JP6888815B2 - X-ray imaging device, X-ray imaging auxiliary device and X-ray imaging method - Google Patents

Description

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

A simple radiograph such as a chest radiograph is the most common radiograph for the purpose of displaying without reconstruction. In the conventional simple X-ray imaging apparatus, X-ray imaging is performed in a state where breathing is intentionally stopped by an instruction to the subject.

On the other hand, some X-ray CT devices that form a three-dimensional model by collecting projection data and reconstructing it with a computer include means for detecting the respiratory movement of the subject (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). ).

Patent Document 1 describes a respiration detecting means for measuring the movement (displacement) of a subject by irradiating the abdomen of the subject with a laser. Further, Patent Document 2 describes a respiration detecting means for measuring a time change of the chest thickness of a subject photographed by a camera or the like. Further, Patent Document 3 describes a respiration detecting means for measuring a respiration flow rate and a flow rate in addition to measuring the chest thickness of a subject.

Japanese Patent No. 5611667 Japanese Patent No. 5242405 Japanese Patent No. 5329788

However, with a simple X-ray imaging device, it is difficult for a subject such as an infant to intentionally stop breathing, so the operator presses the irradiation switch at the right timing while observing the movement of the subject's body to take a picture. There is. Therefore, if imaging cannot be performed at an appropriate respiration timing, reimaging may be repeated, or diagnosis may be made using an X-ray image at which the respiration timing at the time of imaging is not very appropriate.

When the respiration detecting means described in Patent Document 1 is used, the laser is applied to a specific portion of the subject from an oblique direction so that the laser irradiation portion does not enter the irradiation region of the X-ray flux. However, since a subject such as an infant moves an unpredictable body, there is a risk that the portion to which the laser is applied may shift or tilt. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately detect the respiratory movement of the subject by the technique described in Patent Document 1.

When the respiratory detection means described in Patent Document 2 is used, the thickness of the chest is measured by photographing the subject with a camera or the like. However, in the case of a subject such as an infant, the measurement point may shift or tilt. Therefore, even with the technique described in Patent Document 2, it is difficult to accurately detect the respiratory movement of the subject. It is also conceivable to attach a member to be measured to the chest of the subject and measure the movement of the member to be measured. However, this method increases the burden on the subject and may cause the member to be measured to appear in the X-ray image.

When the respiration detecting means for measuring the respiration flow velocity or the flow rate described in Patent Document 3 is used, it is necessary to arrange an air flow unit in which the air during respiration flows near the mouth of the subject. However, in the case of a subject such as an infant, the mouth of the subject may be separated from the air flow section. Therefore, even with the technique described in Patent Document 3, it is difficult to accurately detect the respiratory movement of the subject. It is also conceivable to attach the air flow section directly to the mouth of the subject. However, this method increases the burden on the subject and may rather disturb the breathing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even a subject whose breathing is intentionally difficult to stop can be photographed at an appropriate breathing timing without increasing the burden on the subject, which is a good X-ray. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging device, an X-ray imaging auxiliary device, and an X-ray imaging method capable of acquiring a line image.

In order to solve the above problems, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an X-ray source that irradiates a subject with an X-ray bundle, an X-ray imaging means for detecting the X-ray bundle that has passed through the subject, and the subject. Irradiation of the X-ray bundle based on an air bag in which the internal air pressure fluctuates due to body movement due to breathing of a sample, an air pressure detecting means for detecting the air pressure transmitted from the air bag, and an air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means. comprising a calculating means for calculating information related to instruction timing, and the air bag is disposed between the nets and the subject, the net, when taking the easy to move the subject It is characterized in that it covers a part of the body and fixes the subject.

Further, the X-ray imaging assisting device according to the present invention includes an air bag in which the internal air pressure fluctuates due to the body movement of the subject due to respiration, an air pressure detecting means for detecting the air pressure transmitted from the air bag, and the air pressure detection. An operator of an X-ray imaging apparatus obtains a calculation means for calculating information on an X-ray bundle irradiation timing instruction based on the air pressure detected by the means and information on an X-ray bundle irradiation timing instruction calculated by the calculation means. recognizably and a notification unit that notifies to said air bag is disposed between the nets and the subject, wherein the net body when taking the easy movement the subject It is characterized in that the subject is fixed by covering a part of the subject.

