WO2006006260A1 - Stereograph image capturing method and its device - Google Patents

Abstract

A three-dimensional image a capturing method and means in which information on depth is extracted from simple two-dimensional images, and an X-ray image with high resolution is extracted to reduce the exposure to radiation during diagnosis. Simple two-dimensional images (A1, B1; A2, B2) of different radiation generation points (1, 2) are captured by means of one fixed imager (4) with radiation from a radiation generator having radiation generation points (1, 2) spaced at a predetermined distance. By sequentially translating one image (for example A1, B1) of the images, the image is superimposed on the other image (A2, B2). By selecting a portion where image emphasis occurs, a three-dimensional image is extracted. Thus, a stereograph image capturing method is realized. Since a three-dimensional image can be created from at least two two-dimensional images, the imaging time can be shortened, the exposure of the subject (3) to radiation is reduced, the safety is improved, and the image contrast is enhanced.

Description

 Stereograph image acquisition method and apparatus thereof

 The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for acquiring a stereograph image, particularly in X-ray imaging, useful in an industrial field related to radiation imaging or nondestructive inspection.

 Background art

 Radiographs using X-rays are indispensable for medical treatment, animal experiments, and nondestructive examinations. High-intensity X-ray generators are necessary for materials science, materials science, biochemistry, and other cutting-edge science. Traditionally, X-ray photography is used for simple X-ray photography, and CT is used for slice photography. CT has excellent resolution, but in recent years radiation exposure in diagnosis has been a problem. It is also a problem that imaging takes time. Although exposure in simple radiographs is not a problem, CT is used together because it does not have depth information. As a CT apparatus using such an X-ray, an apparatus disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-802094 has been proposed.

 The CT apparatus and its imaging method disclosed in the patent document have the following configuration. A cradle 1 1 6 that can be moved in the direction of the gantry 1 2 0 constituting the CT apparatus and accommodates the subject is installed in the upper structure 1 1 5, and approaches the floor while approaching the direction of the gantry 1 2 0. A table (upper arm 1 1 4) that rises in parallel is installed below the upper structure 1 1 5. The upper arm 1 1 4 is configured such that its lower end moves in parallel by swinging the first and second arms 1 1 2 and 1 13 supported on the lower arm 1 1 1. Then, an X-ray fluoroscopic image generation device 1 2 1 is installed between the table and the gantry 1 2 0, and an X-ray transmission part is formed on the end side of the upper structure 1 15 5 on the gantry 1 2 0 side. It is a thing.

With this configuration, the X-ray fluoroscopic image generator 1 2 1 can be installed between the table and the gantry 1 2 0 to reduce the installation space, and the gantry 1 2 0 side of the upper structure 1 1 5 By forming an X-ray transmission part on the end side of the upper structure, it becomes possible to further narrow the distance between the gantry 1 2 0 and the upper structure 1 1 5, It was possible to move quickly to the place. However, although such conventional CT devices using X-rays can move quickly to the imaging location, radiation exposure during diagnosis is still a problem, and imaging takes time. Is done. Therefore, in the present invention, the problems in the conventional radiographic apparatus and the like are solved, information on depth is extracted from a plurality of simple two-dimensional images, and high-resolution X-ray images are extracted, thereby reducing exposure in diagnosis. The purpose is to provide a method and means for obtaining a stereoscopic image. Disclosure of the invention

 For this reason, the technical solution adopted by the present invention uses a single fixed imaging device with radiation from a radiation generator having a plurality of radiation generation points separated by a predetermined interval. 3D images can be obtained by picking up multiple different simple 2D images, sequentially translating one of the images, and superimposing it on the other one to select the part where the image is emphasized. The stereograph image acquisition method for extracting the image is a constituent requirement.

 The present invention also captures a radiation generating apparatus having a plurality of radiation generating points separated by a predetermined interval, a single fixed image capturing apparatus, and a plurality of simple two-dimensional images having different radiation generating points. A stereo image that is configured to extract a 3D image by selecting the part where the image is emphasized by sequentially translating one image of the image and superimposing it on the other image. A graph image acquisition device is assumed as a configuration requirement.

