JP2008148982A - X-ray diagnostic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED To reduce exposure by facilitating photographing positioning operation.
A position sensor 91 for detecting the position of an X-ray imaging unit such as a top plate 11, an X-ray generation unit 20, an X-ray detection unit 30 and the position information detected by the sensor are obtained by the X-ray detection unit. An image memory 52 for storing a fluoroscopic X-ray image of the subject and a monitor for displaying the stored image on the display unit 60 while scrolling following the operation for changing the position of the X-ray imaging means. An image display processing unit 53 is provided.
As a result, the operator can scroll the stored image displayed on the monitor without irradiating the fluoroscopic X-ray, and feel the same as the operation of confirming the imaging position while irradiating the fluoroscopic X-ray. Can be determined, the imaging position can be determined, the burden on the operator can be reduced, and the X-ray exposure can also be reduced.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus capable of positioning for imaging while reducing exposure by fluoroscopic X-rays.

  For example, when diagnosing a subject's digestive system or circulatory system disease, the imaging position is determined while observing the condition of the diseased part under fluoroscopy using an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus, and X-ray imaging is performed at the determined position. It is common to do. At this time, the fluoroscopic X-ray image is displayed on the monitor, and an operator such as a doctor or an X-ray engineer operates the lever or the like while observing the fluoroscopic X-ray image on the monitor. The imaging system is moved to bring the region of interest to the center of the screen displayed on the monitor, and fine positioning operations are also performed.

  Accordingly, it is necessary to continue to confirm the fluoroscopic X-ray image during this period, and it is necessary to continue to irradiate fluoroscopic X-rays, and there has been a problem that the X-ray exposure increases accordingly. To solve this problem, when the fluoroscopic X-ray irradiation is turned off, the last X-ray image of the last frame is saved in the memory and the last saved image is displayed on the monitor. A so-called last image hold (hereinafter abbreviated as LIH) function that reduces exposure by continuing is well known.

When the LIH image is displayed on the monitor, the position of the LIH image is corrected by moving, enlarging or reducing the LIH image based on the positional relationship information obtained by the detecting means for detecting the positional relationship between the imaging system and the subject. (See, for example, Patent Document 1), and the operator points the desired position of the LIH image with a pointing device or the like, so that the imaging system of the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus is at the pointed position. A technique has also been proposed in which the positioning operation is assisted by moving the position (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP 2006-25942 A JP 2001-149356 A

  By the way, what is disclosed in Patent Document 1 is that an image shifted corresponding to the movement of the photographing system is suddenly displayed on the monitor, so that it is difficult to grasp the photographing center and is sufficient for positioning. In addition, what is disclosed in Patent Document 2 requires an operation to point to an image displayed on a monitor using a pointing device or the like, which is troublesome and burdensome for the operator. There was a difficulty of becoming.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus that can easily perform an imaging positioning operation and can reduce exposure while solving such problems.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to the subject by an X-ray imaging means comprising an X-ray generation means and an X-ray detection means provided to face each other with the subject in between. In an X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus that obtains a fluoroscopic X-ray image and displays the fluoroscopic X-ray image on a monitor, a position detection unit that detects a position of the X-ray imaging unit, and the X-ray imaging detected by the position detection unit The storage means for storing the subject's fluoroscopic X-ray image obtained by the X-ray imaging means together with the position information of the means, and the fluoroscopic X-ray image stored in the storage means are stored in the X-ray imaging means. Image display processing means for displaying on the monitor while scrolling following the position changing operation.

  Further, in the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, when the visual field size is changed after obtaining the fluoroscopic X-ray image, the image display processing unit is The fluoroscopic X-ray image stored in the storage means is enlarged / reduced in accordance with the change of the visual field size and displayed on the monitor.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, a fluoroscopic X-ray image of a subject is obtained by an X-ray imaging means comprising an X-ray generation means and an X-ray detection means provided so as to face each other with the subject in between. In the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus for displaying the fluoroscopic X-ray image on a monitor, together with position detection means for detecting the position of the X-ray imaging means, and position information of the X-ray imaging means detected by the position detection means, A storage means for storing the subject's fluoroscopic X-ray image obtained by the X-ray imaging means, and a fluoroscopic X-ray image stored in the storage means, at the current position of the X-ray imaging means. And image display processing means for selecting a matching fluoroscopic X-ray image and displaying it on the monitor.

