WO2014128757A1

WO2014128757A1 - Radiography device

Info

Publication number: WO2014128757A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/000952
Authority: WO
Inventors: 忠彦中原
Original assignee: 株式会社島津製作所
Priority date: 2013-02-20
Filing date: 2013-02-20
Publication date: 2014-08-28
Also published as: JP5954485B2; JPWO2014128757A1

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a radiography device which allows for interchangeable use of a plurality detecting means, such that an operator can immediately recognize when mistaken selection of a detection means has been made, thereby improving the usability of the device. To achieve this, the X-ray radiography device (1) according to the present invention has a plurality of FPDs (4) which are assigned colors for individual identification, and a visible light source (9) for emitting light in a color corresponding to whichever FPD (4) is selected for use in imaging. The type of color of the light emitted from the visible light source (9) indicates which FPD (4) the operator had selected on an operation console (26). Thus, even if the operator makes a mistake in input for selection of a FPD (4), the operator will be able to reliably recognize that a mistake in input was made from the mismatch between the color assigned to the FPD (4) and the color of the light emitted from the visible light source (4) at the time of collimator adjustment.

Description

Radiography equipment

The present invention relates to a radiographic apparatus that performs radiography of a subject, and more particularly, to a radiographic apparatus that can select a radiation detector used for imaging.

A medical institution is equipped with a radiation imaging apparatus that images a subject M by irradiating radiation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As shown in FIG. 11, such a radiographic apparatus includes a radiation source 53 that emits radiation and an FPD 54 that detects the radiation. A top plate 52 on which the subject M is placed is provided between the radiation source 53 and the FPD 54.

The radiation source 53 is provided with a collimator 53a that limits the radiation irradiation range. The radiation emitted from the radiation source 53 passes through the collimator 53a, and the spread is limited, and the subject M is irradiated.

The FPD 54 is configured to exchange information with the radiation imaging apparatus main body wirelessly. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to lay a cable between the FPD 54 and the radiation imaging apparatus main body, and the convenience of the radiation imaging apparatus is improved.

Such a wireless FPD 54 can be shared among a plurality of radiation imaging apparatuses. Therefore, the radiation imaging apparatus and the FPD 54 do not correspond one-on-one. When imaging a subject using such a radiographic apparatus, the operator first takes out one of the FPDs 54 from a place where a plurality of FPDs 54 are arranged. The FPD 54 thus taken out is an empty FPD 54 that is not currently used for other photographing.

Next, the operator designates the FPD 54 to be used from the operation panel of the radiation imaging apparatus. When the operator touches an icon drawn on the operation panel, the FPD 54 used for photographing can be selected. When the surgeon performs such an operation, the radiation imaging apparatus main body and the FPD 54 are paired. The main body of the radiation imaging apparatus performs imaging of the subject by transmitting and receiving various signals to and from the FPD 54 selected by the operator.

JP2011-189114

However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. That is, in the conventional configuration, it is difficult for an operator to notice an FPD designation error.

When the surgeon takes out one FPD from the FPD storage area in order to start imaging, it is necessary to make sure that the main body of the radiation imaging apparatus recognizes which FPD is used for imaging. Otherwise, the radiographic apparatus will continue the imaging operation by transmitting an imaging start signal to another FPD that is still in the FPD storage area. If such a situation occurs, the FPD 54 placed under the subject M will not be incorporated into the system of the radiation imaging apparatus, and imaging will continue in practice without FPD. In other words, if the surgeon makes a mistake in selecting the FPD 54, the imaging cannot be completed completely.

According to the conventional configuration, the operator notices an error in selecting the FPD on the operation panel after the subject is irradiated with radiation. Such useless radiation irradiation is undesirable from the viewpoint of reducing radiation exposure of the subject. Also, if the surgeon selects the FPD incorrectly in the conventional configuration, the imaging operation is once completed and then the imaging is performed again from the beginning, so that rapid imaging cannot be performed.

Therefore, in the conventional configuration, a code for identifying the individual FPD is pasted on the FPD in order to prevent the FPD from being mixed. If the operator confirms the code pasted on the FPD in advance, the operator can accurately recognize which icon to touch when selecting the FPD through the operation panel. However, this method cannot reliably prevent an operator's operation mistake.

