JP5924411B2 - Radiography equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus that acquires an image by irradiating a subject with radiation, and more particularly, to a radiation imaging apparatus that acquires a stereoscopically viewable image by capturing a right-eye image and a left-eye image.

  Medical institutions are equipped with a radiation imaging apparatus that acquires an image of a subject with radiation. Some of such radiation imaging apparatuses can acquire an image that allows a stereoscopic view of a structure inside a subject.

  The configuration of such a conventional apparatus will be described. According to the conventional configuration, as shown on the left side of FIG. 13, the radiation source 53 for irradiating radiation and the FPD 54 for detecting radiation are provided. The radiation source 53 and the FPD 54 are supported by a C arm 57. The subject M to be imaged is placed at a position sandwiched between the radiation source 53 and the FPD 54.

  In order to acquire an image (stereoscopic image) that can be stereoscopically viewed, two images having different shooting positions are required. Therefore, according to the conventional configuration, imaging is performed while moving the radiation source 53 and the FPD 54 relative to the subject M (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The right side of FIG. 13 represents an operation when the conventional apparatus captures a stereoscopic image. According to the conventional apparatus, radiographic images are continuously shot while changing the inclination angle of the C arm 57 with respect to the subject M. Then, each image is acquired while changing the imaging direction with respect to the subject M. In this way, images with different shooting positions can be acquired. That is, when two images are selected from a series of captured images and one is displayed on the display screen as one for the right eye and the other as the image for the left eye, the person who viewed the image It can be recognized as if the fluoroscopic image of M jumped out of the display screen. By using such a conventional apparatus, it becomes easier to grasp the internal structure of the subject M three-dimensionally.

JP 10-5206 A

However, the conventional configuration as described above has the following problems.
That is, the conventional configuration is not suitable for moving images of stereoscopic images.

  Since the inclination angle of the C arm 57 is about 30 °, the number of images that can be taken without changing the inclination direction of the C arm 57 is limited. The fact that the number of images that can be taken at one time is small makes it difficult to take a stereoscopic image. That is, when a stereoscopic image of a moving image is shot with the conventional configuration, only a moving image with a short shooting time can be obtained.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, it seems that the C-arm 57 may be reciprocated. That is, if a series of images are taken while the C-arm 57 is tilted in one direction and then continuous shooting is continued while the C-arm 57 is tilted in the opposite direction, a moving image with a long shooting time can be obtained. It should be.

  However, even if a moving image is shot by actually reciprocating the C-arm 57 in accordance with the above-mentioned prediction, a moving image that can reliably grasp the three-dimensional structure of the subject cannot be obtained. The reason is that the appearance (how to jump out) of the stereoscopic image reflected in the moving image is switched alternately. Specifically, a structure that has been seen to jump out of the display screen until now appears to be recessed in the back of the display screen, and conversely, a structure that has been seen to be recessed in the back of the display screen until now is visible from the display screen. It pops out and looks.

  The timing at which the projection of the stereoscopic image changes coincides with the time when the moving direction of the C-arm 57 is reversed. That is, every time the moving direction of the C-arm 57 is reversed, the method of projecting the stereoscopic image is also reversed. As described above, the moving image obtained by the conventional configuration is seen as a moving image that accurately represents the three-dimensional structure of the subject because the direction of popping out appears to be reversed many times.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a radiation imaging apparatus that can capture a moving image that accurately represents the three-dimensional structure of a subject.

The present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above-described problems.
That is, a radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a radiation source that emits radiation from a single focal point, a radiation source control unit that controls the radiation source, a detection unit that detects radiation that has passed through the subject, and a detection An image generating means for generating an image based on a detection signal output from the means, a moving means for moving the radiation source and the detecting means relative to the subject, and a movement so that the moving directions of the radiation source and the detecting means are repeatedly reversed. A moving control means for controlling the means, and a first image taken for one eye among a series of images continuously taken while changing the imaging position of the subject by moving the radiation source and the detecting means. A stereoscopic image generating means for generating a stereoscopic image for stereoscopic viewing by using the subsequent image taken later as an image for the other eye, and the stereoscopic image generating means When the moving direction of the source and the detection means is reversed, the use of the front image and the back image is reversed, so that the front image is an image for the other eye and the back image is an image for the one eye. Is.

