JP4754812B2 - X-ray equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus, and more particularly to an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of long imaging such as whole spine imaging and all lower limb imaging.

In the X-ray imaging apparatus, there is an imaging method called so-called long imaging in which the entire subject is grasped by taking all spine imaging and all lower limb imaging mainly for the purpose of measuring bones.
In this long shooting, in the conventional screen / film system, the long film is housed in a long cassette together with an intensifying screen (screen).

  In order to directly capture X-ray images as digital images for this screen / film system, a digital X-ray image input method using a stimulable phosphor detector is used without using the above-mentioned long film. Some of them take long photographs.

In recent years, as a digital X-ray image input method, an X-ray imaging apparatus using a semiconductor digital X-ray detector which can obtain a digital image in real time has been put into practical use, and an apparatus capable of long imaging has been required. I came.
There are various types of semiconductor digital X-ray detectors. One example is a scintillator that converts X-rays transmitted through the subject into light, and a photodiode that converts light output from the scintillator into electric charge. (E.g., amorphous silicon type), and an X-ray image is obtained by reading the charge of a photodiode via a switching element (e.g., TFT (Thin Film Transistor)). is called.

  When taking a long digital image using a flat detector having such characteristics, the flat detector is overlapped in order to occupy a larger volume than the cassette storing the photostimulable phosphor detector. It cannot be placed and used.

  Accordingly, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing long-length imaging of lower limb step DSA (digital subtraction angiography) using an image intensifier for an X-ray detector, and Patent Document 1 discloses the image. It is described that an apparatus configuration using one flat detector may be used in place of the intensifier.

In this lower limb step DSA long shooting, in order to obtain the required long shooting field of view, the long shooting range is divided into a plurality of continuous shooting ranges, and a part of the divided adjacent shooting ranges is divided. Overlapping imaging areas are provided, the X-ray detector and the X-ray tube are moved in conjunction with the plurality of divided imaging positions, and the imaging is performed multiple times. A scale image is obtained.
JP 2001-269333 A

In the conventional long imaging disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, a single flat detector and an X-ray irradiation device are moved in conjunction with each other to perform imaging a plurality of times. Taken.
Accordingly, the X-ray intensity distribution varies depending on the position of the divided imaging ranges, and as a result, the overlapping images of the divided adjacent imaging ranges are distorted, resulting in a difference in the density of the images.
When the images in the photographing range divided by using the overlapping portion having the density difference are connected, the image density of the connecting portion is nonuniform, and a long image with uneven density is obtained.

  An object of the present invention is made in view of the above-described problem, and moves a single flat detector to shoot a plurality of divided shooting ranges to perform digital long shooting, and the plurality of divided shooting ranges. It is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that can obtain a good long image without density unevenness by connecting the images.

The above object is achieved by the following means. That is,
X-ray irradiating means for irradiating a subject with X-rays, X-ray detecting means for detecting transmitted X-rays of the subject disposed opposite to the X-ray irradiating means, the X-ray irradiating means and the X-rays A first and second moving means for moving the detecting means in the body axis direction of the subject, and a plurality of imaging ranges for the subject using the second moving means, a part of the region The X-ray detection means is arranged continuously so as to have overlapping overlapping portions, and image data collection means for collecting image data using the X-ray detection means for each of the arranged imaging ranges, and the image data collection Long image data creating means for creating long image data from the image data in the continuous photographing range collected by the means, and display means for displaying the long image data created by the long image data creating means, In an X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with ,
The X-ray irradiating means is moved by the first moving means so as to be arranged on the vertical line at the center of the overlapped portion, and the second moving means is used at each position after the movement. The transmitted X-rays of the substitute of the subject are collected as sensitivity correction data by the X-ray detection means, and the X-ray irradiation means and the X-ray detection means are collected at different positions. Correction means for correcting the long image data using sensitivity correction data corresponding to the positional relationship between the X-ray irradiation means and the X-ray detection means at the time of creating the long image data among the sensitivity correction data. It is to be prepared.