That is, in the method of pasting the code on the FPD, the operator needs to consciously confirm the coincidence between the code on the FPD and the code on the operation panel. Therefore, when the surgeon is busy with the shooting operation, he or she may forget to confirm the coincidence of the signs. If there is a method in which the surgeon is more intuitively aware of an FPD selection mistake, the surgeon can complete photographing more smoothly.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable an operator to quickly recognize a selection error of a detection means in a radiographic apparatus that can be used by replacing a plurality of detection means. Thus, an object is to provide a radiation imaging apparatus with improved operability.

The present invention has the following configuration in order to solve the above-described problems.
That is, the radiation imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a radiation source that irradiates a subject with radiation, a collimator that limits the spread of radiation emitted from the radiation source, and a visible light that irradiates visible light provided in the collimator. A light source and a mirror that reflects visible light emitted from the visible light source, irradiates the visible light toward the collimator, transmits radiation emitted from the radiation source, and irradiates the radiation toward the collimator; Among a plurality of detection means, a plurality of detection means that detect radiation transmitted from the subject and are colored to identify an individual, an image generation means that generates an image based on a signal output from the detection means, and An input means for allowing an operator to select a detection means used for photographing, and an individual of the detection means for which the color of light emitted from a visible light source is selected through the input means. Is characterized in further comprising a light-emitting color control means for controlling the emission color of the visible light source so that the color.

[Operation / Effect] The radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of detection means colored to identify an individual, and a visible light source that emits light in a color corresponding to the detection means selected for imaging. This visible light source is a light source used when adjusting the collimator prior to radiography. When performing radiography, the opening of the collimator is adjusted using a visible light source before performing radiation irradiation. Therefore, the color of light emitted from the visible light source is surely recognized by the operator at the time of photographing. The type of color of light emitted from the visible light source represents the individual detection means selected by the operator through the input means. Therefore, even if the surgeon makes an incorrect input related to the selection of the detection means, the color given to the detection means at the time of collimator adjustment does not match the color of the light emitted from the visible light source. You can be sure of the mistake. At this point, the surgeon can quickly redo the selection of the detection means. Further, according to the present invention, since the operator can know an input error before radiation irradiation, it is possible to suppress unnecessary radiation exposure to the subject.

The radiographic apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a table in which a code that distinguishes a plurality of detection units and a color that is attached to the detection unit are associated, and the input unit includes a code that identifies the plurality of detection units It is more desirable if the operator selects the detection means by displaying the above and the emission color control means operates by reading the table from the storage means.

[Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration more specifically represents the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention. If the emission color control means controls the emission color of the visible light source based on a table in which the individual identification code displayed on the input means is associated with the individual identification color assigned to the detection means, the input means The visible light source can be caused to emit light more reliably reflecting the individual detection means selected in (1).

In the above-described radiographic apparatus, it is more desirable that each of the detection means is colored so as to border the periphery of the detection means.

[Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration more specifically represents the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention. If coloring is performed so as to border the periphery of the detection means, the operator can surely know which individual the detection means to be used for imaging is. This is because when the detection means is placed under the subject at the time of imaging, a color that reliably distinguishes the individual detection means appears in the portion of the detection means that appears to protrude from the subject.

In the above-described radiation imaging apparatus, it is more desirable that each of the detection means is colored on the detection surface side for detecting radiation.

[Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration more specifically represents the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention. If the detection means is colored on the side of the detection surface for detecting radiation, the surgeon can surely know which individual the detection means to be used for imaging is. This is because the detection means that protrudes from the subject at the time of imaging is visible to the operator from the side on which the detection surface of the detection means is provided.

In the above-described radiographic apparatus, it is more desirable that each of the detection means is colored by sticking a sticker colored differently by the detection means.

[Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration more specifically represents the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention. If the detection means is colored with a seal, the present invention can be applied to the existing detection means.

In the above-described radiation imaging apparatus, it is more desirable to provide an access point that wirelessly transmits and receives signals to and from detection means used for imaging.

[Operation / Effect] The above-described configuration more specifically represents the radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention. The present invention can be applied to a radiographic apparatus in which the detection means is wireless.

The radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention includes a plurality of detection means that are colored to identify an individual, and a visible light source that emits light in a color corresponding to the detection means selected for imaging. The color of light emitted from the visible light source is surely recognized by the operator when adjusting the opening of the collimator. The type of color of light emitted from the visible light source represents the individual detection means selected by the operator through the input means. Therefore, even if the surgeon makes an incorrect input related to the selection of the detection means, the color given to the detection means at the time of collimator adjustment does not match the color of the light emitted from the visible light source. You can be sure of the mistake.

1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the console according to the first embodiment. 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of an FPD according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view for explaining individual identification of an FPD according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a table according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a collimator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a collimator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the radiation imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a collimator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating adjustment of a collimator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining the radiography apparatus of a conventional structure.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. X-rays in the examples correspond to the radiation of the present invention. FPD is an abbreviation for flat panel detector.

<Overall configuration of X-ray imaging apparatus>
First, the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 irradiates the subject M with the top plate 2 on which the subject M in the supine position is placed and the X-rays provided on the upper side (one surface side) of the top plate 2. An X-ray tube 3 and an FPD 4 that is placed on the top 2 and detects X-rays that have passed through the subject M disposed below the subject M and outputs a detection signal are provided. The FPD 4 is a rectangle having four sides along either the body axis direction A or the body side direction S of the subject M. The FPD 4 is disposed between the subject M and the top 2 at the time of imaging, and the detection surface 4a for detecting the X-rays faces the X-ray tube 3 and the subject M side. The X-ray tube 3 irradiates the quadrangular pyramid-shaped X-rays toward the FPD 4. Therefore, the FPD 4 receives X-rays on the entire detection surface 4a. The support column 5 extends from the lower side (other surface side) of the top plate 2 toward the upper side (one surface side) of the top plate 2 and supports the X-ray tube 3. The X-ray tube 3 corresponds to the radiation source of the present invention, and the FPD 4 corresponds to the detection means of the present invention.

The X-ray tube 3 is provided with a collimator 3a that limits the spread of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 3. The collimator 3 a limits the spread of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 3. A specific configuration of the collimator 3a will be described later.

The X-ray tube control unit 6 (see FIG. 1) is provided for the purpose of controlling the X-ray tube 3 with a predetermined tube current, tube voltage, and pulse width. When X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 3 under the control of the X-ray tube control unit 6, the X-rays pass through the subject M and enter the detection surface 4 a of the FPD 4. On the detection surface 4a of the FPD 4, detection elements for detecting X-rays are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. The FPD 4 outputs the X-ray intensity detected by each detection element as a detection signal together with the position information of the detection element.

The FPD 4 in the first embodiment is a wireless type, and it is not necessary to physically connect the FPD 4 and the X-ray imaging apparatus main body with a cable or the like at the time of imaging. Information exchange between the FPD 4 and the X-ray imaging apparatus main body is performed by wireless communication between the wireless communication apparatus provided in the FPD 4 and the wireless access point 10 provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. It is done by executing. In this way, the access point 10 is configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the FPD 4 used for shooting.

The image generation unit 11 generates a still image of a fluoroscopic image of the subject M based on a detection signal output from the FPD 4 via the access point 10. The image generation unit 11 corresponds to an image generation unit of the present invention.

Incidentally, the X-ray imaging apparatus main body according to the first embodiment can perform imaging using one FPD 4 selected by the operator from among the plurality of FPDs 4. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus body recognizes a plurality of FPDs 4 in advance prior to imaging. The surgeon can perform a photographing operation using any of the recognized FPDs 4. In FIG. 1, a holder H that holds a plurality of FPDs 4 is depicted. The holder H holds the FPD 4 that has been recognized by the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. The surgeon performs X-ray imaging by selecting one of the FPDs 4 held by the holder H and placing it on the top 2.

Prior to X-ray imaging, in order for the X-ray imaging apparatus body to recognize an FPD 4 that has never been used for imaging, an operation of connecting the X-ray imaging apparatus body and the FPD 4 to be recognized once with a cable is performed. The In this way, the X-ray imaging apparatus body recognizes that the FPD 4 connected by the cable is one of the FPDs 4 that can be selected by the operator. After the recognition of the FPD 4 is completed, the FPD 4 and the X-ray imaging apparatus main body can exchange information wirelessly without physically connecting the FPD 4 to the X-ray imaging apparatus 1.

