WO2006006601A1

WO2006006601A1 - X-ray image diagnosing system

Info

Publication number: WO2006006601A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/012852
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shigeyuki Ikeda; Ichiro Kobayashi; Kaoru Ban; Katsumi Suzuki
Original assignee: Hitachi Medical Corporation
Priority date: 2004-07-13
Filing date: 2005-07-12
Publication date: 2006-01-19
Also published as: JP4812053B2; JPWO2006006601A1

Abstract

An X-ray image diagnosing system comprising an X-ray generator for applying an X-ray to an examinee, an X-ray restricting device having at least three interlocking restricting blades for controlling an irradiation area on the examinee by an X-ray irradiated from the X-ray generator, an operation information storing means for storing operation information used to operate the X-ray restricting device in a specified mode, a restriction operator for operation-controlling the X-ray restricting device based on the stored operation information, an X-ray detector for outputting as image data a transmitted X-ray by the examinee that has passed through an opening formed by the operation-controlled X-ray restricting device, and a display unit for image-displaying the output image data.

Description

Specification

X-ray diagnostic imaging equipment

Technical field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-206527, filed on July 13, 2004, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-209183, filed on July 15, 2004. The contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus effective for improving the operability of an X-ray diaphragm.

Background art

[0003] In recent years, an interventional apparatus that examines or treats a vascular lesion or a digestive lesion using a percutaneous inspection tool such as a catheter or an endoscope without performing surgery on a patient. The traditional technique has become widespread, and the fluoroscopy time of X-ray fluoroscopy equipment has been greatly increased. As a result, it has become important to reduce exposure in fluoroscopy, and frequent operation of the X-ray diaphragm has been required to prevent exposure outside the required area.

[0004] An X-ray diaphragm device that limits the X-ray irradiation field is used in an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus (for example, JP-A-8-266535, JP-A-2003-116845). This imaging apparatus irradiates X-rays emitted from an X-ray tube device onto a subject lying on a table via an X-ray diaphragm device, and the X-rays transmitted through the subject are image intensifiers. It is detected with an X-ray flat panel detector and visualized and displayed on a monitor. The diaphragm device drives the diaphragm blades on the top, bottom, left and right to block X-rays other than the region of interest out of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube device.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned patent document, the field of view after the insertion of the X-ray diaphragm is changed, or the area around the field of view, that is, the area shielded by the X-ray diaphragm is required to be observed. It is necessary to check the situation outside the area. However, the status of the area where the X-ray diaphragm is inserted cannot be recognized because it is not displayed on the monitor. Therefore, after opening the X-ray diaphragm and checking the status of the area other than the visual field area on the monitor, the visual field area must be changed by controlling the X-ray diaphragm to the desired area. As a result, it takes time to operate the X-ray diaphragm in response to the demand for frequent operation of the X-ray diaphragm. The above-mentioned patent document mentions nothing about improving the operability of the X-ray diaphragm. An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus in which the operability of the X-ray diaphragm is improved.

Disclosure of the invention

Means for solving the problem

[0007] The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present invention controls an X-ray generator that irradiates a subject with X-rays, and an irradiation region of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator to the subject. An X-ray diaphragm device configured to be capable of interlocking three or more diaphragm blades, an operation information storage means for storing operation information for operating the X-ray diaphragm device in a predetermined control mode, and the memory The aperture operation device for controlling the operation of the X-ray aperture device according to the operated operation information, and the transmitted X-ray of the subject passing through the opening formed by the operation-controlled X-ray aperture device are image data. And an X-ray detector that outputs the image data and a display that displays the output image data.

The invention's effect

[0008] According to the present invention, the X-ray diaphragm can be efficiently operated by controlling three or more diaphragm blades so as to be interlocked with each other. As a result, the amount of exposure to the subject can be minimized.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of the present embodiment controls an X-ray tube 1 that is an X-ray source and an irradiation range of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 1. An aperture device 2 and an X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) 3 that detects an X-ray passing through the subject through the X-ray aperture device 2 and forms an image. Usually, the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray diaphragm 2 constitute an X-ray generation unit and are attached to one end of a support mechanism 4 such as a C-type arm, and the FPD 3 is attached to the other end of the C-type arm. A movable table 5 on which the subject 7 is placed is provided between the X-ray tube 1 and the FPD 3, and the region of interest of the subject 7 is positioned by turning the C-type arm and sliding the table 5. . An image visualized by the FPD 3 is displayed on a display (monitor) 6. An image intensifier (I, L) and a TV camera may be used instead of FPD. [0011] As shown in Fig. 2, the X-ray diaphragm device 2 used in the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus includes a total of four diaphragm blades 20 (21, 22, 23, 24). The diaphragm blade 20 with lead plate as the main material is the most important blade that sets the X-ray irradiation field to the minimum X-ray irradiation range necessary for diagnosis.

