the tube voltage and tube current corresponding to the set conditions to the X-ray tube 21. The opening / closing of the X-ray movable diaphragm 22 is also controlled by the diaphragm control unit 50 according to the positional information of the top plate 10, the X-ray generation unit 20, and the X-ray detection unit 30 from the position control unit 40.

  The X-ray detection unit 30 is housed in a gantry that supports the top 10 and converts the X-ray intensity distribution that has passed through the subject P into image data. Here, an FPD (Flat panel detector) is used as the X-ray detection unit 30, but a combination of I.I. (X-ray image intensifier) and a CCD camera can also be used. The X-ray detection unit 30 can also move up and down and left and right with respect to the top plate 10 in a state of facing the X-ray generation unit 20, and is driven by a signal from the position control unit 40.

  The image data detected by the X-ray detection unit 30 is stored in the image file means 60. In the image file means 60, the image data detected by the X-ray detection unit 30 is converted into digital data by an A / D conversion unit (not shown), and known image processing is performed by the image processing unit. Is remembered. At that time, each image data is stored in association with the subject P together with the ID of the subject P being photographed and index information indicating the photographing progress. The ID of the subject P may be input in advance by the laboratory technician from the console 2, or the ID of the subject P to be examined may be acquired by accessing this system to the hospital server.

  In Example 2-1, Example 2-2, and Example 3 to be described later, the specified value / preparation instruction table 65 and the determination unit 70 are also used. This table 65 stores specified values and preparation instruction contents by input from the console 2. The specified value is a value that becomes a threshold value of the index information that changes in order to display a preparation instruction. For example, when the number of images of the subject currently being imaged is the index information, a specific number of images such as “fifth image” becomes the specified value. The preparation instruction content is a specific instruction content to be notified when the index information reaches a specified value, for example, a message such as “Please change to check-in clothes”. In addition, in the case of Example 2-1, the total number of radiographs per subject is also set in the table. Appropriate values or contents can be arbitrarily set for these specified values, preparation instruction contents, and total number of shots according to the usage situation of the user.

  On the other hand, the console 2 includes preparation notification means 75, a monitor 85, and an input device. The preparation notifying means 75 notifies the attendant and the subject of the preparation instruction content, and examples thereof include a display and a speaker. The monitor 85 displays an image being shot. Specifically, predetermined image data is read from the image file means 60 under the control of the display control means 70, converted into analog data by a D / A converter (not shown), and then displayed on the monitor 80. These image data are displayed as a moving image in perspective and as a still image in shooting. Examples of the input device include various devices such as a switch, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, and a touch panel. When an operation command is input from the input device, position control of each part and imaging condition control are executed according to the signal.

Example 1
In the system of the present invention described above, an embodiment in which the ID of the subject currently being imaged and the number of completed images is notified by the preparation notification means will be described based on FIG. In this system, the specified value / preparation instruction table 65 and the determination means 70 of FIG. 1 are not used. The preparation notifying means 75 includes a display 75A, and displays the ID and the number of shots in characters on the display 75A.

  In the present embodiment, the subject P currently being photographed is in the photographing room, the laboratory technician is in the operation room, the next subject is in the waiting room, and the preparation notification means 75 (display 75A) is installed in the waiting room. And Here, the total number N of images taken per subject is 8 (these points are the same in other embodiments). Further, the image file means recognizes the ID of the subject P currently being photographed and the number n of photographs.

  In this system, if the ID of the subject P currently being shot and the number of shots to be taken are displayed on the display 75A, the attendant who sees the displayed contents can grasp the progress of the shooting that is currently being taken. It is precisely understood when and what preparation instructions should be given to the specimen. Of course, the next subject himself / herself may start the necessary preparatory operation by looking at the display content of the preparation notification means 75. Moreover, the inspection engineer can concentrate on the operation of the fluoroscopic imaging table, and does not need to give a signal to the attendant. Furthermore, in this system, the console and the preparation notification means can be connected using a general-purpose network, and no special interface is required.

  In this embodiment, the number of images of the subject currently being imaged is displayed. However, since the total number of images to be imaged per subject is usually determined, it is necessary until the examination of the object currently being imaged is completed. The remaining number of shots may be displayed. This remaining number of shots can be easily obtained by calculating (total shot number)-(shooting end number).

(Example 2-1)
Next, a description will be given of an embodiment in which the specific notification content to be performed by the next subject is displayed on the preparation notification means based on FIG. 3 and FIG.

