JP3793102B2 - Dynamic X-ray imaging method and control device for performing dynamic X-ray imaging - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging system and method used to generate a dynamic image (moving image) for medical use, and more particularly, to examine a dynamic X-ray image of a chest in order to examine the movement of a tissue such as a lung or a diaphragm. The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging system and method used for generation.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The most prevalent detector used to generate dynamic images in the medical field is an image intifier. These are vacuum tubes, in which X-rays are converted into electrons, and the converted electrons are accelerated toward the fluorescent screen, and are converted into visible photons on the fluorescent screen to generate a visible image. This image is detected by a two-dimensional detector such as a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera. The image area of the image intensifier is circular, and a maximum of 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter is currently available.
[0003]
Another detector that can generate a dynamic X-ray image is based on an amorphous silicon pixilated structure, or a fluorescent layer that converts incident X-rays into light for later detection in the silicon structure. Or a photoconductor material that directly converts incident X-rays into charges detected by the silicon structure. Some of these detectors are rectangular and are more suitable for dynamic chest imaging than image intensifiers. There is also a larger size for photographing the entire chest.
[0004]
In this way, the dynamic X-ray imaging enables the observation of the movement of the tissue, such as the movement of the lung when the patient inhales and exhales, for example, in chest X-ray imaging. And can help diagnose various diseases of other organs.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, both of the detector types described above are used for fluoroscopic imaging of various parts of the body, and imaging is started and ended by the user. In other words, in the present situation, after the user determines that a sufficient time has passed to generate a series of images having the necessary diagnostic information, the user ends the shooting. Knowledge and experience were required. In addition, due to a user's misjudgment, photographing necessary for diagnosis is not sufficiently performed, and photographing may be performed for an unnecessarily long time. If more images than necessary for diagnosis are taken, the amount of X-ray exposure to the patient becomes higher than necessary.
[0006]
Patient movement is periodic and some parts of this cycle are more important for diagnosis than others. Therefore, when a sufficient image for diagnosis is obtained, dynamic X-ray imaging is terminated, and the frame rate of the imaging apparatus is controlled so that information necessary for diagnosis can be obtained properly while minimizing patient imaging time. It is necessary. This control is particularly important when this type of dynamic chest radiography is used in mass screening.
[0007]
In addition, since the imaging region of the image intensifier is circular, an important part of the chest may not be completely contained in the imaging region depending on the patient, and a part of the image may not be captured. For example, it may not be possible to fit the entire diaphragm and lung region into a single image. Since both of these tissue movements provide useful information for diagnosis, if both of these tissues cannot be imaged, the diagnostic information is lost. Furthermore, the image generated by the image intensifier has a poor spatial resolution and is distorted. In addition, the size of the image intensifier itself is large, and it is difficult to install the detector.
[0008]
In addition, an imaging apparatus that cannot capture 5 to 6 images during one breath cannot be used for dynamic X-ray imaging.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems. The first object of the present invention is to reliably obtain dynamic X-ray image information necessary for diagnosis while minimizing patient X-ray imaging time. Objective.
[0010]
A second object is to enable dynamic X-ray imaging even in an imaging device with a low frame rate.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the first object , an X-ray imaging apparatus having an X-ray source and an imaging unit that receives an X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source and outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity thereof. The control device of the present invention for performing dynamic X-ray imaging includes detection means for detecting a breathing cycle of a subject, X-ray imaging start timing, and imaging end timing according to the respiratory cycle. Control means for automatically controlling the imaging timing including any one of them .
[0013]
In order to achieve the second object, the control means determines an imaging position for straddling a plurality of respiratory cycles, and obtains an X-ray image at each acquired imaging position in one cycle of the respiratory cycle. Sort according to position.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where dynamic X-ray imaging of the chest is performed will be described as an example.