[0012] Each of the upper, lower, left, and right diaphragm blades 21 to 24 is arranged in a frame shape as shown in FIG. 3, and is independently driven by a motor (not shown). The current positions of the diaphragm blades 21 to 24 are detected by blade position detection means (not shown) and output as position data. The wing position detection means is performed, for example, by detecting the rotational position of the motor. This rotation position can be detected, for example, by using a stepping motor or by detecting the rotation position of the motor using a hall element. Of course, you can install a sensor that directly detects the position of each diaphragm blade 21-24!

On the other hand, the X-ray irradiation field is confirmed without irradiating X-rays by visual observation of the light irradiation field from the lamp 25 provided in the X-ray diaphragm device (FIG. 2). In other words, the light emitted from the lamp 25 is reflected by the mirrors 26 and 27, the irradiation range is limited by the diaphragm blade 20, and the light irradiation field obtained by the light flux passing through the diaphragm blade 20 is visually observed. I can confirm. The lamp 25 is turned on by a lighting switch 28.

[0014] All the operations of the above-described X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus are performed on a remote console 8. The console 8 controls the operation of the X-ray diaphragm 2, the diaphragm actuator 9, the pivoting of the support mechanism 4, the support mechanism controller 10, the table controller 11 that controls the slide of the table 5, and the X-ray It has an X-ray irradiation switch 12 that controls irradiation. Among them, the aperture controller 9 has a joystick shape as shown in FIG. In other words, it has an operating rod 31 that is erected from the console 8, and this operating rod 31 is configured to be freely tiltable in any direction of 360 °, and operates the selected diaphragm blade in accordance with the tiltable direction. be able to. Further, a push switch 32 is provided at the tip of the operation rod 31, and the control mode of the selected diaphragm blades is sequentially switched depending on the number of times the push switch 32 is pressed.

[0015] FIG. 5 shows a functional block diagram of the diaphragm device.

First, the signal input from the operating device 9 is converted into a necessary control signal by the operating device control unit 41 and input to the aperture control unit 42. In response to this control signal, the aperture control unit 42 operates the drive motor for the aperture blade 20 that operates the aperture blade 20 or selects the selected aperture. Command blade 20 to be displayed on indicator 44. As will be described later, the indicator 44 is arranged in a frame shape on each side of the monitor 6 that displays an X-ray fluoroscopic image, and is composed of lights that are lit in the direction of the selected diaphragm blade. Further, information on which position the diaphragm blade 20 has been moved is output from the diaphragm control unit 42 to the X-ray detector 3 (here, FPD) and the image processing unit 43, and the information on the region limited by the diaphragm blade 20 is output. The image is controlled to be displayed on the monitor 6.

Next, a more specific control method for the diaphragm blades will be described. Figure 6 (A) — (D) shows the screen of monitor 6 with indicator 44 installed. A small thick frame in the screen is a region of interest, and a frame-shaped indicator 44 is provided at the periphery of the monitor display screen. The indicator 4 4 is configured so that each side corresponding to the selected diaphragm blade can be lit. For example, when the upper diaphragm blade is selected, the upper side 44U of the indicator lights (Fig. 6 (B)), and when the left diaphragm blade is selected, the left side 44L of the indicator lights (Fig. 6 (C)). ) When the lower diaphragm blade is selected, the lower side 44D of the indicator lights up. When the right diaphragm blade is selected, the right side 44R of the indicator lights up.

[0018] Selection of the aperture blade to be controlled is switched in the order shown in FIG. 7 depending on the number of times the push switch 32 (FIG. 4) is pressed. In other words, upper diaphragm blade 51 → left diaphragm blade 52 → lower diaphragm blade 53 → right diaphragm blade 54 → all diaphragm blades (position change of region of interest) 55 → all diaphragm blades (size change of region of interest) 56 → prohibit operation 57 → The control mode can be switched in the order of upper aperture blade 51.

