X-ray analysis device and x-ray analysis method

Abstract

Provided is an X-ray analysis device that can easily and accurately perform positioning of a photographic subject for obtaining an X-ray transmission image. The X-ray analysis device is configured to include an X-ray source (10), an X-ray detector (11) that detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray source (10), and a rotary stage (12) (stage) that is disposed between the X-ray source (10) and the X-ray detector (11), holds a photographic subject (W), and includes a light irradiation mechanism (20) that irradiates light on the same optical axis as an X-ray optical axis (L) of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray source (10), and forms a shadow of the photographic subject (W) at the position of the X-ray detector (11).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an X-ray analysis apparatus and an X-ray analysis method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In an industrial X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus, it is generally known that a rotating platform that rotates around an axis orthogonal to an X-ray optical axis is arranged between an X-ray source and an X-ray detector arranged facing each other, and in a state where a photographic subject is held on the rotating platform, the rotating platform is rotated by a predetermined minute angle unit while X-rays are irradiated, and X-ray transmission data from the X-ray detector is introduced each time of rotation.

[0003] At this time, the industrial X-ray CT apparatus is required to perform CT photography of photographic subjects of various sizes and shapes, and it is necessary to set the photographic subject at an appropriate position each time. In a case where the positioning of the photographic subject is not appropriate, sometimes a portion of interest becomes outside the range of the CT photography field of view, and it is not until after the CT photography that it is ascertained that the portion originally intended to be observed is not captured on the cross-sectional image, and it is necessary to perform photography again.

[0004] Therefore, in the past, in order to confirm whether the photographic subject is accommodated in the range of the CT photography field of view, the following method has been used, that is, confirmation is performed by irradiating X-rays and based on a fluoroscopic image, or CT photography is performed once under simple conditions, and the like.

[0005] However, in a case where the position of the photographic subject is confirmed based on the X-ray fluoroscopic image or the CT photography result, it is necessary to temporarily close the door after the photographic subject is set. Therefore, in a case where a mechanism for positioning the photographic subject is not provided in the CT apparatus, in order to perform the positioning of the photographic subject, it is necessary to open the door again to perform the positioning of the photographic subject, and this is very time-consuming.

[0006] Therefore, in the past, for example, the following technology has been disclosed, that is, an optical camera is used to capture a photographic subject placed on a rotating platform, and by using image processing of the data thereof, information of the shape, size, and position of the photographic subject with respect to the rotating axis is obtained, and based on the information, interference of the photographic subject with an X-ray source is monitored, or the rotating platform is automatically positioned at a position closest to the X-ray source without interference (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0007] [Related Art Documents]

[0008] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] WO 2006 / 051690 SUMMARY

[0010] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0011] However, in the related art, positioning of the rotating platform is performed based on an image captured from above the photographic subject using an optical camera, and thus it is difficult to position a photographic range that is completely identical to an X-ray transmission image obtained when X-rays are irradiated to the photographic subject.

[0012] In particular, in a method called offset scanning in which the X-ray detector is moved laterally and CT imaging is performed, only about half of the CT imaging field range in which the X-ray transmission image is actually captured can be obtained, and thus it is difficult to confirm the CT imaging field range from the perspective image.

[0013] An object of the present application is to provide an X-ray analysis apparatus and an X-ray analysis method that can easily and accurately perform positioning of a photographic subject for obtaining an X-ray transmission image.

[0014] [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0015] A first aspect of the present application is an X-ray analysis apparatus including an X-ray source, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source, and a platform disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector that holds a photographic subject, and characterized by including a light irradiation mechanism that irradiates light on the same optical axis as an X-ray optical axis of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source to project an image of a shadow of the photographic subject on a position of the X-ray detector.

[0016] [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the first aspect of the present application, the image of the shadow of the photographic subject is formed using the light irradiation mechanism, and thus by visually checking the image of the shadow of the photographic subject, the region in which X-rays are irradiated to the photographic subject can be confirmed, and the positioning of the photographic subject can be easily and accurately performed. Thus, even in the case of performing offset scanning, the positioning of the photographic subject can be easily and accurately performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an X-ray analysis apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0020] 1: X-ray CT apparatus

[0021] 10: X-ray source

[0022] 11: X-ray detector

[0023] 12: Rotating platform

[0024] 20: Light irradiation mechanism

[0025] 21: Light Source

[0026] 22: Reflector

[0027] 23: Marking components

[0028] 24: Outer Mark

[0029] 24S, 25S: Shadow

[0030] 25: Inside mark

[0031] W: Photography Object

[0032] L: X-ray axis

[0033] WS: Image of Shadow DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an X-ray CT apparatus as an X-ray analysis apparatus will be described.

