JP2007151603A - Movable x-ray apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a movable X-ray apparatus which enables the operator to confirm an X-ray image captured using an imaging plate (IP) on an imaging site. <P>SOLUTION: The movable X-ray apparatus is equipped with an X-ray generating part 3 for irradiating a subject A with X rays, a main body 2 for supporting the X-ray generating part 3 through a supporting mechanism 4, and a moving dolly 1 for making the main body 2 travel, and images by accumulating X rays which is emitted from the X-ray generating part 3 and transmits the subject A in an imaging plate (IP5) as a latent image. The X-ray apparatus is equipped with an image reading means 22 for reading the latent image accumulated in the imaging plate (IP5) as image data and an image output means (a display device 24) for outputting the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus that performs imaging using an imaging plate (IP). In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus that can display and check a captured image at a shooting site.

  A mobile apparatus is known as a medical X-ray imaging apparatus. The mobile X-ray apparatus includes a mobile carriage, a main body mounted on the mobile carriage, an X-ray generator that irradiates a subject with X-rays, and a support mechanism that supports the X-ray generator movably from the main body. have. An X-ray image is taken using an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the subject.

  On the other hand, the F / S method using a film / screen or a flat panel detector (FPD) is used as a technique for imaging transmitted X-rays detected by such an X-ray detector as a captured image. The FPD-DR (FPD-Digital Radiography) method was considered.

  First, the F / S method applies X-rays that have passed through the subject to a phosphor (screen) having radiation sensitivity, and the phosphor absorbs the X-rays and emits visible light to the film to expose the X-rays. This is a technique for obtaining line images. This X-ray image is obtained by developing a film.

  Next, the FPD-DR method is a technique for converting and outputting a two-dimensional intensity distribution of X-rays transmitted through a subject as a digital image signal by FPD (for example, Patent Document 1). For example, a two-dimensional intensity distribution of X-rays is stored as charges with a storage capacitor or photodiode for each pixel arranged in a matrix, and this charge is read out as an electrical signal through a thin film transistor switch, and the signal is further converted into an A / D signal. Converted and output as a digital image signal.

JP-A-2005-204860

  However, when the above-described imaging technology for captured images is used in a mobile X-ray apparatus, there are the following problems.

  In the case of the F / S method, the film and the screen are usually used in a case called a cassette. However, it is necessary to mount the same number of cassettes as the number of photographing times on the mobile X-ray apparatus. For example, when imaging is performed in a plurality of hospital rooms, X-ray imaging may be performed ten to several tens times in one round, and the number of cassettes carried at that time is considerably large. In the case of the F / S method, a photographed image cannot be obtained unless the film is developed. Therefore, this image cannot be confirmed at the photographing site. For this reason, in order to re-shoot even if the imaging failure is noticed after the development of the film, the X-ray apparatus must be moved to the hospital room where the patient to be imaged again to perform imaging.

  On the other hand, in the case of the FPD-DR method, the FPD itself is very expensive. At present, the FPD itself is about several million yen, and a mobile X-ray apparatus using the FPD for the X-ray detection unit is extremely expensive. Also, considering that FPDs are easily damaged by impact and are expensive, photographers are very nervous in handling them.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and one of its purposes is to provide a mobile X-ray apparatus capable of confirming an X-ray image photographed using IP at the photographing site. There is.

  The present invention uses an imaging plate that accumulates X-rays transmitted through a subject as a latent image as an X-ray detection unit, and incorporates image reading means for reading image data from the imaging plate into a mobile X-ray apparatus. Achieving the above objectives.

  The first configuration of the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray generator that irradiates a subject with X-rays, a main body that supports the X-ray generator via a support mechanism, and a movement that moves the main body The mobile X-ray apparatus includes a carriage and performs imaging by storing X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generation unit and transmitted through the subject as a latent image on an imaging plate. According to the present invention, the X-ray apparatus includes an image reading unit that reads out the latent image accumulated in the imaging plate as image data, and an image output unit that outputs the image data.

  The second configuration of the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray generator that irradiates a subject with X-rays, a main body that supports the X-ray generator via a support mechanism, and a movement that moves the main body. A carriage, an imaging plate that accumulates X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator and transmitted through the subject as a latent image, an image reading unit that reads out the latent image accumulated in the imaging plate as image data, and the image Image output means for outputting data.

  By providing image reading means for converting and outputting an IP latent image into image data, the mobile X-ray apparatus itself can generate image data. Then, the image data can be output and displayed by the image output means. Therefore, storage and display of the obtained image data can be easily performed by the mobile X-ray apparatus itself, and a photographed image can be confirmed on the spot.