According to the above configuration, since the X-ray imaging conditions, the X-rays, and the geometric conditions of the subject are the same, the plane that is an overlapping portion provided to connect the images of the plurality of divided imaging ranges By switching and using the sensitivity correction data even at positions different from the lower end and upper end of the detector, the image of the overlapping portion between the divided adjacent photographing ranges is eliminated, and the image density of the overlapping portion is uniform. It becomes.
As a result, it is possible to obtain a good long image with no image unevenness by connecting the images in the plurality of photographing ranges using overlapping portions having a uniform image density.

  Further, the control means calibrates the sensitivity correction data according to each X-ray irradiation condition in the imaging range of the subject.

For example, in the case of the entire spine long imaging in which the imaging range is taken of the lung field and the abdomen of the subject, the imaging range that is the abdomen of the subject is more than the imaging range that is the lung field of the subject. If an X-ray dose is required, the X-ray dose in the imaging area, which is the abdomen of the subject, is increased, and the abdominal sensitivity correction data is obtained from the ratio of the X-ray dose in the lung field to the abdomen X-ray dose. Correct and create image data and connect images.
In this manner, the lungs of the subject can be obtained by connecting the images using the above correction method even if the images are taken under different X-ray conditions of the lung field and the abdomen corresponding to the thickness of the subject's imaging region. A long image with good S / N can be obtained over the field and the abdomen.

  By correcting the sensitivity of the X-ray detector for each of a plurality of imaging ranges constituting the long imaging range, and connecting the images of the plurality of imaging ranges using overlapping portions with uniform image density, there is no image unevenness A good long image can be obtained.

  As a preferred embodiment of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, as an X-ray imaging apparatus for performing long imaging, an X-ray suspended from a ceiling that can be easily adjusted by moving the X-ray irradiation position and X-ray detection position from the ceiling A system that combines an irradiation apparatus and a floor-mounted X-ray detection apparatus will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an X-ray imaging system to which the present invention is applied.
The X-ray imaging system of FIG. 1 includes an X-ray irradiation device 2 that irradiates a subject 1 with X-rays, a ceiling suspension holding device 3 that holds the X-ray irradiation device 2 from a ceiling, and the subject X-ray detection device 4 arranged at a position facing the X-ray irradiation device 2 across the person 1, a floor-type holding device 5 for holding the X-ray detection device 4 on the floor, and various types for controlling the entire system A control console 6 having an operation unit and a display for setting parameters, a shooting control device 7 for controlling shooting based on various parameters set on the control console 6, and an output from the shooting control device 7. X-ray high-voltage device 8 that generates a high voltage corresponding to the imaging conditions and applies this to the X-ray tube 2a of the X-ray irradiation device 2, and the X-ray detection signal detected by the X-ray detection device 4 The image collection device 9 that reads and collects image data, and various kinds of image data collected by the image collection device 9 An image processing device 10 that obtains desired image data by performing image processing, a display control device 11 that controls conversion of image data processed by the image processing device 10 into a display image, and a processing that is processed by the display control device 11 The image display device 12 displays an X-ray image.
The standing imaging stand 13 is used to position the subject 1 in a standing posture.

The X-ray irradiation device 2 contributes to the X-ray image of the subject among the X-rays exposed from the X-ray tube 2a and the X-ray tube 2a irradiated to the subject 1. The movable X-ray aperture device 2b limits the X-ray irradiation range (referred to as an irradiation field) so as not to irradiate X-rays that are not.
The movable X-ray aperture device 2b is a device that restricts the irradiation field by moving the blades provided in the device to the left and right, even if it automatically restricts the irradiation field according to the imaging range of the subject. It is also possible to limit the irradiation field.

The ceiling suspension holding device 3 includes a drive mechanism that can move the X-ray irradiation device 2 up and down, left and right, and holds the X-ray irradiation device 2 at the imaging position.
The holding device 3 is provided with an operation device (not shown) for moving and adjusting the imaging position of the subject, and a position corresponding to the imaging region manually set on the control console 5 with this operation device. The X-ray irradiation apparatus 2 is held at this position.
The positioning of the X-ray irradiation device 2 is controlled by providing a positioning control device for the X-ray irradiation device so that the position of the X-ray irradiation device 2 matches the target value of the imaging position set on the control console 5. The structure to do may be sufficient.