[0036] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically showing the X-ray CT apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes an X-ray source 10 for irradiating an imaging object W with X-rays, and an X-ray detector 11 for detecting the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 10 .

[0038] A rotating platform 12 is disposed between the X-ray source 10 and the X-ray detector 11 as a platform for rotating the imaging object W. The rotating platform 12 is configured to be rotationally driven about a rotation axis in the Z-axis direction and to be movable in the X-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction along the X-ray optical axis L from the X-ray source 10.

[0039] During CT imaging, the imaging object W is placed on the rotating platform 12, and the rotating platform 12 is rotated while irradiating X-rays from the X-ray source 10. X-ray transmission data from the X-ray detector 11 is obtained for each small rotation angle. The obtained 360° X-ray transmission data of the imaging object W is used to obtain a tomographic image of the imaging object W.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a light irradiation mechanism 20 for irradiating the photographic subject W with light is provided.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the light irradiation mechanism 20 includes a light source 21 that irradiates visible light such as white light, a reflection plate 22, and a marker member 23.

[0042] The light source 21 irradiates visible light. The reflection plate 22 is formed of resin such as acrylic, for example, and reflects light irradiated from the light source 21 in the X-axis direction that is the X-ray optical axis L. The light reflected by the reflection plate 22 is configured to be irradiated on the photographic subject W by the marker member 23.

[0043] The light source 21 is disposed at a position at which, when light irradiated from the light source 21 is reflected by the reflection plate 22 and irradiated on the photographic subject W and projected as a shadow on the X-ray detector 11, the size of the shadow of the photographic subject W becomes the same size as an X-ray transmission image of the photographic subject W formed by X-rays irradiated on the photographic subject W from the X-ray source 10.

[0044] Thus, by irradiating light from the light source 21 on the photographic subject W, the same shadow image WS as the X-ray transmission image obtained when X-rays are irradiated on the X-ray detector 11 can be projected. Therefore, by visually observing the shadow image WS of the photographic subject W projected by the irradiation light from the light source 21, the range in which the X-ray transmission image is obtained can be confirmed.

[0045] Further, as the light source 21, light of another color can be used instead of white light, and a laser can also be used.

[0046] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the marker member 23 is disposed between the reflection plate 22 and the rotary stage 12. The marker member 23 is formed of transparent resin, for example, and in the marker member 23, an outer marker 24 in the shape of a square and an inner marker 25 in the shape of a substantially cross are formed by printing or the like.

[0047] The outer marker 24 is formed in the photographic field range of the X-ray transmission image of the photographic subject W obtained by irradiating X-rays. The inner marker 25 is formed so that the intersection points of the cross are located on the X-ray optical axis L.

[0048] Further, the photographic field range based on X-rays can also be confirmed by printing a pattern like the marker member on the surface of the reflection plate 22 instead of the marker member 23, or the photographic field range based on X-rays can also be confirmed by providing the light source 21 as a laser light source and projecting laser light in a pattern like the marker member.

[0049] In addition, by irradiating light from the light source 21 via the reflection plate 22, a shadow 24S of the outer side marker 24 and a shadow 25S of the inner side marker 25 of the marker member 23 are formed on the X-ray detector 11. An X-ray transmission image of the photographic subject W obtained by irradiating X-rays from the X-ray source 10 to the photographic subject W is formed in a range surrounded by the outer side marker 24, and thus by locating the image WS of the shadow of the photographic subject W projected on the range of the shadow 24S of the outer side marker 24 projected on the X-ray detector 11, it is possible to confirm that the photographic subject W is accommodated in the CT photographic field region.

[0050] Further, in the case of offset photography, X-rays from the X-ray source are not irradiated to the entire photographic subject, and thus even if light from the light source is irradiated to the photographic subject in an offset state, it is not possible to obtain an image of the shadow of the entire photographic subject.

[0051] Therefore, in such a case of offset photography, a screen or the like is provided on the side of the detection surface of the X-ray detector on which the X-rays are not offset, and is set so that light from the light source passes through the approximate center of the photographic subject. In this state, by irradiating light from the light source to the photographic subject, it is possible to confirm whether or not the photographic subject in offset photography is accommodated in the CT photographic field region.

[0052] Further, in the present embodiment, the light irradiation mechanism 20 is configured to irradiate light from the light source 21 to the photographic subject W via the reflection plate 22, but the present application is not limited thereto.

