Imaging apparatus and method of determining imaging position

Abstract

To provide a photographing device capable of easily determining a photographing position when photographing a subject by switching from a detection part having a wide photographing area to a detection part having a narrow photographing area.SOLUTION: The imaging device 100 includes a detection unit 20a for acquiring a captured image 101 obtained by imaging a subject 200, a detection unit 20b having an imaging region narrower than that of the detection unit 20a and for acquiring a captured image 102 obtained by imaging a subject 200, and a control unit 90. The controller 90 performs control to generate the superimposed image 103 in which the imaging region image 104 indicating the imaging region of the detection portion 20b is superimposed on the captured image 101, and control to display the superimposed image 103 on the display unit 70.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a photographing device and a method for determining a photographing position. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an imaging device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 discloses an X-ray imaging device (imaging device). This X-ray imaging device includes an X-ray tube and a detector (detection unit), and is configured to image the subject by emitting X-rays from the X-ray tube and detecting the X-rays that have passed through the subject with the detector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-161504 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, in a conventional X-ray imaging device (imaging device) such as that described in Patent Document 1, multiple detectors (detection units) with different imaging areas are provided, and imaging of a subject may be performed by switching between the multiple detectors. By switching between the multiple detectors to image a subject, it is possible to obtain more information about the subject than when imaging the subject using only a single detector. However, when imaging a subject by switching from a detector with a wide imaging area to a detector with a narrow imaging area, it may be necessary to adjust the imaging position so that the imaging target portion of the subject falls within the imaging area of ​​the detector with the narrow imaging area. In this case, it is difficult to determine the imaging position simply by understanding the positional relationship between the subject and the detector with the narrow imaging area, because it is difficult to determine whether the imaging target portion of the subject falls within the imaging area of ​​the detector with the narrow imaging area. For this reason, it is desirable to make it possible to easily determine the imaging position.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device and a method for determining an imaging position that can easily determine the imaging position when photographing a subject by switching from a detection unit with a wide imaging area to a detection unit with a narrow imaging area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device in a first aspect of the present invention includes a first detection unit for acquiring a first X-ray image of a subject, a second detection unit having a narrower imaging area than the first detection unit and for acquiring a second X-ray image of the subject, and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs control to generate a superimposed image in which an imaging area image showing the imaging area of ​​the second detection unit is superimposed on the first X-ray image, and control to display the superimposed image on a display unit.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a second aspect of the present invention provides a method for determining an imaging position in an imaging device that includes a first detection unit for acquiring a first X-ray image of a subject, and a second detection unit that has a narrower imaging area than the first detection unit and is for acquiring a second X-ray image of the subject, and includes the steps of generating a superimposed image by superimposing an imaging area image showing the imaging area of ​​the second detection unit on the first X-ray image, and displaying the superimposed image on a display unit.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an imaging device in a third aspect of the present invention includes a first detection unit for acquiring a first X-ray image of a subject, a second detection unit having a narrower imaging area than the first detection unit and for acquiring a second X-ray image of the subject, and a control unit, wherein the control unit controls the generation of a superimposed image in which the second X-ray image is superimposed on the imaging area of ​​the second detection unit on the first X-ray image, and the display of the superimposed image on a display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] In the imaging device according to the first aspect and the imaging position determination method according to the second aspect, as described above, a superimposed image is generated by superimposing either an imaging area image indicating the imaging area of ​​the second detector or a second X-ray image on a first X-ray image, and the superimposed image is displayed on a display unit. Furthermore, in the imaging device according to the third aspect, as described above, a superimposed image is generated by superimposing the second X-ray image on the imaging area of ​​the second detector on the first X-ray image, and the superimposed image is displayed on a display unit. This allows a user to easily determine whether the imaging target portion of the subject falls within the imaging area of ​​the second detector, which has a narrower imaging area, based on the superimposed image displayed on the display unit. As a result, when imaging the subject by switching from the first detector, which has a wider imaging area, to the second detector, which has a narrower imaging area, the imaging position can be easily determined.

