JP6512144B2 - Radiography device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus that performs tomosynthesis imaging.

  In an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs tomosynthesis imaging for capturing a tomographic image of a subject, the X-ray tube is intermittently moved toward the X-ray detector while moving in the axial direction of the subject. Irradiate a line. At this time, the X-ray detector moves in the opposite direction to the X-ray tube each time one X-ray irradiation ends. By repeating such an operation, for example, 74 X-ray images are acquired, and by applying the filtered back projection (FBP) to this X-ray image, the X-ray image becomes an X-ray image. Reconstructed into tomographic images. The tomographic image is an image in which a tomographic image when the subject is cut at a certain cutting plane is reflected.

  Before this tomosynthesis imaging, pre-shot imaging is performed. At the time of this pre-shot imaging, a single X-ray image is acquired with the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector stationary. By this pre-shot imaging, the positioning of the subject is confirmed, and at the time of tomosynthesis imaging, X-ray conditions such as tube current applied to the X-ray tube and imaging time of X-ray imaging are determined.

  In Patent Document 1, since the shooting position in the pre-shooting and the shooting position in the actual tomosynthesis shooting do not necessarily coincide with each other, it is not possible to accurately check the shooting position. In order to solve the problem that the exposure dose received to the subject increases, instead of performing the pre-shooting, by displaying at least one of the plurality of radiation images taken by the radiation detection means on the display device, There is disclosed a radiation imaging apparatus capable of accurately confirming the imaging position without increasing the exposure dose when radiation images are continuously captured.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a radiation source for irradiating the subject with radiation, a radiation detection means for detecting the radiation transmitted through the subject, a radiation source moving means for moving the radiation source in the axial direction of the subject Radiation control means for controlling the radiation source to repeat radiation irradiation while the radiation source moving means is moving the radiation source, and a detection signal output from the radiation detection means for each radiation irradiation from the radiation source Image generation means for generating a radiation image; tomographic image acquisition means for acquiring a radiation tomographic image by reconstructing a plurality of radiation images generated by the image generation means; A radiation distance which is the distance of the radiation source, a radiation swing angle which is a swing angle of the radiation source while the radiation radiation control means makes the radiation source repeat radiation radiation, and Based on a group of parameters including movable ranges, the imaging range of the radiation detection means, which is the range of the position of the radiation detection means capable of acquiring a radiation tomographic image without departing from the movable range of the radiation source There is disclosed a radiation tomography apparatus comprising: According to the radiation tomography apparatus described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to prevent in advance that the radiation source such as the X-ray tube moves out of the movable range and interferes with the floor surface or the like.

JP, 2009-240435, A WO2015 / 166575A1

  When performing pre-shot imaging, as described above, pre-shot imaging and tomosynthesis imaging are continuously performed. At this time, conventionally, when performing pre-shot imaging, generally, the imaging distance at the time of tomosynthesis imaging performed subsequently is not recognized. That is, at the time of pre-shot imaging, a protocol for pre-shot imaging is selected, and imaging conditions for pre-shot imaging are displayed. Further, at the time of tomosynthesis imaging, a protocol for tomosynthesis imaging is selected, and imaging conditions for tomosynthesis imaging are displayed. Therefore, conventionally, the operator can not recognize the imaging condition of tomosynthesis imaging when performing pre-shot imaging. On the other hand, it is necessary to match the shooting distance between pre-shot shooting and tomosynthesis shooting. Therefore, it is necessary to select the imaging protocol for tomosynthesis imaging in the operation unit and confirm the imaging distance, and then to select the imaging protocol for pre-shot imaging again.