[0053] For example, it is also possible to arrange the light source 21 on the X-ray optical axis L, and directly irradiate light from the light source 21 to the photographic subject W, thereby projecting the image WS of the shadow of the photographic subject W. At this time, the light source 21 becomes an obstacle when X-rays are irradiated to the photographic subject W, and thus it is necessary to provide a structure in which the light source 21 is retracted when X-rays are irradiated.

[0054] Next, an X-ray analysis method of the present application using the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described.

[0055] First, a prescribed photographic subject W is placed on the rotary platform 12.

[0056] In this state, light is irradiated from the light source 21. The light irradiated from the light source 21 is reflected by the reflection plate 22, and is irradiated to the photographic subject W via the marker member 23.

[0057] Thus, an image WS of a shadow of the photographic subject W is projected on the X-ray detector 11. In this state, the rotary platform 12 is rotated by 360°, and an image WS of a 360° shadow of the photographic subject W is projected. At this time, on the X-ray detector 11, the shadows of the outer marker 24 and the inner marker 25 of the marker member 23 are also projected. Note that the angle by which the rotary platform 12 is rotated is not limited to 360°, and can be appropriately set by the photographer to, for example, 180°, 90°, or the like, in accordance with the photographic subject.

[0058] The user visually confirms the image WS of the shadow of the photographic subject W, and thus can visually confirm whether the photographic subject W is positioned inside the outer marker 24 of the marker member 23. By visually confirming the image WS of the shadow of the photographic subject W projected by the irradiation light from the light source 21, the user can confirm the range in which the X-ray transmission image is acquired.

[0059] In addition, by confirming the image WS of the shadow of the photographic subject W, the photographic subject W can be correctly set on the rotary platform 12.

[0060] Then, by irradiating the photographic subject W with X-rays from the X-ray source 10 and detecting the X-rays with the X-ray detector 11, a prescribed X-ray transmission image can be acquired.

[0061] According to the present embodiment, the following effects are exerted.

[0062] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured to include an X-ray source 10, an X-ray detector 11 that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 10, and a rotary platform 12 (a platform) that is disposed between the X-ray source 10 and the X-ray detector 11, holds a photographic subject W, and includes a light irradiation mechanism 20 that irradiates light on the same optical axis as an X-ray optical axis L of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 10, and forms a shadow of the photographic subject W at the position of the X-ray detector 11.

[0063] Thus, the image WS of the shadow of the photographic subject W is formed by the light irradiation mechanism 20, and thus by visually confirming the image WS of the shadow of the photographic subject W, it is possible to confirm whether the photographic subject W is housed in the CT photographic field range region. Therefore, it is possible to confirm the region in which the photographic subject W is irradiated with X-rays, and the alignment of the photographic subject W can be easily and accurately performed.

[0064] Furthermore, in the case of offset photography, by providing a screen or the like and setting the light from the light source so as to pass through the approximate center of the photographic subject, the light from the light source can be irradiated on the photographic subject, and thus it is possible to confirm whether the photographic subject is housed in the CT photographic field range region at the time of offset photography. Therefore, even in the case of offset scanning, the alignment of the photographic subject W can be easily and accurately performed.

[0065] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the image WS of the shadow of the subject W projected by the irradiation light from the light irradiation mechanism 20 indicates the region constituted by the X-ray transmission image of the subject W formed by the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 10.

[0066] Thus, since the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is configured such that the image WS of the shadow of the subject W projected by the irradiation light from the light irradiation mechanism 20 indicates the region constituted by the X-ray transmission image of the subject W formed by the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 10, the region in which the X-rays are irradiated to the subject W can be reliably confirmed, and the alignment of the subject W can be easily and accurately performed.

[0067] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the light irradiation mechanism 20 includes a light source 21 that irradiates visible light and a reflection plate 22 that reflects the light irradiated from the light source 21 in the same axis as the X-ray optical axis L and irradiates the light to the subject W.

[0068] Thus, the irradiation light from the light source 21 can be irradiated to the subject W via the reflection plate 22, and the image WS of the shadow of the subject W can be projected to the X-ray detector 11.

[0069] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that a marker member 23 is disposed between the reflection plate 22 and the subject W.

[0070] Thus, the position of the projected subject W with respect to the projected marker member 23 can be confirmed by visual observation, and it can be determined whether the subject W is positioned at a correct position.

[0071] Further, the present embodiment is merely an example of the present application, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied without departing from the gist of the present application.

[0072] Furthermore, the horizontal and vertical directions and the like and various numerical values and shapes of the present embodiment include a range in which the same effects as those of the directions and numerical values and shapes are exerted (a so-called equivalent range) unless otherwise specified.

[0073] [Mode]

[0074] The skilled person understands that the example embodiments and modified examples are specific examples of the following modes.

