JP2013000585A - Radiation imaging apparatus and method of operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively obtain a stereoscopic subtraction image without increasing equipment costs.SOLUTION: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation source 17 that sequentially emits radiations from three different imaging directions from each other, and a radiation detector 15 that detects each of the emitted radiations to obtain image data DL, DM, and DR. The radiation imaging apparatus controls the energy of radiation in one of three imaging directions such that the energy of the one is lower than the energy of radiations in the other two imaging directions, and controls the sequence of the irradiation such that the irradiation in one of the other two imaging directions is lastly emitted. The radiation imaging apparatus performs subtraction processing on the image data DL and DR in the other two directions and the image data DM in the one direction.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus that performs energy subtraction processing on image data obtained by sequentially irradiating radiation from three different imaging directions, and an operation method thereof.

  In the field of medical image processing, two radiographic images are obtained by irradiating the same subject with radiation having different energy distributions, and each pixel of these two radiographic images is associated with each other so that an appropriate image signal is obtained. Energy subtraction imaging that obtains a differential signal representing a radiographic image of a specific diagnostic part by multiplying a weighting coefficient and then subtracting (hereinafter referred to as subtract processing) is known. Since it is possible to acquire a soft part image from which bones have been removed and a bone part image from which soft part components have been removed, it is possible to interpret a radiographic image from which parts that are not diagnostic parts have been removed (hereinafter referred to as subtract images). It becomes easy to do.

  By the way, in recent years, a subject is irradiated with radiation from two or more different directions, the radiation transmitted through the subject is detected, a radiation image having a parallax is obtained, and these two radiation images are displayed to display a diagnosis target portion. Imaging (hereinafter, referred to as stereo imaging) for stereoscopically viewing a radiation image is performed. If this technique is used, a radiological image having a sense of depth can be read and diagnosis can be easily performed. Then, by combining these two techniques, the subtract image can be stereoscopically viewed.

  Patent Document 1 includes three pairs of radiation sources and radiation detectors facing each other with a subject interposed therebetween, each pair having a different direction from each other. A radiation imaging apparatus has been proposed in which low-energy radiation images are acquired by using an intermediate pair, and a subtracting process is performed on these radiation images.

JP 2009-273672 A

  However, in the technique proposed in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to provide a plurality of pairs of radiation sources and radiation detectors, which may increase the equipment cost. On the other hand, if a subtracting process is performed after sequentially moving one radiation source and performing radiation imaging from each imaging direction, it may take time to acquire a stereoscopically viewable subtract image.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiation imaging apparatus and an operation method thereof that can acquire a subtractable image that can be stereoscopically viewed efficiently while suppressing facility costs.

  In order to solve the above problems, the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention includes one radiation source that sequentially irradiates radiation from three different imaging directions toward the subject, and radiation that is irradiated from the three imaging directions. An irradiation energy control unit that controls the energy distribution of the radiation source so that the energy of radiation irradiated from one imaging direction is lower than the energy of radiation irradiated from the other two imaging directions; The irradiation order control unit that controls the irradiation order from the three imaging directions so that the irradiation from one of the imaging directions is the last, and the radiation that is irradiated from each imaging direction is detected and imaged Subtract processing is performed on the radiation detector that acquires image data for each direction, each image data in the other two imaging directions, and image data in one imaging direction. Characterized in that a subtraction processing section for performing.

  In addition, the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention may include an imaging direction control unit that controls the imaging direction of the radiation source so that one imaging direction is an intermediate direction between the three imaging directions.

  In the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, the imaging direction control unit may control each imaging direction so that one imaging direction is a middle direction of the other two imaging directions. Here, the “middle direction” in the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention means a direction in which the angle formed by one imaging direction and the other two imaging directions is equal to each other.

  In the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, the irradiation order control unit may control the irradiation order so that irradiation from the other imaging direction of the other two imaging directions is first. .

  In the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, the subtract processing unit aligns the image of the subject included in the image data in one imaging direction with each image of the subject included in each image data in the other two imaging directions. You may do it.

