WO2013157416A1

WO2013157416A1 - Inspection device and bone density measurement device

Info

Publication number: WO2013157416A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/060511
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宮本　高敬
Original assignee: 日立アロカメディカル株式会社
Priority date: 2012-04-16
Filing date: 2013-04-05
Publication date: 2013-10-24
Also published as: JP5326021B2; TW201343142A; JP2013220192A

Abstract

Provided is an inspection device such as a bone density measurement device, in which a mirror unit is disposed in order to observe the far side of a subject who is placed upon a loading surface. The mirror unit comprises a mirror member which moves rotationally. When an upper part comprising an x-ray detector rises upward, the force thereof is transmitted via a linking mechanism as a rotational movement of the mirror member. Thus, even is the viewpoint of an examiner is elevated, the mirror face is upturned, and it is possible to easily observe the far side of the subject, especially the lower part thereof. It would also be permissible to move the mirror member vertically in a sliding manner. It would also be permissible to dispose a light source in the mirror member. It would also be permissible to display a marker upon the mirror face.

Description

Inspection device and bone density measuring device

The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting a subject, and more particularly, to an apparatus for measuring bone density by irradiating a subject placed on a mounting table with X-rays.

A bone density measuring device as a subject inspection device or a subject measuring device is a device that measures bone density of a lumbar spine, a femur, and the like in a living body, and is also referred to as a bone mineral content measuring device (Patent Document 1). 2). In a bone density measuring device, generally, a subject is irradiated with high energy X-rays and low energy X-rays alternately, and transmitted X-rays at each irradiation are detected. Bone density is calculated from two detection data obtained by two types of X-ray irradiation (double X-ray energy absorption measurement method (DEXA method)).

A conventional bone density measuring apparatus includes a lower part having an X-ray generator and a placement surface (table surface), an upper part provided above the placement surface and having an X-ray detector, and a column connecting these units, Is provided. The X-ray generator and X-ray detector are mechanically integrated, and both are moved and scanned simultaneously. It is also possible to provide an X-ray generator in the upper part and an X-ray detector in the lower part. It is also possible to use an imaging table (radiographic table) used for X-ray imaging as a mounting table for bone density measurement. In that case, the lower part of the bone density measuring device is inserted below the imaging table (see Patent Document 3).

In a bone density measuring device or the like for lumbar spine examination, the placement surface extends in the left-right direction when viewed from the front side of the device, and the subject is placed in a supine posture thereon. The inspector (operator) stands on the front side of the placement surface prior to the X-ray irradiation and confirms the position and posture of the subject on the placement surface. If necessary, the examiner requests the subject to change the position and posture. In addition, the examiner confirms whether the subject is wearing a metal (button, buckle, belt, bracelet, etc.), and in particular, there is no possibility that a foreign substance enters the X-ray irradiation region.

JP 2011-244873 A JP 2012-55451 A JP 2003-325497 A

However, when the inspector is standing on the near side of the mounting table, it is difficult for the inspector to observe the state of the back side of the subject (for example, the presence or absence of metal foreign objects). Therefore, the subject folds his / her waist, inserts his / her head to just above the subject, and looks into the back of the subject from there. Thereby, the back side space which becomes a shadow of a subject is confirmed visually. Further, when checking whether or not the subject is in an appropriate position and posture, the examiner needs to take the above posture. As described above, there has been a problem that the inspector has been forced to take an unreasonable posture and the burden on the inspector is large. There is also a problem that it is impossible to quickly check the position and posture of the subject and the presence or absence of foreign matter. Furthermore, the examiner's head may collide with the upper unit. Even if the upper unit is a flip-up type, there is a risk of a head collision in a tall operator.

The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the burden on the examiner when examining or measuring the subject. Alternatively, it is an object of the present invention to perform a prior confirmation (for example, confirmation of position and posture, confirmation that no foreign matter is present in the X-ray irradiation area) about the subject prior to bone density measurement reliably and quickly. There is in doing so. Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to eliminate or reduce the blind spot around the subject.

The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for inspecting a subject lying on a placement surface, a mirror having a front-facing mirror surface on the back side of the examination site of the subject lying on the placement surface. A member is arranged, and prior to the inspection of the subject, the inspector can observe the state of the back side of the subject from the near side of the placement surface through the mirror surface. Examples of medical examination apparatuses include a bone density measuring apparatus, an X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray CT imaging apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The mirror member can be provided for these devices.