[0015]
<First Embodiment>
The configuration of the X-ray imaging system in the first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CCD camera, which is used as a respiratory cycle detector. Reference numeral 2 denotes a drive / capture circuit, and 3 denotes a breathing cycle position detection unit, which is connected in series with the CCD camera 1. With these configurations, information on the current position in the breathing cycle (hereinafter referred to as “breathing cycle position”) is continuously acquired and passed to the main memory 12 described later. An example of a typical breathing cycle is shown in FIG.
[0016]
Reference numeral 5 denotes an X-ray tube, 4 denotes an X-ray tube controller for controlling X-ray irradiation by the X-ray tube 5 in accordance with a signal from the CPU 11 described later, and 6 denotes an X-ray irradiation region irradiated from the X-ray tube 5. , 7 is a patient to be imaged, 8 is an anti-scatter grid, 9 is an X-ray sensor that outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of the X-ray, and 10 is an X-ray sensor 9 by driving the X-ray sensor 9. A sensor control unit that acquires an electric signal to be obtained, 11 is a CPU that controls the entire system, 12 is a main memory, 13 is an operation panel, and 14 is a display unit.
[0017]
The diagnostic information contained in the chest video is closely related to the patient's respiratory cycle. In the first embodiment, the feedback between the respiratory cycle position detector 3, the X-ray source 5, and the X-ray sensor 9 is used to complete a predetermined number of respiratory cycles or during a part of the respiratory cycle. Dynamic image of the chest. The important point in the first embodiment is to collect necessary diagnostic information without fail and to prevent the patient from performing X-ray exposure more than necessary to obtain necessary information. It is.
[0018]
Depending on the exact nature of the information required for diagnosis, the number and part of the respiratory cycle that need to be taken to provide the necessary diagnostic information will vary. For example, a dynamic X-ray image for two complete respiratory cycles may be required, an imaging for one respiratory cycle may be required, or the inspiratory or expiratory portion of the respiratory cycle may be sufficient.
[0019]
Therefore, a start position and an end position of a portion that requires X-ray imaging in the respiratory cycle are set in advance, the respiratory cycle position is periodically acquired, and compared with the start position and the end position. By capturing only between the two, a dynamic X-ray image can be obtained for a necessary time.
[0020]
Next, an X-ray imaging operation of the X-ray imaging system having the above configuration in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0021]
After initializing each component in step S1, the respiratory cycle position is detected in step S2. The respiratory cycle position is obtained by sending an image taken by the CCD camera 1 to the respiratory cycle position detection unit 3 via the drive / capture circuit 2 and detecting the current position in the respiratory cycle. The obtained breathing cycle position is updated at any time by writing it in a predetermined address portion of the main memory 12. This process is performed continuously independently of the dynamic X-ray imaging process, and the CPU 11 can know the breathing cycle position by accessing a predetermined address in the main memory 12 in step S2. This makes it possible to ascertain how long the respiratory cycle position has elapsed since, for example, the end of inspiration, the end of expiration, or the most recent inspiration or expiration.
[0022]
Next, in step S3, it is confirmed whether or not the breathing cycle position is a photographing start position set in advance for initialization of the photographing procedure. The preset imaging start position is, for example, the end of inspiration in one respiratory cycle, the end of exhalation, or a time set between these two positions or a time portion thereof. The CPU 11 accesses the main memory 12, acquires the imaging start time in the respiratory cycle, and compares the respiratory cycle position acquired in step S2 with the imaging start position.
[0023]
If it is determined that the breathing cycle position acquired in step S2 is within an error range of the imaging start position set in advance (YES in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4, and the CPU 11 controls the X-ray sensor 9 and the sensor control. The continuous shooting is started by starting the driving of the unit 10. At the same time, the CPU 11 sends a signal to the X-ray tube control unit 4 to start X-ray irradiation from the X-ray tube 5. Depending on the imaging apparatus, it is necessary to start processing of the X-ray sensor 9 slightly before the X-ray source 5. Note that the present invention is not limited to a specific form of driving start of the X-ray sensor 9 and the X-ray source 5.
