JP4679253B2 - Mobile X-ray device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus having an imaging function using a flat panel detector. In particular, the present invention relates to a mobile X-ray apparatus that facilitates X-ray image confirmation and re-imaging X-ray condition setting.

  As a mobile X-ray apparatus, one using a flat detector is known (for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). As shown in FIG. 3, such a mobile X-ray apparatus includes a mobile carriage 1, a main body 2, an X-ray generation unit 3, a support mechanism 4, an X-ray detection unit 5, an image processing device 6, and the like. It has.

  The main body 2 is installed on the carriage 1. The X-ray generator 3 that irradiates X-rays is movably attached to the main body 2 by a support mechanism 4 including a support column 41 and an arm 42. The X-ray detection unit 5 includes a flat detector 51. The flat detector 51 is arranged facing the generator 3 with the subject placed between the X-ray generator 3 and the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray generator 3 and transmitted through the subject. Convert lines to image signals. Usually, the flat detector 51 is connected to the main body 2 by a cable 7. Further, the image processing device 6 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal. A first display 21 and a first operating device 22 are provided on the upper surface behind the main body. The first display 21 displays an image that has been subjected to image processing. The first controller 22 is used when an operator sets X-ray conditions (tube voltage, tube current time product, etc.) at the time of imaging. Further, the X-ray generator 3 may be provided with a similar operating device 22 in some cases.

  A schematic functional block diagram of an imaging system in this apparatus is shown in FIG. The main body 2 includes a CPU 20 for controlling each part. The CPU 20 is connected to a high voltage controller 23 for generating a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube device 31, and the high voltage controller 23 is configured with an X-ray generator 3 to generate X-rays. An X-ray tube device 31 is connected. Further, the CPU 20 is connected to the first controller 22 and the image processing device 6 via interfaces 20A and 20B, respectively. Further, the image signal processed by the image processing device 6 is output to the display 21.

  When photographing with the above apparatus, the main body 2 is first moved to the bedside of a hospital room or operating room. Then, the X-ray condition is set by the operating device 22, and the X-ray generation unit 3 and the flat detector 51 are arranged at the region of interest of the subject to perform X-ray irradiation. The image obtained by the X-ray irradiation is displayed on the display 22 in a short time via the flat detector 51 and the image processing device 6 after the X-ray output.

JP 2004-73354 A JP 2002-159479 A

  However, the above mobile X-ray apparatus has a problem in that it is complicated to check a captured image and set X-ray conditions.

  In the case of a mobile X-ray apparatus, the positional relationship between the main body 2 and the flat detector 51 is arbitrary, and the main body 2 and the flat detector 51 are mostly used at a distant position. For example, the operator first sets an X-ray condition for photographing with the operation device 22 provided behind the main body 2 in FIG. Next, it goes to the bedside away from the main body 2, aligns the X-ray generation unit 3 with the region of interest of the subject on the bed, and arranges the flat detector 51 to perform X-ray output. In particular, in the case of a child or a subject who needs assistance, photographing is often performed at the bedside where the subject is located.

  In such a case, after performing X-ray photography, in order to view the photographed image, the operator must return to the position of the display 21 in the main body 2, and this movement is very troublesome for the operator. Become. In particular, when re-photographing or continuously taking pictures, the position of the display 21 and the bedside must be reciprocated. Similarly, when resetting the X-ray condition, it is necessary to reciprocate between the main body 2 having the operation device 22 and the bedside.

  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 that can easily check a captured image without returning to the main body side of the X-ray apparatus. There is to do.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a mobile X-ray apparatus capable of easily setting X-ray conditions without returning to the main body side of the X-ray apparatus.

  In the present invention, at least one of a display for displaying a captured image and an imaging condition setting mechanism for setting an X-ray condition is provided integrally with the flat panel detector, thereby achieving the above object.

  The mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray generator that emits X-rays, a main body that supports the X-ray generator via a support mechanism, a mobile carriage that travels the main body, and irradiation from the X-ray generator. And a flat panel detector that converts and outputs the X-rays transmitted through the subject to image signals.

  In this mobile X-ray apparatus, a first feature of the present invention is that it includes a display unit that is integrated with the flat panel detector and displays an image based on the image signal.

  The second feature of the present invention is that the mobile X-ray apparatus includes an imaging condition setting mechanism that is integrated with a flat panel detector and determines an X-ray condition when X-ray irradiation is performed on the subject. It is in.

  Further, both the display and the photographing condition setting mechanism may be provided integrally with the flat panel detector.

