JPH08150137A - X-ray photographic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide X-ray photographic equipment which can take a photograph from many directions easily and besides quickly. CONSTITUTION: Each memory switch 30a-30i is arranged in the position on an additional operation panel 30 related to the direction of rotation and angle of rotation in the plan view of an object M to be inspected. A memory switch 30a is arranged in the position to show the direction of CRAN and LAO, and a memory switch 30b is arranged in the direction to show only the direction of CRAN, and a memory switch 30c is arranged in the position to show the directions of CRAN and RAO. Furthermore, a memory switch 30d is arranged in the position to show only the direction of LAO, and a memory switch 30e is arranged in the position to show that the angle of rotation is 0 deg. to any direction, and a memory switch 30f is arranged in the position to show only the direction of RAO. Likewise, each memory switch 30g-30i is arranged in the position to show the directions of CAUD and LAO, only the direction of CAUD, and the directions of CAUD and RAO, respectively.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention rotates an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector facing each other in the body axis direction and around the body axis of an object under the condition of being supported by the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector facing each other. The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs radiography.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional X-ray imaging apparatus of this kind, for example, a C-shaped arm for supporting an X-ray tube and an X-ray image intensifier in opposition to each other, and a C-shaped arm around a subject lying on a bed. Position detecting section for detecting actual rotation information of the rotation direction (body axis direction and body axis of the subject) and the rotation angle, and the target rotation direction of the C-arm. The rotation of the C-arm is controlled so that the input rotation information for inputting the target rotation information such as the rotation angle and the input rotation information input from the position detection unit coincide with each other. There is an X-ray imaging apparatus including a rotation control unit.

An input unit for inputting target rotation information has a rotation direction key for instructing a rotation direction, an angle setting key for setting a rotation angle, and a plurality of keys set by these keys. A plurality of memory switches for storing the target turning information and a storage execution key for storing the target turning information in the memory switch are provided. It should be noted that the plurality of memory switches are configured so that one of the plurality of memory switches is selected by sequentially switching the numerical values in an up-down manner or directly designating the numerical values with the numerical keys.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus having such a configuration, for example, the rotational directions of the C-arm in multiple directions are represented as follows. The state in which the C-shaped arm is rotated about the body axis of the subject (around the body axis) and the direction of rotation to the left when viewed from the head side of the subject is "LAO" (left front tilt position). )
On the contrary, the rotation direction to the right is represented as “RAO” (right forward tilt). Also, in the state of being rotated along the body axis of the subject (body axis direction), the direction of rotation of the subject toward the head side is expressed as "CRAN" (CRANIAL), and conversely on the foot side. The direction of rotation to is indicated as "CAUD" (CAUDAL).

In this X-ray imaging apparatus, first, the target rotation information is stored in advance as follows before imaging. First, the rotation direction key is used to specify the rotation direction (LAO, RAO, CRAN, CAUD) and the angle setting key is used to specify the rotation angle.
Then, by designating the memory switch number and pressing the storage execution key, the target rotation information including the rotation direction and the rotation angle is stored in the memory switch having the designated number. Next, the numbers of the memory switches are sequentially changed and the same operation is performed to set a plurality of target rotation information in the memory switches.

Then, at the time of photographing, the photographer specifies the number of the memory switch storing the desired target rotation information. Then, the target rotation information stored in the memory switch of this number is output to the rotation control unit. The rotation control unit to which the target rotation information is input controls the rotation of the C-shaped arm so that the actual rotation information from the position detection unit matches the target rotation information. Then, when the actual rotation information and the target rotation information match, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube and an X-ray image is obtained from the X-ray image intensifier. Then, the memory switches of desired numbers are sequentially designated to sequentially perform photographing from multiple directions.

[0007]

By the way, in a cardiovascular angiography examination by an X-ray imaging apparatus, a contrast agent is injected into an object and imaging from the following 9 directions is generally performed in many cases. ing.

Rotation direction Body axis direction Around body axis “CRAN” “CAUD” “LAO” “RAO” Rotation information 30 ° -30 ° -Rotation information 30 ° -0 ° 0 ° Rotation information 30 ° --- 30 ° Rotation information 0 ° 0 ° 30 ° − Rotation information 0 ° 0 ° 0 ° 0 ° Rotation information 0 ° 0 ° − 30 ° Rotation information − 30 ° 30 ° − Rotation information − 30 ° 0 ° 0 ° Rotation information −30 ° −30 °

That is, the rotation direction is the body axis direction,
30 ° to the head side (CRAN), the vertical direction (0 °), and the foot side
At each rotation angle of 30 ° in (CAUD), the rotation direction is around the body axis, 30 ° in the left side (LAO), 30 ° in the vertical direction (0 °), and 30 ° in the right side (RAO). Imaging is particularly frequently performed in a direction represented by a total of nine pieces of rotation information, which is a rotation angle.