  [Operation / Effect] The radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention uses the first image captured first among a series of images continuously captured while changing the imaging position of the subject as an image for one eye, and is later imaged. Then, the stereoscopic image for stereoscopic viewing is generated by using the post-image as the one-eye image. The imaging position of the subject is changed by moving the radiation source and the detection means. Since this movement is limited in the movement range, the movement direction of the radiation source and the detection means is repeatedly reversed during imaging. The greatest feature of the present invention is that when the moving direction is reversed, the use of the front image and the back image is reversed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the stereoscopic image (how to jump out) from being alternately switched at the time of reversal of the moving direction, and it is possible to provide a radiation imaging apparatus capable of capturing a stereoscopic image with excellent visibility.

  Further, in the above-described radiation imaging apparatus, the arm that supports the radiation source and the detection unit, and the moving unit are rotating units that tilt the arm with respect to the subject by rotating the arm, and the movement control unit includes: It is more desirable if it is a rotation control means for controlling the rotation means.

  [Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration shows a more specific configuration of the present invention. That is, if the radiation source and the detection means are rotated by rotating the arm, a series of images can be continuously shot while changing the imaging position of the subject more reliably.

  Moreover, it is more desirable that the above-described radiation imaging apparatus includes a moving image generation unit that generates a moving image in which stereoscopic images are connected over time.

  [Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration shows a more specific configuration of the present invention. That is, if a moving image generating means for generating a moving image in which stereoscopic images are connected with time is provided, a moving image showing how the internal structure of the subject moves can be acquired while performing stereoscopic viewing. In addition, as described above, according to the present invention, the appearance of the stereoscopic image (how to jump out) is not switched due to the reversal of the rotation of the arm, so that a moving image can be taken for a long time.

  Further, in the above-described radiographic apparatus, the stereoscopic image generating means is configured to stereoscopically view the front image for the left eye and the rear image for the right eye when the detection means moves in the right direction with respect to the subject by the rotation of the arm. It is more desirable to generate an image.

  [Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration shows a more specific configuration of the present invention. When the detection means moves in the right direction with respect to the subject, a stereoscopic image is generated with the front image for the left eye and the rear image for the right eye. If the stereoscopic image is generated by reversing the application, it is possible to acquire a stereoscopic image in which the structure inside the subject close to the detection unit appears to protrude and the structure inside the subject far from the detection unit appears to be recessed. In this way, the image acquired when the detection means is located on the right side of the subject is used for the right eye, and the image obtained when the detection means is located on the left side of the subject is used for the left eye. This is because an image is selected.

  In the above-described radiation imaging apparatus, it is more desirable that the arm is a C-arm.

  [Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration shows a more specific configuration of the present invention. The present invention is applicable to a radiographic apparatus having a C-arm.

  The radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention selects two different images from a series of images continuously shot while changing the imaging position of the subject, and sets each one as an image for one eye. A stereoscopic image for stereoscopic viewing is generated by using the above image. This photographing position is configured to change back and forth due to mechanical limitations of the apparatus. The greatest feature of the present invention is that, when the imaging position of the subject is moved and reversed, the image selection method is changed accordingly. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the stereoscopic image from being switched alternately, and it is possible to provide a radiation imaging apparatus that can capture a stereoscopic image with excellent visibility.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view for explaining rotation of the C arm according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram explaining how a C-arm is inclined when a stereoscopic image is captured using the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the actual example 1. 3 is a time course for explaining the timing of C-arm inclination and imaging when a stereoscopic image is captured using the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. 6 is a plan view for explaining a moving image reproduction method according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a moving image playback method according to the first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the radiography apparatus of a conventional structure.

  Hereinafter, examples as modes for carrying out the invention will be described.

  Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described. X-rays in the examples correspond to the radiation of the present invention. FPD is an abbreviation for flat panel detector.