 In the present invention, the radiation generator is an electron storage ring, a synchrotron, or an overnight tron, and a plurality of targets are alternately set in the orbit, or evening targets are set at different positions. It is characterized by moving and capturing a plurality of simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points using a single fixed imaging device.

In the present invention, the radiation generating apparatus is an X-ray tube, and a plurality of sunsets are set in the X-ray tube, and a high voltage is alternately applied, thereby fixing one fixed image. Multiple simple 2D images with different points of radiation generation It is characterized by.

 Further, in the present invention, the radiation generator is a microfocus electron beam generator, a linac, a microtron, or an evening tron, and the generated electron beam is changed in direction using a steerer magnet or an electric field, and a plurality of the electron beams are changed. It is characterized by the fact that multiple simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points were picked up using a fixed image pickup device that collided with the sunset.

 In the present invention, the radiation generator is a radioisotope, and the position of the radioisotope is moved using a driving mechanism or a plurality of radioisotopes are set and shielded alternately. It is characterized by using a single fixed imaging device to capture multiple simple 2D images with different radiation points. The invention's effect

 In the present invention, a plurality of simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points are obtained by using one fixed image pickup device by radiation from a radiation generation apparatus having a plurality of radiation generation points separated by a predetermined interval. Stereograph image acquisition that extracts a 3D image by picking up an image and selecting one of the images that has been enhanced by sequentially translating one of the images and superimposing it on the other Since the method is a configuration requirement, a 3D image can be constructed from at least two 2D X-ray images, so the imaging time can be shortened, radiation exposure to the subject is reduced, safety is improved, and image contrast is increased. The effect of raising is also produced.

In addition, a radiation generator having a plurality of radiation generation points separated by a predetermined interval, a single fixed imaging device, and a plurality of simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points, one of which is captured Stereograph image, which is configured to extract a 3D image by selecting the part where image enhancement occurred by sequentially translating the image and superimposing it on another image Since the acquisition device is a configuration requirement, prepare at least two radiation generators that can obtain two-dimensional X-ray images and one fixed image pickup device, and combine the parallel movement means of the captured images. In addition, a three-dimensional image of an affected area of a subject can be obtained by an image acquisition device having a simple structure Further, the radiation generator is an electron storage ring, synchrotron, or betatron, and a plurality of sunset targets are alternately set in the orbit, or the targets are moved to different positions, and i units When multiple simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points are captured using a fixed imaging device, electrons for generating radiation circulate around the electron storage ring etc. at high speed repeatedly. The X-ray intensity does not decrease. 'Furthermore, a method for obtaining a plurality of evening targets for generating radiation can be appropriately selected from two methods. Furthermore, the radiation generator is an X-ray tube, and a plurality of targets are set in the X-ray tube, and a high voltage is alternately applied, thereby using a single fixed imaging device. When multiple simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points are captured, X-rays obtained relatively easily as radiation can be used to select multiple evening gates installed in the X-ray tube. Multiple energies for acquiring stereoscopic images can be easily obtained by simply energizing the power. The radiation generator is a microfocus electron beam generator, a linac, a microtron or a betatron, and the generated electron beam collides with a plurality of targets by changing the direction using a steerer magnet or an electric field. When a single fixed imaging device is used to capture multiple simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points, an electron beam generated by a microfocus electron beam generator or the like is used with a magnet or an electric field. The direction can be freely controlled and radiation can be generated at multiple targets. Furthermore, the radiation generator is a radioisotope, and the position of the radioisotope is moved by using a driving mechanism, or a plurality of radioisotopes are set and shielded alternately, thereby fixing one unit. If multiple simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points are captured using the image capture device, the radioisotope is moved using a drive mechanism without using an accelerator or an X-ray tube. By setting different isotopes and shielding them alternately, multiple radiation points can be obtained easily.