Further, the X-ray imaging method according to the present invention includes an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray source for irradiating a subject with an X-ray bundle and an X-ray imaging means for detecting the X-ray flux transmitted through the subject. An X-ray imaging method in which imaging is performed using the X-ray imaging method, in which a detection step of detecting an air pressure transmitted from an air bag in which the internal air pressure fluctuates due to body movement caused by the breathing of the subject, and an air pressure detected in the detection step. anda calculation step of calculating information on an instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray beam on the basis of said air bag is disposed between the nets and the subject, it said net is easy to move It is characterized in that the subject is fixed by covering a part of the body when the subject is photographed.

According to the present invention, an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of taking a good X-ray image at an appropriate breathing timing without increasing the burden on the subject even if it is difficult to intentionally stop breathing. An X-ray imaging assisting device and an X-ray imaging method can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2A is a perspective view schematically showing an air bag installed in the sensor unit. FIG. 2B is a perspective view schematically showing an air bag according to a modified example installed in the sensor unit. It is a figure which shows typically the air bag, the tube, the detection device and the notification means. It is a flowchart which shows the outline procedure of a shooting operation. FIG. 5A is a graph showing an example of fluctuations in air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means in a waveform. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of colors displayed by the light emitting unit of the notification means in chronological order. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the outline procedure of the photographing operation in 2nd Embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
In each figure, common components and similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes an X-ray source 1 and a sensor unit 2. The X-ray source 1 irradiates the subject K with the X-ray bundle L. The sensor unit 2 has an X-ray sensor 21 as an X-ray imaging means for detecting the X-ray bundle L transmitted through the subject K, and an imaging table 22 in which the X-ray sensor 21 is built.

The X-ray sensor 21 is a two-dimensional sensor also called an FPD (Flat Panel Detector), which photoelectrically detects the X-ray bundle L transmitted through the subject K and outputs an electric signal. The X-ray sensor 21 can be configured by using an image sensor such as a CMOS sensor, a CCD sensor, or a CdTe sensor. An X-ray film or an IP (imaging plate) may be used as the X-ray imaging means.

Further, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes a control unit 3 and an operation unit 4. The control unit 3 has an image processing means 31 and a drive control means 32. The image processing means 31 receives the electric signal output from the X-ray sensor 21 and performs predetermined image processing to generate an X-ray image. The drive control means 32 controls to drive the X-ray source 1.

The operation unit 4 includes a control unit 41, a display unit 42, an operation unit 43, and a storage unit 45. The display unit 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and displays various information such as an X-ray image and an operation screen. The operation unit 43 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a switch, and the like, and accepts user operations including input of various information. Here, the operation unit 43 has an irradiation switch 44 that instructs the irradiation of the X-ray bundle L. However, the operation screen displayed on the display unit 42 may include an irradiation switch.

The control unit 41 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and controls the entire operation unit 4. The control unit 41 is connected to the image processing means 31 and the drive control means 32. The control unit 41 sends, for example, a drive command for controlling the drive control means 32 of the control unit 3 to drive the X-ray source 1. Further, the control unit 41 controls, for example, to display the X-ray image generated by the image processing means 31 of the control unit 3 on the display unit 42. The storage unit 45 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like, and stores various information such as generated X-ray images.

Further, the X-ray imaging device 100 includes an air bag 5, a tube 6, a detection device 7, and a notification means 8. The air bag 5 is a bag in which the internal air pressure fluctuates due to the body movement of the subject K due to respiration. The tube 6 connects the air bag 5 and the air pressure detecting means 71 of the detection device 7, and is composed of a flexible resin tube through which air can pass.