This [purpose] rotation information in the 9 directions is stored in a plurality of memory switches as described above, and the numerical values are sequentially switched in an up-down manner or the numerical values are directly designated by the numerical keys. Can specify a specific memory switch. Therefore, there is an advantage that target rotation information in many directions, for example, target rotation information for cardiovascular angiography examination as well as cardiovascular angiography examination can be set in the memory switch.

On the other hand, however, the photographer cannot recognize the target rotation information only with the memory switch number. Therefore, the C-arm is actually rotated by designating the memory switch number, and the C-shaped arm is moved to the desired position. Repeatedly specify the memory switch number until the arm is positioned, or the photographer remembers the correspondence between the memory switch number and the target rotation information, or the correspondence between the memory switch number and the target rotation information. It is necessary to attach the table in the vicinity of the input unit, which causes a problem that photographing in multiple directions becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can be easily and easily provided by providing a memory switch at a position related to a rotation direction and a rotation angle indicated by target rotation information. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of rapidly imaging from multiple directions.

[0013]

The present invention has the following configuration to achieve the above object. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs X-ray imaging from multiple directions of a subject, and includes an X-ray tube and an X-ray tube.
A support means that supports the line detector so as to face it, and is rotatable in the body axis direction of the subject lying on the bed and around the body axis (hereinafter referred to as the rotation direction), and support around the subject. Position detection means for detecting the actual rotation information of the rotation direction and the rotation angle, which is the position of the means, and the target rotation information of the rotation direction and the rotation angle intended by the supporting means are input. And a plurality of memory switches associated with a rotation direction and a rotation angle, and the input target rotation information is stored in the memory switch associated with the rotation direction and the rotation angle. When the operating means to be stored and the memory switch of the operating means are operated, the target rotation information corresponding to the memory switch and the actual rotation information from the position detecting means coincide with each other. Times to control the rotation of It is characterized in that a control means.

[0014]

The operation of the present invention is as follows. First, the target rotation direction and rotation angle (target rotation information) of the supporting means are input via the input means. At this time, the target rotation information is the one of the plurality of memory switches of the operating means.
It is stored in the memory switch associated with the rotation direction and the rotation angle. When actually taking a picture, the photographer looks at the operating means and selects and operates a memory switch provided at a position related to the target rotation information.
Since a plurality of memory switches provided in the operating means are associated with the target rotation information in their respective arrangement positions, it is possible to photograph which memory switch is operated to obtain the desired [purpose] rotation information. Person can judge. Then, the target rotation information stored in the operated memory switch is output from the operation means to the rotation control means. The rotation control means rotates the support means so that the input target rotation information and the actual rotation information (actual rotation direction and rotation angle of the support means) from the position detection means match. Control.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to this embodiment.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a C-shaped arm that is movable around the subject M. The C-shaped arm 1 is used for the subject M
Object M in a state of being hung on the ceiling wall so as to sandwich
It is located in the surrounding space. At both ends of the C-shaped arm 1, an X-ray tube 2 and an X-ray image intensifier 3 (X
The line detector) is supported oppositely. This C-shaped arm 1
Is rotatable in the body axis direction of the subject M and in a direction around the body axis (rotating direction), and is further configured to rotate in a space around the subject M.

Next, the rotating mechanism will be described with reference to the partially broken plan view of the C-arm 1 shown in FIG. First,
The rotation of the C-shaped arm 1 (supporting means) in the body axis direction of the subject M (the head side of the subject M: CRAN, the foot side of the subject M: rotation in the CAUD direction) is performed by the C-shaped arm 1 Is realized by the drive mechanism in the arm holder 4 which holds In the arm holder 4, a part of a belt (or chain) 5 having both ends fixed to the C-shaped arm 1 is housed.
Are bridged over the drive roller 6. This drive roller 6
A rotary encoder R1 corresponding to a position detecting means for detecting the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the drive motor M1 for rotating the motor is provided in the arm holder 4 (however, it is shown outside the arm holder 4 in the drawings. Exist). Due to the rotating action of the drive motor M1, the C-shaped arm 1 is rotated via the belt 5 in the body axis direction of the subject M. Reference numeral 7 is a drive roller 6 that drives the belt 5.
It is a guide roller for guiding to.