As described above, in the stereograph image acquisition method and apparatus therefor according to the present invention, an X-ray generation apparatus having a plurality of X-ray generation points, etc. is configured, and a single fixed image pickup apparatus is used. By picking up multiple simple 2D X-ray images, etc., with different generation points, and overlaying the images by shifting them one after the other, select the part where image enhancement occurred. This is a method and means for extracting a stereoscopic image. In other words, since a stereoscopic image can be constructed from at least two 2D X-ray images, the imaging time can be shortened, radiation exposure can be reduced, and the image contrast can be increased. Brief Description of Drawings

 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the principle of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a digital image processing method and process diagram of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a complete circular electron storage ring based on an electron storage type X-ray generator according to the invention of Yasunari Yamada. Fig. 4 shows an X-ray generator with an X-ray generation target installed in the interior, and Fig. 4 shows an example of X-ray generation from two evening targets using an X-ray tube. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional CT apparatus and its photographing method. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 The basic configuration of the present invention is to use a single fixed imaging device with radiation from a radiation generator having a plurality of radiation generation points separated by a predetermined interval, and to use a plurality of simple radiation generation points different from each other. A two-dimensional image is taken, one of the images is translated in parallel, and superimposed with the other one to select a portion where the enhancement of the image has occurred, thereby extracting a three-dimensional image The stereograph image acquisition method was set as a constituent requirement.

The X-ray stereograph of this embodiment constitutes an X-ray generator having a plurality of X-ray generation points, and uses a single fixed imaging device, and a plurality of simple two-dimensional X-rays having different X-ray generation points. This is a method of extracting a 3D image by picking up the part where the enhancement of the image occurs by picking up an image, shifting one of the images sequentially and overlaying it with the other one. It is a means to capture and extract X-ray images. The configuration that provides the best effect can be obtained by making the X-ray generation point as small as possible. The recommended X-ray generation point size is 10 microns or less. X-ray imaging devices should have as little spatial resolution as possible, and X-ray film is good in that respect. However, imaging plates or II cameras or high-resolution solid-state imaging devices are recommended because of the need for image processing. X-ray is the simplest radiation to use, but it is better to obtain a transmission image, and therefore X-rays of 100 keV or higher are recommended. Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the principle of the present invention. This apparatus includes two X-ray generation targets 1 and 2 and an imaging apparatus 4 fixed behind the subject 3. The number of X-ray generation targets is not limited to two and may be many, but at least two are required. Here, the section of the evening-getting is assumed to be 0.1 mm 0 or less. X-rays are generated when an electron beam collides with the target. FIG. 1 further shows the result of projecting the representative points A and B of the subject 3 onto the imaging device 4. The X-ray emitted from X-ray generation target 1 creates an image of point A on the image pickup device A 1 and an image of point B on B 1. X-ray generation The X-ray emitted from Get 2 shows that the image of point A was created on A 2 of the imaging device and the image of point B was created on B 2. The image using X-ray generation evening get 1 and the image using X-ray generation evening get 2 are stored in separate frames.

 FIG. 2 illustrates the digital image processing method and process of the present invention. 5 is a two-dimensional image taken at X-ray evening target 1, and 6 is an image taken at X-ray target 2. However, only the one-dimensional section is displayed. It is 1 1 and 1 2 that digitize the two images and show their gradation. 1 2 shows that the center of the image has been moved by a predetermined distance in a predetermined direction. Next, 1 1 and 1 2 images are overlapped and the corresponding bits are added to 1 3. When the travel distance is an appropriate value, B 1 and B 2 that match A 1 and A 2 do not match. Conversely, when B 1 and B 2 match, A 1 and A 2 never match. Therefore, when A 1 and A 2 match, the intensity doubles, but the intensity of B 1 or B 2 never doubles. Level correction was performed in image processing 14. As a result, the image of B is lost. That is, an image having a certain depth is extracted. That is, 14 is a tomographic photograph. The depth of the fault can be changed by changing the moving distance. It also has the effect of reducing image noise and making the image clearer. Note that addition work and level adjustment can be performed using existing image software, and will not be described in detail here.