The detection device 7 includes an air pressure detecting means 71, a calculation means 72, and a communication means 73. The air pressure detecting means 71 is connected to the end of the tube 6 opposite to the air bag 5. The air pressure detecting means 71 detects the air pressure transmitted from the air bag 5 via the tube 6 and converts the air pressure into an electric signal. The air pressure detecting means 71 is configured by using, for example, a strain gauge type pressure converter or a condenser microphone that converts a change in capacitance between electrodes that changes due to air vibration into an electric signal. Alternatively, an omnidirectional microphone or the like that detects a change in the outflow sound of air from a pinhole may be used in a closed space.

The calculation means 72 calculates information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L based on the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means 71. The communication means 73 is an interface for communicating with the notification means 8. The communication method used in the communication means 73 is wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) here. That is, the information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L is transmitted to the notification means 8 by wireless communication.

The communication method used in the communication means 73 is not limited to Bluetooth (registered trademark), and may be other wireless communication or wired communication. As the wireless communication, for example, wireless LAN, ultrasonic communication, infrared communication, visible light communication and the like can be used. As the wired communication, for example, a wired LAN or the like can be used.

The notification means 8 recognizablely notifies the operator of information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L calculated by the calculation means 72.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view schematically showing the air bag 5 installed in the sensor unit 2. In the present embodiment, the air bag 5 is arranged outside the irradiation range A of the X-ray bundle L on the front side of the X-ray sensor 21 (see FIG. 1). Here, the air bags 5 are arranged in pairs at the upper part and the lower part of the irradiation range A of the X-ray bundle L, but may be arranged at one place such as the upper part of the irradiation range A of the X-ray bundle L. The air bag 5 can be installed on the front surface of the photographing table 22 of the sensor unit 2 by using, for example, double-sided tape or a hook-and-loop fastener.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an air bag 5, a tube 6, a detection device 7, and a notification means 8. The air bag 5 is disposable in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the air bag 5 has a bag main body 51 and a connecting portion 52 to which the tube 6 is connected. As the bag body 51, for example, a thin-film bag made of a resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or vinyl chloride can be used. The connecting portion 52 is made of a resin or rubber tube into which one end of the tube 6 can be inserted. The connection portion 52 is provided with a check valve 53. The check valve 53 allows the inflow of air from the outside to the inside of the bag body 51 of the air bag 5 and prohibits the outflow of air from the inside to the outside when the tube 6 is not connected to the connecting portion 52. Further, the check valve 53 is opened when the tube 6 is connected to the connecting portion 52. In FIG. 3, the check valve 53 is forcibly opened by connecting the tube 6 to the connecting portion 52, but when the tube 6 is pulled out from the connecting portion 52, the check valve 53 itself has the elasticity of the connecting portion 52. Is designed to be closed.

In the present embodiment, the notification means 8 is a lamp including a light emitting unit 81 having, for example, an LED. The notification means 8 notifies the operator of information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L by the change in the color of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 81.

Next, an X-ray imaging method for performing imaging using the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 configured as described above will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a schematic procedure of a shooting operation.

First, when performing X-ray photography, as shown in FIG. 2A, an air bag 5 in which air is previously inflated is installed in front of the photographing table 22 of the sensor unit 2. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3, the end of the tube 6 connected to the air pressure detecting means 71 (see FIG. 1) of the detection device 7 is connected to the air bag 5.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 1, the subject K is positioned so as to come into contact with the air bag 5 directly or via an inclusion such as clothes on the front side of the X-ray sensor 21. When the subject K breathes, the air pressure inside the air bag 5 fluctuates due to the body movement caused by the breathing. This fluctuation in air pressure is transmitted to the air pressure detecting means 71 of the detection device 7 via the tube 6.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the air pressure detecting means 71 detects the air pressure transmitted from the air bag 5 (step S1).

Subsequently, the calculation means 72 calculates information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L based on the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means 71 (step S2).

Subsequently, the notification means 8 recognizablely notifies the operator of information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L calculated by the calculation means 72 (step S3).

FIG. 5A is a graph showing an example of fluctuations in air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means 71 in a waveform. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of colors displayed by the light emitting unit 81 of the notification means 8 in chronological order.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the air pressure increases when the subject K inhales air (during inspiration), and shows a maximum value at the time of maximum inspiration, that is, when the amount of air in the lungs becomes maximum. .. On the other hand, the air pressure decreases when the subject K inhales air (at the time of exhalation), and shows a minimum value when the amount of air in the lungs becomes the minimum.