[0024]
X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 5 pass through the patient 6 and the anti-scatter grid 8 and are detected by the X-ray sensor 9 in the form of electrical signals. The X-ray sensor 9 includes a plurality of sensor pixel elements, and data output from the X-ray sensor 9 is stored in the main memory 12 via the sensor control unit 10. Each successive image is written to a different memory location in the main memory 12 under the control of the CPU 11. In this way, an image is taken (step S5).
[0025]
When one photographing is completed, the breathing cycle position is detected in step S6 in the same manner as in step S3. This makes it possible to check how long the current position has elapsed since the end of inhalation, the end of exhalation, or the most recent inhalation or exhalation.
[0026]
In step S7, it is confirmed whether or not the respiratory cycle position is a preset photographing end position. This imaging end position is, for example, the end of inspiration, the end of expiration, or a time set within the cycle time between these two positions or a part thereof. The CPU 11 accesses the main memory 12 to acquire the imaging end position in the respiratory cycle, and compares this imaging end position with the respiratory cycle position acquired in step S6. If the breathing cycle position is within the error range of the photographing end position, the process proceeds to step S8 and the continuous photographing is finished. On the other hand, if it does not reach the error range, the process returns to step S5 to repeat photographing.
[0027]
In step S <b> 8, the CPU 11 sends an end signal to the sensor control unit 10. At the end of imaging, the sensor control unit 10 sends a confirmation signal to the CPU 11, the CPU 11 sends an end signal to the X-ray tube control unit 4, and the X-ray tube control unit 4 finishes generating X-rays by the X-ray tube 5. Let Alternatively, the X-ray sensor 9 and the X-ray source 5 may be stopped at the same time when imaging of the currently acquired image is completed. By doing so, it is possible to reliably complete the photographing of the final image and prevent the patient 7 from being irradiated with X-rays unnecessarily. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the end form of the specific photographing process.
[0028]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the imaging start timing and the imaging end timing are automatically determined based on the respiratory cycle to perform imaging, thereby minimizing the X-ray imaging time of the patient. The dynamic X-ray image information necessary for diagnosis can be obtained with certainty.
[0029]
<Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the operation of a sensor that cannot be driven at a sufficient frame rate to obtain a sufficient number of images within one respiratory cycle will be described. Since the basic configuration of the X-ray imaging system is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.
[0030]
In the second embodiment, images are acquired one by one at different positions in a plurality of respiratory cycles by feedback between the respiratory cycle position detection unit 3, the X-ray source 5, and the X-ray sensor 9, and these images are acquired. Are rearranged as if they were obtained from one breathing cycle, thereby generating a series of dynamic X-ray images. Specifically, imaging is performed by activating the X-ray sensor 9 and the X-ray source 5 at a preset position in the respiratory cycle.
[0031]
The X-ray imaging operation in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, it is assumed that N images are necessary. If each image to be photographed is n (= 1 to n), each image is assigned to a different photographing position P (1) to P (n) in a plurality of respiratory cycles. The photographing positions P (1) to P (n) are set in advance and stored in the main memory 12. Each image acquisition time interval in this process may be constant (for example, T + C: C = T / N, where T is the cycle of the respiratory cycle), or may not be constant. Taking an image in this way is synonymous with controlling the frame rate of the X-ray imaging system. Note that the second embodiment is not limited to controlling the position of an image in the respiratory cycle or controlling the frame rate of the imaging apparatus.
[0032]
First, when the process is started, n = 1 is set in step S10, and the breathing cycle position is detected in step S11. The detection of the breathing cycle position is performed, for example, in the same manner as step S2 in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. In step 12, the processes in steps S11 to S12 are repeated until the imaging position P (1) detected in step S11 is reached. If it is confirmed in step S12 that the point P (1) has been reached, an X-ray image is taken in step S13. Note that the imaging processing in step S13 includes control of both the X-ray sensor 9 and the X-ray source 5. In step S14, n indicating the number of captured images is incremented by 1, and is compared with the required number of images N in step S15.
[0033]
The processes in steps S11 to S15 are repeated until N images are taken at each position P (1) to P (n), and when n> N, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the acquired N images are rearranged so as to be in the same order as obtained in one respiratory cycle.