<Configuration of X-ray imaging apparatus>
As shown in FIG. 1, an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes a top plate 2 on which a subject M is placed, and an X-ray tube 3 that emits X-rays provided below the top plate 2. The FPD 4 that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject M provided above the top 2, the X-ray tube controller 6 that controls the tube current and tube voltage of the X-ray tube 3, and the X-ray tube 3 , A C arm 7 that supports the FPD 4, a support column 8 that supports the C arm 7, a C arm rotation mechanism 21 that rotates the C arm 7, and a C arm rotation control unit 22 that controls the C arm rotation mechanism 21. The X-ray tube 3 corresponds to the radiation source of the present invention, and the FPD 4 corresponds to the detection means of the present invention. The C-arm rotation mechanism 21 corresponds to the rotation means of the present invention, and the C-arm rotation control unit 22 corresponds to the rotation control means of the present invention. 1 represents the body axis direction of the subject M, and S represents the body side direction of the subject M.

  The C arm 7 can also be rotated by a C arm rotation mechanism 21. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, when the C arm 7 has a projecting direction in which both ends of the C arm 7 project from the support column 8, the C arm 7 has both ends in a virtual circle VA on a plane perpendicular to the projecting direction. Can be rotated. That is, when the X-ray tube 3 is on the vertical upper side and the FPD 4 is on the vertical lower side, the C-arm 7 is on the plane to which the C-arm 7 belongs and also passes in the horizontal direction passing through the joint between the C-arm 7 and the column 8. It is possible to rotate with the axis extending in the center as the central axis. The C arm 7 of the present invention is not configured to rotate once. This is because when the C arm 7 rotates once, there is a risk that the X-ray tube 3 and the FPD 4 may collide with the top 2 or the subject M. Therefore, according to the present invention, the maximum inclination angle (absolute value) of the C arm 7 is set. That is, when the inclination of the C arm 7 when the FPD 4 is positioned vertically upward and the X-ray tube 3 is positioned vertically downward is 0 °, the C arm 7 is rotated by −15 °. Can tilt up to 15 °. The X-ray tube 3 and the FPD 4 follow the rotation of the C arm 7 and rotate.

  The X-ray tube 3 is provided with a collimator 3a that limits the X-ray irradiation range to limit the X-ray spread and change the field of view. The collimator 3a has a pair of leaves that move in the mirror image symmetry in the vertical direction, and also has another pair of leaves that move in the mirror image symmetry in the horizontal direction. If this collimator 3a can also irradiate the entire detection surface of the FPD 4 with cone-shaped X-rays by moving the leaf, for example, only the central portion of the detection surface is irradiated with fan-shaped X-rays. You can also. The leaf is movable, and the opening degree of the collimator 3a can be changed.

  The X-ray tube control unit 6 is provided for the purpose of controlling the X-ray tube 3 with a predetermined tube current, tube voltage, and pulse width. When X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 3 under the control of the X-ray tube control unit 6, the X-rays pass through the subject M and enter the detection surface of the FPD 4. The FPD 4 detects the incident X-ray and generates a detection signal. This detection signal is sent to the image generation unit 11 (see FIG. 1), where an image in which the projection image of the subject M is reflected is generated. The image generation unit 11 corresponds to an image generation unit of the present invention.

  The image generation unit 11 generates an image based on the detection signal output from the FPD 4. The image generated at this time is referred to as an original image P. The original image P is a rectangle having the same shape as the detection surface for detecting the X-rays of the FPD 4, and maps the X-ray intensity detected on the detection surface.

  The stereoscopic image generation unit 12 generates a stereoscopic image Q that is an image for stereoscopic viewing. In order to generate the stereoscopic image Q using the stereoscopic image generation unit 12, X-ray fluoroscopic imaging of the subject M must be performed by an imaging method different from normal spot imaging. That is, the original image P needs to be continuously shot while the C arm 7 is tilted by the C arm rotation mechanism 21. Therefore, prior to the description of the operation of the stereoscopic image generation unit 12, the stereoscopic imaging method will be described. The stereoscopic image generation unit 12 corresponds to a stereoscopic image generation unit of the present invention.

<Rotation of C-arm with stereoscopic image capture>
FIG. 3 shows a photographing method for stereoscopic viewing. That is, the imaging starts from a state where the C arm 7 as shown on the left side of FIG. 3 is inclined by −15 ° with respect to the subject M, and the C arm 7 is gradually inclined from there. Even during this time, the photographing of the original image P is continued. After a while, as shown in the right side of FIG. In this state, the continuous shooting is not finished, but the C-arm 7 is inclined from the state on the right side of FIG. 3 inclined at 15 ° to the state on the left side of FIG. 3 inclined again at −15 °. Continuous shooting of the image P is continued. Thus, in order to capture a stereoscopic image, the C-arm rotation control unit 22 controls the C-arm rotation mechanism 21 so that the rotation of the C-arm 7 is repeatedly reversed. By doing so, the X-ray tube 3 and the FPD 4 move so as to reciprocate, and the original image P is continuously shot during that time.