The present invention relates to a bone density measuring device for measuring bone density by irradiating a subject placed on a placement surface with X-rays, the X-ray generator being provided below the placement surface. And a lower unit including one of the X-ray detectors, a column unit provided on the back side of the mounting surface, and extending upward from the lower unit, and provided above the mounting surface. An upper unit comprising the other of the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector, the unit being connected to an upper portion of the column unit and extending to the front side thereof; And a mirror member having a mirror surface for observing the back side of the subject on the placement surface from the near side of the placement surface.

According to the above configuration, in the state where the subject is placed on the placement surface, the examiner can easily connect from the near side of the placement surface to the back side of the subject (that is, from the near side) via the mirror surface. It is possible to observe the invisible part). Therefore, it is possible to easily find a foreign object or the like existing on the back side of the subject, and it is possible to quickly determine the suitability of the position and posture of the subject from the contents reflected on the mirror surface. . Since the bending posture is not always imposed on the inspector, the burden on the inspector can be reduced. This has the advantage of reducing the overall examination time. It is possible to provide an image sensor on the back side and display the state of the back side, but in that case the configuration becomes complicated and it is easy to check the posture and position of the subject Can not. On the other hand, if the mirror member is used as described above, it is possible to accurately and promptly confirm the pre-inspection by reliably observing a portion that is difficult to see while having a simple configuration. When the image reflected on the mirror surface is dark, a light source may be used.

Desirably, the lower unit, the column unit, and the upper unit constitute a movable body that moves relative to the mounting surface, and the mirror member is mounted on the movable body. It is desirable to check the presence or absence of foreign matter or the posture of the subject over the entire measurement site or measurement area. In this case, if the mirror member is attached to the movable body, the position of the mirror member is changed along with the change of the measurement position. Is also optimized. For example, according to the above configuration, when both the measurement of the lumbar spine and the measurement of the femur are sequentially performed, the mirror member can be appropriately positioned with respect to each measurement site. However, a large mirror that extends in the body axis direction of the subject may be fixedly installed. If the mirror member is arranged so that a certain gap is formed between the mirror surface and the subject, observation of the lower space on the back side of the subject becomes easy.

Desirably, a marker for supporting evaluation of at least one of the posture and position of the subject on the placement surface is formed on the mirror surface. According to this configuration, it is possible to evaluate the posture and the like of the subject using the surface level (that is, the contour) of the subject reflected on the mirror surface.

Preferably, the upper unit is provided with an interlocking mechanism that rotates about a rotation shaft provided in the support unit and changes at least one of the posture and position of the mirror member according to the rotation angle of the upper unit. . For example, when the operation of pulling up the upper unit is performed, the head of the inspector is usually at a high position, so it is desirable that the mirror surface be slightly upward according to the line of sight from there. On the other hand, when the upper unit is pulled down to be in a horizontal posture, it is highly possible that the operator's head is lowered. Therefore, it is desirable that the mirror surface be set at an angle that is vertical or close thereto. However, it is possible to adopt a height change or the like instead of an angle change. It is also possible to use a curved mirror, a bent mirror or the like instead of the plane mirror.

Desirably, the interlocking mechanism changes the orientation of the mirror member so that the mirror surface faces upward as the upper unit rotates upward. As the interlocking mechanism, a mechanism for transmitting a kinetic force by a belt or a wire may be used, or a mechanism for setting the rotation angle of the motor from the output value of the encoder may be provided.

It is a figure which shows suitable embodiment of the test | inspection apparatus (bone density measuring apparatus) which concerns on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of a movable part. It is a figure which shows the marker formed in the mirror surface. It is a figure for demonstrating the motion of a mirror surface. It is a figure for demonstrating the motion of a mirror surface. It is a figure for demonstrating the mirror member which has a light source. It is a figure which shows a modification.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an inspection apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the measurement part. This inspection device is installed in a medical institution such as a hospital and irradiates the bone part of the subject with X-rays, and calculates the bone density (bone mineral density) based on the data obtained thereby. This is a bone density measuring device.

In FIG. 1, a lower portion 10 forms a bed in the illustrated configuration example, and an X-ray generation unit 20 as a lower mechanism is provided inside the lower portion 10. The X-ray generation unit 20 has an X-ray generation tube 22. A filter unit 24 is disposed above the X-ray generation unit 20. The top plate in the lower part 10 constitutes a mounting surface 16. The top plate 16 is made of a material that does not attenuate X-rays so much, such as an acrylic material. A subject 18 is placed on the placement surface 16 in a supine state. A portion indicated by reference numeral 18A in the subject 18 represents a lumbar vertebra as an example of a measurement site. Other parts such as the femur may be measured. In the present embodiment, the lower portion 10 has a top plate, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the lower unit is arranged below the imaging stand used for X-ray imaging.