  As shown in the section of the means for solving the above problems, according to the invention of each claim described in the claims of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the fluoroscopic X-ray image read from the storage unit and displayed on the monitor can be scrolled following the operation for changing the position of the X-ray imaging unit. Therefore, the operator can scroll the stored image displayed on the monitor and shoot without irradiating the fluoroscopic X-rays, as if the operator had confirmed the shooting position while irradiating the fluoroscopic X-rays. You can check the position and determine the shooting position. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a cumbersome operation of pointing the position on the screen using a pointing device, etc., it becomes easy to grasp the photographing center, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. X-ray exposure can also be reduced.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the X-ray image stored in the storage means can be enlarged / reduced in accordance with the change of the visual field size and displayed on the monitor. The shooting range can be confirmed. Thereby, the irradiation of fluoroscopic X-rays for confirming the irradiation field can be minimized, the X-ray exposure can be reduced, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the photographing position with a minimum exposure in a wider area.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In each figure, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic external view of an embodiment of an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. The X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus includes a bed 10 having a top plate 11 on which a subject is placed, an X-ray generation unit 20 including an X-ray tube that emits X-rays toward the subject, and a subject. An X-ray detector 30 comprising an image intensifier (II) or a flat panel detector (FPD) for detecting transmitted X-rays, the X-ray detector 30 and the X-ray generator 20, and the top 11 A support portion 40 and the like are provided so as to be opposed to each other. The top plate 11 of the bed 10 is slidable in the direction of arrow A, and the support unit 40 that supports the X-ray generation unit 20 and the X-ray detection unit 30 is slidable in the direction of arrow B with respect to the bed 10.

  FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing the system configuration of an embodiment of such an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention.

  2, illustration of the bed 10, the X-ray generation unit 20, the support unit 40, etc. shown in FIG. 1 is omitted, but X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generation unit 20 and transmitted through the subject are detected. X-ray detection section 30 that performs image processing apparatus 50 that forms and stores a fluoroscopic X-ray image (hereinafter also referred to as an image or a fluoroscopic image) based on image information from X-ray detection section 30 A display unit (monitor) 60 that displays an image formed or stored by the apparatus 50, and various instructions are given when an operator such as a doctor or a radiographer operates the X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus. Based on the operation unit 70 for setting conditions and signals from the operation unit 70, the bed 10 and the support unit 40 are driven based on the operation commands from the operation control unit 80 and the operation control unit 80. The drive part 90 etc. are provided.

  The image processing apparatus 50 is stored in an image forming unit 51 that forms an image based on image information from the X-ray detection unit 30, an image memory 52 that stores an image formed by the image forming unit 51, and an image memory 52. A monitor image display processing unit 53 that appropriately processes an image to be displayed on the display unit 60 based on the obtained image, and an image formed by the image forming unit 51 and a monitor image display processing unit 53 are processed as images to be displayed on the display unit 60. A selector 54 for selecting the selected image is provided. Further, the operation unit 70 operates the imaging system such as the top plate 11 of the bed 10 and the support unit 40 that supports the X-ray generation unit 20 and the X-ray detection unit 30 to determine the imaging position. A visual field size changeover switch 72 for changing the visual field size when the image stored in the lever 71 and the image memory 52 is displayed on the display unit 60 is provided.

  The driving unit 90 includes a position of the top plate 11 with respect to the bed 10 in the direction of arrow A and a position of the support unit 40 with respect to the bed 10 in the direction of arrow B (that is, the positions of the X-ray generation unit 20 and the X-ray detection unit 30). ) Is provided, and the operation control unit 80 is provided with a position detection unit 81 that determines each position based on a signal from the position sensor 91. The position data from the position detector 81 is so-called imaging system position data, which is supplied to the image memory 52 and the monitor image display processing unit 53 and represents the imaging position of the fluoroscopic X-ray image stored in the image memory 52. Corresponding as information.

  In addition, when the position data from the position detection unit 81 is changed, the monitor image display processing unit 53 calculates the pixel amount of the fluoroscopic X-ray image corresponding to the moving distance between the top plate 11 and the support unit 40. 11 is determined based on the distance (PID) between the subject on X 11 and the X-ray detection unit 30 and the visual field size, so that the irradiation field and the fluoroscopic X-ray image displayed on the display unit 60 are matched. It has a function to scroll the image. That is, the center position of the fluoroscopic X-ray image can be moved in accordance with the position information of the top plate 11 and the support unit 40 detected by the position sensor 91 (the imaging system position data from the position detection unit 81).