  FIG. 4 shows at what timing the original image P is captured while the C-arm 7 is tilted. 4 indicates a point in time when the C-arm 7 on the left side of FIG. 3 is tilted by −15 ° (shooting start point), and T1 indicates a point in time when the C-arm 7 on the right side of FIG. In both cases, the absolute value of the inclination angle of the C arm 7 is maximum at the time points T0 and T1, and the C arm 7 is in a stopped state. The speed change of the C arm 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The C arm 7 starts to move from time T0, and the C arm 7 accelerates. Then, the speed becomes constant for a while, and the C-arm 7 is decelerated as the time T1 approaches. The original image P is taken at the time indicated by the arrow in FIG. That is, the original image P is taken when the C-arm 7 is rotating at a constant speed. Such a situation is the same even when the C-arm 7 is inclined from 15 ° to −15 °. By doing so, the original image P is continuously shot while reliably changing the shooting position.

  The X-ray tube control unit 6 operates according to the C-arm rotation control unit 22 and will be described. The C-arm rotation control unit 22 sends a signal indicating the timing of X-ray irradiation to the X-ray tube control unit 6. This signal is sent to the X-ray tube controller 6 only when the rotation of the C-arm 7 is at a constant speed. Since the X-ray tube control unit 6 controls the X-ray tube 3 in accordance with this signal, the X-ray is not irradiated toward the subject M when the C-arm 7 is accelerated, decelerated, or stopped. The C arm rotation control unit 22 sends a signal to the X-ray tube control unit 6 a plurality of times when the rotation of the C arm 7 is at a constant speed. The time from the time of sending this signal to the time of sending the next signal is always constant.

<Capturing the original image P and the operation of each part associated therewith>
FIG. 5 shows how the original image P is actually captured. In FIG. 5, the C-arm 7 is assumed to have an inclination angle changed from −15 ° to 15 °, and the first four times of continuous shooting of the original image P are described. As shown in FIG. 5, as the original image P is captured, the FPD 4 that was on the head side of the subject M moves to the body side of the subject M. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 continuously captures the original image P while changing the imaging direction by moving the FPD 4. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the X-ray tube 3 moves in the opposite direction to the FPD 4 with the inclination of the C arm 7. The original images P photographed for the first time to the fourth time are referred to as original image Pa1 to original image Pa4, respectively.

  FIG. 6 shows the operation of the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 in the case of FIG. That is, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 connects the original image Pa1 captured for the first time and the original image Pa4 captured for the fourth time in the vertical direction to form one image. The image generated in this manner is a stereoscopic image Q conforming to a format determined as a standard for stereoscopic display. The image located in the upper part of the stereoscopic image Q is an image for the left eye used for the purpose of projecting to the left eye of the observer, and the image located in the lower part is an image for the right eye used for the purpose of projecting to the right eye of the observer. It is. As described above, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 changes the original image Pa1 (first image) of the original images Pa continuously captured while changing the imaging position of the subject M by rotating the C-arm 7. The stereoscopic image Qa1 is generated by using the image) for the left eye and the original image Pa4 (post image) captured later as the image for the right eye. Thus, when the FPD 4 moves in the right direction with respect to the subject M by the rotation of the C arm 7, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 uses the original image Pa1 (front image) for the left eye and the original image Pa4 (rear side). A stereoscopic image Q is generated for the right eye. In FIG. 6, the rear image is displayed with shading for distinction.

  Note that, on the right side of FIG. 6, the band-shaped region between the two images is a blank region generated when the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 connects the original images Pa1 and Pa4. In this region, a pixel value representing black is located.