In this system, the specified value / preparation instruction table 65 and determination means 70 in FIG. 1 are used. In this example, the total number of shots N per person subject for eight specified value S _n is set in advance an appropriate value of the following eight. Here, the first sheet (S ₁ ), the fifth sheet (S ₂ ), and the eighth sheet (S ₃ ) are set as the first, second, and third specified values, respectively. And for the first specified value S ₁ , a message M ₁ “Please change into inspection clothes”, and for the second specified value S ₂ , a message M ₂ “Please take foaming agent” For the third specified value S ₃ , a message M ₃ “Please enter the examination room” is associated as a preparation instruction (see FIG. 3). Each message _Mn is notified in combination with the ID of the next subject.

  In this system as well, as in the first embodiment, the number of imaging completions of the subject currently being imaged is managed by the image file means. The number of shots that have been taken is taken into the determining means. (Step S1 in FIG. 4) Next, it is determined whether or not the number of finished sheets matches the specified value set in the specified value / preparation instruction table (Step S2 in FIG. 4). If the number of photographed images does not match the specified value, the process returns to the step of acquiring the number of photographed images again. On the other hand, if the number of photographed images matches the specified value, a preparation instruction corresponding to the specified number is read from the specified value / preparation instruction table (step S3 in FIG. 4). Next, the read preparation instruction is displayed on the display of the preparation notification means (step S4 in FIG. 4). In the case of this example, at the time when the first imaging of the current subject is completed, a message “Please change to the examination clothes” is displayed for the next subject. In addition, when the fifth image has been taken, a message “please take foaming agent for the next subject” is displayed. Further, when the eighth image has been taken, a message “Please enter the examination room” is displayed for the next subject. If the number of shots of the subject currently being shot has not reached eight (total number of shots), the process returns to step S1 to obtain the number of shots that have been shot again. One cycle of processing necessary for the preparation instruction regarding the relationship between the subject being imaged and the next subject is terminated, and the same cycle is sequentially repeated thereafter (step S5 in FIG. 4).

  According to the system of this example, since the preparation instruction to be taken by the next subject is directly displayed on the preparation notification means, the attendant can grasp the imaging progress of the subject currently being photographed in real time, and An accurate preparation instruction can be issued to the subject.

  As a modification of this example, there is a system configuration that can cope with a case where there is a failed shooting during shooting and re-shooting is performed.

  For example, if there is a failed shooting such as that the predetermined region of interest could not be shot with the third shot for the subject currently being shot, the image data of the failed shooting is not saved in the image file means, and the number of shots However, do not count. Usually, it can be determined on the spot whether or not the shooting has failed, so if the third shooting is a failed shooting, the “Delete” button provided on the console is pressed. By this button operation, the image data of failed photographing is not stored in the image file means, and it is not necessary to count the number of shots. If appropriate image data can be obtained by the next re-shooting, the appropriate image data may be stored in the image file means as the third image data and counted as the third number of images. As described above, when there is a failed shooting, by not counting the image data as appropriate image data, it is possible to issue an appropriate preparation instruction corresponding to the number of shots to be completed.

  Of course, it is preferable to provide a “Cancel” button on the console separately from the “Delete” button in order to cope with the case where the image data is determined to have failed once but is later restored and used. When this “Cancel” button is pressed, even image data once determined to be a failed image is temporarily stored in the image file means, but is not counted as the number of shots. Then, for example, the re-taken image data following the failed shooting of the third image is counted as the third image and saved as the third image data, and re-taking is performed unless the temporarily stored image data is reused. This image data may be used as the third image data, and the number of completed shots may be used as an indicator for the preparation instruction.

(Example 2-2)
Next, an embodiment in which the first image data acquisition time of the subject currently being imaged is used as index information will be described with reference to FIG.