  The radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention further includes an instruction receiving unit that receives a user instruction regarding an angle formed by the other two imaging directions, and the imaging direction setting unit is an angle at which an angle formed by the other two imaging directions is indicated. It is also possible to control each shooting direction so that

  In the radiographic apparatus of the present invention, the radiographing direction control unit sets each radiographing direction so that one of the other two radiographing directions is perpendicular to the detection surface of the radiation detector. It may be controlled.

  In the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, the imaging direction control unit may control each imaging direction so that an angle formed by the other two imaging directions is in a range of 2 ° to 8 °. .

  The operation method of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes one radiation source that sequentially irradiates radiation from three different imaging directions toward the subject, and an image for each imaging direction by detecting the radiation emitted from each imaging direction. An operation method of a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation detector that acquires data, and among the radiation irradiated from three imaging directions, the energy of the radiation irradiated from one imaging direction is the other two imaging Irradiation in three imaging directions so that the radiation source is controlled to be lower than the energy of radiation irradiated from the direction, and irradiation from one of the other two imaging directions is the last. The order is controlled, and subtract processing is performed on each image data in the other two shooting directions and image data in one shooting direction.

  According to the radiation imaging apparatus and the operation method thereof of the present invention, of the radiation irradiated from the three imaging directions, the energy of the radiation irradiated from one imaging direction is the radiation of the radiation irradiated from the other two imaging directions. The radiation source is controlled to be lower than the energy, and the irradiation order in the three imaging directions is controlled so that the irradiation from one of the other two imaging directions is the last, and the other two Since each image data in one imaging direction and image data in one imaging direction are subjected to subtract processing, the first and second images were acquired at the time of the last imaging while suppressing the equipment cost with one radiation source. By making it possible to perform subtract processing on image data, a stereoscopically subtractable image can be acquired efficiently.

  Further, according to the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, since the imaging direction control unit that controls the imaging direction of the radiation source is provided so that one imaging direction is an intermediate direction between the three imaging directions, each imaging direction is Among the angles formed, it is possible to avoid performing subtract processing on the image data acquired by the combination of the shooting directions that form the largest angle, and it is possible to acquire a subtract image that is easily stereoscopically viewed.

  Further, according to the radiographic apparatus of the present invention, the imaging direction control unit controls each imaging direction so that one imaging direction is a middle direction of the other two imaging directions. Since the angles formed by the other two shooting directions are equal, a subtract image that is more easily stereoscopically viewed can be acquired.

  Further, according to the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, the irradiation order control unit controls the irradiation order so that the irradiation from the other imaging direction of the other two imaging directions starts first. , The subtract image can be acquired more efficiently and stereoscopically.

  According to the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, the subtract processing unit positions the image of the subject included in the image data in one imaging direction at each image of the subject included in each image data in the other two imaging directions. Since the matching is performed, the accuracy of the subtract image is improved, and a subtract image that can be easily viewed stereoscopically can be acquired.

  In addition, according to the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, the radiography apparatus includes an instruction receiving unit that receives a user instruction regarding an angle formed by the other two imaging directions, and the imaging direction setting unit is instructed by an angle formed by the other two imaging directions. Since each photographing direction is controlled so that the angle becomes a certain angle, a stereoscopically viewable subtract image having a desired sense of depth can be acquired.

Schematic configuration diagram of radiation imaging equipment Partial side view of radiation imaging equipment Block diagram showing the configuration of the computer Flow chart showing a series of processing by the radiation imaging apparatus

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the radiation imaging apparatus 100, and FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the radiation imaging apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 includes an imaging apparatus body 1, a monitor 2 that displays a radiographic image captured by the imaging apparatus body 1, an input unit 3 as an instruction receiving unit, and an imaging apparatus body 1 and a monitor. 2 and a computer 4 connected to the input unit 3.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 100 performs radiography of a breast M as a subject from three different imaging directions by the imaging apparatus body 1, and image data DL, DR, and one low energy radiation by two high energy radiation HR irradiations. Image data DM is acquired by irradiation of LR, and image data DL, DR and image data DM are subjected to subtract processing by computer 4 to acquire subtract image data SDL, SDR. The monitor 2 displays the subtract images SGL and SGR based on the subtract image data SDL and SDR, thereby allowing the user to stereoscopically view the subtract image of the breast M.