Since the moving distance ′ in the above description depends on the distance between the subject and the imaging device, it includes information on the depth of the subject. The longer the moving distance, the farther the subject is from the imaging device. The smaller the moving distance, the closer the subject is to the imaginary device. If the subject is placed in close contact with the imaging device, the moving distance is zero at the point of contact. The distance between the two X-ray generation points is d, the distance from the X-ray generation point to the subject surface is L, the distance from the subject surface to A is (5 A, the distance from the subject surface to B is SB, The distance to the imaging device is LS A 1— A 2 moving distance DA is DA = d * (LS— 5A) / (L + 5A), B 1— B 2 moving distance DB is DB = d * (LS- (5 B) / (L + ά Β) That is, if the depth S (δ Α or SB) increases, the moving distance D (DA or DB) decreases. Now, if the imaging device is placed in close contact with the subject, L >> LS, so D to d * (LS— (5) ZL. LS is the thickness of the subject. Assuming that d is 10 mm, LS is 300 mm, and L is 300 mm, D ~ 1-(5/300 mm, so 5 2 3 mm depth is identified However, the movement should be done in 10 micron steps, so the image resolution is 10 micron. This means that the size of the X-ray generation point should be 10 microns or less and the resolution of the imaging device should be 10 microns or less. If the moving distance is changed in 10 micron steps, tomographic images with different depths are extracted in 3 mm steps, and stereoscopic images can be obtained from these tomographic images using existing software. The above is an example of 1 ^ 3, the distance between the two X-ray generation points, the size of the X-ray generation point, the distance to the subject, the distance between the subject and the imaging device, etc. In particular, it will be understood that increasing the distance between the two X-ray generation points will result in higher resolution.

As described in the previous section, in the X-ray stereograph apparatus of the present invention, there are at least two X-ray generation points separated by a predetermined distance, and the size of the X-ray generation point itself, that is, the diameter of the evening getter. It is required to be less than 10 microns. Electron accelerators used for this purpose include X-ray tubes, microfocus electron beam generators (electron microscopes that converge electrons generated by static voltage using an electrostatic or magnetic field), linacs, Betatrons and microtrons can be used, and electron circulators, electron synchrotrons, and electron storage rings can be used as devices for circulating electrons. Figure 3 is based on an electron storage X-ray generator invented by Yasunari Yamada It is said. This is an embodiment in which an X-ray generation target 26 is installed inside a complete circular electron storage ring 20. The outer diameter of the perfect circular electron storage ring is 60 cm. Target 26 is platinum with a cross section of 1 to 10 microns. Of course, all solids other than platinum can be used as targets. Attach target 26 to the tip of linear introducer 25 that constitutes the target drive unit, drive it, and place it in two different positions to generate X-rays. The target drive interval is 10 to 50 mm. In the electron storage ring 20, electrons orbit around an orbit 28 having a width of about 8 O mm, so that X-rays are generated even if the X-ray generation target 26 is displaced from the center. be able to. Even if the target cross-sectional area is 10 microns or less, the electrons repeatedly circulate in the electron storage ring 20 at high speed, so that the X-ray intensity does not decrease. In the same sense, it is possible to use Vetron and Synchrotron. The basic components of the electron storage ring 20 are the vacuum chamber 24, par overnight

2 2, Acceleration cavity 2 3, X-ray port 2 7, well known.

 Fig. 4 shows an embodiment in which X-rays are generated from two targets using an X-ray tube. This is an example in the case where the accumulation of electrons is not performed, and the case where linac, betatron, and microtron are used is similar. In the X-ray tube, a high voltage is applied between the targets 3 3 and 3 4 and the electron gun or the filament 3 2 to accelerate the electrons and collide with the targets 3 3 and 3 4 to generate X-rays. ing. Filament 3 2 is enclosed in X-ray tube 3 1 and heated by power source 3 6 to emit electrons. X-ray target

3 3 and 3 4 are connected to a high voltage power source 3 7 through a switch 3 5. The electrons emitted from filament 3 2 are accelerated and reach target 3 3 to generate X-rays. When the switch is switched and connected to target 3 4, the electrons are accelerated toward 3 4 and collide with 3 4 to generate X-rays. The acceleration voltage is about 30 kV to 20 OkV. The distance between the two targets 3 3 and 3 4 is 5 to 10 cm. Targets 3 3 and 3 4 are normally cooled forces not shown. The switch should be a high-voltage semiconductor element, but it can also be a relay type.