In the present embodiment, the information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L calculated by the calculation means 72 differs between the time of inspiration and the time of expiration as shown in FIG. 5B in the light emitting unit 81 of the notification means 8. It is a control signal for displaying colors. Here, the light emitting unit 81 of the notification means 8 is controlled so as to light green at the time of inspiration and light blue at the time of exhalation. However, the color of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 81 can be changed as appropriate, and may be configured so that the operator can select a color at the time of inspiration and a color at the time of expiration from a plurality of colors.

Then, in step S4, the control unit 41 determines whether the irradiation switch 44 of the operation unit 43 is turned on, that is, whether it is pressed or not. The operator observes the light emitting unit 81 of the notification means 8, and here, the irradiation switch 44 of the operation unit 43 is pressed near the time when the light emitting unit 81 of the notification means 8 switches from green to blue. That is, the control signal for displaying different colors during inspiration and expiration is the peak period B (FIG. 5) including the time when the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means 71 shows the maximum value (at the time of maximum inspiration). (See (a)), it functions as information for instructing the irradiation of the X-ray bundle L.

In addition, another color such as red may be displayed in the peak period B near the time of maximum inspiration. In this case, considering the delay in the reaction operation of the operator, the operation of pressing the irradiation switch 44 by the operator is started when the light emitting unit 81 is switched to red, so that the image can be taken closer to the maximum intake air. It will be possible. Here, the start and end of the peak period B near the time of maximum inspiration can be predicted and calculated based on features such as the period of the waveform of the air pressure fluctuation in the past predetermined number of respiratory cycles.

If the irradiation switch 44 is not turned on (No in step S4), the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, when the irradiation switch 44 is turned on (Yes in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5.

In step S5, the control unit 41 sends a drive command to the drive control means 32, and the drive control means 32 controls to drive the X-ray source 1. As a result, the X-ray source 1 irradiates the subject K with the X-ray bundle L.

In step S6, the X-ray sensor 21 detects the X-ray bundle L transmitted through the subject K, and the image processing means 31 performs predetermined image processing on the electric signal output from the X-ray sensor 21 to perform X. Generate a line image.

As described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has an air bag 5 in which the internal air pressure fluctuates due to the body movement of the subject K due to respiration, and an air pressure detection that detects the air pressure transmitted from the air bag 5. The means 71 and a calculation means 72 for calculating information regarding an instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L based on the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means 71 are provided.

In this configuration, when the subject K breathes while the air bag 5 is in contact with the subject K directly or through an inclusion such as clothes, the air pressure inside the air bag 5 fluctuates due to the body movement caused by the breathing. To do. This fluctuation in air pressure is transmitted to the air pressure detecting means 71 and detected. As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the subject such as an infant makes unpredictable body movements, the fluctuation of the air pressure can be detected in the entire air bag 5, so that the respiratory movement of the subject K can be further enhanced. It can be detected accurately. Then, since the information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L is calculated based on the detected air pressure, it is possible to take an image at an appropriate respiration timing. Moreover, it is not necessary to attach or attach a member for respiration measurement to the subject K.
That is, according to the present embodiment, even a subject K whose breathing is difficult to intentionally stop can be photographed at an appropriate breathing timing without increasing the burden on the subject K, and a good X-ray image can be obtained. .. In addition, since re-imaging can be suppressed, the amount of exposure can be reduced, and misdiagnosis due to the use of an X-ray image whose breathing timing at the time of imaging is not very appropriate can be prevented.

Further, in the present embodiment, the calculation means 72 calculates the information instructing the irradiation of the X-ray bundle L within the peak period B including the time when the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means 71 shows the maximum value. In this configuration, it is possible to irradiate the X-ray bundle L at the time of maximum inspiration, that is, when the amount of air in the lungs is close to the maximum. In general, an X-ray image with less blur is obtained when inhaling with a large amount of air in the lungs than when exhaling with a small amount of air in the lungs. Therefore, according to this configuration, a good X-ray image can be obtained for diagnosis.