  First, the photographing apparatus main body 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus main body 1 is movable in the vertical direction (Z direction) with respect to the base 11 and the base 11, and is rotatable with the base 11 by the rotatable rotating shaft 12 and the rotating shaft 12. The arm part 13 connected is provided.

  The arm portion 13 has an alphabet C shape, and a radiation table 16 is attached to one end of the arm portion 13 so as to face the imaging table 14 at the other end. The rotation and vertical movement of the arm unit 13 are controlled by an arm controller 31 incorporated in the base 11.

  The imaging table 14 includes a radiation detector 15 such as a flat panel detector, and a detector controller 33 that controls reading of image data from the radiation detector 15. The imaging table 14 includes a charge amplifier that converts the charge signal read from the radiation detector 15 into a voltage signal, a correlated double sampling circuit that samples the voltage signal output from the charge amplifier, a voltage A circuit board provided with an AD conversion unit for converting a signal into a digital signal is also installed. In addition, the photographing table 14 is configured to be rotatable with respect to the arm unit 13, and even when the arm unit 13 rotates with respect to the base 11, the direction of the photographing table 14 is fixed to the base 11. can do.

  The radiation detector 15 detects radiation applied to the detection surface 15a from each imaging direction and outputs image data DL, DM, DR. Here, the imaging direction is based on an imaging angle θ, which is an angle formed by the arm 13 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the detection surface 15a of the radiation detector 15, as shown in FIG. Further, the photographing angle θ is assumed to be positive in the clockwise direction and negative in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. The image data DL and DR are output by irradiation with the high-energy radiation HR when the radiation source 17 is positioned on the left side and the right side in FIG.

  The radiation detector 15 may be a so-called direct type radiation detector that directly receives radiation and generates charges, or once converts radiation into visible light and converts the visible light into a charge signal. A so-called indirect radiation detector may be used. As a charge signal reading method, a so-called TFT reading method in which reading is performed by turning on and off a TFT (thin film transistor) switch, or image data is read by irradiating reading light. Although it is desirable to use an optical readout type, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types may be used.

  A radiation source 17 and a radiation source controller 32 are stored inside the radiation irradiation unit 16. The radiation source controller 32 controls the timing of irradiating radiation from the radiation source 17 and the radiation generation conditions (tube current (mA), irradiation time (ms), tube voltage (kV), etc.) in the radiation source 17. .

  The radiation source 17 includes a radiation tube and a radiation high voltage generator that applies a tube voltage to the radiation tube. The radiation source 17 can irradiate radiation having different energy distributions under the control of the radiation source controller 32 in order to perform energy subtraction imaging. The radiation source 17 can irradiate the low energy radiation LR by applying a tube voltage of about 100 to 140 kVp and applying a high energy radiation HR and a tube voltage of about 50 to 80 kVp, for example.

  Here, radiation having different energy distributions can be generated by changing the tube voltage for each irradiation to change the maximum value, peak value, average value, etc. on the spectrum distribution of the radiation. Moreover, you may make it generate | occur | produce by emitting a radiation with the same energy distribution, and permeate | transmitting a different filter for every irradiation. Further, the dose of radiation may be changed by changing the tube current or the irradiation time for each irradiation.

  Further, in the central portion of the arm portion 13, a compression plate 18 that is disposed above the imaging table 14 and presses and compresses the breast M, a support portion 20 that supports the compression plate 18, and a support portion 20 that extends in the vertical direction. A moving mechanism 19 for moving in the (Z direction) is provided. The position of the compression plate 18 and the compression pressure are controlled by the compression plate controller 34.