  The reason why the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 selects the original image Pa4 as the other stereoscopic image for the original image Pa1 will be described. In order to capture the stereoscopic image Q, it is necessary that the appearance of the subject M is appropriately different between the image for the right eye and the image for the left eye. If the stereoscopic image Q is generated by connecting the original image Pa2 to the original image Pa1, there is too little difference between the images and sufficient stereoscopic viewing is not possible. This is because the original image Pa2 is taken immediately after the original image Pa1, and the original image Pa1 and the original image Pa2 are images obtained by projecting the subject M from almost the same direction. Therefore, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, the stereoscopic image Q is generated by linking the original image Pa4 and the original image Pa1, which are images separated from the original image Pa1 by 3 frames over time. By doing so, the perspective images reflected in the original image Pa1 and the original image Pa4 are sufficiently different from each other in the stereoscopic direction, so that a stereoscopic image Q suitable for stereoscopic vision can be generated. . The stereoscopic image generation unit 12 generates the stereoscopic image Qa1 when the original image Pa4 is acquired.

  The manner in which the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 repeats the operation will be described. The stereoscopic image generation unit 12 performs the same operation as that of the above-described stereoscopic image Qa1 every time another original image Pa is generated. That is, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 generates a stereoscopic image Qa2 by connecting the original image Pa5 separated by 3 frames with respect to the original image Pa2, and generates 3D with respect to the original image Pa3. The stereoscopic image Qa3 is generated by connecting the original images Pa6 separated from the frame. This operation is continued until the inclination angle of the C-arm 7 approaches 15 ° and continuous shooting of the original image Pa stops.

  Stereoscopic images Qa1, Qa2, Qa3, Qa4,... Generated by the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 are sent to the moving image generation unit 13. As shown in FIG. 7, the moving image generation unit 13 arranges stereoscopic images Qa1, Qa2, Qa3, Qa4,. Thus, the moving image generation unit 13 generates a moving image V in which the stereoscopic image Q is connected over time. The moving image generating unit 13 corresponds to the moving image generating means of the present invention.

<Capturing the original image P after the rotation of the C-arm is reversed, and the operation of each part associated therewith>
FIG. 8 shows a state in which the original image P is photographed after the inclination of the C arm 7 reaches 15 ° and the rotation of the C arm 7 is reversed. In FIG. 8, the C-arm 7 is assumed to have an inclination angle changed from 15 ° to −15 °, and the first four shootings in the continuous shooting of the original image P are described. As shown in FIG. 8, as the original image P is captured, the FPD 4 that was on the body side of the subject M moves toward the head side of the subject M. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 continuously captures the original image P while changing the imaging direction by moving the FPD 4. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the X-ray tube 3 moves in the opposite direction to the FPD 4 with the inclination of the C arm 7. The original images P photographed for the first time to the fourth time will be referred to as original images Pb1 to Pb4, respectively.

  FIG. 9 shows the operation of the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 in the case of FIG. That is, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 connects the original image Pb1 captured for the first time and the original image Pb4 captured for the fourth time in the vertical direction to form one stereoscopic image Q. The stereoscopic image generation unit 12 uses the original image Pb1 (previous image) captured first among the original images Pb continuously captured while changing the imaging position of the subject M by rotating the C-arm 7. The stereoscopic image Qa1 is generated by setting the image for the right eye and the original image Pb4 (post image) captured later as the image for the left eye. As described above, when the FPD 4 moves to the left with respect to the subject M by the rotation of the C arm 7, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 uses the original image Pb1 (front image) for the right eye and the original image Pb4 (back image). ) Is generated for the left eye. In FIG. 9, it is displayed in shaded for distinction.

  Thus, the operation of the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 is different between the case of FIG. 6 and the case of FIG. That is, when the rotation of the C-arm 7 is reversed during continuous shooting of the original image P, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 reverses the use of the original image P captured first and the original image P captured later. is there. That is, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 displays the first images (original images Pa1 and Pb1) captured first among the original images P that are continuously shot as the C-arm 7 starts to rotate in one direction. 6 for the left eye in the description of the operation, while in the description of the operation in FIG. 9, it is for the right eye. On the other hand, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 selects the fourth image (original images Pa4, Pb4) that is captured fourth among the original images P that are continuously shot as the C-arm 7 starts to rotate in one direction. In the description of the operation in FIG. 6, it is for the right eye, whereas in the description of the operation in FIG. 9, it is for the left eye. As described above, when the moving direction of the X-ray tube 3 and the FPD 4 is reversed, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 reverses the use of the front image for the left eye and the rear image for the right eye, thereby For the right eye and the rear image for the left eye. This is the most characteristic configuration of the present invention. By doing in this way, the appearance (how to jump out) when the subject image reflected in the moving image V is stereoscopically viewed is always constant.