  Further, since the IP for which the reading of the captured image by the image reading means has been completed can be repeatedly used by erasing the latent image, it is not necessary to carry the same number of IPs as the number of times of shooting at the time of shooting, unlike a film.

  The IP temporarily stores a two-dimensional X-ray energy pattern as a latent image using a stimulable phosphor. The image reading means converts and outputs this latent image as image data. For example, when a laser is scanned by the image reading means on the stimulable phosphor of IP in which the latent image is accumulated, stimulated light is emitted from the IP in accordance with the amount of X-ray irradiation. Image data can be obtained by detecting the emitted light.

  Conventionally, an image reading device is used to read an image from an IP. Usually, this image reading apparatus is installed in a specific room away from the shooting site. Therefore, in order to read a captured image from the IP, it is necessary to take the IP to the room where the image reading apparatus is installed, and the captured image cannot be immediately confirmed at the shooting site. On the other hand, since the X-ray apparatus of the present invention includes the image reading unit and the image output unit, the captured image can be immediately read and confirmed on the spot where the image is taken.

  This image reading means is preferably provided with an erasing means for erasing X-ray energy remaining in the IP after image reading. Part of the irradiated X-ray energy remains in the IP after image reading. Since this residual energy affects the captured image when the IP is reused, it is desirable to erase it. Examples of the erasing means include one having an erasing light irradiation unit that irradiates a sufficient amount of erasing light to the IP whose image has been read. The erasing light irradiating unit may be capable of exposing the entire surface of the IP with erasing light such as a fluorescent lamp. As a result, residual X-ray energy can be erased over the entire surface of the IP.

  The image reading means is preferably provided in the main body of the mobile X-ray apparatus. Since the configuration of the image reading means is added to the conventional mobile X-ray apparatus, the installation space for the image reading means can be easily formed if the main body is the largest among the constituent elements of the X-ray apparatus.

  In particular, it is preferable that an X-ray tube and a high voltage generator are integrated to form an X-ray generator, and that the main body has no high voltage generator, and that the main body is provided with image reading means. Usually, the mobile X-ray apparatus has an X-ray tube that generates X-rays and a high-voltage generator that applies a high voltage to the X-ray tube. Such a mobile X-ray apparatus needs to be sized so that it can be positioned between beds installed in a hospital room because it is moved to a hospital room for imaging. For example, if the bed interval is 60 cm, the maximum width of the mobile X-ray device must be a size that can be placed in this interval. In that case, in order to obtain a mobile X-ray apparatus having the same size as that of the conventional apparatus even if the image reading means is incorporated, it is preferable that an arrangement space for the image reading means can be formed in the main body which is the largest component of the X-ray apparatus. A conventional mobile X-ray device generally has a configuration in which a main body is equipped with a high voltage generator, but if this high voltage generator is integrated with an X-ray tube to form an X-ray generator, The place where the high voltage generator is disposed can be used as an installation space for the image processing means.

  In addition, the main body of a conventional mobile X-ray apparatus may be provided with a film storage location. However, with the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention, the film storage location is the IP storage location. Can be used as At that time, in the apparatus of the present invention, the number of IPs carried at the time of photographing may be small. It may be used as a part.

  Furthermore, in the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention, it is preferable that image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the image data is provided, and the photographed image subjected to image processing is displayed by the image output means. By providing the image processing means, appropriate image processing can be immediately performed on the obtained image data. Further, the image after image processing can be displayed on the spot by the image display means, and the captured image can be easily confirmed.

  The image processing means performs predetermined image processing on the image data read / output from the image reading means. This image processing includes all types of processing for performing predetermined calculations on image data, and typically includes image processing for the purpose of improving diagnostic image quality and image processing for improving diagnosis efficiency. . Specific examples include the following image processing.

(1) EDR (Exposure Date Recognizer) processing that digitizes the image within a certain range even when the X-ray dose changes during X-ray imaging, and obtains the optimum image density and contrast.
(2) Image enhancement processing for obtaining an optimal display image for each imaging region and imaging method. This image enhancement processing includes dynamic range compression processing, frequency enhancement processing, multi-frequency processing, gradation processing, and the like.
(3) Image data compression processing that efficiently stores and transmits images without reducing diagnostic image quality. This compression processing includes both reversible compression and lossy compression.
(4) Energy subtraction processing for obtaining an image in which a bone part or a soft part is erased by performing energy separation from two images taken with different X-ray energies.
(5) Computer-aided image diagnosis that automatically identifies and displays parts that appear to be abnormal shadows in the image.

  On the other hand, the image output means only needs to be able to display the image data output from the image reading means or the image processed by the image processing means. For example, a monitor using a CRT, a liquid crystal display, or the like can be suitably used as the image output means.