[0075] (1) An X-ray analysis apparatus of one aspect includes an X-ray source, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray source, and a stage that is disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, holds a photographic object W, and includes a light irradiation mechanism that irradiates light on the same optical axis as an X-ray optical axis of the X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray source, and projects an image of a shadow of the photographic object on a position of the X-ray detector.

[0076] According to the aspect of (1), the image of the shadow of the photographic object is formed by the light irradiation mechanism, and thus the region in which the X-rays are irradiated to the photographic object can be confirmed by visually observing the image of the shadow of the photographic object, and the alignment of the photographic object can be easily and accurately performed. Therefore, even in the case of performing the offset scan, the alignment of the photographic object can be easily and accurately performed.

[0077] (2) The X-ray analysis apparatus according to (1) can be configured such that the image of the shadow of the photographic object projected by the light irradiated from the light irradiation mechanism represents a region constituted by an X-ray transmission image of the photographic object formed by the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source.

[0078] According to the aspect of (2), the image of the shadow of the photographic object projected by the irradiated light from the light irradiation mechanism is configured to represent the region constituted by the X-ray transmission image of the photographic object formed by the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source, and thus the region in which the X-rays are irradiated to the photographic object can be reliably confirmed, and the alignment of the photographic object can be easily and accurately performed.

[0079] (3) The X-ray analysis apparatus according to (1) or (2) can be configured such that the light irradiation mechanism includes a light source that irradiates visible light, and a reflection plate that reflects the light irradiated from the light source on the same axis as the X-ray optical axis, and irradiates the light on the photographic object.

[0080] According to the aspect of (3), the irradiated light from the light source can be irradiated on the photographic object via the reflection plate, and the image of the shadow of the photographic object can be projected on the X-ray detector.

[0081] (4) The X-ray analysis apparatus according to (3) can be configured such that a marker member is disposed between the reflection plate and the photographic object.

[0082] According to the aspect of (4), whether or not the photographic object is positioned at a correct position can be determined by visually confirming the position of the photographic object projected with respect to the marker member projected.

[0083] (5) The X-ray analysis apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4) can be an X-ray CT apparatus.

[0084] According to the aspect of item 5, the X-ray analysis device can be applied to an X-ray CT device.

[0085] (6) An X-ray analysis method according to the aspect of item 5, irradiates an X-ray from an X-ray source to a photographic object held on a stage, detects an X-ray that has passed through the photographic object using an X-ray detector, performs analysis of the photographic object, and irradiates light on the same optical axis as the X-ray optical axis of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source using a light irradiation mechanism, projects an image of a shadow of the photographic object on the position of the X-ray detector, and visually confirms whether the photographic object is located within the photographic field of view based on the X-ray using the image of the shadow of the photographic object.

[0086] According to the aspect of item 6, the image of the shadow of the photographic object is formed using the light irradiation mechanism, so by visually observing the image of the shadow of the photographic object, the region in which the X-ray is irradiated to the photographic object can be confirmed, and the alignment of the photographic object can be easily and accurately performed.

Claims

1. An X-ray analysis device comprising: X-ray source; an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays emitted from the X-ray source; A rotating platform is disposed between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector and is capable of rotatably holding the imaging object. The X-ray analysis device is characterized by comprising: The light irradiation mechanism irradiates light onto the same optical axis as the X-ray optical axis of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source while rotating the imaging object via the rotating platform, thereby projecting an image of the shadow of the imaging object onto the position of the X-ray detector.

2. The X-ray analysis device according to claim 1, wherein The image of the shadow of the imaging object projected by the light irradiated from the light irradiation unit represents a region constituted by the X-ray transmission image of the imaging object formed by the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source.

3. The X-ray analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The light irradiation mechanism includes: a light source for irradiating visible light; and a reflector for reflecting the light irradiated from the light source toward a direction coaxial with the X-ray optical axis to irradiate the imaging object.

4. The X-ray analysis device according to claim 3, wherein A marking member is arranged between the reflective plate and the photographic object.

5. The X-ray analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The X-ray analysis device is an X-ray computed tomography device.

6. An X-ray analysis method comprising irradiating an object for imaging held rotatably on a rotating platform with X-rays from an X-ray source, detecting the X-rays transmitted through the object for imaging with an X-ray detector, and analyzing the object, wherein: While rotating the photographic object by the rotating platform, a light irradiation mechanism is used to irradiate light onto the same optical axis as the X-ray optical axis of the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source, and an image of the shadow of the photographic object is projected onto the position of the X-ray detector. Based on the image of the shadow of the photographic object, it is visually confirmed whether the photographic object is within the photographic field of view based on the X-ray.

Images