  Note that the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 repeatedly generates the stereoscopic image Q. In the above description, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 uses the first captured image among the continuously captured original images P as the previous image, but the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 repeats the generation of the stereoscopic image Q. The front image and the back image are changed at a later time. That is, the previous image was originally the original image Pa1, Pb1 captured first, but is changed to the second captured original image Pa2, Pb2, as the generation of the stereoscopic image Q is repeated, Thereafter, the original images Pa3 and Pb3 photographed third are changed. In accordance with this, the original image Pa4, Pb4 that was originally photographed at the fourth is changed to the original image Pa5, Pb5 that was photographed fifth as the stereoscopic image Q is repeatedly generated. Then, it is changed to the original images Pa6 and Pb6 photographed sixth.

  The reversal of the operation performed by the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 as described above is realized by the C-arm rotation control unit 22 sending a signal to the stereoscopic image generation unit 12. That is, when the C-arm rotation control unit 22 reverses the rotation of the C-arm 7, a message to that effect is sent to the stereoscopic image generation unit 12. Then, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 reverses the use of the original image P after receiving this signal.

  The manner in which the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 repeats the operation in FIG. 9 will be described. The stereoscopic image generation unit 12 performs the same operation as that of the above-described stereoscopic image Qb1 every time another original image Pb is generated. That is, the stereoscopic image generation unit 12 generates a stereoscopic image Qb2 by connecting the original image Pb5 separated by 3 frames with respect to the original image Pb2, and generates 3D images with respect to the original image Pb3. A stereoscopic image Qb3 is generated by connecting the original images Pb6 separated from the frame. This operation is continued until the inclination angle of the C-arm 7 approaches -15 ° and continuous shooting of the original image Pb stops.

  Stereoscopic images Qb 1, Qb 2, Qb 3, Qb 4... Generated by the stereoscopic image generating unit 12 are sent to the moving image generating unit 13. As shown in FIG. 10, the moving image generation unit 13 adds the stereoscopic images Qb1, Qb2, Qb3, Qb4... To the moving image V generated in FIG. Is extended.

<Operation after C-arm rotation is reversed again>
The reversal of the rotation of the C arm 7 is repeated many times every time the absolute value of the inclination angle of the C arm 7 becomes maximum. The stereoscopic image generation unit 12 inverts the usage of the original image P previously captured and the original image P captured later.

<Relativity in the movement direction of FPD>
According to the above description, when the FPD 4 moves in the right direction with respect to the subject M, the original image P captured first is used for the left eye, and the original image P captured later is used for the right eye. Incidentally, whether the FPD 4 moves rightward or leftward depends on which side the subject M is viewed from. Therefore, depending on the direction of movement of the FPD 4, it may be difficult to determine which image should be used for the right eye. In this regard, if the movement mode of FIG. 5 is regarded as the FPD 4 moving to the right side with respect to the subject M, the original image P for the right eye is taken later.

  On the other hand, when the FPD 4 is viewed as moving to the left side with respect to the subject M by seeing through FIG. 5 from the back side of the page, the original image P for the right eye is shown in FIG. In accordance with the explanation using FIG. 9, the image was taken first. Thus, the original image P for the right eye changes depending on how the movement direction of the FPD 4 at the time of initial movement is recognized.

  Therefore, according to the configuration of the present invention, the moving direction of the FPD 4 at the initial movement can be set through the console 31. Thereby, the observer can define the moving direction at the time of the initial movement of the FPD 4 as the right direction or the left direction. Through this, the observer can change the definition of the moving direction of the FPD 4 depending on which side the subject M is to be viewed stereoscopically. The stereoscopic image generation unit 12 operates according to the moving direction at the time of initial movement of the FPD 4 specified by the observer.

  The console 31 (see FIG. 1) is provided for the purpose of inputting an instruction such as X-ray irradiation start by the observer. Moreover, the main control part 34 (refer FIG. 1) is provided in order to control each control part comprehensively. The main control unit 34 is constituted by a CPU, and realizes the X-ray tube control unit 6 and each unit by executing various programs. Further, each of the above-described units may be divided and executed by an arithmetic device that takes charge of them. The storage unit 28 (see FIG. 1) stores all parameters relating to control of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 such as parameters used for image processing.