  In addition, when performing tomosynthesis imaging, there is a mechanical restriction on the range in which the X-ray tube can move. When performing tomosynthesis imaging, the X-ray tube moves so as to irradiate X-rays at an angle to the X-ray detector, so depending on the angle of the X-ray tube and the position of the X-ray detector, The pipe may be at a position beyond the movable range. In particular, when the imaging distance is increased to suppress the enlargement ratio of the X-ray image, when a large tomographic angle is set to reduce the tomographic thickness, or in the configuration in which the X-ray detector moves, In the case where the X-ray tube is set close to the X-ray detector, the moving distance of the X-ray tube becomes large, so the possibility of exceeding the movable range of the X-ray tube becomes high. Furthermore, in the case where the imaging time in tomosynthesis imaging is shortened, the moving speed of the X-ray tube is increased, so that the running distance for accelerating the X-ray tube is increased, and the X-ray tube is moved as described above. There is a high possibility of exceeding the possible range. Therefore, depending on the arrangement of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector when performing pre-shot imaging, the arrangement of the X-ray tube necessary for imaging can be moved within the movable range of the X-ray tube at the time of tomosynthesis imaging to be performed subsequently. It may be necessary to change the arrangement of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and imaging can be performed in consideration of imaging conditions at the time of tomosynthesis imaging at the time of pre-shot imaging, and the positioning of the radiation irradiating unit is performed again at the time of tomosynthesis imaging It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiation imaging apparatus capable of immediately performing tomosynthesis imaging.

  The invention according to claim 1 comprises a radiation irradiating unit, a radiation detecting unit for detecting radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiating unit and having passed through the subject, and the radiation irradiating unit in the body axial direction of the subject And a radiation irradiator moving mechanism for swinging the radiation irradiator to move the radiation irradiator in a direction opposite to the radiation detector as the irradiator irradiator moves. Radiographing for performing tomosynthesis imaging for performing imaging a plurality of times on the subject while moving the radiation irradiator after performing pre-shot imaging for performing imaging on the subject with the unit being stopped In the apparatus, a protocol storage unit for storing a plurality of protocols corresponding to imaging, and an imaging condition corresponding to the currently selected protocol among the plurality of protocols are listed. When the pre-shot imaging and the tomosynthesis imaging are registered in a temporally consecutive protocol among a plurality of protocols stored in the display unit and the protocol storage unit, the protocol for the pre-shot imaging is selected And a control unit configured to display the imaging condition of the tomosynthesis imaging on the display unit together with the imaging condition of the pre-shot imaging.

  The invention according to claim 2 comprises a radiation irradiating unit, a radiation detecting unit for detecting radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiating unit and having passed through the subject, and the radiation irradiating unit in the body axial direction of the subject And a radiation irradiator moving mechanism for swinging the radiation irradiator to move the radiation irradiator in a direction opposite to the radiation detector as the irradiator irradiator moves. Radiographing for performing tomosynthesis imaging for performing imaging a plurality of times on the subject while moving the radiation irradiator after performing pre-shot imaging for performing imaging on the subject with the unit being stopped In the apparatus, a protocol storage unit that stores a plurality of protocols corresponding to imaging, and a plurality of protocols stored in the protocol storage unit, the temporally consecutive proto When the pre-shot imaging and the tomosynthesis imaging are registered in the list, when the pre-shot imaging protocol is selected, the imaging conditions for the tomosynthesis imaging are read out along with the imaging conditions for the pre-shot imaging, and And a control unit that determines whether the tomosynthesis imaging can be performed based on an imaging condition at the time of shooting.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging conditions of the tomosynthesis imaging include an imaging distance and a tomographic angle.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging conditions of the tomosynthesis imaging include an imaging time.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the imaging condition of the tomosynthesis imaging includes a tomographic center.

  According to the first to fifth aspects of the invention, when reading out the imaging conditions for pre-shot imaging prior to pre-shot imaging, the imaging conditions for tomosynthesis imaging to be executed next are read out and displayed, or Since it is judged whether the imaging is possible or not, imaging can be performed in consideration of imaging conditions at the time of tomosynthesis imaging at the time of pre-shot imaging, and tomosynthesis can be immediately performed without performing positioning of the radiation irradiating section again at the time of tomosynthesis imaging. It is possible to perform shooting. For this reason, it becomes possible to perform tomosynthesis imaging efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main control system of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which performs tomosynthesis imaging | photography by X-ray imaging apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an X-ray imaging apparatus as a radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main control system of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

  In the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the console unit 1 and the high voltage apparatus 2 installed in the operation room 101 for the operator to execute an X-ray imaging operation, and the subject M for imaging A standing position photographing stand 3 and a photographing unit 4 installed in a photographing room 100 are provided. The imaging room 100 and the operation room 101 are shut off by a partition 102.