The X-ray detector 4 includes a two-dimensional flat panel detector (Flat Panel Detector) 4a that detects an X-ray signal transmitted through the subject 1, and scattered radiation generated from the subject on the front surface of the flat detector 4a. X-ray grids (not shown) for removing and a cage (not shown) for holding them together, one set of which is provided.
The flat detector 4a includes a flat scintillator and a photodiode array, and the charge of the photodiode is read out via a switching element.
When an X-ray image is picked up by the flat detector 4a, charges corresponding to the X-ray distribution of the X-ray image are accumulated in each element of the photodiode array of the flat detector 4a. Therefore, each element of the photodiode array corresponds to each pixel of the X-ray image, and the electric charge accumulated in each element of the photodiode array corresponds to image data (pixel value).
In addition, by providing the X-ray grid for removing scattered radiation, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the image quality of fog due to the scattered radiation.

The floor-type holding device 5 is a holding device placed on the floor for holding the flat panel detector 4a and the X-ray detection device 4 including the grid, and includes a drive mechanism that can move the X-ray detection device 4 up and down. Yes.
The holding device 5 is provided with an operating device (not shown) for moving and adjusting the imaging position of the subject, and a position corresponding to the imaging region manually set on the control console 5 with this operating device. And the X-ray detector 4 is held at this position.
The positioning of the X-ray detection device 4 is controlled by providing a positioning control device for the X-ray detection device so that the position of the X-ray detection device 4 matches the target value of the imaging position set on the control console 5. The structure to do may be sufficient.

  The control console 6 includes an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse, a touch panel type display device (not shown), etc., and X-ray irradiation conditions (tube voltage, tube current, imaging time) corresponding to the imaging order. Further, setting of various parameters such as setting of imaging positions of the X-ray irradiation device 2 and the X-ray detection device 4, output of an image reading start command of the flat detector 4a, etc., and a function of controlling the entire system are provided.

The imaging control device 7 generates an X-ray control signal corresponding to the X-ray irradiation conditions set by the control console 6 and controls an X-ray high voltage device 7 described later.
Further, the X-ray irradiation device 2 and the X-ray detection device 4 are held at predetermined positions, the X-ray irradiation field is limited by the X-ray movable diaphragm device 2b, the start and end of imaging, and the X-ray detection signal of the flat detector 4a Is read out.

The X-ray high voltage device 8 is configured to heat the filament to a predetermined temperature by passing a current through a filament that is a cathode of the X-ray tube 2a of the X-ray irradiation device 2, and between the anode and the cathode of the X-ray tube 2a. Is a device that generates a DC high voltage (hereinafter referred to as tube voltage) applied to the X-ray tube, and X-rays are exposed from the X-ray tube 2a by the application of the high voltage.
The X-ray dose is controlled by controlling the current (hereinafter referred to as tube current) flowing in the anode and cathode of the X-ray tube by controlling the current flowing in the filament that is the cathode of the X-ray tube 2a.
As described above, the X-ray high voltage apparatus 8 controls the tube voltage, the tube current, and the imaging time corresponding to the set imaging conditions.

  The image acquisition device 9 includes a readout control unit 9a that controls readout of the X-ray detection signal detected by the planar detector 2a after completion of imaging, a readout data memory 9b that temporarily stores the readout data, and the sensitivity of the planar detector A sensitivity correction data memory 9c for storing correction data, a correction calculation unit 9d for correcting the sensitivity of the read data using the sensitivity correction data, and correction image data corrected by the correction calculation unit 9d are stored. And a corrected image data memory 9e.