  The above is the shooting of the stereoscopic video V in the configuration of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, how to reproduce the acquired video V and make it visible to the observer will be described.

<Playback of stereoscopic video>
In order to stereoscopically view the moving image V generated by the moving image generating unit 13, first, an observer wears glasses 23 shown in FIG. The glasses 23 are provided with a filter 23R for the right eye and a filter 23L for the left eye.

  The moving image V itself is displayed on the display unit 32. An observer views the display unit 32 through the glasses 23. The display unit 32 reproduces the moving image V by sequentially switching the stereoscopic image Q that is continuous over time. The operation of the display unit 32 is not different from a general moving image display operation in this respect.

  However, the display unit 32 does not simply display the entire stereoscopic image Q. The display unit 32 displays the right-eye image and the left-eye image by switching with a time difference. For example, when the display unit 32 displays the stereoscopic image Q shown in FIG. 6, the original image Pa4 for the right eye is displayed first, and then the original image Pa1 for the left eye is displayed. This is different from a general moving image display operation.

  Since the display unit 32 does not simply display the single stereoscopic image Q but displays the moving image V, the display mode of the time difference described above is repeated. For example, when the moving image V having the configuration described in FIG. 7 is reproduced on the display unit 32, the display unit 32 sequentially reproduces the stereoscopic image Qa1 to the stereoscopic image Qa4. At this time, each of the stereoscopic images Q is displayed by switching between a right-eye image and a left-eye image with a time difference. Therefore, the display unit 32 first displays the original image Pa4 and the original image Pa1 in this order to complete the display of the stereoscopic image Qa1, and subsequently displays the original image Pa5 and the original image Pa2 in this order to display the stereoscopic image Qa2. Complete the display. Thereafter, the display unit 32 displays the original image Pa6 and the original image Pa3 in this order to complete the display of the stereoscopic image Qa3, and subsequently displays the original image Pa7 and the original image Pa4 in this order to display the stereoscopic image Qa4. To complete. Thereafter, the display unit 32 repeats the same display operation.

  On the other hand, the filters 23R and 23L of the glasses 23 worn by the observer can change the light transmittance. The filter control unit 24 is a control unit that individually changes the transparency between the filters 23R and 23L. That is, the filter control unit 24 can set the filters 23R and 23L to a non-transmissive state where light is not transmitted, or can set the filters 23R and 23L to a transparent state where light is transmitted. Further, the filter control unit 24 performs control so that one of the filters 23R and 23L is in a transmissive state and the other is in a non-transmissive state. That is, when the filter control unit 24 sets the filter 23R to the transmission state, the filter control unit 24 sets the filter 23L to the non-transmission state. Conversely, when the filter 23L is in the transmission state, the filter 23R is in the non-transmission state.

  The filter control unit 24 is synchronized with the operation of the display unit 32. That is, when the display unit 32 displays an image for the right eye, the filter control unit 24 sets the filter 23R in a transmissive state and places the right eye on the right eye of the observer wearing the glasses 23, as shown on the left side of FIG. Visualize the image. At this time, since the filter 23L is in an opaque state, the observer cannot visually recognize an image for the right eye from the left eye.

  Similarly, when the display unit 32 displays an image for the left eye, the filter control unit 24 sets the filter 23L in a transmissive state as shown on the right side of FIG. Make the left-eye image visible. At this time, since the filter 23L is in an opaque state, the observer cannot visually recognize an image for the left eye from the right eye.

  In this way, if the observer is caused to observe the right eye image with the right eye and the left eye image with the left eye, the observer will have the illusion that he / she is observing the moving image V with parallax. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment uses this principle to allow an observer to stereoscopically view.

  As described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the present invention displays a first image captured first among a series of original images P of a series of original images P while changing the imaging position of the subject M. The stereoscopic image Q for stereoscopic vision is generated by using the original image P for one eye and the later captured image as the original image P for the other eye. The imaging position of the subject M is changed by rotating the C arm 7 that supports the X-ray tube 3 and the FPD 4. Since the C arm 7 cannot be rotated once, the reversal of the rotation of the C arm 7 is repeated during photographing. The greatest feature of the present invention is that when the rotation of the C-arm 7 is reversed, the uses of the front image and the back image are reversed. As a result, the appearance of the stereoscopic image (how to jump out) can be prevented from being alternately switched when the rotation of the C-arm 7 is reversed, and the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 can capture the stereoscopic image Q for stereoscopic viewing with excellent visibility. Can be provided.