  The monitor 2 is configured to display the subtract image SGL, SGR based on the subtract image data SDL, SDR output from the computer 4 so that the user can stereoscopically view the subtract image of the breast M. . The monitor 2 can also display each image based on the image data DL, DM, DR. Further, the monitor 2 can display a diagnosis report or the like as necessary.

  As a configuration for stereoscopic viewing, for example, the subtract images SGL and SGR are displayed with polarized light orthogonal to each other using two screens, and these two subtract images SGL and SGR are optically coupled by a half mirror or the like. Further, stereoscopic glasses equipped with right-eye and left-eye polarizing lenses may be attached to allow stereoscopic viewing.

  The parallax barrier method and the lenticular method may be used to make the user stereoscopically view, and the subtract images SGL and SGR are alternately switched at a predetermined cycle and displayed, and the liquid crystal is opened and closed in synchronization with the user at a predetermined cycle. Stereoscopic glasses having a shutter or the like may be worn for stereoscopic viewing.

  The input unit 3 includes a pointing device such as a keyboard and a mouse. The input unit 3 accepts input of shooting conditions and operation instructions by the user.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the computer 4. The computer 4 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, and an SSD. With these hardware, a control unit 41, an irradiation energy control unit 42, and an irradiation order as shown in FIG. A control unit 43, a photographing direction control unit 44, an image data storage unit 45, a subtract processing unit 46, and a display control unit 47 are configured.

  The control unit 41 performs overall control of the radiation imaging apparatus 100. The irradiation energy control unit 42 controls the energy of radiation when the radiation source 17 emits radiation from three different imaging directions. The irradiation energy control unit 42 controls the radiation source 17 so that one of the three irradiations is irradiated with the low energy radiation LR and two times with the high energy radiation HR.

  The irradiation order control unit 43 controls the irradiation order. In order to perform the subtraction process in parallel with the last radiation imaging, the irradiation order control unit 43 performs the irradiation order so that one of the two irradiations with the high energy radiation HR is the last irradiation. To control. That is, the irradiation sequence control unit 43 performs irradiation with the high energy radiation HR for the first time and the third time, irradiation with the low energy radiation LR for the second time, or irradiation with the low energy radiation LR for the first time, and the second time. The third time is controlled by irradiation with high energy radiation HR. Thereby, the subtracting process can be parallelized at the time of imaging with the third high-energy radiation HR. In the present embodiment, the irradiation order control unit 43 controls the irradiation order such that the first and third irradiations are performed with the high energy radiation HR, and the second irradiation is performed with the low energy radiation LR.

  The shooting direction control unit 44 controls the shooting direction at each time. Then, the imaging direction control unit 44 avoids that the angle formed by the imaging direction of the low energy radiation LR and the imaging direction of the high energy radiation HR is the largest among the angles formed by the three imaging directions. The imaging direction of the low-energy radiation LR is controlled to be intermediate between the imaging directions of the high-energy radiation HR so that the accuracy of the subtracting process is improved. Thus, in this embodiment, the first time is the high energy radiation HR, the second time is the low energy radiation LR in the middle direction, and the third time is the radiation imaging with the high energy radiation HR again. Can be shortened. Needless to say, the accuracy of the subtract process improves the subtract image easily.

  In this embodiment, the imaging direction control unit 44 equalizes the angle formed by the imaging direction of the low energy radiation LR and each imaging direction of the high energy radiation HR, and further improves the accuracy of the subsequent subtracting process. Control is performed so that the imaging direction of the low-energy radiation LR is in the middle of each imaging direction of the high-energy radiation HR. In the present embodiment, the radiation source 17 is located on the left side in FIG. 2 and on the right side in the third time.

  In addition, since the imaging direction control unit 44 displays a subtract image having a depth feeling desired by the user, the angle formed by each imaging direction of the high-energy radiation HR can be controlled to an angle received by the input unit 15.