[0034]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, even in an imaging apparatus with a low frame rate, a dynamic X-ray image necessary for diagnosis can be obtained while minimizing the X-ray imaging time of the patient.
[0035]
<Third Embodiment>
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0036]
A graph showing the relationship between the respiratory cycle and the rate of change of the respiratory rate is shown in FIG. When the rate of change in breathing rate is high, movements of other tissues such as the lungs and diaphragm are also fast. When an image is taken at a fixed frame rate, if the frame rate is relatively low, information useful for diagnosis may be lost in a region where the respiratory cycle is fast.
[0037]
On the other hand, when images are taken at a relatively fast fixed frame rate, more images than necessary may be taken in regions where the respiratory cycle is low. This increases X-ray irradiation to the patient without increasing useful information for diagnosis.
[0038]
Therefore, by calculating the position at which an image is taken in the respiratory cycle based on the change rate of the respiratory rate, the amount of information useful for diagnosis can be increased, and X-ray irradiation to the patient can be greatly reduced.
[0039]
An X-ray imaging operation in the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Since the basic configuration of the X-ray imaging system is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 1 in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.
[0040]
First, in step S20, one respiratory cycle is detected. Here, for example, the CPU 11 periodically accesses the main memory 12 and acquires a breathing cycle position that is periodically updated by the breathing cycle position detection unit 3, thereby detecting one complete breathing cycle. In step S21, the CPU 11 calculates the change rate of the respiration rate with respect to one respiration cycle. Next, in step S22, image capturing positions P (1) to P (n) in the respiratory cycle are calculated. This calculation is a function of the respiratory cycle time and the rate of change of the respiratory rate. More images are taken at the position of the respiratory cycle where the rate of change of the respiratory rate is the fastest. For example, the image capturing positions P (1) to P (n) may be determined so that the capturing frame rate is proportional to the change rate of the respiratory cycle. Further, the image capturing positions P (1) to P (n) may be obtained by a function of the required maximum number of images and the change rate of the respiratory cycle.
[0041]
After calculating the position at which an image is taken in the respiratory cycle, n = 1 is set in step S23, and the respiratory cycle position is detected in step S24. The detection of the breathing cycle position is performed, for example, in the same manner as step S2 in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment. In step 25, the processes in steps S24 to S25 are repeated until the imaging position P (1) detected in step S24 is reached. If it is confirmed in step S25 that the point P (1) has been reached, an X-ray image is taken in step S26. Note that the imaging processing in step S26 includes control of both the X-ray sensor 9 and the X-ray source 5. In step S28, n indicating the number of images taken is incremented by 1, and is compared with the required number of images N in step S28.
[0042]
The processes in steps S24 to S28 are repeated until N images are captured at each position P (1) to P (n), and the process is terminated when n> N.
[0043]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, a position for capturing an image in the respiratory cycle is calculated based on the rate of change in the respiratory rate, and X-ray imaging is performed at that position, so that an amount of information useful for diagnosis can be obtained. The X-ray irradiation to the patient can be greatly reduced.
[0044]
In the example shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the case where the X-ray sensor 9 can capture images at a relatively high frame rate has been described. However, instead of the processing in steps S23 to S28, the description is given in the second embodiment. By performing the processing of steps S10 to S16 in FIG. 4, the same effect can be obtained even when the X-ray sensor 9 cannot capture images at a high frame rate.
[0045]
Note that the frame rate indicating the imaging position of the X-ray image is not limited to the case where more images are captured at the position of the respiratory cycle where the rate of change of the respiratory rate is the fastest. May be inversely proportional to. This is performed, for example, when movement information important for diagnosis is included at the time of transition to inhalation and exhalation, or at the time of inhalation and exhalation. Thus, it can be changed as appropriate according to information necessary for diagnosis.
[0046]
By completely photographing the chest, it is possible to reliably prevent the loss of information useful for diagnosis because the imaging region is limited. In order to completely photograph the chest, at least the lung and the diaphragm must be included in one image area.