[0011] Furthermore, when the imaging target portion of the subject is not shown in the second X-ray image, it is difficult to find the imaging target portion of the subject from the second X-ray image, and therefore it is difficult to determine the imaging position.In contrast, the imaging device according to the first aspect, the imaging position determination method according to the second aspect, and the imaging device according to the third aspect display the superimposed image on the display unit, thereby making it possible to easily determine the imaging position as described above, which is very effective when the imaging target portion of the subject is not shown in the second X-ray image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an imaging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an imaging device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining imaging using a detection unit with a wide imaging area according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating images captured using a detection unit with a wide imaging area according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining imaging using a detection unit with a narrow imaging area according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating images captured using a detection unit with a narrow imaging area according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 illustrates an overlaid image according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a change in the position of a photographic area in a superimposed image in accordance with a change in the position of a subject according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a superimposed image in which an imaging region is superimposed on a tomographic image according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining calculation of the size of an imaging area according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining a photographing position according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining generation of a superimposed image according to a modified example of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] The configuration of an image capturing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] (Overall configuration of the imaging device) As shown in Fig. 1, the imaging device 100 is a device that images a subject 200. Specifically, the imaging device 100 is an X-ray imaging device that images the subject 200 using X-rays 11. The imaging device 100 images the subject 200 using X-rays 11, thereby obtaining an X-ray image (CT image, tomographic image, etc.) of the subject 200. The imaging device 100 is used, for example, for non-destructive testing.

[0016] 1 and 2, the imaging device 100 includes an X-ray irradiation unit 10, detection units 20a and 20b, a subject placement unit 30, a placement unit rotation mechanism 40, a placement unit movement mechanism 50, a detection unit movement mechanism 60, a display unit 70, an operation unit 80, and a control unit 90. The detection units 20a and 20b are examples of the "first detection unit" and the "second detection unit" in the claims, respectively.

[0017] The X-ray irradiation unit 10 is configured to irradiate X-rays 11 to a subject 200 placed in a subject placement unit 30. The X-ray irradiation unit 10 includes an X-ray tube that generates X-rays 11 when a high voltage is applied, and a collimator that adjusts the irradiation field of the X-rays 11 generated in the X-ray tube. The X-ray irradiation unit 10 faces the detection unit 20a or 20b via the subject placement unit 30. The X-ray irradiation unit 10, the subject placement unit 30, and the detection unit 20a or 20b are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction.

[0018] The detection unit 20a (20b) is configured to detect X-rays 11 (electromagnetic waves) emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and transmitted through the subject 200. The X-rays 11 emitted from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 transmit through the subject 200 and are incident on the detection surface of the detection unit 20a (20b). The detection unit 20a (20b) is configured to convert the X-rays 11 incident on the detection surface into an electrical signal (detection signal) and output it to the control unit 90. The detection unit 20a (20b) is, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The detection unit 20a (20b) includes a plurality of conversion elements (not shown) arranged in a matrix and pixel electrodes (not shown) arranged on each of the plurality of conversion elements.

[0019] The detector 20a is provided to acquire a captured image 101 (see FIG. 4) of the subject 200. The captured image 101 is an X-ray image. The detector 20a has a larger imaging area than the detector 20b. That is, the detector 20a has both a larger width and a larger height than the detector 20b, or one of the width and the height is the same as the detector 20b and the other is larger than the detector 20b. The detector 20a also has a lower resolution than the detector 20b. That is, the detector 20a has a lower pixel density than the detector 20b. The captured image 101 is an example of a "first X-ray image" in the claims.

[0020] The detector 20b is provided to acquire a captured image 102 (see FIG. 6) of the subject 200. The captured image 102 is an X-ray image. The detector 20b has a narrower imaging area than the detector 20a. That is, the detector 20b has both a smaller width and a smaller height than the detector 20a, or one of the width and the height is the same as the detector 20a and the other is smaller than the detector 20a. The detector 20b also has a higher resolution than the detector 20a. That is, the detector 20b has a higher pixel density than the detector 20a. The captured image 102 is an example of a "second X-ray image" in the claims.