<Need for surgeon to select FPD>
In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus main body can recognize a plurality of FPDs 4 as described above. Since the FPD 4 used for photographing is one of the recognized plurality of FPDs 4, it is necessary for the operator to specify which of the plurality of FPDs 4 is used for photographing. This designation is made by the operator selecting an FPD 4 to be used for imaging from the list of FPDs 4 displayed on the console 26 attached to the main body of the X-ray imaging apparatus. In this manner, the console 26 is configured to display a code for distinguishing a plurality of FPDs 4 and to allow an operator to select an FPD 4 used for photographing among the plurality of FPDs 4. The console 26 corresponds to input means of the present invention.

The method for selecting the FPD 4 through the operator console 26 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 shows the display unit of the console 26. On the display section, there are icons for the purpose of selecting them by the number of recognized FPDs 4. When the surgeon touches and selects one of these icons, the X-ray imaging apparatus body recognizes that the FPD 4 corresponding to the selected icon is used for imaging. The icons are distinguished by numbering FPD4 such as “FPD1”, “FPD2”, and “FPD3”. In the description of FIG. 2, it is assumed that three FPDs 4 are recognized in the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. As the recognized FPD 4 increases, the number of icons drawn on the console 26 increases accordingly. Note that the icons need not necessarily use the numbers as described above, and any code that can distinguish the FPDs 4 may be used. In addition to the above-described icons, an icon that allows the operator to input an instruction to start X-ray irradiation is displayed on the display unit of the console 26.

As described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is configured to perform imaging while using a plurality of FPDs 4 properly. Therefore, the operator must be able to easily distinguish the FPD 4 placed on the holder H. Otherwise, when the surgeon tries to select the FPD 4 used for photographing through the console 26, the surgeon does not know which icon on the console 26 should be touched.

However, it is not easy to distinguish the FPD 4 placed on the holder H at first glance. Although each FPD 4 is stamped with a model number and a manufacturing number unique to the individual, the model number and the manufacturing number are only smallly stamped on the back side of the detection surface 4a. In addition, the model number and the production number are a series of alphabets and numbers having a large number of digits, and it is difficult for the surgeon to confirm individual differences of the FPD 4 even at a glance of the model number and the production number. Therefore, the FPD 4 according to the first embodiment is assigned a unique color (differential color) for the purpose of improving the individual identification, and a sticker s having a different distinction color is attached to each FPD 4. ing. As described above, the plurality of FPDs 4 are colored to identify the individual by the seal s.

FIG. 3 illustrates the seal s affixed to the FPD 4. The seal s is affixed so as to border the periphery of the rectangular FPD 4 on the detection surface 4a side, whereby the portion of the FPD 4 is colored. Accordingly, the seal s in the FPD 4 forms a frame shape. Since the seal s is affixed while avoiding the detection surface 4a of the FPD 4, this will be described. A frame-shaped reinforcing member is provided around the detection surface 4a for the purpose of protecting the detection surface 4a. The seal s is provided so as to cover the reinforcing member surrounding the detection surface 4a in the FPD 4. By doing so, the seal s is located outside the detection surface 4a, and is provided to avoid the detection surface 4a. This seal s is provided on each of the FPDs 4 recognized by the X-ray imaging apparatus main body through a cable.

The surgeon can easily distinguish the FPD 4 from the seal s. In other words, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the FPD 4 is colored by sticking the seals s colored differently depending on the FPD 4. For example, a sticker s attached to one FPD 4 is red, and a sticker s attached to another FPD 4 is blue. Further, the sticker s attached to another FPD 4 is green. The FPD 4 to which the red, blue, and green stickers are attached will be referred to as FPD 4r, FPD 4b, and FPD 4g, respectively, as shown in FIG.

<About Table T>
Subsequently, the table T stored in the storage unit 28 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the table T is a table in which a number representing an individual of the FPD 4 is associated with a distinction color for individual identification. This table T is created through the console 26 in accordance with the surgeon pasting the seal s on the FPD 4 in advance. In this table T, numbers “FPD1”, “FPD2”, “FPD3” for distinguishing FPD4 displayed on the console 26 are associated with the distinction colors of FPD4. Here, the number “FPD1” corresponds to the FPD4r with the red sticker s attached, the number “FPD2” corresponds to the FPD4b with the blue sticker s attached, and the number “FPD3” has the green color. It is assumed that it corresponds to FPD4g to which the seal s is attached. That is, the table T is such that the distinction color assigned to the FPD 4 and the code for identifying the FPD 4 are associated with each other. The storage unit 28 corresponds to the storage unit of the present invention.