[0047]
The present invention is not limited to a specific method or apparatus for detecting a respiratory cycle. In addition to the methods described in the first to third embodiments, for example, a respiratory monitor belt or optical Detecting a patient's chest movement using a camera, detecting airflow with an anemometer, detecting changes in chest impedance, or detecting a respiratory cycle by evaluating a chest X-ray image in real time it can. Except for the real-time evaluation of the chest X-ray image, all these methods can be used to determine the start / end of the dynamic imaging process. The real-time evaluation of the chest X-ray image can be used only for ending the dynamic imaging process.
[0048]
Also, the present invention is not limited to a particular method for confirming the respiratory cycle position. For example, the position of the respiratory cycle can be confirmed by using the rate of time change of the respiratory rate or matching the current cycle with the previously measured respiratory cycle.
[0049]
[Other Embodiments]
In the first to third embodiments, the CPU 11 determines the end timing of shooting. However, when shooting at a fixed frame rate, since the number of necessary images is known in advance, the CPU 11 performs shooting. After the start, when a predetermined number of images are taken by the X-ray sensor 9 and the sensor control unit 10, an end signal may be transmitted from the sensor control unit 10 to the CPU 11. Upon receiving this end signal, the CPU 11 sends an end signal to the X-ray tube control unit 4.
[0050]
Although the acquisition of the respiratory cycle position is not particularly shaken in the first to third embodiments, the user uses the operation panel 13 to operate the respiratory cycle position detection unit 3 and the drive / capture circuit 2. You may make it start. Further, the user may start the photographing process from the operation panel 13. In response to the start of the imaging process, the CPU 11 immediately accesses the main memory 12 in order to determine the current position of the respiratory cycle.
[0051]
Then, the CPU 11 continuously compares the breathing cycle position with the predetermined end position. If the breathing cycle position is the same as the predetermined end position within a predetermined error, the CPU 11 sends an end signal to the photographing apparatus control electronic device 10. . At the end of imaging, the sensor control unit 10 sends a confirmation signal to the CPU 11, the CPU 11 sends an end signal to the X-ray tube control unit 4, and the inter-X-ray control unit 4 stops X-ray irradiation by the X-ray tube 5. .
[0052]
Further, the respiratory cycle position detection unit 3 may calculate a respiratory cycle time (time required for one breath) and pass it to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 calculates a frame rate necessary for capturing a necessary number of images during one period of the breathing cycle. The start and end of imaging may be controlled by any of the above methods.
[0053]
Further, a plurality of single images are captured without capturing continuous (dynamic) images with the X-ray sensor 9. The reason for doing so is, for example, that an X-ray sensor that cannot realize a sufficiently high frame rate is used. In this case, the user first sets the required number of images in advance using the operation panel 13. The CPU 11 calculates a position in a respiratory cycle for capturing a plurality of single images necessary for generating an image equivalent to an image obtained by dynamic imaging. Then, the CPU 11 sends an initialization signal to the sensor control unit 10 and waits for reception of a preparation completion signal from the sensor control unit 10.
[0054]
The CPU 11 repeatedly accesses the breathing cycle position in the main memory 12 that is continuously updated by the breathing cycle confirmation unit 3. If the breathing cycle position is within one predetermined error of the imaging position calculated in advance, the CPU 11 sends an imaging signal to the X-ray tube control unit 4 and the sensor control unit 10 so as to capture an image. After taking an image, the CPU 11 sends an initialization signal to the sensor control unit 10 again, and continues this loop until the required number of images have been taken. The images are rearranged so that they are in the same order as they were obtained within one period of the respiratory cycle.
[0055]
Further, a delay from when the irradiation signal is sent to the X-ray tube control unit 4 until the X-ray tube 5 is actually irradiated with X-rays, or after the imaging signal is sent to the sensor control unit 10, the X-ray sensor 9 is actually sent. Therefore, at least one of the delays until the image is taken exists. In order to compensate for this delay, the CPU 11 continuously accesses the main memory 12 in order to confirm the breathing cycle position continuously updated by the breathing cycle confirmation unit 3, and the confirmed breathing cycle position is used as the breathing cycle position. Is used to anticipate the relative time to send a control signal to produce an image at the required location. That is, the irradiation signal is sent to the X-ray tube control unit 4 earlier than the actual imaging time by a delay.