  Next, the operation of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention configured as described above will be described.

  An operator such as a radiologist operates the imaging system operation lever 71 of the operation unit 70 while irradiating the subject with fluoroscopic X-rays, and the top plate 11 of the bed 10, the X-ray generation unit 20, and the X-ray detection unit. The state of the diagnostic part is confirmed by operating the support part 40 etc. which support 30 and observing a fluoroscopic X-ray image. That is, an operation command is issued from the operation control unit 80 to the drive unit 90 based on an operation signal from the imaging system operation lever 71 operated by the operator, and the top plate 11 of the bed 10 or X based on the command. The support part 40 which supports the line generation part 20 and the X-ray detection part 30 is driven. At this time, the positions of the top plate 11 and the support unit 40 are detected by the position sensor 91, and the detected position information is supplied to the image processing apparatus 50 via the position detection unit 81.

  By the way, during irradiation with fluoroscopic X-rays, a fluoroscopic X-ray image formed in the image forming unit 51 based on image information from the X-ray detection unit 30 is supplied to the display unit 60 via the selector 54 and displayed. . At this time, the image displayed on the display unit 60 is a live image. When the operator performs an operation to stop the irradiation of the fluoroscopic X-ray, the last one frame of the fluoroscopic X-ray image is recorded in the image memory 52, and then the image memory 52 is not irradiated with the fluoroscopic X-ray. The fluoroscopic X-ray image recorded on the screen continues to be displayed on the display unit 60. This technique is called a last image hold (LIH) function that has been generally performed in the past, and an image for the last one frame is called a last image hold image (LIH image).

  By the way, in the present invention, when the LIH image is recorded in the image memory 52, the top plate 11 of the bed 10 when the LIH image is obtained, and the support unit 40 that supports the X-ray generation unit 20 and the X-ray detection unit 30 are provided. The positional information is associated and recorded. In addition to the LIH image, it is also possible to record a fluoroscopic X-ray image for a predetermined time within the range allowed by the storage capacity of the image memory 52. In this case as well, position information is recorded in association with each frame.

  Then, the LIH image data recorded in the image memory 52 and the position data of the photographing system are supplied from the position detection unit 81 to the monitor image display processing unit 53. Therefore, when the LIH image recorded in the image memory 52 is displayed on the display unit 60 and the imaging system operation lever 71 is operated to move the top plate 11 or the support unit 40, the monitor image display processing unit 53 is displayed. Scrolls the LIH image displayed on the display unit 60 by an amount corresponding to the moving distance.

  The manner in which the LIH image is scrolled by the operation of the photographing system operation lever 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In other words, the LIH image when the fluoroscopic X-ray is turned off is displayed on the screen 61 of the display unit 60 in the full screen 61, but the imaging system operation lever 71 is operated to support the top plate 11 and the support. When the unit 40 is slightly moved, the LIH image displayed on the screen 61 is moved by an amount corresponding to the pixel amount of the image corresponding to the moving distance, and a part of the LIH image is detached from the screen 61. In FIG. 3, the entire LIH image is displayed including the part off the screen 61, but in reality, only the LIH image of the part overlapping the screen 61 of the display unit 60 can be observed. Needless to say, you cannot observe the part that is off.

  Also, if the amount of movement of the top plate 11 and the support unit 40 is large, the scrolled LIH image will be completely out of the screen, but if the imaging system operation lever 71 is operated within such a range, it is as if fluoroscopic X-rays have been obtained. The LIH image can be scrolled on the screen 61 as if it were irradiated. Therefore, by scrolling the LIH image without irradiating fluoroscopic X-rays, it is possible to move the desired region of interest to the center of the screen 61 and perform positioning for imaging.

  On the other hand, the visual field size may be switched by operating the visual field size changeover switch 72 after turning off the fluoroscopic X-ray, but in this case, information on the visual field size is supplied to the monitor image display processing unit 53. The monitor image display processing unit 53 performs processing so that a part corresponding to the shooting range of the LIH image from the image memory 52 is displayed on the screen 61 of the display unit 60. This state will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The operator operates the photographing system operation lever 71 while observing the LIH image displayed on the screen 61 of the display unit 60 to move the top plate 11 and the support unit 40. By moving, the LIH image is scrolled so that the irradiation field matches the display screen. As described above, by scrolling the enlarged LIH image, it is possible to perform positioning for imaging without irradiating fluoroscopic X-rays.