The rotation of the C-shaped arm 1 around the body axis of the subject M (rotation direction LAO to the left when viewed from the head side of the subject M, rotation direction RAO to the right, which is the opposite direction), is the arm. Holder 4
Is realized by rotating the subject M about the body axis of the subject M.
A base portion of the arm holder 4 (an end portion on the opposite side holding the C-shaped arm 1) is rotatably supported by a side surface portion of the telescopic arm 8, and a gear 9 is fixed near the supporting surface. Has been done. The gear 9 meshes with the pinion gear 10, and the pinion gear 10 is attached to the output shaft of the drive motor M2 provided in the telescopic arm 8. The rotation of the drive motor M2 causes the arm holder 4 and C
The shaped arm 1 rotates about the body axis of the subject M. Reference numeral R2 is a rotary encoder corresponding to position detecting means for detecting the rotation direction and rotation amount of the drive motor M2.

Further, the above-mentioned telescopic arm 8 telescopes vertically along a direction orthogonal to the body axis of the subject M, and is L
It is held at the lower end of the V-shaped rotating arm 11. The other end of the rotating arm 11 is fixed to a rotating body 12, and the rotating body 12 is based on a rotating base 13 fixed to a ceiling wall of an examination room in which an X-ray imaging apparatus is installed. Rotate. The drive motor M3 rotates the rotating body 12.
R3 is a rotary encoder that detects the position of the C-shaped arm 1 in the surrounding space of the subject M by detecting the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the rotating body 12.

As described above, the C-shaped arm 1 which supports the X-ray tube 2 and the X-ray image intensifier 3 so as to face each other is rotated by the drive motor M3 in the space around the subject M, and the drive motors M1 and The drive motor M2 is configured to rotate around and around the body axis of the subject M.

A control system for controlling each of the above-mentioned rotations is constructed as shown in FIG. Note that the X-ray imaging apparatus is simplified in this figure.

Reference numeral 20 is an operation panel for instructing each rotation direction and rotation angle of the C-shaped arm 1, and is an operation panel provided with a plurality of switches. The operation panel 20 is means for inputting target rotation information including a desired rotation direction and rotation angle, and corresponds to the input means in the present invention. The CPU 21 inputs the target rotation information from the operation panel 20, controls the rotation direction and the rotation angle (the rotation direction and the actual rotation information corresponding to the rotation angle) of the drive motor M1 and the drive motor M2, The actual rotation information is controlled so as to match the target rotation information. Therefore, the CPU 21 corresponds to the rotation control means in this invention. Also MD
Reference numerals 1 and MD2 are motor drive circuits that rotationally drive the drive motors M1 and M2 according to a command signal from the CPU 21, and MD3 is a motor drive circuit that rotationally drives the drive motor M3 according to an operation signal from the operation panel 20. Is.

The display panel 22 displays the rotation directions (CRAN, CAU) of the drive motor M1 and the drive motor M2, which are the actual rotation information.
D, LAO, RAO) and the rotation angle, and the target rotation information stored in a memory switch described later, to display the information to the photographer. While the CPU 21 controls the actual rotation information so as to match the target rotation information, the display control unit 23 blinks and displays the rotation direction and the rotation angle, and when the both information match, the display control unit 23 rotates. This is for controlling the display panel 22 such that the blinking of the moving direction and the turning angle is stopped and turned on.

The additional operation panel 30 has a function of storing and calling the target rotation information when the photographer inputs the target rotation information through the operation panel 20. This additional operation panel 30 has nine memory switches 30a-3
0i and the target rotation information input via the operation panel 20 are stored in one of the memory switches 30a to 30i, or when the memory switch 30a to 30i is pressed,
A SET switch 30j for instructing the CPU 21 to start rotation control is provided so that the corresponding target rotation information and the actual rotation information correspond to each other.

Each memory switch 30a-30i is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the object M is arranged at a position on the additional operation panel 30 that is associated with the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the subject M in plan view. That is, the memory switch 30a
Is disposed at a position indicating the CRAN and LAO directions,
The memory switch 30b is arranged at a position showing only the CRAN direction, and the memory switch 30c is arranged at a position showing the CRAN and RAO directions. Further, the memory switch 30d is arranged at a position indicating only the LAO direction, and the memory switch 30e is arranged at a position indicating that the rotation angle is 0 ° in any rotation direction. 30f is arranged at a position showing only the RAO direction. Similarly, each memory switch 30g, 30
h and 30i are CAUD and LAO directions, and C, respectively.
Only the AUD direction and the CAUD and RAO directions are provided.