  Further, as described above, if the moving image generation unit 13 that generates the moving image V in which the stereoscopic image Q is connected with time is provided, a moving image showing how the internal structure of the subject M moves while performing the stereoscopic view is acquired. it can. In addition, as described above, according to the present invention, the appearance of the three-dimensional image (how to jump out) is not switched by the reversal of the rotation of the C-arm 7, so that a moving image can be taken for a long time.

  As described above, when the FPD 4 moves to the right with respect to the subject M, the stereoscopic image Q is generated for the left eye and the rear image for the right eye, and when the movement of the FPD 4 is reversed, the front image If the stereoscopic image Q is generated by reversing the use of the image and the post-image, the stereoscopic image Q in which the structure inside the subject close to the FPD 4 appears to pop out and the structure inside the subject far from the FPD 4 appears to be recessed. Can be obtained. In this way, the original image P acquired when the FPD 4 is positioned on the right side of the subject M is used for the right eye, and the original image P acquired when the FPD 4 is positioned on the left side of the subject M is used for the left eye. This is because the original image P is selected as follows.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described configuration, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) According to the configuration described above, the detection means of the first embodiment is an FPD. It may be an I tube.

  (2) Although the embodiment described above is a medical device, the present invention can also be applied to industrial and nuclear devices.

  (3) X-rays referred to in the above-described embodiments are an example of radiation in the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to radiation other than X-rays.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the C arm 7 that supports the X-ray tube 3 and the FPD 4 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention can also be implemented in a sonar-type radiation imaging apparatus in which the FPD 4 is built in a bed provided with the top plate 2 and the X-ray tube 3 is supported by a column extending from the bed. Further, the present invention can also be implemented by a radiation imaging apparatus of a type that supports the X-ray tube 3 in a suspended manner. In any apparatus, the X-ray tube 3 and the FPD 4 are configured to move in opposite directions while taking a stereoscopic image, which is the same as the configuration of the first embodiment. Further, when the X-ray tube 3 and the FPD 4 are moved to the limit position of movement, the configuration of the embodiment is the same in that the moving direction of the X-ray tube 3 and the moving direction of the FPD 4 are simultaneously reversed.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for a medical radiographic apparatus.

3 X-ray tube (radiation source)
4 FPD (detection means)
6 Radiation source control means 7 Arm 11 Image generation unit (image generation means)
12 stereoscopic image generation unit (stereoscopic image generation means)
13 Movie generator (Movie generator)
21 C-arm rotating mechanism (rotating means)
22 C-arm rotation control unit (rotation control means)

Claims (5)

A radiation source emitting radiation from a single focal point ;
Radiation source control means for controlling the radiation source;
Detection means for detecting radiation transmitted through the subject;
Image generating means for generating an image based on a detection signal output from the detecting means;
Moving means for moving the radiation source and the detection means relative to a subject;
A movement control means for controlling the moving means so that the moving directions of the radiation source and the detecting means repeat reversal;
Of the series of images continuously taken while changing the imaging position of the subject by moving the radiation source and the detection means, the first image taken first is taken as one image for one eye and is taken later. A stereoscopic image generating means for generating a stereoscopic image for stereoscopic viewing by making the rear image an image for the other eye;
When the moving direction of the radiation source and the detection unit is reversed, the stereoscopic image generation unit reverses the use of the front image and the rear image, and uses the front image as the image for the other eye. A radiation imaging apparatus, wherein an image is an image for one eye. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1,
An arm that supports the radiation source and the detection means;
The moving means is a rotating means for tilting the arm with respect to the subject by rotating the arm,
The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement control means is a rotation control means for controlling the rotation means. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a moving image generation unit configured to generate a moving image in which the stereoscopic images are connected over time. The radiographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The stereoscopic image generating means generates the stereoscopic image with the front image for the left eye and the rear image for the right eye when the detecting means moves in the right direction with respect to the subject. Radiography equipment. The radiographic apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A radiation imaging apparatus, wherein the arm is a C-arm.

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