JP6307639B1 - X-ray imaging apparatus and X-ray imaging method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging method capable of placing a region of interest in a small imaging field of view while improving imaging workability and reducing a burden on a subject with a simple configuration. An X-ray imaging apparatus (1) includes an X-ray source (11), an X-ray imaging means (12), an arm (4) supporting the X-ray source (11) and the X-ray imaging means (12), and the arm (4) with a rotation center axis (C1). And turning means 5 for turning the X-ray source 11 and the X-ray imaging means 12 around the subject by rotating them around. Further, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a plate 651 that the patient bites during CT imaging. The horizontal relative position between the plate 651 and the rotation center axis C1 is fixed, and the plate 651 is disposed on the extension line of the rotation center axis C1. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging method.

  There is an X-ray imaging apparatus having a plurality of types (for example, two types of large and small) of imaging modes having different X-ray flux spreads in CT (Computed Tomography) imaging. In an imaging mode with a large X-ray flux spread, the diameter of the field of view (FOV) is large, and in an imaging mode with a small X-ray flux spread, the diameter of the field of view is small. From the viewpoint of reducing the exposure amount of the subject, it is preferable that the imaging field of view is small. However, if the field of view is small, it is difficult to fit the region of interest as the target site for diagnosis in the small field of view.

  Thus, a technique has been proposed in which a low-radiation scout shot is performed in advance, and the region of interest is moved to the region of interest by designating the region of interest in the image obtained by the scout shot.

  Further, Patent Document 1 discloses that the center of the photographing field is obtained by using a photographing field confirmation plate made of a transparent plate or a semi-transparent plate in which a circle having two same large and small diameters as the large and small photographing fields and a cross line representing the center thereof are drawn. A technique has been proposed in which a photographer can visually confirm a position and an outer edge.

JP 2014-124287 A

  The technique for designating a region of interest in an image obtained by a scout shot requires a scout shot separately from the original imaging and is restrained for a long time including the time required for the scout shot. The burden on the examiner is large.

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, after a tooth shape is formed on the bite plate by the engagement of the subject, the bite plate is moved horizontally and irradiated with a cross light beam having a desired portion of the bite plate as an intersection. Is done. Next, the photographing field confirmation plate is placed on the bite plate, and the intersection of the cross light beams and the center of the photographing field confirmation plate are matched. Thereby, it can confirm that the region of interest is settled in the imaging | photography visual field. Then, the subject bites the bite plate again, and photographing is performed in that state. As described above, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement because of its complicated configuration and complicated shooting work.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and can improve the imaging workability and reduce the burden on the subject with a simple configuration, and can fit the region of interest in a small imaging field of view. It is an object to provide a radiographic apparatus and an X-ray imaging method.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray source that irradiates a subject of an X-ray bundle with an X-ray imaging unit that detects the X-ray bundle transmitted through the subject, A support member that supports the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging unit, and the support member is rotated around a rotation center axis along a vertical direction so that the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging unit are moved around the subject. A rotating means for rotating, and a plate that the subject bites at the time of CT imaging, and a horizontal relative position between the plate and the rotation center axis is fixed and constant ; It is arranged on an extension line of the central axis.

With this configuration, it is possible to fit the region of interest in a small field of view simply by imaging while the subject bites the plate on the extension line of the rotation center axis at the tooth or site corresponding to the target site of diagnosis. Become. Further, since the conventional scout shot is not required and the subject is not restrained for a long time, the burden on the subject is reduced.
That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of placing a region of interest in a small imaging field of view while improving imaging workability and reducing the burden on the subject with a simple configuration.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus, the maximum horizontal length of the plate is an imaging field of view obtained in a local imaging mode in which the spread of the X-ray bundle is the smallest among a plurality of imaging modes in which the spread of the X-ray bundle is different. The diameter is preferably set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter.

  In this configuration, the region of interest can be placed in the field of view obtained in the local imaging mode in which the spread of the X-ray flux is minimum.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus, the maximum horizontal length of the plate is a diameter of a field of view obtained in a local imaging mode for one-tooth or two-tooth imaging among a plurality of imaging modes in which the spread of the X-ray bundle is different. It is preferable that the following is set.

  In this configuration, the region of interest can be placed in the field of view obtained in the local photographing mode for photographing one tooth or two teeth.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus, it is preferable that the plate has a disk shape having a diameter equal to or smaller than a diameter of a field of view obtained in the local imaging mode, and is arranged horizontally.