As shown in FIG. 1, X-rays are formed by the X-ray generation tube 22, and in the figure, a fan beam 26 that spreads in a fan shape is formed. Of course, a pencil beam or other beam may be formed.

The upper part 12 is provided above the mounting surface 16. The upper portion 12 constitutes an upper mechanism, and an X-ray detector 28 is provided therein. The X-ray detector 28 is composed of a plurality of sensors having a one-dimensional array corresponding to the fan beam 26. The X-ray generation unit 20 as the lower mechanism and the upper part 12 are connected by a support unit 14. The column unit 14 has a form extending from below to above, and more specifically, includes a horizontal portion 32, a vertical portion 30, and a joint portion 34. The joint portion 34 connects the upper portion 12, and specifically, the rear end portion of the upper portion 12 is connected to the joint portion 34. In the present embodiment, the upper portion 12 has the rotation shaft 36 as the rotation center. Get up and move.

The X-ray generation unit 20, the support unit 14, and the upper part 12 as the upper unit constitute a movable body as a whole. In the illustrated example, the movable body moves linearly in the Y direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction. When the fan beam 26 moves in the Y direction, a two-dimensional scan region is formed. Of course, a pencil beam or the like may be zigzag scanned two-dimensionally. The movable body may be scanned in the X direction.

In the present embodiment, a mirror unit 38 is provided on the back side of the mounting surface 16. The mirror unit 38 includes a column 46 erected with respect to the horizontal portion 32, a link rotatably provided at the upper end of the column 46, and a mirror member 42 fixedly disposed at the front end of the link. And have. The front surface of the mirror member 42 is a mirror surface 42A, which functions as a mirror. The column 46 is formed upright on the horizontal portion 32, but the column 46 may be provided on the vertical portion 30. In this embodiment, the mirror unit 38 moves in the Y direction together with the movable body. However, the mirror unit 38 may be disposed on the lower portion 10 or the non-movable member. In the present embodiment, the rotational motion of the upper portion 12 is converted to the rotational motion of the mirror member 42 via the interlocking mechanism 40. Specifically, the rotary motion of the rotary shaft 36 is transmitted to the rotary shaft 44 of the mirror member 42 via the wire 48 and also via a plurality of pulleys, that is, when the upper portion 12 rotates, the mirror member 42. Is configured to rotate. For example, the mirror member 42 is configured to rotate by a half angle with respect to the former rotation angle. When the upper portion 12 performs a movement to return to the horizontal state, the mirror member 42 facing upward also returns to the vertical posture. This will be described later with reference to FIGS.

In the present embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 40 is configured with a mechanism using a wire, but a mechanism using a belt, a mechanism using a gear, or the like may be adopted. Further, an encoder may be provided on the rotary shaft 36, and the direction of the mirror member 42 may be determined by controlling the motor based on the output signal. The mirror surface 42A is directed toward the front side accessed by the inspector, that is, the user, and the mirror surface 42A is a vertical surface in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mirror surface 42 </ b> A extends from near the placement surface level to a position higher than the vertical width or thickness of the subject 18, and is constant from the back side of the subject 18. Are provided at positions separated by a distance (gap). Under the condition that the subject 18 is placed so as to fit on the placement surface 16, the mirror surface 42 </ b> A is provided at a position that does not extend above the placement surface 16, that is, on the back side of the X-ray irradiation region.

Fig. 2 shows the movement of the movable body. As described above, the movable body moves in the Y direction. The upper part 12 is supported by the column unit 14, and the subject 18 lies on the placement surface. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the mirror member 42 has a width that is slightly larger than the lateral width of the column unit 14, and its upper end level is set to a position slightly higher than the upper end level of the abdomen of the subject 18. As described above, the mirror member 42 moves together with the movable body. For example, when measuring the femur, the mirror member 42 moves in the Y direction as the movable body moves in the Y direction.

FIG. 3 shows various markers drawn on the mirror surface 42A. In the example shown in (A), a plurality of

marker elements

50 and 52 are formed on the right and left sides of the mirror surface 42A. Each marker element is configured as a short line extending in the horizontal direction, and the hue of each line is different from each other. In the example shown in (A), since the central part of the mirror surface 42A is open, it is possible to observe the back space of the subject using that part. If such a marker is drawn, the upper surface level of the subject can be observed and confirmed on the mirror surface 42A, and it is confirmed whether or not the posture and position of the subject are appropriate. Becomes easy.