  The image processing apparatus 10 includes a connection calculation unit 10a that generates a long image data by connecting a plurality of corrected image data stored in the corrected image data memory 9e, and performs rearrangement and interpolation on the long image data. Perform the processing to obtain the long image corresponding to the purpose by performing the processing to manipulate the orientation and size of the screen, the gradation conversion, smoothing, sharpening, the processing to operate the contrast, etc. The image data calculation unit 10b and an image data memory 10c that stores the image data created by the image data calculation unit.

  Since the display control device 11 and the image display device 12 have different display characteristics such as γ characteristics and density characteristics of the monitor depending on the image display medium, and the resolution of the display medium differs, the parameters of each process are different. The display control device 11 performs image processing in accordance with the display characteristics, D / A converts the processed display data, and displays a long image on the image display device 12.

Next, an operation for performing long imaging with the X-ray imaging system of FIG. 1 will be described.
In the long imaging of FIG. 1, the X-ray detection device 4 by one flat detector 4a is positioned in the imaging range A (lung field) and the imaging range B (abdomen) shown in FIG. This is an example of performing whole spine standing imaging.
As shown in Figure 2, if the effective field of view of one flat detector is 43cm x 43cm, and the overlapping part of the shooting range A and the shooting range B is 3cm, moving the flat detector up and down 40cm, 43cm x Shooting with a large field of view of 83cm becomes possible.
Hereinafter, it will be described in detail according to a processing flow for executing the long photographing shown in FIG.

[Step 101] Positioning of the X-ray irradiation device The imaging range required for all spine standing imaging is about two half-cuts (35.6 cm wide, 86.4 cm long), so as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 Then, it is assumed that a single flat detector 4a is moved to perform photographing twice at the positions of the photographing range A and the photographing range B, and after the photographing is finished, the two images are connected to obtain a long image.
The X-ray irradiation device 2 (X-ray tube 2a and X-ray movable diaphragm device 2b) is overlapped with a part of the imaging range A and the imaging range B (overlapping part 3cm), and the imaging range A and the imaging range B are connected. Then, the imaging range C obtained in this way is arranged in a geometric system that can irradiate the entire region of interest (83 cm) of the subject 1. That is, the X-ray irradiation apparatus is arranged and held at a position where the focal point of the X-ray tube coincides with the vertical line at the center of the imaging range C in FIGS.

[Step 102] Positioning of the X-ray detector in the imaging range A and limiting the X-ray field
The X-ray detection device 4 is arranged at the position of the imaging range A. That is, the flat detector 4a is arranged at the position of the imaging range A where the upper half (43cm) of the entire region of interest (83cm) of the subject 1 can be imaged, and the X-ray irradiation field is generated by the X-ray movable diaphragm device 2b. It is limited to the effective field of view of the flat detector 4a.

[Step 103] Imaging of upper half (43 cm) and collection of X-ray detection data X corresponding to tube voltage and tube current generated by X-ray high voltage device 8 based on imaging conditions set on control console 6 Radiation is exposed from the X-ray tube 2a, and the upper half (43 cm) is photographed. When the imaging is completed, the X-ray image data detected by the flat detector 4a is read out by a read control signal from the read control unit 9a of the image acquisition device 9, and this is read and stored in the data memory 9b.

[Step 104] Positioning of the X-ray detector to the imaging range B and limiting the X-ray field
The X-ray detection device 4 is arranged at the position of the imaging range B. That is, the flat detector 4a is moved by 40 cm and held at the position B where the lower half or more (43 cm) of the entire region of interest (83 cm) of the subject 1 can be imaged.
The X-ray irradiation field is limited to the effective field of view of the flat detector 4a positioned in the imaging range B by the X-ray movable aperture device 2b.
In this case, the geometric relationship between the X-ray tube 2a and the subject 1 does not change.

[Step 105] X-ray corresponding to the tube voltage and tube current generated by the X-ray high-voltage device 8 based on the imaging conditions set on the control console 6 based on the imaging of the lower half (43cm) and collection of X-ray detection data A ray is exposed from the X-ray tube 2a and the lower half (43 cm) is photographed.
When the imaging is completed, the X-ray image data detected by the flat detector 4a is read out by a read control signal from the read control unit 9a of the image acquisition device 9, and this is read and stored in the data memory 9b.
The lower 3cm of the upper half image taken at Step 103 and the upper 3cm of the lower half image taken at Step 5 are partially overlapped partial X-ray images, the upper half image and lower half image. This is the part that is left to connect the above images.