  In this configuration, the plate has a circular shape similar to the shape of the field of view when viewed from the vertical direction (vertical direction). For this reason, the subject can easily bite the plate and can more reliably fit the region of interest in the field of view obtained in the local imaging mode.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus, it is preferable that the plate is provided with a center display portion indicating a center position of the plate.

  In this configuration, when the operator visually observes and positions the plate in the oral cavity of the patient, the center position of the imaging visual field can be confirmed.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus, it is preferable that positions of the plate and the rotation center axis in the horizontal direction are fixed.

  In this configuration, a moving mechanism in the horizontal plane of the plate and the rotation center axis is unnecessary, so that a simpler configuration can be realized and the cost can be reduced.

  Preferably, the X-ray imaging apparatus includes a head fixing device that fixes the head of the subject, and the head fixing device is configured such that a fixing position of the head can be adjusted.

  Depending on where the region of interest is, the position of the head when the subject bites the plate will shift, but in this configuration, the head is in the state where the subject bites the plate. The head can be fixed while adjusting the fixing position. As a result, more stable shooting can be performed, and a highly accurate image can be obtained.

  In order to solve the above problems, an X-ray imaging method according to the present invention is an X-ray imaging method in which imaging is performed using the X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the subject bites the plate; While the examiner bites the plate, the turning means rotates the support member to turn the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means around the subject, and the X-ray imaging means moves the subject. And detecting the X-ray flux that has passed through.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus includes a head fixing device that fixes the head of the subject, and the head fixing device is configured such that a fixing position of the head can be adjusted. According to the method, the fixing position of the head is adjusted by the head fixing device according to the head of the subject in a state where the subject bites the plate, and the head is fixed. It is preferable to include a step.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an X-ray imaging apparatus and an X-ray imaging method capable of placing a region of interest in a small imaging field of view while improving imaging workability and reducing a burden on a subject with a simple configuration. it can.

1 is a side view showing a dental X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the periphery of the head fixing device shown by FIG. 3A is a plan view of the head fixing device, FIG. 3B is a side view of the head fixing device, and FIG. 3C is a front view of the head fixing device. 4A is a plan view schematically showing a plate and a small FOV, and FIG. 4B is a side view schematically showing the plate and the small FOV. It is a figure for demonstrating imaging | photography of a molar. It is a figure for demonstrating imaging | photography of an anterior tooth. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that a patient's head is pressed by a head pressing means. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that a patient's head is pressed by the head pressing means which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a mode that a patient's head is hold | suppressed by the head pressing means which concerns on further another embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
In the following drawings, common portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a dental X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a support column 2 and a slide main body 3 that is movably disposed in a vertical direction (vertical direction) with respect to the support column 2. The slide body 3 includes a slide vertical portion 31 extending in the vertical direction, and a slide horizontal portion 32 attached to the upper end of the slide vertical portion 31 and extending in the horizontal direction. On the lower surface side of the slide horizontal portion 32 of the slide main body portion 3, the arm 4 is disposed so as to be rotatable around a rotation center axis C1 along the vertical direction.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes an X-ray source 11 that irradiates a subject with an X-ray bundle L (see FIG. 4; the same applies hereinafter), an X-ray imaging unit 12 that detects an X-ray bundle L that has passed through the subject, and an X-ray source 11. And an arm 4 serving as a support member for supporting the X-ray imaging means 12 and a turning means 5 for rotating the arm 4 around the rotation center axis C1. The turning means 5 is disposed in the slide horizontal part 32. In addition, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a control device that controls the operation of each unit such as the turning unit 5 and the X-ray source 11, and an image processing unit that processes a projection image acquired by the X-ray imaging unit 12. (Neither shown).

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, the subject corresponds to the vicinity of the affected area on the head of a patient as a subject (not shown). When photographing, the patient is placed with the head fixed by the head fixing device 6 inside the arm 4. The head fixing device 6 is fixed to the slide vertical portion 31 via the support arm 33. The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 performs CT imaging by rotating the arm 4 around the subject while the patient's head is fixed.