  By providing a display unit integrated with the flat panel detector, the operator can perform X-ray imaging at the bedside where the subject is located and immediately check the captured image using the display unit integrated with the flat panel detector. It can be performed.

  In addition, by providing an imaging condition setting mechanism integrally with the flat panel detector, when performing re-imaging or subsequent imaging of a different part, the operator can immediately use the imaging condition setting mechanism provided integrally with the flat panel detector. Line conditions can be set.

  The flat panel detector is a mechanism for converting X-rays transmitted through the subject into image signals. A direct conversion detector that converts X-rays incident on the detector directly into image signals, and an indirect conversion method that converts the X-rays incident on the detector into visible light and then converts the visible light into image signals Any of the detectors can be used.

  This flat detector is usually configured to be movable away from the main body to an arbitrary position. For example, (1) the flat panel detector is connected to the main body with a cable, or (2) the flat panel detector is supported by an image processing apparatus independent of the main body via a bendable arm.

  The above flat detector is usually housed in a frame. Therefore, the display and the photographing condition setting mechanism can be integrated with the flat panel detector by being mounted on this frame. In particular, by fixing at least one of the display and the imaging condition setting mechanism integrally with the flat panel detector with a common frame, a configuration with excellent portability can be obtained. At that time, by arranging both the display and the imaging condition setting mechanism on the same surface side of the frame, both the captured image and the X-ray condition can be confirmed simultaneously.

  The display device may be any device that can display a predetermined image processed image. It is preferable to use a display with a small screen size to some extent so that this display can be made portable in a state of being integrated with the flat panel detector.

  The imaging condition setting mechanism includes X-ray conditions at the time of imaging, such as tube voltage, tube current, mAs value that is the product of tube current (mA) and time (sec). This setting mechanism is also preferably sized so as to be portable in an integrated state with the flat panel detector.

  The structure of the other known X-ray apparatus can be used for other X-ray apparatus configurations.

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

  (1) By providing the display unit with the flat panel detector, the operator can check the captured image without returning to the main body side of the X-ray apparatus when the flat panel detector is in a position where the flat panel detector can be checked.

  (2) By providing an imaging condition setting mechanism integrally with the flat panel detector, the operator can set the X-ray conditions without returning to the main body side of the X-ray device if the flat panel detector can be confirmed. Can do.

  (3) For one subject, it is possible to check the captured image and set the X-ray conditions with only one reciprocation between the bedside and the main body, reducing the burden on the operator and improving the imaging efficiency. Can be raised.

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

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the mobile X-ray apparatus of the present invention. The mobile X-ray apparatus includes a mobile carriage 1, a main body 2, an X-ray generation unit 3, a support mechanism 4, an X-ray detection unit 5, and an image processing device 6.

  The movable carriage 1 is provided with wheels that allow the X-ray device to move, and the X-ray device is caused to travel by driving the wheels by a traveling motor or manually.

  The main body 2 is installed on the carriage 1 and has a built-in control mechanism for controlling the traveling motor and the X-ray generator 3. A first display 21 and a first operating device 22 are fixed to the upper surface on the rear side of the main body. The first display 21 displays a captured image that has been subjected to image processing by the image processing device 6. The first controller 22 is a mechanism for setting X-ray conditions at the time of imaging. The operator performs setting of the X-ray conditions (tube voltage, tube current time product, etc.) at the time of photographing from the operating device 22. More specifically, the first operating device 22 has an X-ray condition setting switch and a set X-ray condition display panel.

  The X-ray generation unit 3 includes an X-ray tube device 31 that generates X-rays and an X-ray diaphragm 32 that limits the X-ray irradiation range. Further, the X-ray generation unit 3 may be provided with an operating device having the same function as the first operating device 22.

  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 with a wide degree of freedom by rotating the support column 41, raising and lowering the arm 42, and bending the arm 42.

  The X-ray detection unit 5 is connected to the main body 2 via the cable 7 and includes a flat panel detector 51, a second display 52, a second operation unit 53, and a frame 54. The flat detector 51 converts the X-rays that have passed through the subject and reached the detector 51 into image signals and output them. The second display 52 displays a captured image that has been subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing device 6, that is, the same image as the first display 21. The second operating device 53 has the same configuration as the first operating device 22, and includes an X-ray condition setting switch and a display panel for the set X-ray conditions. That is, setting of X-ray conditions (tube voltage, tube current time product, etc.) at the time of imaging can also be performed from the second operation unit 53. The X-ray conditions set from either the first operating device or the second operating device are displayed in common on both operating devices 22 and 53. The frame 54 is a frame-like member that integrally holds the flat detector 51, the second display 52, and the second operation unit 53. When the operator holds the frame 54, the flat detector 51, the second display 52, and the second operator 53 can be moved from the main body 2 to an arbitrary position in a lump.