  The console unit 1 includes a display unit 11 configured of a liquid crystal display or the like, and an operation unit 12 configured of a keyboard, a mouse, or the like for performing various operations. The display unit 11 displays an X-ray image. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the console unit 1 includes a control unit 13 that controls the entire apparatus. Furthermore, the console unit 1 includes a protocol storage unit 15 that stores a protocol described later, and a shooting condition storage unit 14 that stores shooting conditions. As shown in FIG. 2, the console unit 1 is connected to a radiology information system (RIS) 103 which is in-hospital communication of a subject management system in a hospital, and is used to transmit various information for X-ray imaging. It can be read out from the radiology department information system 103.

  A plurality of protocols used in a series of tests are registered and stored in the protocol storage unit 15 in the order in which they are used. Further, the photographing condition storage unit 14 stores photographing conditions corresponding to each protocol. Here, instead of storing a plurality of protocols in the protocol storage unit 15 in the console unit 1, a plurality of protocols used in a series of tests may be stored in another storage unit connected via the radiology information system 103. You may In addition, the imaging conditions may be read out from the radiology information system 103 together with patient information each time a protocol is selected. Here, the protocol means information in which conditions such as tube voltage, current, time, focal point size, necessity of grid, necessity of measurement site, and the like for one photographing are put together.

  The high voltage device 2 is disposed in the partition 102 in the operation chamber 101. As shown in FIG. 2, the high voltage device 2 includes an operation panel 22 having a display unit including a touch panel liquid crystal display and the like, an input button and the like, and a switch 23 for starting X-ray imaging. Prepare. The high voltage device 2 is for setting the irradiation conditions of the X-ray such as the tube voltage and the tube current of the X-ray tube 42 or the X-ray irradiation time.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the standing imaging stand 3 includes an elevation unit 34 that supports the X-ray detection unit 33 so as to be able to move up and down, and a screen 35. The X-ray detection unit 33 is also called a bucky unit, and includes therein an X-ray detector such as a flat panel detector (FPD). In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the standing imaging stand 3 includes an elevation driving unit 32 that changes the height position by vertically moving the X-ray detection unit 33. The X-ray tube 42 and the collimator 43 constitute a radiation irradiation unit according to the present invention, and the X-ray detection unit 33 constitutes a radiation detection unit according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing unit 4 has a base 46 movable in directions perpendicular to the ceiling of the photographing room 100, a support 45 extending downward from the base 46, and the support 45. And a moving unit 44 for moving up and down and rotating. The moving unit 44 supports the X-ray tube 42 and the collimator 43. For this reason, the X-ray tube 42 and the collimator 43 are movable integrally. Further, the X-ray tube 42 and the collimator 43 can be rocked integrally with the moving unit 44. The imaging unit 4 includes an X-ray tube moving unit 47 as shown in FIG. The X-ray tube moving unit 47 drives and controls a motor (not shown) to move the X-ray detector 33 and the collimator 43 as one unit by driving and controlling a motor (not shown) and a motor (not shown). The X-ray tube 42 and a swing drive unit 49 for swinging the collimator 43 are configured.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a state in which tomosynthesis imaging is performed by the above-described X-ray imaging apparatus.

  When performing tomosynthesis imaging on the subject M who stands on the front of the screen 35 in the standing position imaging stand 3, the X-ray tube 42 and the collimator 43 are driven by the movement drive unit 48 in the imaging unit 4 shown in FIG. Is lowered from the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 to the position shown by the solid line via the position shown by the one-dot chain line, and the X-ray detection unit is driven by the elevation drive unit 32 of the standing imaging stand 3 shown in FIG. 33 is raised from the position shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 to the position shown by the solid line via the position shown by the one-dot chain line. At the same time as this movement operation, the central axis of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray tube 42 always points in the central direction of the X-ray detection unit 33 by the drive of the swing drive unit 49 in the imaging unit 4 shown in FIG. Thus, the X-ray tube 42 and the collimator 43 are swung.