  The X-ray source 11 and the X-ray imaging means 12 are disposed on the arm 4 so as to face each other with the subject interposed therebetween. Then, the arm 4 is turned by the turning means 5 having a servo motor and the like, the X-ray source 11 and the X-ray imaging means 12 are rotated around the subject, and the X-ray bundle L irradiated from the X-ray source 11 moves the subject. The light is transmitted and detected by the X-ray imaging means 12.

  A slit 13 for restricting the range (expansion) of the X-ray bundle L irradiated from the X-ray source 11 is disposed in the arm 4. The X-ray bundle L narrowed down by the slit 13 passes through the subject and is detected by the X-ray imaging means 12. The slit 13 can adjust the spread of the X-ray bundle L. By disposing the slit 13, the image quality can be improved by reducing the amount of scattered radiation.

  The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a plurality of types (here, two types) of imaging modes in which the X-ray bundle L spreads in CT imaging. In the imaging mode in which the spread of the X-ray bundle L is larger, an imaging field of view having a large diameter (hereinafter also referred to as “FOV”) is obtained. In the imaging mode in which the spread of the X-ray bundle L is small, an FOV having a small diameter can be obtained. In the present embodiment, the local imaging mode is a small FOV imaging mode that is an imaging mode in which the spread of the X-ray beam L is minimum (here, the smaller one of the two types), and the FOV obtained in the small FOV imaging mode is Called a small FOV. The local imaging mode can also be defined as an imaging mode for one-tooth or two-tooth imaging among a plurality of imaging modes with different X-ray flux L spreads.

  The X-ray imaging means 12 is composed of a flat surface sensor having a light receiving surface, and is composed of, for example, a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, a CdTe sensor, and other image sensors.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the periphery of the head fixing device 6 shown in FIG. 3A is a plan view of the head fixing device 6, FIG. 3B is a side view of the head fixing device 6, and FIG. 3C is a front view of the head fixing device 6.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the head fixing device 6 includes a base portion 61, a main body portion 62, a head pressing means 63, and a lower jaw portion supporting means 64. The head fixing device 6 is configured such that the fixing position of the patient's head can be adjusted.

  An operation panel 611 is disposed on the front surface of the base 61. The operator can execute various operations of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 through the operation panel 611. The distal end portion of the support arm 33 is connected to the side surface portion of the base portion 61.

  The base portion 61 is provided with a main body portion 62. The main body 62 is movable in the vertical direction A1 (see FIG. 3B) with respect to the base 61. When the operation member 621 such as a lever provided on the main body 62 is operated to be pushed up, for example, the main body 62 is free to move up and down, and when the operation member 621 is released, the main body 62 is fixed in the vertical direction. It is like that.

The head pressing means 63 includes a pair of pads 631 and 631 that respectively contact the left and right temple portions 103 and 103 (see FIG. 7) of the patient, and a pad support member 632 that supports the pair of pads 631 and 631. ing. Here, the temple portion is intended to include not only the exact temple position but also the vicinity of the temple position, and corresponds to the left and right portions of the forehead.

  The pair of pads 631 and 631 can move toward and away from the patient. In the present embodiment, the pair of pads 631 and 631 are movable in the circumferential direction A2 (see FIG. 3B) around an axis C2 extending in the left-right direction of the patient. Specifically, a pad support member 632 that supports the pair of pads 631 and 631 is attached to the main body 62 so as to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 635 along the axis C2. Only the portion on the front end side of the pad support member 632 shows the state of rotation with a broken line (see FIG. 3B). In addition, the operation of the operation member 638 such as a lever can make the rotation of the pad support member 632 free or prohibited (fixed).

  The pad support member 632 includes a pad attachment portion 633 to which the pad 631 is attached, and a pair of support plates 634 and 634 arranged on the left and right. The left and right end portions of the pad attachment portion 633 are fixed to the respective front end portions of the pair of support plates 634 and 634. Further, the base end portions of the pair of support plates 634 and 634 are rotatably attached to the main body portion 62, respectively. The pad 631 is attached to the pad attachment portion 633 via a flexible interposition member 637 (see FIG. 3A). The interposition member 637 is made of rubber, for example, and has a substantially columnar or substantially cylindrical shape.

  The pair of pads 631 and 631 have contact surfaces 636 that contact the patient. The included angle α (see FIG. 7) between the normal lines of the pair of contact surfaces 636 and 636 is set to 90 to 150 degrees, preferably 110 to 130 degrees, and more preferably about 120 degrees. . However, the included angle α is not necessarily limited to the above value.