Further, the present embodiment includes a notification means 8 that recognizablely notifies the operator of information regarding an instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L calculated by the calculation means 72. In this configuration, in the case of the manual method in which the X-ray bundle L is irradiated when the operator presses the irradiation switch 44 of the operation unit 43, the operator accurately recognizes the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L by the notification by the notification means 8. can do. As a result, in the manual method, the subject K can be photographed at an appropriate respiration timing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L is transmitted to the notification means 8 by wireless communication. In this configuration, the notification means 8 can be installed at an arbitrary position. Therefore, the operator can install the notification means 8 at a position that is easy to see and operate, such as near the irradiation switch 44 of the operation unit 43 or near the subject K. This makes it easier to take pictures at an appropriate breathing timing.

Further, in the present embodiment, the notification means 8 notifies the operator of information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L by the change in the color of the emitted light. In this configuration, the operator can accurately recognize the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle by the change in color displayed by the light emitting unit 81 of the notification means 8.

Further, in the present embodiment, the air bag 5 is arranged outside the irradiation range A of the X-ray bundle L on the front side of the X-ray sensor 21. In this configuration, the respiratory movement of the subject K can be detected more accurately and easily only by positioning the subject K so as to come into contact with the air bag 5 arranged on the front side of the X-ray sensor 21. Moreover, since the X-ray bundle that does not pass through the air bag 5 is detected, the air bag 5 does not affect the X-ray image.

Further, in the present embodiment, the air bag 5 is disposable, and a check valve 53 is provided at the connection portion 52 to which the tube 6 is connected in the air bag 5, and the check valve 53 is provided with the tube 6. It is opened when it is connected to the connection unit 52. In this configuration, the air bag 5 can be replaced for each subject K, so that hygiene can be maintained. Further, the air bag 5 can be maintained in an expanded state by the check valve 53 when air is introduced into the air bag 5, and is transmitted from the air bag 5 when the tube 6 is connected to the connecting portion 52 of the inflated air bag 5. Air pressure can be detected. Therefore, the air bag 5 can be stored in a contracted state when not in use, and the air bag 5 can be easily inflated when in use, which enhances convenience.

Further, an X-ray imaging auxiliary device including an air bag 5, an air pressure detecting means 71, a calculation means 72, and a notification means 8 may be configured independently of the X-ray imaging device 100. Further, the X-ray imaging assisting device preferably includes a tube 6 for connecting the air bag 5 and the air pressure detecting means 71, and a communication means 73. In this configuration, an X-ray imaging assisting device can be used in combination with an existing X-ray imaging apparatus, and the same effects as those in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Here, the air bag 5 may be disposable or may be reusable.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above, and the description of the common points will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 100a according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a schematic procedure of the photographing operation in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the communication means 73a is an interface for communicating with the drive control means 32a of the control unit 3. The communication method used in the communication means 73a is wired communication here, but may be wireless communication. The drive control means 32a controls to drive the X-ray source 1 based on the information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L calculated by the calculation means 72.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the second embodiment, in step S3a, the communication means 73a transmits information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L calculated by the calculation means 72 to the drive control means 32a of the control unit 3. To do.

Then, in step S4, the control unit 41 determines whether the irradiation switch 44 of the operation unit 43 is turned on, that is, whether it is pressed or not. Here, the operator presses the irradiation switch 44 of the operation unit 43 when he / she observes the subject and confirms that the respiratory state is stable to some extent.

In step S5a, the drive control means 32a receives the drive command from the control unit 41 based on the ON of the irradiation switch 44, and continuously receives the information regarding the irradiation timing instruction of the X-ray bundle L via the communication means 73a. Then, the drive control means 32a controls to drive the X-ray source 1 after receiving the drive command and when the instructed irradiation timing is reached. The irradiation timing is set here at the time of maximum inspiration, but may be set immediately before the time of maximum inspiration in consideration of a slight time delay, for example.