[0021] The subject placement unit 30 is disposed between the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the detection unit 20a or 20b, and is configured to place the subject 200. The subject placement unit 30 is configured to be movable in three directions: up and down, a horizontal direction parallel to the direction in which the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiation unit 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) extends, and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiation unit 10 extends.

[0022] The placement unit rotation mechanism 40 is configured to rotate the subject placement unit 30 relative to the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the detection unit 20a (20b). In this way, the placement unit rotation mechanism 40 is configured to change the imaging angle of the subject 200. The placement unit rotation mechanism 40 is configured to rotate the subject placement unit 30 around a rotation axis 31 that extends in the vertical direction. The placement unit rotation mechanism 40 includes a motor, a reducer, and the like for rotating the subject placement unit 30.

[0023] The placement unit moving mechanism 50 is configured to move the subject placement unit 30 relative to the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the detection unit 20a (20b). This makes it possible to adjust the imaging position. The placement unit moving mechanism 50 is configured to move the subject placement unit 30 in three directions: up and down, a horizontal direction parallel to the direction in which the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiation unit 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) extends, and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiation unit 10 extends. The placement unit moving mechanism 50 includes a motor, a reducer, and the like for moving the subject placement unit 30.

[0024] The detector moving mechanism 60 is configured to move the detectors 20a and 20b. This makes it possible to switch between the detectors 20a and 20b to capture an image of the subject 200. The detector moving mechanism 60 is configured to move the detectors 20a and 20b in the vertical direction. The detector moving mechanism 60 includes a motor, a reducer, and the like for moving the detectors 20a and 20b.

[0025] The display unit 70 includes, for example, a monitor and displays X-ray images, etc. The operation unit 80 accepts various operations related to the imaging device 100. The control unit 90 is configured to control the entire imaging device 100. The control unit 90 is configured with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or circuitry, and memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 3, when imaging is performed using the detector 20a, the detector moving mechanism 60 moves the detector 20a so that the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiator 10 coincides with the center of the detector 20a. At this time, the detector moving mechanism 60 moves the detector 20a so that the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiator 10 is positioned at half the height of the detector 20a. When the X-ray irradiator 10 irradiates the subject 200 with X-rays 11, the detector 20a detects the X-rays 11 that have passed through the subject 200 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected X-rays 11 to the controller 90. The controller 90 controls the generation of an X-ray image, such as the captured image 101 shown in FIG. 4, based on the detection signal from the detector 20a. When a CT image is generated as an X-ray image, the subject positioning unit 30 is rotated by the positioning unit rotation mechanism 40 to change the imaging angle of the subject 200, and the subject 200 is imaged at each of a plurality of preset imaging angles. The control unit 90 controls the generation of multiple projection images (X-ray images) corresponding to the multiple imaging angles based on the detection signals of the detection unit 20a at each of the multiple imaging angles. The control unit 90 then controls the generation of CT images (X-ray images) representing the three-dimensional structure of the subject 200 by executing reconstruction processing on the multiple projection images. The control unit 90 also controls the generation of tomographic images representing cross sections of the subject 200 from the CT images. It is possible to generate an image of any cross section of the CT images as the tomographic image.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, when imaging using the detector 20b, the detector 20b is moved by the detector moving mechanism 60 so that the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiator 10 coincides with the center of the detector 20b. At this time, the detector 20b is moved by the detector moving mechanism 60 so that the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiator 10 is positioned at half the height of the detector 20b. The detectors 20a and 20b are configured to image the subject 200 at the same height position 21. When the X-ray irradiator 10 irradiates the subject 200 with X-rays 11, the detector 20b detects the X-rays 11 that have passed through the subject 200 and outputs a detection signal corresponding to the detected X-rays 11 to the controller 90. The controller 90 controls the generation of an X-ray image, such as the captured image 102 shown in FIG. 6, based on the detection signal from the detector 20b. 6, for ease of understanding, portions of the subject 200 that are not captured in the captured image 102 are schematically indicated by dashed lines. The case where a CT image is generated as an X-ray image is similar to the case of the detection unit 20a. That is, the control unit 90 generates a plurality of projection images (X-ray images) corresponding to the plurality of imaging angles based on the detection signals of the detection unit 20b at each of the plurality of imaging angles, and performs reconstruction processing on the plurality of projection images, thereby performing control to generate a CT image (X-ray image) that represents the three-dimensional structure of the subject 200.