  The rotation shaft 635 is slidable in the A3 direction (see FIG. 3C) along the axis C2. Therefore, the entire head pressing means 63 can slide in the A3 direction along the axis C2. Only the periphery of the support plate 634 on the left side of the patient is shown by a broken line (see FIG. 3C). In addition, the operation of the operation member 622 such as a knob can make the sliding movement of the rotation shaft 635 free or prohibited (fixed).

  The lower jaw support means 64 is attached to the upper part of the main body 62 and supports the lower jaw of the patient. The lower jaw support means 64 includes a base body 641 installed on the upper surface of the main body 62 and a contact member 642 provided at the patient-side end of the base body 641.

  The contact member 642 has a contact surface 643 that contacts the lower front portion of the patient's lower jaw. A normal vector V (see FIG. 3B) of the contact surface 643 extending outward from the contact surface 643 has a vertical component and a patient front-rear direction component. Does not have a horizontal component. That is, the component of the normal vector V in the horizontal direction of the patient is zero. That is, there is no left / right inclination of the contact surface 643. Here, the contact surface 643 is a flat surface that inclines so as to approach the tip in the direction toward the rear of the patient.

  A long hole 644 that penetrates in the vertical direction is formed in the base 641 of the lower jaw support means 64. The long hole 644 has an oval shape that is long in the front-rear direction of the patient as viewed from the up-down direction. The bite plate member 65 passes through the long hole 644 of the base body 641. The lower jaw support means 64 provided with the contact member 642 is movable in the patient's front-rear direction A4 (see FIG. 3A). Only the vicinity of the front end portion of the base 641 is shown by a broken line (see FIG. 3A).

  The bite plate member 65 includes a plate 651 that the patient bites at the time of CT imaging, and an L-shaped support bar 652 that supports the plate 651. The bite plate member 65 is fixed to the main body 62 by inserting the lower end portion of the support bar 652 into a hole (not shown) formed in the block 653 installed in the main body 62. The bite plate member 65 can be attached to and detached from the block 653. The plate 651 may be configured to be detachable from the support bar 652.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the relative position in the horizontal direction between the plate 651 and the rotation center axis C1 is fixed. In the present embodiment, the horizontal positions of the plate 651 and the rotation center axis C1 are fixed. The plate 651 is disposed on an extension line of the rotation center axis C1.

  4A is a plan view schematically showing the plate 651 and the small FOV 14, and FIG. 4B is a side view schematically showing the plate 651 and the small FOV 14.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the plate 651 of the bite plate member 65 has a disk shape having a diameter D2 equal to or smaller than the diameter D1 of the small FOV 14 obtained in the small FOV photographing mode, and is arranged horizontally. Here, horizontal means not only strict horizontal but also substantially horizontal. The extension line of the rotation center axis C1 passes through the center of the plate 651 (the centroid of the figure in plan view). The plate 651 is provided with a center display portion 654 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) indicating the center position of the plate 651. Here, the center display portion 654 is a hole provided in the center of the plate 651, and may be a bottomed hole or a through hole. The center display unit 654 is not limited to a hole, and may be any one that has been crafted so that the center position of the plate 651 can be confirmed. For example, a cross mark is printed or processed on the plate 651. It may be a thing.

  The plate 651 is not limited to a disk shape. For example, the plate 651 may have an elliptical plate shape, a square plate shape, or the like. In this case, it is preferable that the maximum horizontal length of the plate 651 is set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter D1 of the small FOV 14.

  As a material of the plate 651, a resin that transmits X-rays and has a certain strength is suitable. Further, when the operator visually observes and positions the plate 651 in the patient's oral cavity, the teeth should be seen through in order to easily and accurately perform the operation. Transparent material is suitable. As such a resin, polypropylene, nylon resin, polycarbonate, CFRP, liquid crystal polymer, or the like may be employed.

Next, an X-ray imaging method for performing CT imaging using the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining photographing of molars. FIG. 6 is a view for explaining photographing of the front teeth. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining how the head of the patient is pressed by the head pressing means 63.