According to such a second embodiment, after the operator presses the irradiation switch 44 of the operation unit 43, the drive control means 32a automatically drives the X-ray source based on the calculation result by the calculation means 72. be able to. As a result, in the automatic method, the subject K can be photographed at an appropriate respiration timing.

Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the configuration described in the embodiment. The present invention can appropriately change the configuration within a range that does not deviate from the gist thereof, including appropriately combining or selecting the configurations described in the above-described embodiment. In addition, a part of the configuration of the embodiment can be added, deleted, or replaced.

For example, in the above embodiment, the air bag 5 is disposable, and a resin thin film bag is used for the bag body 51, but the bag 5 is not limited thereto. The bag body 51 of the air bag 5 may be formed of, for example, an elastic material that holds an internal closed space by its own elastic force. As the elastic material, various materials such as resin, rubber, and thin metal plate can be used. In this case, an elastic body such as a sponge material may be put inside the bag body 51 in order to keep the bag body 51 in an inflated state.

Further, in the above embodiment, the air bag 5 is arranged outside the irradiation range A of the X-ray bundle L on the front side of the X-ray sensor 21, but is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 2B, the air bag 5a may be arranged in an area covering the entire or a part of the irradiation range A of the X-ray bundle L on the front side of the X-ray sensor 21 (see FIG. 1). .. In this case, the bag body of the air bag 5a needs to be made of a material that suppresses reflection in the X-ray image, and for example, a thin film bag made of resin such as polyethylene can be used. In this configuration, the subject K is simply positioned so as to come into contact with the air bag 5a arranged in a wide area covering the entire or part of the irradiation range A of the X-ray bundle L on the front side of the X-ray sensor 21. The respiratory movement of sample K can be detected more accurately and easily. Further, the X-ray bundle L transmitted through the air bag 5a is detected, but since the air bag 5a is made of a material that suppresses reflection in the X-ray image, the influence of the air bag 5a on the X-ray image can be ignored. ..

Further, the air bag 5 may be arranged between the net for fixing the subject K and the subject K. In this configuration, when a part of the body is covered with a net and fixed when photographing an easily moving subject K such as an infant, the air bag 5 is arranged between the net and the subject K to provide air. The bag 5 can be easily kept in contact with the subject K. Thereby, the respiratory movement of the subject K can be detected more accurately and easily.

Further, the notification means 8 may be configured to notify the operator of information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L according to the change in the intensity of the emitted light or the blinking speed. In this configuration, the operator can accurately recognize the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L, for example, by changing the intensity or blinking speed of the light emitted by the light emitting unit of the notification means 8.

Further, the notification means 8 may be configured to notify the operator of information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L by the change of the emitted sound. In this case, the change in sound includes a change in pitch and loudness of the sound, a change in the interval at which a pulsed dial tone is generated, and the like. In this configuration, the operator can accurately recognize the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L, for example, by changing the sound emitted by the speaker of the notification means 8.

Further, the notification means 8 notifies the operator of information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L by displaying the fluctuation of the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means 71 in a waveform (see FIG. 5A). It may be configured in. In this case, the display unit 42 of the operation unit 4 can be used as the notification means 8. In this configuration, the operator can accurately recognize the irradiation timing of the X-ray flux by, for example, a waveform indicating the fluctuation of the air pressure displayed on the display unit 42.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the subject to be X-ray photographed is an infant is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. The subject to be X-rayed may be, for example, an elderly person, a handicapped person, a healthy person, or an animal.

Further, the information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle L calculated by the calculation means 72 is not limited to the information for instructing the irradiation of the X-ray bundle L near the time of maximum inspiration. The information regarding the irradiation timing instruction may be any information that instructs the irradiation of the X-ray bundle L at a predetermined time in the respiratory cycle, and may be, for example, information that instructs the irradiation of the X-ray bundle L at the time of exhalation. In this case, the control signal for displaying different colors on the light emitting unit 81 of the notification means 8 at the time of inspiration and at the time of exhalation as shown in FIG. Can also be used as. Examples of the imaging during exhalation include imaging of the abdomen. This is because when you breathe in the abdomen, the diaphragm rises and the volume of the abdomen increases, so you can observe it over a wide area. In addition, the sharpness of the image can be improved by making the abdomen as thin as possible. Further, for example, by comparing the X-ray image at the time of inspiration and the X-ray image at the time of expiration, it is possible to diagnose a state in which air is accumulated in the alveoli (Air Trapping).