[0028] The image capturing device 100 can capture an image of the subject 200 by switching between the detection units 20a and 20b. This makes it possible to obtain more information about the subject 200 than when capturing an image of the subject 200 using only one of the detection units 20a and 20b. However, when capturing an image of the subject 200 by switching from the detection unit 20a, which has a wide capture area, to the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow capture area, it may be necessary to adjust the capture position so that the capture target portion of the subject 200 falls within the capture area of ​​the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow capture area. For example, suppose that after checking the captured image 101, the user wants to further check the portion 201 of the subject 200 (the round portion of the subject 200) and considers capturing an image using the detection unit 20b with the portion 201 of the subject 200 as the capture target portion. In this case, simply switching from detection unit 20a to detection unit 20b and photographing subject 200 will not result in part 201, the part of subject 200 to be photographed, appearing in photographed image 102, as shown in Figure 6, so it is necessary to adjust the photographing position so that part 201 is within the photographing area of ​​detection unit 20b.

[0029] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 90 is configured to perform the following control to assist the user in adjusting the imaging position. As shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 90 is configured to perform control to generate a superimposed image 103 by superimposing an imaging area image 104 indicating the imaging area of ​​the detection unit 20b on a captured image 101, and control to display the superimposed image 103 on the display unit 70. Specifically, the control unit 90 is configured to perform control to generate the superimposed image 103 by superimposing the imaging area image 104 on the captured image 101 so that the center of the imaging image 101 and the center of the imaging area image 104 coincide with each other. The imaging area image 104 is an image that represents the imaging area with a frame line. The frame line of the imaging area image 104 is represented in a color (e.g., green) different from that of the captured image 101, which is an X-ray image (black and white image).

[0030] 8, in this embodiment, the control unit 90 is configured to perform control to change the position of the shooting area image 104 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 103 so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b. Specifically, the control unit 90 is configured to perform control to change the position of the shooting area image 104 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 103 so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b caused by a movement of the subject positioning unit 30, which causes the subject 200 to move.

[0031] For example, if the portion 201 of the subject 200 to be photographed in the superimposed image 103 displayed on the display unit 70 is not within the photographing area indicated by the photographing area image 104, the user moves the subject placement unit 30 using the operation unit 80. The control unit 90 controls the placement unit movement mechanism 50 to move the subject placement unit 30 based on an operation signal from the operation unit 80. At this time, the subject 200 moves as the subject placement unit 30 moves, and therefore the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b changes. Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the position of the photographing area image 104 on the photographed image 101 in the superimposed image 103 displayed on the display unit 70 to change in real time in response to the movement of the subject placement unit 30 by the placement unit movement mechanism 50. When the subject placement unit 30 is moved vertically by the placement unit movement mechanism 50, the position of the photographing area image 104 on the photographed image 101 is changed in real time in a direction corresponding to the vertical direction in the superimposed image 103 displayed on the display unit 70. Furthermore, when the subject placement section 30 is moved horizontally by the placement section moving mechanism 50, the position of the shooting area image 104 on the captured image 101 is changed in real time in the direction corresponding to the horizontal direction in the superimposed image 103 displayed on the display section 70.

[0032] 9, the photographed images 101 (101a, 101b, 101c) are tomographic images as X-ray images. The control unit 90 is configured to control the display unit 70 to display superimposed images 103 (103a, 103b, 103c) obtained by superimposing photographed region images 104 (104a, 104b, 104c) having shapes corresponding to cross sections represented by the tomographic images as the photographed images 101 on the photographed images 101 (101a, 101b, 101c).