  In FIG. 3, reference symbol L 1 indicates the movement region of the X-ray tube 42, and reference symbol L 2 indicates the movement region of the X-ray detection unit 33. Moreover, the code | symbol D has shown the imaging distance. The shooting distance D corresponds to a focal image-receiving surface distance (Source Image Distance: SID). Further, a symbol θ indicates a tomographic angle which is an irradiation swing angle for swinging the X-ray tube 42 and the collimator 43, and a symbol C indicates a position of the tomographic center. Furthermore, the hatched area in FIG. 3 is an area where all X-ray images for reconstructing an X-ray tomographic image can be formed.

  The magnification of the X-ray tomographic image obtained by tomosynthesis imaging is affected by the imaging distance D. In order to reduce the magnification of the X-ray tomographic image, it is necessary to increase the imaging distance D, and in order to increase the magnification of the X-ray tomographic image, it is necessary to reduce the imaging distance D. Further, the tomographic thickness of the X-ray tomographic image is affected by the tomographic angle θ. In order to reduce the thickness of the X-ray tomographic image, it is necessary to increase the tomographic angle θ, and in order to increase the thickness of the X-ray tomographic image, it is necessary to reduce the tomographic angle θ.

  When performing pre-shot imaging and tomosynthesis imaging using the X-ray imaging apparatus as described above, the protocol of the pre-shot imaging is read from the protocol storage unit 15. Reading of this protocol is performed by the operator operating the operation unit 12 in the console unit 1. At this time, in the X-ray imaging apparatus, the control unit 13 reads the imaging conditions in the subsequently executed tomosynthesis imaging protocol in a state linked with the pre-shot protocol. Further, the control unit 13 causes the display unit 11 to display the read imaging conditions.

  That is, in the conventional X-ray imaging apparatus, even if the pre-shot protocol and the tomosynthesis imaging protocol are registered in a temporally continuous state, the pre-shot protocol is selected if the pre-shot protocol is selected. Only the shooting conditions of were read and displayed. On the other hand, in this X-ray imaging apparatus, when the pre-shot protocol is selected, not only the imaging conditions in the pre-shot protocol but also the imaging conditions in the subsequently executed tomosynthesis imaging protocol These shooting conditions are displayed on the display unit 11.

  The imaging conditions to be read out are the imaging distance D and the tomographic angle θ. In addition to the imaging distance D and the tomographic angle θ, the position of the tomographic center C and the imaging time of tomosynthesis imaging are also read out. The read imaging conditions are stored in the imaging condition storage unit 14 of the console unit 1 and displayed on the display unit 11. The operator confirms the imaging conditions at the time of tomosynthesis imaging displayed on the display unit 11 and sets the imaging conditions at the time of pre-shot imaging so as to conform thereto. In the X-ray imaging apparatus provided with the auto-positioning function, the X-ray tube 42, the collimator 43, and the X-ray detection unit 33 may be automatically moved to a necessary place.

  As described above, when the imaging conditions for pre-shot imaging are read out prior to pre-shot imaging, the imaging conditions for tomosynthesis imaging to be executed next are read out and displayed. It is possible to set the shooting conditions for pre-shot shooting based on the above. Therefore, when performing tomosynthesis imaging, it is not necessary to perform positioning and the like of the X-ray tube 42 again, and it becomes possible to execute tomosynthesis imaging immediately.

  For example, when the imaging distance D at the time of tomosynthesis imaging is 120 cm, the imaging distance D at the time of pre-shot imaging is also set to 120 cm. Further, as necessary, the imaging conditions for pre-shot imaging are set in consideration of other conditions such as the tomographic angle θ in tomosynthesis imaging, the position of the tomographic center C, and the imaging time of tomosynthesis imaging.

  Further, in a state where the pre-shot imaging protocol is selected by the control unit 13 based on the read imaging conditions at the time of tomosynthesis imaging, the range in which the X-ray tube 42 etc. should move is the movement of the X-ray tube 42 etc. It is judged whether it exceeds the possible range. That is, the control unit 13 determines whether or not tomosynthesis imaging can be performed in this state. This determination is performed in the control unit 13 as described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, the imaging distance which is the distance from the focus of the X-ray tube 42 to the detection surface of the X-ray detection unit 33 The X-ray tube 42 is X-ray based on a group of parameters including an irradiation swing angle (tomographic angle) which is a swing angle of the X-ray tube 42 while repeating the radiation, and a movable range of the X-ray tube 42 etc. It is executed by the imaging possible range calculation means for calculating the imaging possible range of the X-ray detection unit which is the range of the position of the X-ray detection unit 33 which can acquire the X-ray tomographic image without departing from the movable range of the tube 42 etc. Ru.