The target rotation information memory 40 is used for the additional operation panel 3
The target rotation information corresponding to each memory switch 30a to 30i of 0 is stored. For the memory, the target rotation information is input by the operation panel 20, and the memory switches 30a to 3a
When one of the switches 0i is pressed and a setting memory switch (not shown) on the operation panel 20 is pressed, the target rotation information is stored in the corresponding address via the CPU 21. Additional operation panel 30
Corresponds to the operating means in the present invention, and the memory switches 30a to 30i and the target turning information memory 40 correspond to the memory switch in the present invention.

Next, with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 5, a description will be given of a target rotation information setting process which is a process which is carried out in advance before photographing and which sets target rotation information in the memory switch. It should be noted that the target rotation information will be described by taking as an example the information frequently used in the cardioangiography examination mentioned in the conventional example.

In step S1, target rotation information (rotation direction and rotation angle) is set via the operation panel 20. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, CRAN
The target rotation information is set so as to be 30 ° in the direction and 30 ° in the LAO direction.

In step S2, the memory switch corresponding to the target rotation information set in step S1 is pressed.
Here, CRAN and LAO on the additional operation panel 30
Memory switch 30a arranged at a position indicating the direction
Press. Then, by pressing a setting storage switch (not shown) on the operation panel 20, the set target rotation information (CRAN30 °, LAO30 °) is stored in the target rotation information memory 40 (step S3).

In step S4, it is determined whether or not the setting is completed, and the process is branched. Here, since there are eight pieces of target rotation information that need to be set, the processing returns to step S1 and continues.

By repeating the steps S1 to S4 as described above, the [corresponding target rotation information memory 4 corresponding to the memory switches 30b to 30i is as follows.
0] The target rotation information is set.

Memory switch Target rotation information Reference diagram 30b ……… CRAN: 30 ° LAO / RAO: 0 ° Fig. 7 (a), (b) 30c ……… CRAN: 30 ° RAO: 30 ° Fig. 8 (a ), (B) 30d ……… CRAN / CAUD: 0 ° LAO: 30 ° Fig. 9 (a), (b) 30e ……… CRAN / CAUD: 0 ° LAO / RAO: 0 ° Fig. 10 (a), (B) 30f ……… CRAN / CAUD: 0 ° RAO: 30 ° Fig. 11 (a), (b) 30g ……… CAUD: 30 ° LAO: 30 ° Fig. 12 (a), (b) 30h …… … CAUD: 30 ° LAO / RAO: 0 ° Fig. 13 (a), (b) 30i ……… CAUD: 30 ° RAO: 30 ° Fig. 14 (a), (b)

The target turning information is stored in the target turning information memory 40 corresponding to the memory switches 30a to 30i by the CPU 21. This state is shown in the schematic view of FIG. That is, the target turning information corresponding to the memory switches 30a to 30i is stored from the upper address to the lower address, and the target turning information corresponding to one memory switch is stored in two addresses (the upper address is CRAN / CAUD, LA at the bottom
O / RAO). As the method of storing the target rotation information, various storage methods can be adopted as long as they can be associated with the memory switch in a one-to-one correspondence.

Next, the X-ray imaging process will be described with reference to FIG. In step U1, the photographer sets memory switch groups 30a to 30 arranged on the additional operation panel 30.
From i, the switch arranged at the position indicating the target rotation information is selected and pressed. Since the nine memory switches 30a to 30i are arranged at positions on the additional operation panel 30 related to the rotation direction and the rotation angle as shown in FIG. 4, the desired target rotation information can be easily obtained. You can select the switch that stores Specifically, it is assumed that the photographer desires to photograph in the state shown in FIG. 6 (CRAN 30 °, LAO 30 °). Since the memory switches 30a to 30i are arranged on the additional operation panel 30 as shown in FIG. 4, the photographer looks at the additional operation panel 30 and finds that the memory switch 30a has a rotation angle in the CRAN and LAO directions. It is possible to easily and quickly determine that the information is target rotation information.

At step U2, the target rotation information memory 40 corresponding to the memory switch selected at step U1.
Is read by the CPU 21. Specifically, the target rotation information (CRAN30 °, LAO30 °) is read from the address of the target rotation information memory 40 corresponding to the memory switch 30a (see FIG. 15). Then, the read target rotation information is displayed on the display panel 22 via the display control unit 23.