1 X-ray source 2 Sensor unit 21 X-ray sensor (X-ray imaging means)
22 Shooting table 3 Control unit 31 Image processing means 32, 32a Drive control means 4 Operation unit 41 Control unit 42 Display unit 43 Operation unit 44 Irradiation switch 45 Storage unit 5, 5a Air bag 51 Bag body 52 Connection unit 53 Check valve 6 Tube 7 Detection device 71 Pneumatic detection means 72 Calculation means 73, 73a Communication means 8 Notification means 81 Light emitting unit 100, 100a X-ray imaging device A Irradiation range B Peak period K Subject L X-ray bundle

Claims (12)

An X-ray source that irradiates the subject with an X-ray bundle,
An X-ray imaging means for detecting the X-ray bundle that has passed through the subject, and
An air bag whose internal air pressure fluctuates due to the body movement of the subject due to breathing,
An air pressure detecting means for detecting the air pressure transmitted from the air bag, and
A calculation means for calculating information regarding an instruction of irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle based on the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means.
The air bag is disposed between the nets and the subject,
The net is an X-ray imaging apparatus characterized in that it covers a part of the body to fix the subject when photographing the subject, which is easy to move. The X according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means calculates information instructing irradiation of the X-ray bundle within a peak period including a time when the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means shows a maximum value. X-ray equipment. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a notification means for recognizablely notifying an operator of information regarding an instruction of an irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle calculated by the calculation means. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle calculated by the calculation means is transmitted to the notification means by wireless communication. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the notification means notifies an operator of information regarding an instruction of an irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle by changing the color of the emitted light. The X-ray imaging according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the notification means notifies the operator of information regarding an instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle by a change in the intensity or blinking speed of the emitted light. apparatus. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the notification means notifies an operator of information regarding an instruction of an irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle by changing a sound to be emitted. 3. The method according to claim 3, wherein the notification means notifies the operator of information regarding an instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle by displaying the fluctuation of the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means in a waveform. 4. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to 4. The first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the drive control means for controlling the drive of the X-ray source based on the information regarding the instruction of the irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle calculated by the calculation means is provided. X-ray imaging device. The air bag is disposable and
A tube for connecting the air bag and the air pressure detecting means is provided.
A check valve is provided at the connection portion of the air bag to which the tube is connected, which allows the inflow of air from the outside to the inside of the air bag and prohibits the outflow of air from the inside to the outside. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the check valve is opened when the tube is connected to the connection portion. An air bag whose internal air pressure fluctuates due to body movements caused by the subject's breathing,
An air pressure detecting means for detecting the air pressure transmitted from the air bag, and
An arithmetic means for calculating information regarding an instruction of irradiation timing of an X-ray bundle based on the air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting means, and a calculation means.
A notification means for recognizablely notifying an operator of an X-ray imaging apparatus of information regarding an instruction of an irradiation timing of the X-ray bundle calculated by the calculation means is provided.
The air bag is disposed between the nets and the subject,
The net is an X-ray imaging assisting device characterized in that it covers a part of the body to fix the subject when photographing the subject, which is easy to move. An X-ray source that irradiates the subject with an X-ray bundle,
An X-ray imaging method in which imaging is performed using an X-ray imaging apparatus including an X-ray imaging means for detecting the X-ray bundle that has passed through the subject.
A detection step for detecting the air pressure transmitted from the air bag whose internal air pressure fluctuates due to the body movement of the subject due to respiration, and a detection step.
Including a calculation step of calculating information regarding an instruction of irradiation timing of the X-ray flux based on the air pressure detected in the detection step.
The air bag is disposed between the nets and the subject,
The net is an X-ray imaging method characterized in that the net covers a part of the body to fix the subject when the subject is easily moved.

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