[0019] In the state of Fig. 6 (A), none of the indicators 44 are lit, and in this state! Since no misaligned diaphragm blade is selected, any diaphragm blade is powered even when the operating rod 31 is tilted. Don't hesitate.

Next, when the push switch 32 is pressed once, the upper diaphragm blade control mode 51 is entered, and the upper side 44U of the indicator is lit as shown in FIG. 6 (B). The surgeon can freely move the upper diaphragm blade by tilting the operating rod 31 up and down in this state.

Next, when the push switch 32 is pressed again, the left diaphragm blade control mode 52 is entered, and the left side 46L of the indicator is lit as shown in FIG. 6 (C). Similarly, the left diaphragm blade can be operated by tilting the operation rod 31 left and right.

[0022] Next, push switch 32 is pressed three times to set all blades (position change) control mode 55. The size of the region of interest composed of the blades is not changed, and only the position is controlled so as to move in any direction according to the operation of the operation rod 31. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6 (D), the operator can grasp the mode by lighting all the indicators 44 on the four sides.

[0023] In addition, push the push switch 32 again to enter the all blade (size change) control mode 57, and with the indicator 44 on the four sides blinking, tilt the operation bar 31 up and down or left and right to It is also possible to change the size. For example, it may be enlarged or reduced with reference to the center of the region of interest.

[0024] In addition, in this control mode, it is possible to control the size of the region of interest to be enlarged or reduced from the center of the region of interest by tilting the operating bar up and down while pressing the push switch 32.

In this example, if the display area of the force monitor 6 provided with the indicator 44 can be sufficiently secured, the same display as the indicator 44 may be performed at an appropriate position on the image. In addition, the indicators on the four sides may blink in the all-blade (position change) control mode and always light in the all-blade (size change) control mode. Or, display with different power error depending on the control mode.

The push switch 32 is integrated with the operation rod 31. The same effect can be obtained even if the push switch 32 and the operation rod 31 are provided separately from each other. For example, by using a foot switch instead of the push switch 32, the operation device 9 can be further reduced.

Instead of using a push switch, use an individual switch corresponding to each control mode 51-57 of the diaphragm blades.

Figure 8 shows the relationship between the operating direction of the operating rod and the moving direction of the diaphragm blades.

When the control mode is the upper blade control mode, when the operating rod is tilted in the direction shown in the figure, only the diaphragm blade 2 1 (see FIG. 3) moves in the direction of the thick arrow. The left, lower and right wings do not move. Similarly, in the left blade, lower blade, and right blade control modes, when the operating rod is tilted in the direction shown in the figure, only the corresponding diaphragm blade moves in the direction of the arrow.

All blades (position change) control mode and all blades (size change) control mode In this case, each diaphragm blade 21-24 moves in the direction of the thick arrow according to the direction in which the operating rod is tilted. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the control system of the diaphragm blades.

The memory of the diaphragm control unit 42 (see FIG. 5) stores a table 62 corresponding to FIG. 8 in which the control mode, the operation direction of the operation rod, and the movement direction of each diaphragm blade are associated with each other.

For example, when the operator selects the all-blade (position change) control mode and tilts the operating rod 31 in the desired direction, the switch corresponding to the tilted direction is entered among the switches connected to the operating rod, and the operating direction is changed. The signal shown is input to the CPU 61 of the aperture control unit 42. The CPU 61 receives a signal from the operation rod 31 and refers to the table 62, and outputs a drive signal for driving the aperture blade corresponding to the selected control mode and the operation direction of the operation rod to the motor Ml-M4. The control rod is tilted and controlled to move in the direction of the thick arrow while the switch is on. When the operating rod is returned to the vertical position, each diaphragm blade stops at that position when all the switches connected to the operating rod are cut.

Next, an embodiment will be described in which the arrangement of the lamps for confirming the X-ray irradiation field in the above-described diaphragm apparatus has been reduced.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 10, the arrangement direction of the filaments 28 of the lamp 25 is set to 45 ° with respect to the longitudinal directions of the diaphragm blades 21 to 24.

[0029] In general, a lamp uses a filament as its light source. This filament has a certain length, and conventionally, the filament was arranged along one of the diaphragm blades with the longitudinal direction of the filament aligned.