<About the collimator>
The X-ray tube 3 is provided with a collimator 3a that limits the X-ray irradiation range (see FIG. 1). The collimator 3a can adjust the opening degree. As shown in FIG. 6, the collimator 3 a has a pair of shielding blades 3 b that move mirror-symmetrically with respect to the axis C, and another pair of shielding blades 3 b that similarly move mirror-symmetrically with respect to the axis C. I have. If this collimator 3a can irradiate the entire surface of the detection surface 4a of the FPD 4 with cone-shaped X-rays B by moving the shielding blade 3b, for example, only the central portion of the detection surface 4a has a fan-shaped X-ray. The line B can also be irradiated. The axis C is an axis indicating the center of the X-ray B. One of the two pairs of shielding blades 3b adjusts the spread of the X-ray B in the body axis direction A in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid, and the other pair of shielding blades 3b is an X-ray. The spread of B in the body side direction S is adjusted. When the X-ray tube 3 is moved, the collimator 3 a is also moved along with the X-ray tube 3. The movement of the shielding blade 3b can be performed manually by an operator.

<About visible light source>
The visible light source 9 emits visible light, and is provided in the collimator 3a as shown in FIG. The visible light emitted from the visible light source 9 passes through the gap between the shielding blades 3b of the collimator 3a and irradiates a part of the subject M. Similarly, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 3 are also irradiated to a part of the subject M through the gap between the shielding blades 3b of the collimator 3a. The portions of the subject M illuminated by the X-ray beam output from the X-ray tube 3 coincide with each other. Since the visible light source 9 can be visually observed by the operator, the operator can visually observe the portion (irradiation region or irradiation field) where the X-ray illuminates the subject M before X-ray imaging. . The visible light source controller 9 a is provided for the purpose of controlling the visible light source 9.

The visible light source 9 according to the first embodiment can change the emission color according to the control of the visible light source control unit 9a. Therefore, the visible light source 9 can output any one of red, blue, and green in accordance with the control of the visible light source controller 9a. Each of the emission colors that can be emitted by the visible light source 9 corresponds to each of the distinction colors given to the FPD 4 described above. In this way, the visible light source control unit 9a not only controls the start and end of light emission with respect to the visible light source 9, but also serves as light emission color control means for controlling the light emission color. Therefore, the visible light source control unit 9a corresponds to the emission color control means of the present invention.

Next, the positional relationship between the X-ray tube 3 and the collimator 3a will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the members. The X-ray tube 3 is provided with an irradiation port 3p that emits X-rays.

The collimator 3a is provided with a mirror 15 inclined with respect to the irradiation port 3p. The collimator 3 a is provided with a visible light source 9 so as to be in the same position as the mirror image of the focal position of the X-ray tube 3 by the mirror 15 when viewed from the subject M. The mirror 15 reflects the visible light emitted from the visible light source 9, irradiates the visible light toward the collimator 3a, transmits X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 3, and transmits the X-rays to the collimator 3a. Irradiate toward

The main control unit 27 (see FIG. 1) is provided for the purpose of comprehensively controlling each control unit. The main control unit 27 is constituted by a CPU, and realizes the X-ray tube control unit 6 and each unit by executing various programs. Further, each of the above-described units may be divided and executed by an arithmetic device that takes charge of them. The storage unit 28 stores all information related to device control such as a table T in which numbers (codes) for distinguishing a plurality of FPDs 4 and colors assigned to the FPDs 4 are associated. The display unit 29 is provided for the purpose of displaying captured images.

<Operation of X-ray Imaging Apparatus: Placement Step S1>
Next, the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In order to perform imaging using the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, first, the operator selects and extracts one of the FPDs 4 placed on the holder H, and this is detected by the detection surface 4a on the X-ray. The sample M is placed on the top 2 in a direction facing the tube 3, and the subject M is placed on the top 2 from above. At this time, it is assumed that the surgeon places the FPD 4r with the red seal s attached on the top plate 2. When placing the FPD 4r on the top plate 2, the surgeon notices that the distinguishing color of the seal s attached to the FPD 4 is red when the FPD 4 is placed.