[0033] For example, the photographed image 101a is a planar tomographic image of the subject 200 viewed from above. In this case, the control unit 90 controls the display unit 70 to display a superimposed image 103a in which an imaging area image 104a represented by a circular frame line is superimposed on the photographed image 101a. Also, for example, the photographed image 101b is a side-view tomographic image of the subject 200 viewed from a horizontal direction parallel to the direction in which the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiator 10 extends. In this case, the control unit 90 controls the display unit 70 to display a superimposed image 103b in which an imaging area image 104b represented by a rectangular frame line is superimposed on the photographed image 101b. Also, for example, the photographed image 101c is a side-view tomographic image of the subject 200 viewed from a horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction in which the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiator 10 extends. In this case, the control unit 90 controls the display unit 70 to display a superimposed image 103c, in which a shooting area image 104c represented by a rectangular frame line is superimposed on a photographed image 101c. The control unit 90 also controls the display unit 70 to simultaneously display the superimposed images 103a, 103b, and 103c.

[0034] 10 is a diagram for explaining the calculation of the size of the imaging area of ​​the detection unit 20b. When the width of the detection unit 20b is Wa, the height of the detection unit 20b is Ha, the distance from the X-ray irradiator 10 to the detection unit 20b is SDD, the fan angle is θf, and the cone angle is θc, the control unit 90 is configured to perform control to obtain the fan angle θf using the following equation (1) and obtain the cone angle θc using the following equation (2). The fan angle θf is the angle between sides AB and AC in a right triangle ABC, where point A is the position of the X-ray irradiator 10, point B is the center position of the detection unit 20b, and point C is the position of the end of the detection unit 20b in the width direction that faces point B. In addition, the cone angle θc is the angle between sides AB and AD in a right triangle ABD, where point A is the position of the X-ray irradiation unit 10, point B is the position of the center of the detection unit 20b, and point D is the position of the end of the detection unit 20b in the height direction that faces point B in the height direction of the detection unit 20b. θf=arctan((Wa / 2) / SDD) ···(1) θc=arctan((Ha / 2) / SDD) ···(2)

[0035] Furthermore, if the width of the imaging area of ​​the detection unit 20b is Wb, the height of the imaging area of ​​the detection unit 20b is Hb, and the distance from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 to the center of rotation of the subject placement unit 30 is SRD, the control unit 90 is configured to perform control to obtain the width Wb using the following equation (3) and the height Hb using the following equation (4). Wb = SRD × sin(θf) (3) Hb = SRD × sin(θc) (4)

[0036] The control unit 90 is configured to control the display unit 70 to display a superimposed image 103b (103c) obtained by superimposing a shooting area image 104b (104c) indicating a rectangular shooting area with a width Wb and a height Hb on the photographed image 101b (101c). Furthermore, since the width Wb represents the radius of the circular shooting area in a planar view of the subject 200 seen from above, the control unit 90 is configured to control the display unit 70 to display a superimposed image 103a obtained by superimposing a shooting area image 104a indicating a circular shooting area with a radius Wb on the photographed image 101a.

[0037] (How to determine the shooting position) A method for determining a photographing position in the photographing device 100 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart with reference to FIG.

[0038] First, in step 110, the control unit 90 performs control to photograph the subject 200 using the detection unit 20a having a wide photographing area. That is, the control unit 90 controls the detection unit moving mechanism 60 to move the detection unit 20a so that the optical axis 12 of the X-ray irradiation unit 10 coincides with the center of the detection unit 20a, and then the control unit 90 irradiates the subject 200 placed in the subject placement unit 30 with X-rays 11 from the X-ray irradiation unit 10, and detects the X-rays 11 that have passed through the subject 200 with the detection unit 20a, thereby performing control to photograph the subject 200 using the detection unit 20a.