[0030] For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (A), when the filament 28 is parallel to the left and right diaphragm blades 22, 24 and the filament 28 is perpendicular to the upper and lower diaphragm blades 21, 23, the light irradiation restricted by the diaphragm blades Out of the edge of the field, the vicinity of the side defined by the upper and lower diaphragm blades 21 and 23 is blurred with a width of Bx in the X direction of the filament, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the left and right diaphragm blades. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 KB), in the vicinity of the side defined by the left and right diaphragm blades 22, 24, blur is observed in the Y direction, that is, the longitudinal direction of the upper and lower diaphragm blades, with a width of By. For this reason, the blur field width Bx and By are different in the X and Y directions, and the contour of the light field tends to be unclear. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the filaments 28 are arranged so as to have an angle of 45 ° with respect to all the diaphragm blades 21 to 24. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 11 (C), the width Bxy where blurring occurs in the X and Y directions can be made uniform, the contour of the light irradiation field is clarified, and the X-ray irradiation field is made easier. Can be confirmed.

[0032] Next, an embodiment will be described in which the amount of exposure of the subject is reduced when moving the visual field region.

FIG. 12 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment.

This X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator 1 that emits X-rays toward a subject ⁷ , an X-ray diaphragm 2 that defines an X-ray irradiation range, and an X-ray that passes through the subject 7 An X-ray detector 3 for displaying the image and a monitor 6 for displaying the photographed X-ray image.

The X-ray generator 1 has an X-ray tube that generates X-rays. The X-ray generator 1 emits X-rays when a predetermined voltage is applied from the high voltage generation device 100.

[0034] In the X-ray diaphragm 2, the diaphragm blades are inserted into the X-ray irradiation field by operating the diaphragm blades, thereby defining the field area. The insertion position of the diaphragm blades of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is detected by the insertion position information detection means and output to the display area calculation means 103 described later.

[0035] The X-ray detector 3 may be anything that can convert X-rays into image data! In this example, an X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) was used. The X-rays that have passed through the subject 7 are converted into visible image data by the FPD control unit and output as digital image data. The output image data is stored in the image memory and updated sequentially for each frame. This image memory includes an entire visual field storage means 101 described later.

[0036] Further, the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray detector 3 are supported by support means (not shown), and these positions are configured to be movable with respect to the subject 7 as necessary. Yes.

[0037] The X-ray fluoroscopic image output as image data by the X-ray detector 3 is displayed on the monitor 6 in real time.

Here, the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment includes the entire visual field region storage means 101, the composite image creation means 102, and the display area calculation means 103. The entire visual field storage means 101 stores a fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field before the X-ray diaphragm 2 is inserted. The composite image creation means 102 includes an entire visual field area image stored in the full visual field storage means 101 and an X-ray aperture. 2 is inserted, and the current fluoroscopic image is added by luminance to create a composite image. The display area calculation means 103 calculates a necessary area of the composite image from the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2 and displays it on the monitor 6 in an enlarged manner.

Next, the operation of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

[0040] First, the X-ray generator 3 is roughly aligned with the target region of the procedure (hereinafter referred to as "affected site").

[0041] To confirm this alignment, short X-ray irradiation is performed. X-rays transmitted through the subject 7 are imaged by the X-ray detector 3 and converted into image data by the FPD control unit, and this image data is recorded and updated in the image memory as needed during X-ray irradiation. Is done. The final image at this stage may be stored in the entire visual field storage means 101 as a fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field before the X-ray stop 2 is inserted.

[0042] When insertion control of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is started by the operator, the entire visual field storage means 101 stores image data output from the X-ray detector 3 before the insertion of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is started. To do.

Next, the visual field region is determined by inserting the X-ray stop 2 into a desired region. After that, when the operator changes the position of the visual field region again by changing the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2, a composite image is created. In other words, when a control command for changing the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is input, the composite image creating unit 102 displays the entire field area before the X-ray diaphragm 2 stored in the entire field-of-view area storage unit 101 is inserted. The image and the image data output from the X-ray detector 3 when the control command for changing the insertion position of the X-ray aperture 2 is input are added to create a composite image. The control command for changing the insertion position is input, for example, when the full blade (position change) control mode 55 is selected in FIG.