  Further, since the fluoroscopic X-ray image recorded in the image memory 52 is also recorded in association with the position information for each frame, the portion of the region different from the display range of the LIH image currently displayed on the display unit 60 is recorded. Even in the case of the fluoroscopic image, the monitor image display processing unit 53 operates the imaging system operation lever 71 to move the top plate 11 and the support unit 40 in the region where the fluoroscopic X-ray image has already been obtained for the subject. LIH images corresponding to these positions can be read from the image memory 52 and displayed on the screen 61 of the display unit 60.

  FIG. 5 is shown for explaining the situation at this time. Reference symbol P indicates a subject who is placed on the top plate 11 of the bed 10. Reference symbols M 1, M 2, and M 3 indicate image memory 52. The acquired positions of fluoroscopic X-ray images at different positions (parts) of the subject P recorded in FIG. A symbol M4 indicates a part of the LIH image currently displayed on the display unit 60. As can be seen from this figure, when the LIH image of the part M4 is displayed on the screen 61, if the imaging system operation lever 71 is operated, a fluoroscopic X-ray image at a position corresponding to the movement of the top plate 11 or the support unit 40 is obtained. Can be read from the image memory 52 and displayed on the screen 61 of the display unit 60. Of course, this image can also be scrolled to adjust the display position. Therefore, also in this case, positioning for imaging can be performed without irradiating fluoroscopic X-rays.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the imaging range can be confirmed even when the fluoroscopic X-ray is OFF. Further, in the positioning operation, the photographing position can be determined with the same operation feeling as that under fluoroscopy without irradiating fluoroscopic X-rays. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a troublesome operation of pointing the position on the screen using a pointing device or the like, and it becomes easy to grasp the photographing center, and the burden on the operator can be reduced. In addition, the irradiation of fluoroscopic X-rays for determining the irradiation field at the time of imaging can be minimized, and the X-ray exposure of the subject can also be reduced. It can also contribute to ensuring the safety of healthcare workers.

1 is a schematic external view of an imaging system including a bed, an X-ray generation unit, and an X-ray detection unit of an embodiment of an X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. It is the systematic diagram which showed the system configuration | structure of one Example of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate an example of operation | movement of the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate other operation | movement of the X-ray-image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is explanatory drawing shown in order to demonstrate other operation | movement of the X-ray-image diagnostic apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Bed 11 Top plate 20 X-ray generation part 30 X-ray detection part 40 Support part 50 Image processing apparatus 51 Image formation part 52 Image memory 53 Monitor image display processing part 54 Selector 60 Display part 61 Screen 70 Operation part 71 Imaging system operation lever 72 Field-of-view size changeover switch 80 Operation control unit 81 Position detection unit 90 Drive unit 91 Position sensor

Claims (3)

A fluoroscopic X-ray image of the subject is obtained by an X-ray imaging unit composed of an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit provided to face each other with the subject in between, and the fluoroscopic X-ray image is displayed on a monitor. In the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus,
Position detecting means for detecting the position of the X-ray imaging means;
A storage means for storing a fluoroscopic X-ray image of the subject obtained by the X-ray imaging means together with position information of the X-ray imaging means detected by the position detection means,
Image display processing means for displaying the fluoroscopic X-ray image stored in the storage means on the monitor while scrolling following the position changing operation of the X-ray imaging means. X-ray image diagnostic apparatus. When the visual field size is changed after obtaining the fluoroscopic X-ray image, the image display processing unit enlarges / reduces the fluoroscopic X-ray image stored in the storage unit according to the change of the visual field size. The X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus is displayed on the monitor. A fluoroscopic X-ray image of the subject is obtained by an X-ray imaging unit composed of an X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit provided to face each other with the subject in between, and the fluoroscopic X-ray image is displayed on a monitor. In the X-ray image diagnostic apparatus,
Position detecting means for detecting the position of the X-ray imaging means;
A storage means for storing a fluoroscopic X-ray image of the subject obtained by the X-ray imaging means together with position information of the X-ray imaging means detected by the position detection means,
Image display processing means for selecting a fluoroscopic X-ray image matching the current position of the X-ray imaging means from the fluoroscopic X-ray images stored in the storage means and displaying the selected X-ray image on the monitor. X-ray image diagnostic apparatus characterized by the above.

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