  First, the patient bites the plate 651 of the bite plate member 65. At this time, the patient bites the plate 651 on the extension line of the rotation center axis C1 with the tooth or the part corresponding to the target part of diagnosis. That is, when the region of interest as the target site for diagnosis is the molar 101, the patient bites the plate 651 with the molar 101 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the region of interest is the front teeth 102, the patient bites the plate 651 with the front teeth 102 as shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the head fixing device 6 adjusts the fixing position of the head and fixes the head in accordance with the patient's head in a state where the patient bites the plate 651. For example, when the region of interest is the molar 101, the patient's head is fixed to the left or right side and the front side. Further, when the region of interest is the front teeth 102, the patient's head is fixed to the center side and the rear side in the left-right direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the left and right temple portions 103 and 103 of the patient are pressed by a pair of pads 631 and 631.

  Subsequently, in a state where the patient bites the plate 651, the turning means 5 rotates the arm 4 to turn the X-ray source 11 and the X-ray imaging means 12 around the subject, while the X-ray imaging means 12 moves the subject. The transmitted X-ray flux L is detected.

  The projected image obtained by CT imaging is subjected to predetermined image processing in an image processing means (not shown) to generate a CT image. The generated CT image can be stored in an external storage device (not shown) as necessary.

  As described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the X-ray source 11, the X-ray imaging unit 12, the arm 4 that supports the X-ray source 11 and the X-ray imaging unit 12, and the arm 4. And a turning means 5 for turning the X-ray source 11 and the X-ray imaging means 12 around the subject by rotating the rotation around the rotation center axis C1. Further, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 includes a plate 651 that the patient bites during CT imaging. The horizontal relative position between the plate 651 and the rotation center axis C1 is fixed, and the plate 651 is disposed on the extension line of the rotation center axis C1.

In such an embodiment, the patient can put the region of interest in a small FOV only by imaging while the patient is biting the plate 651 on the extension line of the rotation center axis C1 at the tooth or site corresponding to the target site of diagnosis. Is possible. Further, since the conventional scout shot is not required and the patient is not restrained for a long time, the burden on the patient is reduced.
That is, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 capable of placing the region of interest in a small FOV while improving the imaging workability and reducing the burden on the subject with a simple configuration.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum horizontal length of the plate 651 is set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter D1 of the small FOV 14 obtained in the local imaging mode in which the spread of the X-ray bundle L is the smallest among the plurality of imaging modes. Yes. Therefore, the region of interest can be stored in the FOV obtained in the local imaging mode in which the spread of the X-ray beam L is minimum. Further, the maximum horizontal length of the plate 651 is set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter D1 of the small FOV 14 obtained in the local imaging mode for one-tooth or two-tooth imaging among the plurality of imaging modes. Therefore, the region of interest can be stored in the FOV obtained in the local imaging mode for one-tooth or two-tooth imaging.

  In the present embodiment, the plate 651 has a disk shape having a diameter D2 equal to or smaller than the diameter D1 of the small FOV 14 obtained in the local imaging mode, and is arranged horizontally. In this configuration, the shape of the plate 651 has a circular shape similar to that of the FOV when viewed from the vertical direction (vertical direction). For this reason, the patient can easily bite the plate 651, and the region of interest can be more reliably stored in the FOV obtained in the local imaging mode.

  In the present embodiment, the plate 651 is provided with a center display portion 654 that indicates the center position of the plate 651. In this configuration, when the operator visually observes and positions the plate 651 in the oral cavity of the patient, the center position of the FOV can be confirmed.

  In the present embodiment, the positions of the plate 651 and the rotation center axis C1 in the horizontal direction are fixed. In this configuration, the movement mechanism in the horizontal plane of the plate 651 and the rotation center axis C1 is unnecessary, and a simpler configuration can be realized and the cost can be reduced.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the head fixing device 6 which fixes a patient's head is provided, and the head fixing device 6 is comprised so that the fixing position of a head can be adjusted. Depending on where the region of interest is, the position of the head when the patient bites the plate 651 is shifted. The head can be fixed while adjusting. As a result, more stable shooting can be performed, and a highly accurate image can be obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the head fixing device 6 includes a head pressing means 63 having a pair of pads 631 and 631 that respectively contact the left and right temple portions 103 and 103 of the patient, and the pair of pads 631 and 631 It is possible to move close to and away from the patient. Thereby, a patient's head is positioned simultaneously in the left-right direction and the front-back direction.