  In addition, the imaging direction control unit 44 can control the angle formed by the imaging direction of the high-energy radiation HR within a range of 2 ° to 8 ° in order to display a subtract image that is easy for the user to stereoscopically view. In addition, since the imaging direction control unit 44 uses an image based on the image data DM as a planar view image, the imaging direction control unit 44 may control the imaging direction of the low-energy radiation LR in a direction perpendicular to the detection surface 15a of the radiation detector 15. it can.

  The image data storage unit 45 stores three image data DL, DM, DR read from the radiation detector 15 by radiography from three different imaging directions, and the subtract processing unit 46 stores these images. The subtract image data SDL and SDR generated by performing the subtract process on the data DL, DM, and DR are stored.

  The subtract processing unit 46 performs subtract processing on the image data DL and DR and the image data DM acquired by irradiation with radiation having different energy distributions. Here, the subtract process is a difference in which each pixel in a plurality of image data is made to correspond, a predetermined weighting coefficient is multiplied between the plurality of image data, and then a subtraction process is performed to show an image of a specific structure. This is a process of acquiring a signal.

  In the present embodiment, since the subject is the breast M, for example, the subtract image data SDL, SDR in which the image of the mammary gland is enhanced by setting a weighting coefficient in advance so as to enhance the contrast of the mammary gland, or the tumor The subtract image data SDL and SDR in which the image of the tumor is enhanced can be acquired by setting in advance a weighting coefficient that enhances the contrast.

  As described above, the subtract processing unit 46 acquires the subtract image data SDL and SDR efficiently. After the image data DM is acquired, the image data DL and the image are acquired in parallel with the radiography with the last high energy radiation HR. Subtract processing with the data DM is performed. In addition, when radiography by the low energy radiation LR is performed first, the subtract processing unit 46 performs parallel to the radiography by the last high energy radiation HR for acquiring the image data DR after the image data DL is stored. Thus, subtract processing of the image data DL and the image data DM is performed.

  In order to improve the accuracy, the subtract processing unit 46 aligns the image data DL and the image of the breast M included in the image data DM by a known alignment method such as nonlinear distortion of the image data DM. The subtract process can be performed.

  Based on the two subtract image data SDL and SDR stored in the image data storage unit 45, the display control unit 47 displays the subtract image SGL for the left eye and the subtract image SGR for the right eye of the breast M on the monitor 2. It is what is displayed. The display control unit 47 can individually display each image based on the image data DL, DM, DR stored in the image data storage unit 45, or can display it as an image for the left eye and an image for the right eye. You can also The display control unit 47 can also display a diagnosis report and imaging conditions on the monitor 2 as necessary.

  Next, the operation of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a series of processing by the radiation imaging apparatus 100. First, the breast M is set on the imaging table 14, and the breast M is compressed with a predetermined pressure by the compression plate 18.

  Then, the irradiation energy control unit 42 and the irradiation sequence control unit 43 output information to the radiation source controller 32 that the high energy radiation HR is emitted for the first and third irradiations, and the low energy radiation LR is irradiated for the second irradiation. Then, the imaging direction control unit 44 provides information on the imaging angle θ = −4 ° in the first irradiation, the imaging angle θ = 0 ° in the second irradiation, and the imaging angle θ = + 4 ° in the third irradiation. To 31.

  The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for performing the first irradiation to the arm controller 31. Based on this control signal and information on the first shooting angle θ = −4 ° received from the shooting direction control unit 44 by the arm controller 31, a control signal for the arm unit 13 to tilt −4 ° with respect to the detection surface 15 a is generated. Output. Based on the control signal, the arm portion 13 is inclined at −4 ° with respect to the detection surface 15a.

  The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for performing the first radiation irradiation and reading of the image data DL to the radiation source controller 32 and the detector controller 33. Based on the control signal and the information received from the irradiation energy control unit 42, the radiation source 17 irradiates the breast M with the high energy radiation HR (ST1), and the radiation detector 15 detects the radiation incident on the detection surface 15a. Then, high energy image data DL is output. The image data storage unit 45 stores the output image data DL (ST2).