  The function of the system of this example is basically the same as that of Example 2-1, the total number N of images to be taken per subject is 8, and the same messages as in FIG. 3 are displayed on the display of the preparation notification means. To do. However, the message is displayed not on the basis of the number of images of the subject currently being imaged but on the time corresponding to the first, fifth, and eighth images. Therefore, the image file means manages the first image data acquisition time (imaging time Ts) of the subject currently being imaged as index information in association with the subject ID.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the acquisition time Ts of the first image data of the subject currently being imaged is detected (step S11 in FIG. 5). In the case of group screening, the number of shots and techniques per subject are determined by the testing facility. For example, when shooting 8 images per subject, the imaging time Ste for all 8 images is about 4 minutes 30 seconds. In that case, the fifth image data acquisition time (for example, 3 minutes) is also empirically known. Therefore, as a predefined value, it may be set to 5 th shot end time and 8 th end time as specified time St _1, St _2, obtains the elapsed time from the first image data acquisition time, The determination means determines whether or not this elapsed time has reached a specified time (step S12 in FIG. 5). When the elapsed time from the first image data acquisition time reaches the prescribed times St ₁ and St ₂ , a predetermined preparation instruction is read from the prescribed value / preparation instruction table (step S 13 in FIG. 5). If the elapsed time from the first image data acquisition time does not reach the specified time, the determination as to whether or not the elapsed time has reached the specified times St ₁ and St ₂ is repeated. Subsequently, the read preparation instruction Mn is displayed on the preparation notification means (step S14 in FIG. 5). Next, it is further determined whether or not 4 minutes and 30 seconds (shooting time Ste for all 8 images) have elapsed from the acquisition time Ts of the first image data (step S15 in FIG. 5). If the same time elapses, the processing of one cycle necessary for the preparation instruction in the relationship between the subject currently being photographed and the next subject is finished. If not, the first image data acquisition time is again started. It is determined whether or not the elapsed time is equal to the specified time.

  Also in this example, it is possible to accurately give necessary preparation instructions to the next subject based on the elapsed time of imaging of the subject currently being imaged.

  Note that if there is a failed imaging during imaging of a subject and the imaging is performed again, the timing may be interrupted by pressing the “Cancel” button or “Delate” button on the console. When this “Cancel” button or “Delate” button is pressed, the timing from the acquisition time of the first image data is interrupted. When re-photographing is performed, the time measurement is resumed from the interrupted time. Therefore, even if some trouble occurs during the imaging, an appropriate preparation instruction can be issued to the next subject in accordance with the actual imaging progress status.

(Example 3)
Further, an embodiment in which a preparation instruction can be notified not only by character display but also by voice will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this example as well, in the same way as in Example 2-1, a predetermined preparation instruction is notified on each of the first, fifth, and eighth images, using the number of completed images of the subject P currently being imaged as index information. However, in this example, in addition to displaying characters on the display 75A, the speaker 75B also notifies the preparation instruction by voice.

  Therefore, even when the attendant does not look at the display 75A, it is possible to accurately know when the preparation instruction should be issued to the next subject by voice.

  The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system of the present invention can be suitably used when a predetermined pattern of imaging is repeatedly performed on a plurality of subjects, such as a mass examination.

It is a general | schematic functional block diagram of an example of this invention system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the utilization condition of this invention system which concerns on Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the utilization condition of this invention system which concerns on Example 2-1. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of this invention system which concerns on Example 2-1. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of this invention system which concerns on Example 2-2. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a usage state of the system of the present invention related to Example 3.

Explanation of symbols

1 fluoroscopic table
10 Top plate
20 X-ray generator 21 X-ray tube 22 X-ray movable diaphragm
30 X-ray detector
40 Position controller 45 X-ray controller 50 Aperture controller
60 Image file means 65 Specified value / preparation instruction table
70 Judgment means 75 Preparation notification means
75A display 75B speaker
80 Display control means 85 Monitor
2 Console
P subject

Claims (3)

An X-ray fluoroscopic system for irradiating a subject with X-rays and sequentially acquiring image data of the subject for each subject ,
A progress monitor which monitors the index information indicating the patient imaging progress of doing the shooting, the Get the index information from the traveling state acquisition section, whether or not the index information reaches a specified value Determining means for determining, and when the index information reaches a prescribed value by the determination of the determining means, preparation notifying means for notifying a predetermined preparation instruction for the next subject,
The progress grasping means, the captured image data, detected by the image file means for storing in association with the object, the photographing end number of a subject being shooting as index information, wherein the determining means, An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system that determines whether or not the number of imaging completions has reached a predetermined number among the number of imagings set per subject in advance.   2. The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of prescribed numbers in the determination unit can be set, and the preparation notification unit is configured to notify different preparation instructions according to each prescribed number. An X-ray fluoroscopic system for irradiating a subject with X-rays and sequentially acquiring image data of the subject for each subject ,
A progress monitor which monitors the index information indicating the patient imaging progress of doing the shooting, the Get the index information from the traveling state acquisition section, whether or not the index information reaches a specified value Determining means for determining, and when the index information reaches a prescribed value by the determination of the determining means, preparation notifying means for notifying a predetermined preparation instruction for the next subject,
The progress grasping means, the captured image data at the image file means for storing in association with the subject, the time elapsed from the acquired shooting the image data of the first object being shaded An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging system, characterized in that it is detected as index information, and the determination means determines whether or not an elapsed time since the acquisition of the first image data has reached a specified time .

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