  When the range in which the X-ray tube 42 or the like should move exceeds the movable range of the X-ray tube 42 or the like, a warning or the like indicating that imaging can not be performed is displayed on the display unit 11. Therefore, the operator can recognize that the range in which the X-ray tube 42 or the like should move exceeds the movable range, and the operator changes the position of the X-ray tube 42 or the like and other imaging conditions. Is possible.

  As described above, according to the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, imaging positioning of tomosynthesis imaging can be performed together at the time of pre-shot imaging, and after performing pre-shot imaging, the operator can perform again. It is possible to perform tomosynthesis imaging continuously without entering the imaging room 100. Thus, the examination time can be shortened, and the burden on the subject M and the operator can be reduced.

  In the embodiment described above, the present invention is applied to an X-ray imaging apparatus in which the X-ray detection unit 33 moves in the vertical direction, but the X-ray detection unit 33 may be fixed. In this case, the position of the tomographic center C is disposed on the X-ray detection unit 33 side, but the same function and effect as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs X-ray imaging on a subject M in a standing position using the standing imaging stand 3, but The present invention may be applied to an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs X-ray imaging on a subject M in a state.

Reference Signs List 1 console unit 2 high voltage apparatus 3 standing imaging stand 4 imaging unit 11 display unit 12 operation unit 13 control unit 14 imaging condition storage unit 15 protocol storage unit 22 operation panel 23 switch 32 elevation drive unit 33 X-ray detection unit 42 X-ray detection unit Tube 43 Collimator 47 X-ray tube moving unit 48 Moving drive unit 49 Swing drive unit 100 Shooting room 101 Operation room 103 Radiology department information system M Examinee D Shooting distance θ Tomographic angle

Claims (5)

A radiation irradiating unit; a radiation detecting unit for detecting a radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiating unit and having passed through the subject; and the radiation irradiating unit is moved in the body axis direction of the subject, and And a radiation irradiator moving mechanism for swinging the radiation irradiator to move the radiation irradiator to face the radiation detector in accordance with the movement, and the subject being examined by restraining the radiation irradiator. A radiation imaging apparatus that performs tomosynthesis imaging that performs imaging a plurality of times on the subject while moving the radiation irradiator after performing pre-shot imaging that performs imaging on the subject,
A protocol storage unit that stores a plurality of protocols corresponding to imaging;
A display unit that displays imaging conditions corresponding to the currently selected protocol among the plurality of protocols;
When the pre-shot imaging and the tomosynthesis imaging are registered in the temporally continuous protocol among the plurality of protocols stored in the protocol storage unit, the protocol of the pre-shot imaging is selected, A control unit that displays the imaging condition of the tomosynthesis imaging on the display unit together with the imaging condition of the pre-shot imaging;
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: A radiation irradiating unit; a radiation detecting unit for detecting a radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiating unit and having passed through the subject; and the radiation irradiating unit is moved in the body axis direction of the subject, and And a radiation irradiator moving mechanism for swinging the radiation irradiator to move the radiation irradiator to face the radiation detector in accordance with the movement, and the subject being examined by restraining the radiation irradiator. A radiation imaging apparatus that performs tomosynthesis imaging that performs imaging a plurality of times on the subject while moving the radiation irradiator after performing pre-shot imaging that performs imaging on the subject,
A protocol storage unit that stores a plurality of protocols corresponding to imaging;
When the pre-shot imaging and the tomosynthesis imaging are registered in the temporally continuous protocol among the plurality of protocols stored in the protocol storage unit, the protocol of the pre-shot imaging is selected, A control unit that reads the imaging condition of the tomosynthesis imaging together with the imaging condition of the pre-shot imaging, and determines whether the tomosynthesis imaging can be executed according to the imaging condition of the pre-shot;
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: In the radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the imaging condition of the tomosynthesis imaging includes an imaging distance and a tomographic angle. In the radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The imaging condition of the tomosynthesis imaging includes a radiographic time. In the radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The imaging condition of the tomosynthesis imaging includes a radiation imaging apparatus including a tomographic center.

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