  The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for performing the second irradiation to the arm controller 31. Based on this control signal and information on the first shooting angle θ = 0 ° received from the shooting direction control unit 44, the arm controller 31 outputs a control signal for the arm unit 13 to be perpendicular to the detection surface 15a. . Based on the control signal, the arm unit 13 takes a posture perpendicular to the detection surface 15a.

  The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for performing the second radiation irradiation and reading of the image data DM to the radiation source controller 32 and the detector controller 33. Based on the control signal and the information received from the irradiation energy control unit 42, the radiation source 17 irradiates the breast M with the low energy radiation LR (ST3), and the radiation detector 15 detects the radiation incident on the detection surface 15a. Then, low-energy image data DM is output. The image data storage unit 45 stores the output image data DM (ST4).

  The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for performing the third irradiation to the arm controller 31. Based on this control signal and information on the first shooting angle θ = + 4 ° received from the shooting direction control unit 44, the arm controller 31 is controlled so that the arm unit 13 is inclined by + 4 ° with respect to the detection surface 15a. Output a signal. Based on the control signal, the arm unit 13 takes a + 4 ° posture with respect to the detection surface 15a.

  The control unit 41 outputs a control signal for performing the third radiation irradiation and reading of the image data DR to the radiation source controller 32 and the detector controller 33. The radiation source 17 irradiates the breast M with the high energy radiation HR based on the control signal and the information received from the irradiation energy control unit 42 (ST5), and the radiation detector 15 detects the radiation incident on the detection surface 15a. Then, high energy image data DR is output. The image data storage unit 45 stores the output image data DR (ST6).

  The subtract processing unit 46 performs subtract processing on the image data DL and the image data DM in parallel with the imaging of the third high energy image data DR, and generates subtract image data SDL for the left eye. The image data storage unit 45 stores left-eye subtract image data SDL (ST7).

  The subtract processing unit 46 stores the image data DR output from the image data storage unit 45, and then performs subtract processing on the image data DR and the image data DM to generate subtract image data SDR for the right eye. . The image data storage unit 45 stores left-eye subtract image data SDL (ST8). The display control unit 47 displays the subtract images SGL and SGR on the monitor 2 based on the subtract image data SDL and SDR for the left and right eyes (ST9), and causes the user to stereoscopically view the subtract image of the breast M for processing. finish.

  According to the above embodiment, since the irradiation energy control unit 42 and the irradiation order control unit 43 irradiate the high energy radiation HR for the third time, the subtract processing unit 46 performs the image data DL and the image at the time of the third imaging. Subtract processing with the data DM can be performed in parallel, and a subtract image that can be stereoscopically viewed by one radiation source 17 with reduced facility costs can be efficiently acquired.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the imaging direction control unit 44 controls the imaging direction of the low energy radiation LR to be an intermediate direction, so the imaging direction of the low energy radiation LR and the imaging of the high energy radiation HR are performed. The direction is not increased, and the accuracy in the subtracting process is improved.

  In addition, according to the above-described embodiment, the imaging direction control unit 44 controls the imaging direction of the low energy radiation LR to be the middle direction of the imaging direction of the high energy radiation HR, so that the accuracy in the subtracting process is higher. improves.

  Moreover, according to said embodiment, since the irradiation order control part 43 irradiates the high energy radiation HR in the 1st time and the 3rd time, and the low energy radiation LR is irradiated from the radiation source 17 in the 2nd time, the movement of the radiation source 17 is carried out. The distance is shortened and a subtractable image that can be stereoscopically viewed more efficiently can be acquired.

  Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the subtract processing unit 46 performs the subtract process by aligning the image of the breast M included in the image data DM with each image of the breast M included in the image data DL and DR. The accuracy of the subtract image is improved.

  Moreover, according to said embodiment, the input part 3 receives the angle which the imaging direction of the high energy radiation HR makes, and the imaging direction control part 44 becomes the angle which the angle which the imaging direction of the high energy radiation HR makes is received. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a stereoscopically subtractable image having a desired depth feeling.