When using an accelerator such as a microfocus electron beam generator, linac, Vegan tron, or microtron, a steerer magnet is placed at the exit of the electron beam to switch the direction of electron travel, although not shown. In the present invention, an X-ray generator is taken as an example. However, other elementary particles such as overnight lines, (line, 7-line, neutrons, etc. can also be used. Instead of X-ray generation targets, neutrons are used. It is possible to use a two-dimensional neutron imaging device using high-energy electron beams and particle beams using easily generated lead, bismuth, uranium, etc. Position of two targets using radioactive isotopes instead of accelerators To describe the X-ray energy used, it is better to use highly transparent X-rays of 100 keV or higher.

 The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Within the scope of the present invention, the distance between a plurality of radiation generating points, the shape and form of the radiation generating apparatus, the shape and form of the image pickup apparatus, simple 2 Dimensional image capture form, parallel translation form of the image, superposition form of the image, selection form of the emphasized part of the image, extraction form of the 3D image, shape of the electron accumulation ring or synchrotron or betatron as the radiation generator , Form, set form of multiple evening targets in the orbit, or move form to different positions, shape of X-ray tube as radiation generator, form, to multiple targets in X-ray tube Alternating high-voltage load configuration, Microfocus electron beam generator as radiation generator, linac or microtron or nighttron shape, type, emission Of steered electron beam using steerer magnet or electric field, types of radioactive isotopes as radiation generators, moving forms by the driving mechanism of radioactive isotopes, alternating forms of shielding of radioactive isotopes, etc. Can be selected as appropriate. Industrial applicability

 Radiographs using X-rays are indispensable for medical treatment, animal experiments, and nondestructive examinations. High-intensity X-ray generators are necessary for cutting-edge science such as material science, material science, and biochemistry. In using these X-rays, it is possible to provide an extremely clear stereoscopic image by a simple modification of introducing two X-ray generation points and a simple process of superimposing images. Introduced in imaging technology. Because it is an operation that takes two simple X-ray images, it does not cost much and can reduce exposure, so it replaces C T where exposure is a problem.

Claims

The scope of the claims  1. By using radiation from a radiation generator having a plurality of radiation generation points separated by a predetermined interval, a plurality of simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points are captured using a single fixed imaging device, A stereograph image acquisition method that extracts a three-dimensional image by selecting one of the images that has been emphasized by sequentially translating one of the images and superimposing it on the other.  2. A radiation generator having a plurality of radiation generation points separated by a predetermined interval, a single fixed imaging device, and a plurality of simple two-dimensional images with different radiation generation points, one of which Stereograph image, which is configured to extract a 3D image by selecting the part where the image is emphasized by sequentially translating the image of the image and superimposing it on the other image. Acquisition device.  3. The radiation generator is an electron storage ring, synchrotron, or overnight tron, and a plurality of targets are alternately set in the orbit or moved to different positions. 3. The stereograph image acquisition apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of simple two-dimensional images having different radiation generation points are imaged using the fixed image capturing apparatus.  4. The radiation generating device is an X-ray tube, and a plurality of targets are set in the X-ray tube, and a high voltage is applied alternately, thereby using a single fixed imaging device. The stereograph image acquisition device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of simple two-dimensional images having different radiation generation points are captured.  5. The radiation generator is a microfocus electron beam generator, a linac, a microtron, or a counter opening, and the generated electron beam is redirected by using a steerer magnet or an electric field to obtain a plurality of sunset targets. 3. The stereograph image acquisition device according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of simple two-dimensional images having different radiation generation points are picked up using a single fixed image pickup device. 6. The radiation generator is a radioisotope, and the position of the radioisotope is moved using a drive mechanism, or multiple radioisotopes are set and shielded alternately, thereby fixing one unit. Multiple image generation devices with different radiation points 3. The stereograph image acquisition apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a simple two-dimensional image is captured.