FIGS. 13A to 13C are schematic explanatory diagrams showing an image composition operation in the composite image creating means 102. FIG. FIG. 13A shows the entire chest image data (full-field image 201) output from the X-ray detector before the X-ray diaphragm is inserted. In the figure, the outer frame represents the maximum display area of the monitor 6, and in this example, the entire visual field image 201 is displayed over the entire display area of the monitor. This image data is stored in the entire visual field storage means 101 and can be read out as necessary. On the other hand, FIG. 13B shows a part of the chest output from the X-ray detector 3 when a control command for changing the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is input. Image data (field-of-view area image 202) is shown. From these two pieces of image data, the composite image creating means 102 creates composite image data as shown in FIG. 13C. The composite image is an image in which the field-of-view area image is superimposed on the entire field-of-view area image. As for the ratio of luminance addition of both images (Figs. 13A and 13B) when the composite image data is created by the composite image creation means 102, the overlap of the images in the X-ray aperture when the composite image is displayed on the monitor 6 is explained. Depending on the condition, it can be changed in advance, for example, one-to-one or one-to-two. In the case of 1: 1, the image 202 is displayed twice as brightly as the image 201 in FIG. 2C.

[0045] The display area calculation means 103 receives the insertion position information in the image from the X-ray diaphragm 2 and the surgeon is defined by the insertion of the X-ray diaphragm 2 among the composite images created by the composite image creation means 102. The optimal image area that helps to change and control the viewing area is displayed on the monitor 6.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic explanatory diagrams for illustrating the operation of calculating the display image area. The image in FIG. 14A is a composite image created by the composite image creation means 102 corresponding to FIG. 13C. Now, let us say that information is sent from the X-ray diaphragm that, for example, the diaphragm blade inserted in the right direction force of the image is inserted to the position Rin in the image. In that case, the display area calculation means 103 sets the display target area outside the position Rin in the image, for example, up to the position Rext in the figure. Similarly, the display position is determined from the composite image according to the position information from the upper blade, the lower blade, and the left blade of the X-ray diaphragm, and displayed on the monitor 6. The extent to which the X-ray stop insertion position is set as the display target area is determined in advance by the inspection target area.

Fig. 14B is an enlarged view of the calculated display area in the maximum display area of the monitor.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams for explaining the operation of displaying a composite image on the display means. FIG. 15A shows a composite image displayed in the maximum display area of the monitor before the X-ray aperture retracting operation is performed. Now, let the portion displayed on the monitor in the X-ray aperture inserted from the left side of the image be Lin. Then, when the X-ray aperture 2 is controlled during the composite image display, the display area calculation means performs the entire image indicated by Dimg. The display area is calculated so that the ratio of the insertion part Lin of the X-ray diaphragm 2 to the area is always constant, and only the necessary area is displayed on the monitor 6.

[0048] For example, FIG. 15B is a diagram illustrating a state after the left blade of the X-ray diaphragm 2 is controlled to be retracted.

The display area is calculated so that the ratio of the aperture insertion portion Lin relative to the entire image area Dimg before the evacuation control and the ratio of the aperture insertion portion Lin 'relative to the entire image area Dimg ′ after the evacuation control are the same. Depending on the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm 2, the surgeon can change the position of the diaphragm while viewing the composite image displayed up to the outer area. Therefore, it is possible to check the status of the area other than the current visual field area smoothly without opening the X-ray aperture 2 and irradiating the subject with a wide range of X-rays and checking the entire visual field image. X-ray aperture 2 can be operated.

In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the fluoroscopic image data immediately before the X-ray diaphragm is inserted is used as the image data stored in the entire visual field storage unit 101. You can also create a composite image using the image data that was taken.

[0050] Next, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment having an image display selection unit that allows the surgeon to switch between a visual field image and a composite image and display on the monitor will be described. FIG. 16 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the apparatus. Note that the description of the same components as those in FIG. 12 is omitted, and differences will be mainly described.

[0051] In the apparatus of this example, the current fluoroscopic image output from the X-ray detector 3 is normally displayed on the monitor 6. When operating the X-ray diaphragm 2, the surgeon inputs a composite image start signal from the image display selection means 104. As a result, a composite image is created by the composite image creation means 102 according to the same procedure as in FIG. 12, and the composite image is displayed on the monitor 6.

Further, the surgeon can arbitrarily select and display the fluoroscopic image on the monitor 6 by switching with the image display selection means 104. For example, even when the X-ray diaphragm 2 is being operated, the current fluoroscopic image output from the X-ray detector 3 can be displayed on the monitor 6 as it is.