Also, the surgeon can confirm the above-mentioned distinction color even after the FPD 4r is placed on the top board 2. This is because when the FPD 4r is placed on the top plate 2, the detection surface 4a is placed on the top surface. Since the seal s is affixed to the same surface as the detection surface 4a of the FPD 4, the surgeon can confirm the above-described distinction color even after the FPD 4r is placed. Furthermore, the surgeon can confirm the above-described distinction color even after the subject M is placed on the top board 2 and the FPD 4r is covered with the subject M. This is because the end of the FPD 4 appears to protrude from the subject M because it is wider than the width of the subject M in the body side direction. Since the seal s is affixed around the detection surface 4a, the seal s is located at a portion of the FPD 4 that protrudes from the subject M.

<FPD selection step S2>
Subsequently, the surgeon selects the FPD 4 used for photographing the console 26 attached to the X-ray imaging apparatus main body. At this time, it is assumed that the surgeon recognizes that “FPD1” has been selected, and touches an icon on the console 26 on which “FPD1” is displayed. Then, the main body of the X-ray imaging apparatus recognizes that “FPD1” is used for imaging to be performed. As for how the surgeon knows that the FPD 4r installed under the subject M corresponds to “FPD1”, a plurality of specific examples can be exemplified. For example, the operator may display the table T (see FIG. 7) through the console 26 and confirm it, or the FPD 4r is marked with “FPD1” which is the same as the number displayed on the console 26. A sticker may be affixed and the surgeon may confirm this. The surgeon may memorize the correspondence between the numbers such as “FPD1” and the distinction color.

The content of the FPD 4 selection performed by the surgeon is sent to the main control unit 27. The main control unit 27 establishes a link between the selected FPD 4r and the access point 10 by controlling the access point 10 according to the selected content. As a result, the FPD 4r is incorporated into the components of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1.

<Visible light irradiation step S3>
Thereafter, when the surgeon attempts to adjust the opening of the collimator 3a and gives an instruction to that effect through the console 26, the visible light source controller 9a irradiates the visible light source 9 with visible light. Give start instructions. The visible light emitted from the visible light source 9 is reflected by the mirror 15 and then collimated by the collimator 3a to illuminate a part of the subject M. The portion illuminated by the visible light coincides with the portion where X-rays to be irradiated will reach. In this way, the surgeon can know which part of the subject M is irradiated with X-rays prior to X-ray imaging. The instruction to start the adjustment of the opening degree of the collimator 3a may be performed by a button provided on the collimator 3a instead of the console 26. When such a configuration is adopted, when the surgeon presses the button, the visible light source control unit 9a operates to give an instruction to start visible light irradiation to the visible light source 9.

In addition, if the opening degree of the collimator 3a is manually adjusted at this time point when the visible light is irradiated, the reach range of the X-rays to be irradiated is changed accordingly. In other words, the surgeon is about to irradiate by adjusting the opening of the collimator 3a or adjusting the position of the FPD 4r or the subject M with respect to the X-ray tube 3 while the visible light is being irradiated. The X-ray irradiation range can be adjusted. Thus, if the irradiation range of X-rays is adjusted in advance using visible light, the surgeon can perform X-ray imaging as intended.

<The most characteristic configuration of the present invention>
Here, the most characteristic configuration of the present invention will be described. That is, according to the configuration of the first embodiment, the light emission color of the light emitted from the visible light source 9 is changed according to the type of the FPD 4 selected by the operator. That is, when the surgeon selects the FPD 4r in the FPD selection step S2, red light is emitted from the visible light source 9, as shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, for convenience of explanation, the mirror 15 attached to the X-ray tube 3 and the collimator 3a and the like are omitted. Similar omissions are also made in FIG.

The specific operation at this time will be described. When the surgeon instructs to start the adjustment of the opening degree of the collimator 3a through the console 26, the visible light source control unit 9a first reads the table T stored in the storage unit 28. Then, the visible light source control unit 9a acquires a distinction color corresponding to “FPD1” selected in the previous FPD selection step S2. At this time, the distinction color acquired by the visible light source control unit 9a is red as can be seen from FIG.