[Step 106] Collection of Sensitivity Data for Long Shooting When shooting is performed by moving one flat detector 4a as in the long shooting of the present invention, the center of the overlapping portion of the shooting range A and the shooting range B is used. Since the X-ray tube is arranged on the vertical line, the intensity distribution of the X-rays incident on the flat detector in the imaging range A and the imaging range B is different.
That is, the X-ray intensity distributions of the X-ray bundle AA for the imaging range A and the X-ray bundle BB for the imaging range B are different.
Therefore, the sensitivity of the flat panel detector in the shooting range A and shooting range B (gain for converting X-ray signals into electrical signals) is also different, so the sensitivity for long shooting with the same sensitivity correction data in shooting range A and shooting range B When the correction is performed, the image density of the overlapping portion of the shooting range A and the shooting range B becomes different, resulting in uneven density and an image having a uniform density cannot be obtained.
Therefore, separately from the sensitivity correction data at the time of shooting other than long shooting, the sensitivity correction data of the flat detector at the upper position (shooting range A) and the flat detector at the lower position (shooting range B) in long shooting. It is necessary to prepare sensitivity correction data.
Therefore, the X-ray intensity distribution signal that is the basis of the sensitivity correction data is placed on the front surface of the X-ray detection device instead of the subject 1 with a 2 cm thick aluminum plate, and the position of the imaging range A and the imaging range B Shoot and collect at the location.
The above is a case where a scattered radiation removal grid is arranged on the front surface of the flat detector and moves integrally with the flat detector. However, in the case of a system that does not require the scattered radiation removal grid, only the flat detector is used. Collect line intensity distribution signals.
This step may be collected in advance before photographing.

[Step 107] Creation of sensitivity correction data Sensitivity is corrected for each pixel of the flat detector 4a using the X-ray intensity distribution signal collected in Step 106, and offset corrected data such as dark current of the flat detector is obtained. Sensitivity correction data.
These sensitivity correction data are stored in the sensitivity correction data memory 9c of the image data collection device 9 for the shooting range A and for the shooting range B, respectively.

[Step 108] Creation of concatenated image data The upper half or more (43 cm) image data and the lower half or more (43 cm) image data stored in the read data memory 9b are read, and sensitivity correction data memory is stored in these image data. Using the sensitivity correction data stored in 9c, the correction calculation unit 9d performs sensitivity correction, and creates connection image data to be used for image connection (the upper half or more connection image data and the lower half or more (Image data for connection), these image data are stored in the corrected image data memory 9e and sent to the image processing apparatus 10.

[Step 109] Creation of Long Image In the image processing apparatus 10, the upper half or more connection image data and the lower half or more connection image data are connected by a connection operation unit 10a, and further necessary image processing (floor processing) is performed. Processing, dynamic range compression, edge enhancement processing, reduction, enlargement processing, etc.) is performed by the image data calculation unit 10b so that the region of interest can be easily diagnosed, and long image data is created. Store in the data memory 10c.
The image connection can be processed by, for example, a method using pattern matching between small blocks (described in “Shoshado Co., Ltd .: Introduction to Image Processing in C Language” on page 157).

[Step 110] Display of Long Image The long image data created in Step 109 is subjected to display processing in accordance with the display characteristics of the display medium by the display control unit 11, and the processed display data is D / A converted. The image is displayed on the image display device 12.

The spine images obtained through the above steps are shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an image of the upper half or more obtained by performing image processing in step 109 on the upper half or more connection image data created in step 108 and performing display processing in step 110, and FIG. 5 is the same as FIG. The image of the lower half or more that has been subjected to the above processing, FIG. 6 is an image processing device that connects the image data for the upper half or more and the image data for the lower half or more of FIG. It is a whole spine long image.