[0053] In addition, the output image from the X-ray detector 3 is always displayed on the monitor 6, and the composite image is displayed on the monitor 6 by the image display selection means 104 according to the operator's instruction, and then for a certain time. So that the current fluoroscopic image output from X-ray detector 3 is displayed again after It may be.

Next, a description will be given of the apparatus according to the present embodiment having a composite image display unit that displays only the composite image created by the composite image creation unit, separately from the monitor. FIG. 17 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the apparatus.

Note that the description of the same components as those in FIG. 12 is omitted, and the differences will be mainly described.

In the apparatus of this example, the perspective image output from the X-ray detector 3 is displayed on the monitor 6 and the synthesized image is created by the synthesized image creating means 102 as in FIG. . In this example, the composite image is displayed on the composite image display means 105 different from the monitor 6. Therefore, the surgeon can control the X-ray aperture 2 while comparing the two images of the current fluoroscopic image displayed on the monitor 6 and the composite image displayed on the composite image display means 105.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of windows may be provided in the monitor, and the current fluoroscopic image (normal fluoroscopic image) 301 and composite image 302 may be displayed in each window. For example, it is conceivable to display a main window and a sub window on the screen of the monitor, display the current perspective image 301 in the main window, and display the composite image 302 in the sub window. Further, if necessary, the display contents of the main window and the display contents of the sub-window may be switched to enable display. According to this configuration, the current fluoroscopic image and the synthesized image can be observed simultaneously on a single monitor.

The apparatus configuration in this case is the same as in FIG. 16, but the image display selection means 104 selects whether to display the composite image in the main window or the sub window.

Next, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment that can update the full-field fluoroscopic image corresponding to the operation of the X-ray generator / X-ray detector and the bed on which the subject is placed will be described. To do. FIG. 19 is a schematic functional configuration diagram of the apparatus. The description of the same components as those in FIG. 12 will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0058] This X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus uses a bed 5 on which a subject is placed, an X-ray generator 1 that irradiates X-rays toward the subject 7, and X-rays that have passed through the subject 7. An X-ray detector 3 for imaging, and a support for supporting the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray detector 3 together with the bed 5 in a movable manner. Means 107 and a monitor 6 for displaying a photographed X-ray image.

[0059] The bed 5 can be moved up and down, left and right, and back and forth while the subject is placed.

. The operation of each part is detected by the motion sensing means 106.

[0060] The support means 107 includes a C arm having an X-ray generator 1 at one end and an X-ray detector 3 at the other end, and a horizontal and Z or vertical movement that moves the c arm horizontally and Z or vertically. A drive mechanism. In addition, it has a circular movement mechanism that slides the c-arm along the arc of the arm and a rotation mechanism that rotates the c-arm around the horizontal axis. The operations of these units are also detected by the operation sensing means 106.

Further, in this apparatus, the functions of the X-ray generator 1 and the X-ray detector 3 and the point that the synthesized image is created and the predetermined range can be displayed on the monitor 6 are other embodiments. Is the same.

[0062] In the apparatus of this example as well, the composite image created by the composite image creation means 102 is displayed on the monitor 6. When the operator controls the bed 5 or the support means 107 during the composite image display, the motion sensing means 106 stops displaying the composite image created by the composite image creation means 102 on the monitor 6, The current fluoroscopic image output from X-ray detector 3 is displayed.

[0063] When the motion detection means 106 detects the control end signal of the bed 5 or the support means 107 during X-ray irradiation, the entire visual field area storage means 101 once opens the X-ray stop 2 and X-ray detection. The full-field fluoroscopic image output from the output device 3 is updated and stored.

[0064] Next, the composite image storage unit 102 creates a composite image of the entire visual field perspective image stored and updated in the full visual field region storage unit 101 and the current fluoroscopic image output from the X-ray detector 3. And this composite image is displayed on the monitor 6.

[0065] By operating in this way, even if the bed 5 or the support means 107 is controlled, the latest composite image is always displayed on the monitor 6, and the operator can smoothly operate the X-ray diaphragm 2. It becomes possible to do work.

[0066] According to the above-described embodiment, the operability of the X-ray diaphragm can be improved if three or more diaphragm blades can be interlocked with a single operating device. More preferably, all the diaphragm blades can be interlocked with one controller. [0067] Further, by making the reference for linking the diaphragm blades not limited to the center of the maximum irradiation field, the size and position of the region of interest can be selected more freely.