The visible light source control unit 9a transmits a signal for setting the emission color to red to the visible light source 9 and a signal indicating the start of emission. The visible light source 9 emits light with a red emission color according to these two signals. Then, the red light emitted from the visible light source 9 is collimated by the collimator 3a as shown on the left side of FIG. 9, and illuminates the subject M and a part of the FPD 4r located on the back of the subject M. The right side of FIG. 9 illustrates the FPD 4r located on the back surface of the subject M.

Here, the surgeon can easily know that his / her selection is correct in the FPD selection step S2. This is because the operator confirms that the color of the seal s attached to the FPD 4r matches the color of the visible light emitted from the visible light source 9 when the visible light emission starts. The surgeon who has completed this confirmation moves to work such as adjustment of the collimator 3a. As a specific example when the surgeon confirms that the color of the seal s matches the color of visible light, the surgeon looks at the seal s of the FPD 4r that appears to protrude from the bottom of the subject M in the visible light irradiation step S3. You may make it look visually, and the operator may remember the color of the seal | sticker s affixed on FPD4r by mounting step S1, and may match a color based on this.

When the operator finishes the adjustment of the collimator 3a and the like, the operator instructs the end of the adjustment of the opening of the collimator 3a through the console 26. Then, the visible light source control unit 9a sends a signal indicating the end of light emission to the visible light source 9. The visible light source 9 ends the light emission accordingly.

<Control of emission color>
By the way, in the operation | movement demonstrated above, when an operator selects "FPD1" through the console 26 in FPD selection step S2, red visible light is irradiated. Here, in the FPD selection step S2, if the operator has selected another FPD 4 other than “FPD 1”, the color of the visible light emitted from the visible light source 9 is not red but blue or green. Specifically, when the surgeon selects “FPD2”, the visible light source 9 emits blue light associated with “FPD2” in the table T, and when the surgeon selects “FPD3” In the table T, the visible light source 9 emits green light corresponding to “FPD3”. As described above, the visible light source control unit 9 a controls the emission color of the visible light source 9 so that the color of the light emitted from the visible light source 9 becomes a color for identifying the individual FPD 4 selected through the console 26.

FIG. 10 illustrates a case where the operator makes an incorrect selection of FPD 4 in the FPD selection step S2. In FIG. 10 as well, as described with reference to FIG. 9, the operator places the FPD 4 r on the top plate 2 in the placing step S <b> 1. Therefore, the operator should select “FPD1” which means FPD4r in the FPD selection step S2. However, it is assumed that the operator at this time selects “FPD2” by mistake.

In this state, when the surgeon instructs the start of adjustment of the opening degree of the collimator 3a through the console 26, the visible light source control unit 9a controls the visible light source 9 so as to emit blue light as described above. Then, the blue light emitted from the visible light source 9 is collimated by the collimator 3a as shown on the left side of FIG. 10, and illuminates the subject M and a part of the FPD 4r located on the back of the subject M. At this time, the operator notices that the selection of the FPD 4 was wrong in the FPD selection step S2. This is because the color of the sticker s attached to the FPD 4r does not match the color of visible light. As a specific example when the surgeon confirms that the color of the seal s does not match the color of visible light, the surgeon visually observes the seal s that appears to protrude from the bottom of the subject M in the visible light irradiation step S3. Alternatively, the operator may remember the color of the seal s attached to the FPD 4r in the placing step S1, and may check the color mismatch based on this. An operator who has noticed an error in selecting the FPD 4 can perform imaging again from the FPD selection step S2.

<Shooting start step S4>
When the surgeon gives an instruction to start imaging to the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 through the console 26, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray tube 3 and imaging of the image is started. At this time, the main control unit 27 performs various controls on the FPD 4r. The X-ray detection signal output from the FPD 4r is sent to the image generation unit 11 through the access point 10. The image generated by the image generation unit 11 is displayed on the display unit 29, and the X-ray imaging according to the first embodiment is completed.