  The mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention can provide the following effects.

  (1) By providing the IP image reading means and the image output means in the mobile X-ray apparatus, the photographed image can be confirmed immediately at the photographing site. Therefore, even when re-taking is performed, it can be performed on the spot without moving from the shooting site.

  (2) By providing the image reading means with an erasing means for erasing the latent image remaining in the IP, the latent image remaining in the IP after the image reading can be erased, and the IP can be used repeatedly. it can. As a result, it is not necessary to carry the same number of IPs as the number of shots during shooting, and the number of IPs carried can be reduced. For example, it is possible to carry a large number of times of imaging by carrying a small number of IPs having different sizes according to the imaging region and repeatedly using them. Furthermore, when shooting using a large number of IPs, there is a high possibility that IPs will be mistaken, but if only a small number of IPs are used, the probability of IP mistakes can be reduced.

  (3) Even when an IP image reading apparatus that has been conventionally installed in a specific room becomes inoperable due to a failure or the like, the IP reading apparatus provided in the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention is used. The latent image can be imaged.

  (4) Since the mobile X-ray apparatus performs all operations with battery power, it can be used in disaster areas where power supply is not possible. In particular, since the mobile X-ray apparatus has an IP image reading means, a captured image can be read on the spot and a quick diagnosis can be performed.

  (5) Since the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention uses IP without using FPD for imaging, it can be made inexpensive in price and can handle IP without using nerves as much as FPD. If the X-ray detection unit is FPD, it is connected to the main unit (X-ray generation unit) side with a cable for power supply and signal communication, but IP does not need to be connected to the main unit side with a cable. The X-ray detector can be operated with a high degree of freedom during imaging.

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

<Device configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention has a mobile carriage 1, a main body 2, an X-ray generator 3, and a support mechanism 4. The main body 2 is provided with an operation panel 21, an image reading means 22, an image processing means 23, and a display 24 (image output means). In order to perform imaging of the subject A with this apparatus, IP5 serving as an X-ray detection unit is used. All operations such as running, X-ray irradiation, image reading, and image processing of this apparatus are performed by power from a battery (not shown). In the following description, the partial functional block diagram of the device of the present invention shown in FIG.

  The movable carriage 1 is provided with wheels that allow the X-ray apparatus to move, and the X-ray apparatus is caused to travel by being driven by a traveling motor 20 (FIG. 2) or manually.

  The main body 2 is installed on the carriage 1 and incorporates control means 200 (FIG. 2) for performing various controls of the X-ray apparatus such as the traveling motor 20 and the X-ray generator 3. The operation of the X-ray apparatus via the control means 200 is performed by operating the operation panel 21 provided in the upper part at the rear of the main body. That is, an X-ray condition at the time of imaging is set by input from the operation panel 21.

  Further, an image reading means 22 is built in the rear part of the main body 2. The reading means 22 converts and outputs the latent image stored in the IP5 as image data, and has a laser scanning means, a photomultiplier tube, an A / D converter, and the like. To read out an image, a laser beam is scanned by a laser scanning unit on a latent image accumulated as trapped electrons in an IP5 photostimulable phosphor. By this scanning, the phosphor emits bright light according to the amount of X-ray irradiation, and the latent image is converted into photons. Further, the photon can be converted into an analog electric signal by a photomultiplier tube, which can be converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter to obtain image data.

  Further, the image reading means 22 also includes an erasing means 22A (FIG. 2) for making it possible to repeatedly use IP5 after image reading. The erasing means 22A has an erasing light irradiation unit. For example, by irradiating the erasing light from the erasing light irradiating unit to the IP 5 after the image reading, X-ray energy remaining in the IP 5 after the image reading can be erased. In this example, the erasing light is configured to be able to irradiate the entire surface of IP5. By erasing the residual X-ray energy using this erasing light, it becomes possible to use IP5 repeatedly.

  The image processing unit 23 performs predetermined image processing on the image data output from the image reading unit 22. Here, for example, EDR processing, dynamic range compression processing, frequency enhancement processing, and the like are performed.

  The image data processed by the image processing means 23 is displayed on the display 24. Here, a liquid crystal display is used as the display 24.

  In addition, the main body 2 may be provided with storage means for image data, or input / output means for inputting / outputting data with a RIS (Radiology Information System) server (not shown). RIS is a support system that provides integrated services such as reservation of X-ray examinations, reception of examinations, interpretation of examination data, storage, medical office work, and billing by linking existing hospital information systems online. If the input / output means of this RIS server and the X-ray device are connected via a LAN cable, for example, patient information and imaging technique information required for imaging reservations can be obtained from the server, and captured image data can be transferred via RIS. Can be.