[0068] The operation device is preferably a tiltable switch such as a joystick. For example, the operating device is a tiltable switch that tilts the operating rod in any direction and operates the diaphragm blades in response to the tilted direction. By tilting the operation rod, the diaphragm blades can be controlled with good operability by controlling the diaphragm blades to move in the tilted direction.

[0069] Further, it is preferable to have a selection switch for selecting a combination of diaphragm blades operated by a retractable switch. When the selection switch is provided, it is more preferable to provide an indicator indicating the selected diaphragm blade. As a specific example of the selection switch, a push switch may be provided on the operating shaft head of the tiltable switch. What is necessary is just to comprise so that the aperture blade selected sequentially may be switched by pushing this switch in multiple times. An example of this operation mode switching is `` upper blade → left blade → lower blade → right blade → all blades (irradiation field position change) → all blades (irradiation field size change) → operation prohibition → upper blade '' Is mentioned. It should be noted that the selection switch may be provided independently instead of being provided integrally with the retractable switch, or may be a switch other than the push switch. For example, a foot switch can be a selection switch.

[0070] Further, the indicator is selected, and any configuration can be used as long as the aperture blade can be displayed. For example, a configuration in which a frame-shaped lighting member consisting of four sides (upper, lower, left, and right) is provided on the outer periphery of a monitor screen that displays a fluoroscopic image, and the diaphragm blades that are selected when the side that lights up is selected is conceivable. . Lamps and LEDs can be used as lighting members. In addition, if there is enough display area in the monitor screen itself, the aperture blades selected with characters or figures may be displayed on the screen.

[0071] Further, in the above X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus, a light projection lamp indicating an X-ray irradiation field is provided, and the light emission source of this lamp is for each side of the light irradiation field defined by the diaphragm blades. It is desirable to be provided with an inclination of 45 °.

[0072] Usually, a filament is used as the light source of the lamp. By providing this light source with an inclination of 45 ° with respect to each side of the light field defined by the diaphragm blades, the length of the filament along each side (projection) Long) is constant. Therefore, The blurring near all sides in the field can be made common, and the X-ray field can be accurately grasped.

[0073] The diaphragm of the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment can be used for any X-ray apparatus that requires control of the X-ray irradiation range. For example, any general imaging apparatus can be used as well as a DR (Digital Radiography) apparatus that measures an X-ray image as a digital image.

In addition, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment is capable of displaying a composite image obtained by combining the image of the visual field area after insertion of the X-ray diaphragm and the image of the entire visual field area before insertion of the X-ray diaphragm. Thus, it is possible to confirm the state of the concealed area that cannot be observed by the conventional apparatus that is shielded by the X-ray diaphragm. Therefore, the field of view can be moved quickly by reducing the amount of exposure of the subject.

[0075] In addition, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present embodiment switches and displays the fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field and the current fluoroscopic image, so that the operator can check the state of the region other than the visual field at any time. be able to.

In addition, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a composite image display unit that displays only the composite image created by the composite image creation unit, in addition to the display unit, so that the surgeon can view the visual field image. In addition to this, it is possible to confirm the state of the region other than the visual field region at all times, and to accurately move the visual field region.

Furthermore, the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment updates the fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field region with the relative movement of the bed, the X-ray generator, and the X-ray detector. It is possible to confirm the area other than the visual field area in the composite image.

Industrial applicability

The apparatus of the present invention can be suitably used as a medical X-ray image diagnostic apparatus.

While the above description has been made with reference to embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited thereto and that various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. 圆 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the diaphragm device.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of aperture blades.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the operating device of the diaphragm device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the diaphragm device of the present invention.

[FIG. 6] FIGS. 6A to 6D are diagrams schematically showing a monitor screen on which an indicator is installed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the control mode switching order in the diaphragm device of the present embodiment.

8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship among the control mode, the operating direction of the operating rod, and the moving direction of the aperture blade in the aperture stop device of this embodiment. .

[FIG. 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control system of a diaphragm blade.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the diaphragm blades and the lamp filament used in the diaphragm device of the present embodiment.