In the example shown in (B), a plurality of lines 54 are drawn on the mirror surface 42A as markers, and the widths of the lines are different. Each line is preferably configured as a light-colored line, that is, it is preferably configured such that each line is drawn with a density that does not hinder the observation of foreign matters on the back side of the subject. If the contour of the subject is confirmed using such a line as a guide, the posture at the time of past measurement can be easily reproduced.

(C) also shows a line row 56, and the line types in these lines are different from each other. Other marker configurations can be employed. In any case, it is possible to improve the convenience of the examiner by expressing auxiliary means for checking the condition of the subject on the mirror surface or a standard for supporting it.

FIG. 4 shows a confirmation step before the measurement in the bone mineral content measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 1. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the subject 18 is placed on the placement surface. The upper part 12 is flipped upward by the operator 58. That is, the upper portion 12 rotates upward about the rotation shaft 36 as a rotation center. When such movement of the upper portion 12 occurs, the direction of the mirror member 42 in the mirror unit 38 changes slightly upward from the interlocking mechanism 40 described above. That is, the mirror surface 42A is slightly upward.

In a state where the upper part 12 is flipped upward, the head of the operator 58 is at a relatively high position, that is, a line of sight looking down from above is set as indicated by reference numeral 60. 42A is directed slightly upward, thereby improving the visibility of the lower part of the back side of the subject 18 as indicated by reference numeral 62.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the upper portion 12 is pulled down to a horizontal posture, the mirror surface 42A returns to the original posture, that is, the vertical posture by the action of the interlocking mechanism 40. That is, in such a state, for example, the operator 58 is crouched and the head position is relatively low, so that the angle of the line of sight approaches slightly horizontal as indicated by reference numeral 64, so the mirror surface 42 </ b> A. Is in a vertical state or a state close thereto, so that the visibility on the back side of the subject 18, particularly in the lower part, is improved. Such an observation path is indicated by reference numeral 66.

As shown in FIG. 6, a light source 68 may be provided when the amount of light is insufficient when observing the back side of the subject. That is, in the mirror unit 38, the light source 68 is installed on the upper part of the mirror member 42, and thereby light is irradiated to the back side region of the subject. It is also possible to provide such a light source 68 on the support unit or the upper part. It is also possible to configure the top plate in the lower part as a self-luminous type and use it as a light source.

FIG. 7 shows a modification. In this configuration example, in the mirror unit 70, the mirror member 74 is configured to move up and down. That is, when the upper portion 12 is flipped upward (see 12A), the motion is converted to the upward motion of the mirror member 74 via the interlocking mechanism 72. The column 76 is provided with a slide mechanism, which guides the vertical movement of the mirror member 74. Reference numeral 74A denotes a mirror member that has been moved upward. According to such a configuration, when the line of sight moves upward, it can be moved above the mirror member 74 to sufficiently secure the necessary visual field.

In the embodiment described above, the mirror member is rotating or moving up and down, but both of them may be performed, and the direction or height may be set according to the preference of the operator or the height of the back. You may comprise so that fine adjustment is possible.

In the above description, the bone density measuring device has been described. However, the mirror member may be provided in another medical device.

Claims

In an inspection apparatus for inspecting a subject lying on a mounting surface,
A mirror member having a front-facing mirror surface is disposed on the back side of the examination site in the subject lying on the placement surface,
Prior to the examination of the subject, the examiner can observe the state of the back side of the subject through the mirror surface from the near side of the placement surface,
Inspection apparatus characterized by that.
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection apparatus is a bone density measuring apparatus that measures bone density by irradiating a subject placed on the placement surface with X-rays.
The bone density measuring device is
A lower unit which is provided below the placement surface and includes one of an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector;
A column unit provided on the back side of the mounting surface and extending upward from the lower unit;
A unit provided above the mounting surface, wherein the unit is connected to an upper portion of the support unit and extends to the front side of the support unit, and is included in the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector. An upper unit comprising the other,
The inspection apparatus characterized by including.
The inspection apparatus according to claim 2,
The lower unit, the support unit and the upper unit constitute a movable body that moves relative to the mounting surface,
The mirror member is mounted on the movable body,
Inspection apparatus characterized by that.
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1,
On the mirror surface, a marker for supporting evaluation of at least one of the posture and position of the subject on the placement surface is formed.
Inspection apparatus characterized by that.
The inspection apparatus according to claim 2,
The upper unit rotates about a rotation axis provided in the support unit,
An interlocking mechanism that varies at least one of the posture and position of the mirror member according to the rotation angle of the upper unit is provided,
Inspection apparatus characterized by that.
The inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
The interlocking mechanism is configured to change the direction of the mirror member so that the mirror surface faces upward as the upper unit rotates upward.
A bone density measuring device characterized by the above.