  In the above embodiment, the input unit 3 receives the angle formed by the imaging direction of the high energy radiation HR, and the imaging direction control unit 44 sets the angle formed by the imaging direction of the high energy radiation HR to the received angle. The imaging direction control unit 44 can measure the angle formed by the imaging direction of the high-energy radiation HR and the imaging direction of the low-energy radiation LR. Based on the angle, the angle formed by the imaging direction of the low energy radiation LR and the imaging direction of the high energy radiation HR may be adjusted.

  In the above embodiment, the subtract image data SDL is for the left eye and the subtract image data SDR is for the right eye. However, the subtract image data SDL is for the right eye, and the subtract image is not particularly limited. The data SDR may be for the left eye.

  In the above-described embodiment, the subject has been described as the breast M, but the subject is not particularly limited, and the subject such as the head, neck, chest, abdomen, legs, lungs or stomach is photographed. The radiation imaging apparatus may be a radiation imaging apparatus that images these imaging regions. Furthermore, the radiographic apparatus may acquire a soft part image from which the bone component is removed or a bone part image from which the soft part component has been removed, as a subtracted image.

DL, DM, DR Image data M Breast (subject)
1 Radiography unit 3 Input unit (instruction receiving unit)
15 Radiation detector 17 Radiation source 42 Irradiation energy control unit 43 Irradiation order control unit 46 Subtract processing unit

Claims (9)

One radiation source that sequentially emits radiation toward the subject from three different imaging directions;
Of the radiation emitted from the three imaging directions, the energy of the radiation source is such that the energy of the radiation emitted from one imaging direction is lower than the energy of the radiation emitted from the other two imaging directions. An irradiation energy control unit for controlling the distribution;
An irradiation order control unit that controls the irradiation order from the three shooting directions so that the irradiation from one of the other two shooting directions is the last;
A radiation detector that detects radiation emitted from each imaging direction and acquires image data for each imaging direction;
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a subtract processing unit that performs subtract processing on each image data in the other two imaging directions and image data in the one imaging direction.   The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging direction control unit that controls an imaging direction of the radiation source so that the one imaging direction is an intermediate direction between the three imaging directions.   The said imaging | photography direction control part controls each said imaging | photography direction so that the said one imaging | photography direction may turn into the middle direction of said other two imaging | photography directions, The said imaging | photography direction is characterized by the above-mentioned. Radiography equipment.   4. The irradiation order control unit controls the irradiation order so that irradiation from the other imaging direction of the other two imaging directions starts first. The radiation imaging apparatus described in 1.   The subtract processing unit aligns the image of the subject included in the image data in the one shooting direction with each image of the subject included in the image data in the other two shooting directions. The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An instruction receiving unit that receives a user instruction regarding an angle formed by the other two shooting directions;
6. The photographing direction setting unit controls the photographing directions so that an angle formed by the other two photographing directions becomes the instructed angle. The radiation imaging apparatus of Claim 1.   The said imaging | photography direction control part controls each said imaging | photography direction so that said one imaging | photography direction may become a direction perpendicular | vertical to the detection surface of the said radiation detector, The said imaging | photography direction is characterized by the above-mentioned. The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of the above.   8. The photographing direction control unit controls each of the photographing directions so that an angle formed by the other two photographing directions is in a range of 2 ° to 8 °. The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of the above. One radiation source that sequentially emits radiation toward the subject from three different imaging directions, and a radiation detector that detects the radiation emitted from each imaging direction and acquires image data for each imaging direction An operation method of the radiation imaging apparatus provided,
The radiation source is controlled so that the energy of radiation irradiated from one imaging direction out of the radiation irradiated from the three imaging directions is lower than the energy of radiation irradiated from the other two imaging directions. And
Controlling the irradiation order in the three shooting directions so that the irradiation from one of the other two shooting directions is the last.
A method of operating a radiation imaging apparatus, wherein subtract processing is performed on each image data in the other two imaging directions and image data in the one imaging direction.

Images