[0056]
An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included. Examples of the storage medium for storing the program code include a flexible disk, hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, and the like. Can be considered.
[0057]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0058]
When the present invention is applied to the above-described storage medium, the program code corresponding to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, or FIG. 6 described above is stored in the storage medium.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to reliably obtain dynamic X-ray image information necessary for diagnosis while minimizing the X-ray imaging time of a patient.
[0060]
In addition, dynamic X-ray imaging can be performed even in an imaging apparatus with a low frame rate.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a respiratory cycle.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an X-ray imaging process in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an X-ray imaging process in the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship between a respiratory cycle and a change rate of the respiratory cycle.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an X-ray imaging process in the third embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CCD camera 2 Drive / capture circuit 3 Respiration cycle position detection part 4 X-ray tube control part 5 X-ray tube 6 X-ray irradiation area 7 Patient 8 Scattering prevention grid 9 X-ray sensor 10 Sensor control part 11 CPU
12 Main memory 13 Operation panel 14 Display section

Claims (16)

Control device for performing dynamic X-ray imaging by an X-ray imaging apparatus having an X-ray source and an imaging means for receiving an X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source and outputting an electric signal according to the intensity Because
Detection means for detecting the respiratory cycle of the subject;
A control apparatus comprising: control means for automatically controlling imaging timing including at least one of X-ray image imaging start timing and imaging end timing according to the breathing cycle. The X-ray image capturing start timing is a preset timing during the respiratory cycle, and the control unit activates at least one of the X-ray source and the imaging unit. The control device according to claim 1 . The X-ray image capturing end timing is a preset timing during the breathing cycle, and the control unit stops at least one of the X-ray source and the imaging unit. The control device according to claim 1 or 2 . The control means includes
Means for determining the frame rate of radiographic image capture;
Control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the determined frame rate and means for controlling so as to perform imaging of X-ray images. 5. The control apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the frame rate is determined by n / T, where T is the period of the respiratory cycle and n is the number of X-ray images to be captured. The control means includes
Means for managing the number of X-ray images taken;
The control apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: a unit that terminates imaging when the number of the captured X-ray images reaches a predetermined number. Control device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by further comprising input means for inputting the number of X-ray image to be photographed. The control means includes
Determining means for determining an imaging position of an X-ray image in the respiratory cycle;
The control apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: an imaging control unit configured to perform control so that an X-ray image is captured at the determined imaging position. An input means for inputting the number of X-ray images to be imaged;
The control device according to claim 8 , wherein the determination unit determines an imaging position according to the number of the X-ray images and the cycle of the breathing cycle. Means for determining the rate of change of the respiratory cycle;
The control device according to claim 8 , wherein the determination unit determines a shooting position based on the change rate. The control device according to claim 10 , wherein the determination unit determines a shooting position so that a portion with a high rate of change has a higher frame rate than a portion with a low change rate. The control device according to claim 10 , wherein the determining unit determines the shooting position so that the portion with the low change rate has a higher frame rate than the high portion. The photographing position, claim and over a plurality of respiratory cycles, an X-ray image at each imaging position obtained, characterized by further comprising means for reordering according to the position in one period of the respiratory cycle 8 The control apparatus in any one of thru | or 12 . A program executable by an information processing apparatus having a program code for realizing a dynamic X-ray imaging method ,
A program code of a detection process for detecting a subject's breathing cycle;
A program code of a control process for automatically controlling imaging timing including at least one of imaging start timing and imaging end timing according to the breathing cycle;
The program characterized by having . An information processing apparatus capable of executing a program, a program for causing an information processing apparatus to function executing the program, as a control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13. A storage medium storing the program according to claim 14 or 15 .

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