  The image processing device 6 performs predetermined image processing on the image signal output from the flat detector 51.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of the imaging system of the device of the present invention. The main body 2 includes a CPU 20 for controlling each part. The CPU 20 is connected to a high voltage controller 23 for generating a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube device 31, and the high voltage controller 23 is configured with an X-ray generator 3 to generate X-rays. An X-ray tube device 31 is connected.

  The CPU 20 is connected to the first operating device 22, the image processing device 6, and the second operating device 53 via interfaces 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively. The X-ray condition set by the first operating device 22 or the second operating device 53 is used as a command signal by the CPU 20 via the interfaces 20A and 20C. Based on this command, a predetermined voltage is applied from the high voltage controller 23 to the X-ray tube device 31, and X-rays with the set conditions are irradiated. At that time, even if the X-ray condition is set by any of the operating devices 22 and 53, the X-ray irradiation is performed under the set condition.

  Further, the image signal processed by the image processing device 6 is output to both the first display 21 and the second display 52, and the same image is displayed on both the displays 21 and 52.

  When performing imaging using the above X-ray apparatus, the X-ray apparatus is first moved to a predetermined location where the subject is present. Next, the X-ray generation unit 3 is aligned with the region of interest of the subject, and the X-ray detection unit 5 is also arranged at a position facing the X-ray generation unit 3. At this time, the subject is positioned between the X-ray generation unit 3 and the X-ray detection unit 5. Subsequently, X-ray conditions are set and photographing is performed.

  At that time, the X-ray condition can be set by using two operators, the first operator 22 provided in the main body and the second operator 53 provided in the X-ray detection unit. For example, when the X-ray condition is set by the first operating device 22, the set value is displayed on the first and second operating devices 22 and 53 by the CPU 20. At the same time, a setting signal is input to the high voltage controller 23, and photographing is possible under the setting conditions.

  When the X-ray condition is set with the second controller 53, the setting value is displayed on the first and second controllers 22 and 53 via the CPU 20, just like the setting with the first controller 22. Then, a new setting signal is input to the high voltage controller 23. Even if another X-ray condition has been set by the first operating device 22 before that, the setting condition is updated to the new X-ray condition set by the second operating device 53.

  In addition, two displays, the first display 21 provided in the main body and the second display 52 provided in the X-ray detection unit 5, can be used for confirming the image after photographing.

  Therefore, for example, the X-ray condition is set by the first operating device 22 and moved to the side of the subject to perform the first imaging after the X-ray generation unit 3 and the X-ray detection unit 5 are aligned. Thus, the image can be confirmed on the second display 53 without returning to the main body side. Further, when the second imaging is performed while changing the X-ray condition, the second operation unit 53 can change the X-ray condition to perform imaging, and the second display unit 52 can confirm the image.

  As described above, since the X-ray condition can be set by operating the second operating unit 53 installed integrally with the flat panel detector 51, when the X-ray condition is set again, the first operating unit There is no need to go back to position 22. In addition, since the image after photographing can be confirmed on the second display 52 integrated with the flat panel detector 51, confirmation of the photographed image can be performed without returning to the position of the first display 21.

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

1 is a schematic view 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. It is the schematic of the conventional mobile X-ray apparatus. It is a functional block diagram of a conventional mobile X-ray apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Moving cart
2 Main unit 21 First display 22 First operation unit 23 High voltage controller
3 X-ray generator 31 X-ray tube device 32 X-ray aperture
4 Support mechanism 41 Post 42 Arm
5 X-ray detector
51 Flat detector 52 Second display 53 Second controller 54 Frame
6 Image processing device
7 Cable
20 CPU 20A, 20B, 20C interface

Claims (2)

And X-ray generating unit for irradiating X-rays, the X-ray generating unit, a body which supports via the support mechanism, a moving carriage for running the body, the subject is irradiated from the X-ray generator detecting the transmitted X-rays, a mobile X-ray apparatus having an X-ray detector which have a flat panel detector for converting outputs the X-ray to an image signal,
A display for displaying an image based on the image signal; and an imaging condition setting mechanism for determining an X-ray condition for performing X-ray irradiation on the subject and displaying the determined X-ray condition; A mobile X-ray apparatus that is provided in both of the X-ray detectors and performs the same display in the display and the imaging condition setting mechanism provided in both . The mobile X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray detection unit is connected to the main body via a cable.

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