In step U3, the target rotation information read in step U2 and the actual rotation information are matched so that
The rotation control is started by pressing the SET switch 30j of the additional operation panel 30. As a result, even if the photographer accidentally presses the memory switch, the SET switch 30
Since the C-shaped arm 1 does not start rotating until j is pressed, it is possible to prevent the C-shaped arm 1 from rotating unintended by the photographer and protect the subject M and the photographer. In the rotation control, the CPU 21 rotationally drives the motor M1 in the CRAN direction so that the rotation angle from the rotary encoder R1 is 30 °, and the motor M2 is rotationally driven in the LAO direction to rotate the rotary encoder R2. The rotation angle from
It is performed so that it becomes 30 °. That is, the rotation control is performed so that the target rotation information and the actual rotation information from the position detecting means match. At this time, if the target rotation information and the actual rotation information do not match, the display control unit 23 displays the target rotation information displayed on the display panel 22 so that the target rotation information blinks and lights up when they match. Control. This allows the photographer to determine whether the target rotation information matches the actual rotation information.

In step U4, X-ray irradiation is performed. Specifically, the CPU 21 controls a high-voltage generator (not shown) to supply the X-ray tube 2 with a high voltage required for X-ray irradiation. Then, an X-ray image is obtained from the X-ray image intensifier 3.

In step U5, it is judged whether or not the photographing is finished, and the process is branched. Here, since it is necessary to perform imaging in the remaining eight directions necessary for the cardioangiography examination, the process returns to step U1 and steps U1 to U5 are repeatedly executed. At the time of repeating this, the photographer can easily select the next necessary target rotation information from the nine memory switches 30a to 30i of the additional operation panel 30. Therefore, it is possible to easily and swiftly perform multi-directional shooting.

In this embodiment, the memory switch 3
Although 0a to 30i are push-type switches, they may be touch-type memory switches in which these switches are displayed on a liquid crystal display panel equipped with a touch screen.
Further, a joystick capable of indicating multiple directions is arranged near the center of the additional operation panel 30, and the additional operation panel 3 is provided.
A plurality of memory switches may be built in 0 to detect the direction designated by the joystick.

In this embodiment, the cardioangiography examination was taken as an example, and imaging was performed from 9 directions. However, if a memory switch is provided at a position related to the rotation direction and rotation angle, It can be implemented in any direction.

As an X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray imaging apparatus having a structure in which a C-shaped arm (supporting means) is hung from the ceiling has been taken as an example. However, the C-shaped arm is placed on the floor surface of the subject. It can also be implemented by an X-ray imaging apparatus that rotates the surroundings, and the supporting means is not limited to the C-arm.

[0042]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the plurality of memory switches provided in the operating means have their respective arrangement positions in the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the target rotation information. , Which allows the photographer to determine which memory switch should be pressed to obtain the desired rotation information. Therefore, it is possible to easily and quickly perform X-ray imaging from multiple directions.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway plan view showing a rotation mechanism of a C-arm.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between an additional operation panel and a rotation direction and a rotation angle.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a target rotation information setting process.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-shaped arm.

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-shaped arm.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-arm.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-shaped arm.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-arm.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-arm.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-shaped arm.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-shaped arm.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a rotation direction and a rotation angle of a C-shaped arm.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of a target turning information memory.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an X-ray imaging process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... C-arm 2 ... X-ray tube 3 ... X-ray image intensifier 20 ... Operation panel 22 ... Display panel 30 ... Additional operation panel 30a to 30i ... Memory switch 30j ... SET switch M ... Subject M1 to M3 ... Motor R1 to R3 ... Rotary encoder

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An X for performing X-ray imaging from multiple directions of a subject.
An X-ray imaging device, which supports an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector so as to face each other, and is rotatable in the body axis direction of the subject lying on the bed and around the body axis (hereinafter referred to as the rotation direction). Support means, position detection means for detecting the actual rotation information of the rotation direction and the rotation angle, which is the position of the support means around the subject, and the desired rotation direction of the support means. And a plurality of memory switches associated with the rotation direction and the rotation angle, and the input target rotation information.
Operation means stored in the memory switch relating to the rotation direction and rotation angle, target rotation information corresponding to the memory switch when the memory switch of the operation means is operated, and the position detection means. An X-ray imaging apparatus, comprising: a rotation control unit that controls the rotation of the support unit so that the actual rotation information from the same matches.