[FIG. 11] FIGS. 11 (A) to 11 (C) are explanatory diagrams showing the blur of the light irradiation field when the orientation of the filament is parallel, perpendicular, and 45 ° to the diaphragm blade.

12] FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 13A is a schematic explanatory view showing an image composition operation in the composite image creating means.

FIG. 13B is a schematic explanatory view showing an image composition operation in the composite image creating means.

FIG. 13C is a schematic explanatory view showing an image composition operation in the composite image creating means. 14A] FIG. 14A is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the operation of display image calculation in the display area calculation means.

14B] FIG. 14B is a schematic explanatory diagram showing the operation of display image calculation in the display area calculation means.

FIG. 15A is a schematic explanatory diagram showing an operation of displaying a composite image on the display means.

FIG. 15B is a schematic explanatory view showing an operation of displaying a composite image by the display means.

16] FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram of another example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment.

17] FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of another example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram when a normal fluoroscopic image and a composite image are simultaneously displayed on a monitor. FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of another example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus of the present embodiment.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An X-ray generator that irradiates the subject with X-rays,

An X-ray diaphragm device configured to be capable of interlocking with three or more diaphragm blades, which controls the irradiation area of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator to the subject;

Operation information storage means for storing operation information for operating the X-ray diaphragm device in a predetermined control mode;

An image of the subject X-ray transmitted through the opening formed by the diaphragm operation device that controls the X-ray diaphragm device according to the stored operation information and the X-ray diaphragm device controlled by the operation. X-ray detector to output as data,

An X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus having a display for displaying the output image data.

[2] The aperture controller

A control mode selection unit for selecting a control mode of the X-ray diaphragm device;

An operating rod that is erected on the aperture operating device and configured to be freely tiltable in an arbitrary direction, and a signal that outputs a drive signal to the X-ray aperture device corresponding to the direction in which the operating rod is tilted A processing unit;

The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, comprising:

[3] The X according to claim 2, wherein the operation information storage unit stores a table in which a control mode of the X-ray diaphragm device, a direction in which the operation rod is tilted, and a movement direction of the diaphragm blade are associated with each other. Line image diagnostic device.

4. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control mode selection unit is provided at an end of the operation rod.

5. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control mode selection unit is provided separately from the operation rod.

6. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the control mode selection unit includes a switch, and sequentially switches the control mode according to the number of times the switch is operated.

[7] The switch according to claim 6, wherein the switch is operated a predetermined number of times to set a full blade position change mode in which all the three or more diaphragm blades are interlocked, and further, the switch is operated to enter a full blade size change mode. X-ray diagnostic imaging equipment.

8. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the full-blade size changing mode is established by tilting the operating rod in a state where the switch is operated.

9. The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator that indicates an aperture blade that is disposed in proximity to the display and corresponds to a mode selected by the control mode selection unit.

10. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the indicator is provided at a peripheral edge of the display screen of the display.

11. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the indicator is controlled to be turned on and blinking in accordance with a control mode selected by the aperture controller.

[12] The X-ray diaphragm device has a light projecting lamp indicating an X-ray irradiation field, and is inclined by 45 ° with respect to each side of the light irradiation field defined by the light source power diaphragm blades of the lamp. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

[13] All-field area storage means for storing an image of the entire field area before the X-ray diaphragm is inserted;

Composite image creation means for creating a composite image by synthesizing the entire visual field area image stored in the full visual field area storage means and the image in a state in which the X-ray aperture device is inserted, and a necessary area of the composite image Display area calculation means for calculating the display area by the insertion position of the X-ray diaphragm device and displaying it on the display;

The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

[14] The X-ray image according to [13], further comprising image display selection means for switching between an image of the entire field of view and an image in which the X-ray aperture device is inserted and displaying the image on the display unit. Diagnostic device.

15. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a display device that displays an image created by the composite image creating means separately from the display.

16. The display device according to claim 13, wherein the display device includes means for displaying a plurality of windows on the display device, each displaying an image of the entire visual field region and an image in a state where the X-ray diaphragm is inserted. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus described. A bed that can be moved with the subject on it, and

A support means for movably supporting the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector with respect to the subject;

A driving state detection unit that detects a driving state of at least one of the bed and the support unit;

14.The entire visual field area storage unit acquires and updates a fluoroscopic image of the entire visual field region after driving the bed or the support unit based on a detection result of the driving state detection unit. X-ray diagnostic imaging equipment.