  In the present embodiment, the pair of pads 631 and 631 is movable in the circumferential direction around the axis C2 extending in the left-right direction of the patient. In this configuration, the pair of pads 631 and 631 can be moved toward and away from the patient by moving in the circumferential direction A2 around the axis C2.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining how the head of the patient is pressed by the head pressing means 63a according to another embodiment. In another embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the pair of pads 631, 631 can be moved in the front-rear direction B1 of the patient by a front-rear direction moving mechanism (not shown). In this configuration, the pair of pads 631 and 631 can be moved toward and away from the patient by moving the patient in the front-rear direction B1.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining how the head of the patient is pressed by the head pressing means 63b according to still another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the head pressing means 63b meshes with a pair of pad mounting portions 633a and 633b divided into left and right and teeth formed on the inner surface of the pad mounting portion 633a, and the pad mounting portion 633b. And a gear 639 that meshes with a tooth portion formed on the outer surface. In still another embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the pair of pads 631 and 631 are movable in the left-right direction B2 of the patient by rotating the gear 639 by a driving means (not shown). In this configuration, the pair of pads 631 and 631 can be moved toward and away from the patient by moving the patient in the left-right direction B2.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to the structure described in the said embodiment, The combination thru | or selecting suitably the structure described in the said embodiment is included. The configuration can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, a part of the configuration of the embodiment can be added, deleted, and replaced.

  For example, in the embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is configured as an apparatus capable of CT imaging, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 may be configured as an apparatus capable of panoramic imaging in addition to CT imaging.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray imaging apparatus 11 X-ray source 12 X-ray imaging means 13 Slit 14 Small FOV
2 Supporting part 3 Slide body part 31 Slide vertical part 32 Slide horizontal part 33 Support arm 4 Arm 5 Turning means 6 Head fixing device 61 Base part 611 Operation panel 62 Body part 621, 622, 638 Operation member 63, 63a, 63b Head Pressing means 631 Pad 632 Pad support member 633, 633a, 633b Pad mounting portion 634 Support plate 635 Rotating shaft 636 Abutting surface 637 Interposition member 639 Gear 64 Mandible portion support means 641 Base 642 Contact member 643 Contact surface 644 Long hole 65 Byte Plate member 651 Plate 652 Support rod 653 Block 654 Center display part 101 Molar tooth 102 Anterior tooth 103 Temple part C1 Rotation center axis C2 Axis line D1 Small FOV diameter D2 Plate diameter L X-ray bundle V Normal vector α Span angle

Claims (9)

An X-ray source that irradiates the subject of the subject with an X-ray flux;
X-ray imaging means for detecting the X-ray bundle transmitted through the subject;
A support member for supporting the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means;
Turning means for turning the support member around a rotation axis along the vertical direction to turn the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means around the subject;
A plate that the subject bites at the time of CT imaging,
The horizontal relative position between the plate and the rotation center axis is fixed and constant ,
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plate is disposed on an extension line of the rotation center axis.   The maximum horizontal length of the plate is set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the field of view obtained in the local imaging mode in which the spread of the X-ray bundle is the smallest among the plurality of imaging modes in which the spread of the X-ray flux is different. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The maximum horizontal length of the plate is set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the field of view obtained in the local imaging mode for one-tooth or two-tooth imaging among a plurality of imaging modes in which the spread of the X-ray bundle is different. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   4. The X according to claim 2, wherein the plate has a disk shape having a diameter equal to or smaller than a diameter of a field of view obtained in the local imaging mode, and is arranged horizontally. 5. X-ray equipment.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plate is provided with a center display portion indicating a center position of the plate.   The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein positions of the plate and the rotation center axis in a horizontal direction are fixed. A head fixing device for fixing the head of the subject;
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the head fixing device is configured such that a fixing position of the head is adjustable. An X-ray imaging method for performing imaging using the X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1,
The subject biting the plate;
While the subject bites the plate, the turning means rotates the support member to turn the X-ray source and the X-ray imaging means around the subject, and the X-ray imaging means Detecting the X-ray flux transmitted through the subject;
An X-ray imaging method comprising: The X-ray imaging apparatus includes a head fixing device that fixes the head of the subject.
The head fixing device is configured such that the fixing position of the head can be adjusted,
The X-ray imaging method includes:
A step of adjusting the fixing position of the head by the head fixing device and fixing the head in accordance with the head of the subject in a state where the subject bites the plate. The X-ray imaging method according to claim 8, further comprising:

Images