As described above, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of colored FPDs 4 that identify individuals and a visible light source 9 that emits light in a color corresponding to the FPD 4 selected for imaging. This visible light source 9 is a light source used when adjusting the collimator 3a prior to X-ray imaging. When performing X-ray imaging, the opening degree of the collimator 3a is adjusted using the visible light source 9 before executing the X-ray irradiation. Therefore, the color of light emitted from the visible light source 9 is surely recognized by the operator at the time of photographing. The type of color of light emitted from the visible light source 9 represents the individual of the FPD 4 selected by the operator through the console 26. Therefore, even if the operator's input related to the selection of the FPD 4 is incorrect, the input error is reliably known because the color assigned to the FPD 4 and the color of the light emitted from the visible light source 9 do not match. be able to. At this point, the surgeon can promptly input the selection of the FPD 4 again. Further, according to the present invention, since the operator can know an input error before X-ray irradiation, it is possible to suppress unnecessary X-ray exposure to the subject M.

Further, as described above, the visible light source control unit 9a is based on the table T in which the individual identification code displayed on the console 26 and the individual identification color attached to the FPD 4 are related to each other. By controlling the emission color of the visible light source 9, the visible light source 9 can be caused to emit light more reliably reflecting the individual FPD 4 selected on the console 26.

As described above, if coloring is performed so that the periphery of the FPD 4 is bordered, the surgeon can surely know which individual the FPD 4 to be used for photographing is. This is because when the FPD 4 is placed under the subject M at the time of imaging, a color that clearly distinguishes the individual of the FPD 4 appears in the portion of the FPD 4 that appears to protrude from the subject M.

Also, if the detection surface 4a for detecting the X-rays of the FPD 4 is colored, the surgeon can surely know which individual the FPD 4 to be used for imaging is. This is because the FPD 4 protruding from the subject M at the time of imaging can be seen by the operator on the side where the detection surface 4a of the FPD 4 is provided.

If the FPD 4 is colored with the seal s, the present invention can be applied to the existing FPD 4.

Further, the present invention can be applied to the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 in which the FPD 4 is wireless.

The present invention is not limited to the configuration described above, and can be modified as follows.

(1) The present invention is not limited to the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the type installed in the examination room as described above, but can be applied to an X-ray imaging apparatus for round trips.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the wireless FPD 4 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the present invention also relates to the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 provided with the wired FPD 4. Adaptable. At this time, the access point 10 described in FIG. 1 is not necessarily required.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the visible light source 9 can emit light in any one of the three colors of red, blue, and green. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the visible light source 9 Other colors may be emitted, and the number of colors for which the visible light source 9 can be switched can be freely selected.

(4) In the above-described embodiments, there are three FPDs 4 recognized by the X-ray imaging apparatus body, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The present invention can be applied to two or more recognized FPDs 4.

(5) Although the above-described embodiments are medical devices, the present invention can also be applied to industrial and nuclear devices.

(6) The X-ray referred to in the above-described embodiments is an example of radiation in the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to radiation other than X-rays.

As described above, the above-described invention is suitable for the medical field.

3 X-ray tube (radiation source)
3a Collimator 4 FPD (detection means)
9 Visible light source 9a Visible light source controller (emission color control means)
10 access point 11 image generation unit (image generation means)
15 Mirror 26 Console (input means)
28 storage unit (storage means)

Claims

A radiation source that emits radiation toward the subject;
A collimator for limiting the spread of radiation emitted from the radiation source;
A visible light source for irradiating visible light provided in the collimator;
A mirror that reflects visible light emitted from the visible light source, irradiates visible light toward the collimator, transmits radiation emitted from the radiation source, and irradiates the radiation toward the collimator; ,
A plurality of detection means for detecting the radiation transmitted from the subject and coloring the individual;
Image generating means for generating an image based on a signal output from the detecting means;
An input means for allowing an operator to select the detection means used for photographing among the plurality of detection means;
Emission color control means for controlling the emission color of the visible light source so that the color of light emitted from the visible light source becomes a color for identifying the individual detection means selected through the input means. Radiography equipment.
The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1,
A storage means for storing a table in which a code for distinguishing a plurality of the detection means and a color assigned to the detection means are associated;
The input means causes the operator to select the detection means by displaying a code that distinguishes a plurality of the detection means,
The radiation imaging apparatus characterized in that the emission color control means operates by reading the table from the storage means.
The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
Each of the detection means is colored so as to border the periphery of the detection means.
The radiographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Each of the detection means is colored on the side of a detection surface for detecting radiation, and the radiation imaging apparatus.
The radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the detection means is colored by sticking a sticker having a different color depending on the detection means.
The radiographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising an access point that wirelessly transmits and receives signals to and from the detection means used for imaging.