In this way, the overlapping X-ray image that is left to connect the upper half image and the lower half image is the same in the X-ray condition and subject condition, so the lower end of the flat detector, By switching and using the sensitivity correction data even at a position different from the upper end, the signal level can be made constant.
In addition, since the signal of the overlapping portion of 3 cm is corrected, the artifact of the image connection portion can be greatly reduced.

  The above-mentioned embodiment is a case where the image is taken twice under the same X-ray imaging conditions, but since the sensitivity correction data of the connected image portion is accurately known, even when the X-ray imaging conditions are changed, the two times Sensitivity correction according to the ratio of the X-ray dose becomes possible.

For example, if the imaging range B that is the abdomen of the subject requires more X-ray dose than the imaging range A that is the lung field of the subject, the X of the imaging region B that is the abdomen of the subject 1 Images are taken with increasing doses, image data is created by correcting the sensitivity correction data based on the ratio of these X-ray doses from the imaging control unit, and the images are connected.
In this way, images can be connected using the correction method described above even if images are taken under different X-ray conditions for the lung field and the abdomen corresponding to the thickness of the imaging region of the subject.
As a result, a long image with good S / N can be obtained across the lung field and abdomen of the subject.

  The above embodiment has been described by taking an example of long imaging over the lung field and abdomen using a standing imaging table, but the present invention is not limited to this, and X-rays using a standing imaging table What is an X-ray irradiation device and X-ray detection device as long as it is an X-ray imaging device capable of long imaging such as long imaging over the lung field and abdomen and long leg imaging, as well as imaging equipment? It can also be applied to combined systems.

  In addition, an example has been described in which one planar X-ray detector is used, the image is moved to two imaging areas, and the captured images are connected. However, the present invention limits the imaging area to two. It is also possible to take a plurality of photographing areas of two or more and connect these images to obtain a long image.

1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an X-ray imaging system to which the present invention is applied. The figure which shows the detail of the imaging | photography range detected with a plane detector. The processing flowchart which performs long imaging | photography by this invention. An image of the upper half or more by the long shooting according to the present invention. The image of the lower half or more by the long photographing of the present invention. The long image by the long imaging | photography of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Subject, 2 X-ray irradiation device, 2a X-ray tube, 2b X-ray movable diaphragm device, 3 X-ray irradiation device ceiling holding device, 4 X-ray detection device, 4a Planar detector, 5 X-ray detection device Floor-standing holding device, 6 control console, 7 imaging control device, 8 X-ray high voltage device, 9 image acquisition device, 10 image processing device, 11 display control device, 12 image observation device

Claims (2)

X-ray irradiation means for irradiating the subject with X-rays, X-ray detection means for detecting transmitted X-rays of the subject disposed opposite to the X-ray irradiation means, the X-ray irradiation means, and the X-rays A first and second moving means for moving the detecting means in the body axis direction of the subject, and a plurality of imaging ranges for the subject using the second moving means, a part of the region The X-ray detection means is arranged continuously so as to have overlapping portions, and image data collection means for collecting image data using the X-ray detection means for each of the arranged imaging ranges, and the image data collection Long image data creating means for creating long image data from the image data in the continuous photographing range collected by the means, and display means for displaying the long image data created by the long image data creating means, X-ray with In the device,
The X-ray irradiating means is moved by the first moving means so as to be arranged on the vertical line at the center of the overlapped portion, and the second moving means is used at each position after the movement. The X-ray detection means collects transmission X-rays of the substitute of the subject as sensitivity correction data, and collects the X-ray irradiation means and the X-ray detection means at different positions. Correction means for correcting the long image data using sensitivity correction data corresponding to the positional relationship between the X-ray irradiation means and the X-ray detection means at the time of creating the long image data among the sensitivity correction data. An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: The correction means calibrates the sensitivity correction data according to each X-ray irradiation condition in the imaging range of the subject, and the X-ray irradiation condition includes an X-ray dose. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to 1.

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