  The X-ray generation unit 3 includes an X-ray tube 31 that generates X-rays and an X-ray diaphragm 32 that limits the X-ray irradiation range. Further, in this example, as shown in FIG. 2, a high voltage generator 33 for applying a high voltage to the X-ray tube 31 is also integrated to constitute the X-ray generator 3. For this reason, the main body 2 does not have the high voltage generator 33, and the image reading means 22 and the image processing means 23 are arranged in the main body 2 having sufficient space, thereby suppressing the increase in size of the X-ray apparatus. Yes. In the case of the X-ray apparatus of this example, the size is the same as that of a conventional X-ray apparatus that does not include image reading means or image processing means.

  The support mechanism 4 includes a support column 41 and an arm 42, and supports the X-ray generation unit 3 movably with respect to the main body 2. The support column 41 is rotatably attached to the main body 2 with a vertical axis as a rotation axis, and the arm 42 is configured to be bendable at a plurality of locations and can be moved up and down along the support column 41. Therefore, the X-ray generator 3 at the tip of the arm can be aligned with the subject A with a wide degree of freedom by rotating the support column 41, raising and lowering the arm 42, and bending the arm 42.

  On the other hand, IP5 serving as an X-ray detection unit is a stimulable phosphor disposed on a support, and is installed on a bed B facing the X-ray generation unit 3. When IP5 is irradiated with X-rays transmitted through the subject A, the incident X-ray quanta are absorbed by the phosphor and converted into a large number of electrons. A part of it is stored as trapped electrons in the phosphor and accumulated as a latent image.

<Operation procedure>
When performing imaging using the X-ray apparatus described above, the X-ray apparatus is first moved to a hospital room where the subject A is present. Next, the X-ray generation unit 3 is aligned with the region of interest of the subject A, and IP5 is also arranged at a position facing the X-ray generation unit 3. At this time, the subject A is positioned between the X-ray generator 3 and IP5. Subsequently, X-ray conditions are set on the operation panel 21 and photographing is performed.

  The IP5 that has finished photographing is transferred from the bed B to the image reading means 22, where image data is read. The read image data is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing means 23, and the processed image data is displayed on the display 24. Therefore, the photographer can immediately confirm the photographed image at the photographing site, and if it is found that the photographing has failed, the photographer can immediately retake the photograph. When it is confirmed that the captured image is appropriate, for example, the image data is transferred to an image server such as a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System).

  On the other hand, when the image data has been read, IP5 erases the X-ray energy remaining in the phosphor by the erasing means and uses it for the next imaging.

  As described above, according to the X-ray apparatus of this example, a captured image can be confirmed immediately at the shooting site, and can be reused by reading and erasing the latent image of the IP. There is no need to carry. In addition, since the apparatus of the present invention uses IP instead of FPD for photographing, it can be made inexpensive in price and can handle IP without using nerves as much as FPD.

  The mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention can be suitably used for taking an X-ray image during a round visit.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Moving cart
2 Main unit 20 Motor for traveling 21 Operation panel 22 Image reading means
22A Erasing means 23 Image processing means 24 Display 200 Control means
3 X-ray generator 31 X-ray tube 32 X-ray aperture 33 High voltage generator
4 Support mechanism 41 Post 42 Arm
5 IP
A Subject B Sleeper

Claims (6)

An X-ray generator that irradiates the subject with X-rays;
A main body that supports the X-ray generation unit via a support mechanism;
A mobile X-ray apparatus that includes a moving carriage that travels the main body and that performs imaging by storing X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generation unit and transmitted through the subject as latent images on an imaging plate. And
A mobile X-ray apparatus comprising: an image reading unit that reads out latent images accumulated in the imaging plate as image data; and an image output unit that outputs the image data. An X-ray generator that irradiates the subject with X-rays;
A main body that supports the X-ray generation unit via a support mechanism;
A moving carriage for running the main body;
An imaging plate that accumulates X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator and transmitted through the subject as latent images;
Image reading means for reading out the latent image accumulated in the imaging plate as image data;
A moving X-ray apparatus comprising: an image output means for outputting the image data.   The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an erasing unit that erases X-ray energy remaining on the imaging plate whose image data has been read by the image reading unit.   The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading unit is installed in a main body. Furthermore, a high voltage generator for supplying a high voltage to the X-ray generator is provided,
The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the high-voltage generator is integrated with the X-ray generator. Furthermore, an image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the image data is provided,
6. The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output means displays a captured image that has been subjected to image processing.

Images