[0039] Then, in step 120, the control unit 90 performs control to generate an X-ray image including a captured image 101 obtained by capturing an image of the subject 200 using the detection unit 20a having a wide capturing area. The generated X-ray image may be a projection image (fluoroscopic image) of the subject 200 captured at a specific capturing angle, a CT image generated by reconstruction processing from multiple projection images, or a tomographic image generated from a CT image. The captured image 101 used in the superimposed image 103 may be a projection image or a tomographic image.

[0040] Then, suppose that a user who has checked an X-ray image (photographed image 101) of subject 200 photographed using detection unit 20a having a wide photographing area wants to further check a specific part (such as part 201) of subject 200 that appears in the X-ray image of subject 200 photographed using detection unit 20a having a wide photographing area, and considers photographing the specific part of subject 200 using detection unit 20b as the photographing target part. In this case, in step 130, control unit 90 performs control to generate superimposed image 103 in which photographing area image 104 indicating the photographing area of ​​detection unit 20b is superimposed on photographed image 101, based on the user's operation using operation unit 80.

[0041] Then, in step 140, the control unit 90 performs control to display the superimposed image 103 on the display unit 70. Furthermore, when the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b changes while the superimposed image 103 is displayed on the display unit 70, the control unit 90 performs control to change the position of the shooting area image 104 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 103 so as to follow the change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b. Based on the superimposed image 103 displayed on the display unit 70, the user determines whether or not the shooting target portion of the subject 200 falls within the shooting area of ​​the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow shooting area, and determines the shooting position.

[0042] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0043] In this embodiment, as described above, a superimposed image 103 is generated by superimposing a shooting area image 104 indicating the shooting area of ​​the detection unit 20b on the captured image 101, and the superimposed image 103 is displayed on the display unit 70. This allows the user to easily determine whether the shooting target portion of the subject 200 falls within the shooting area of ​​the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow shooting area, based on the superimposed image 103 displayed on the display unit 70. As a result, when capturing an image of the subject 200 by switching from the detection unit 20a, which has a wide shooting area, to the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow shooting area, the shooting position can be easily determined.

[0044] Furthermore, when the photographic target portion of the subject 200 is not shown in the photographed image 102, it is difficult to determine the photographing position because it is difficult to find the photographic target portion of the subject 200 from the photographed image 102. In contrast, in this embodiment, by displaying the superimposed image 103 on the display unit 70, the photographing position can be easily determined as described above, which is very effective when the photographic target portion of the subject 200 is not shown in the photographed image 102.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 90 performs control to change the position of the shooting area image 104 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 103 so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b. As a result, when the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b changes during adjustment of the shooting position, the change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b can be reflected in the position of the shooting area image 104 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 103. As a result, the user can more easily determine whether the shooting target portion of the subject 200 falls within the shooting area of ​​the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow shooting area, based on the superimposed image 103 displayed on the display unit 70. This makes it easier to determine the shooting position.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, a movable subject positioning unit 30 that positions the subject 200 is provided, and the control unit 90 performs control to change the position of the shooting area image 104 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 103 so as to follow the movement of the subject 200 as a result of the movement of the subject positioning unit 30, and the change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b. As a result, when the subject positioning unit 30 is moved to adjust the shooting position, the change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b due to the movement of the subject positioning unit 30 can be reflected in the position of the shooting area image 104 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 103. As a result, a series of operations for adjusting and determining the shooting position can be easily performed.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the detection units 20a and 20b are configured to capture images of the subject 200 at the same height position 21. This allows the captured images 101 and 102 to be easily aligned in generating the superimposed image 103, and therefore the superimposed image 103 in which the shooting area image 104 is superimposed on the captured image 101 can be easily generated.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the detection unit 20b has a higher resolution than the detection unit 20a. As a result, when a relatively wide area is to be photographed, the captured image 101 having a wide photographed area can be acquired, and when a relatively high-resolution image is to be obtained, the captured image 102 having a high resolution can be acquired. As a result, the captured image 101 and the captured image 102 can be appropriately used depending on the situation, thereby improving convenience. For example, when the captured image 101 having a wide photographed area is acquired and there is a part of concern (such as a part that looks like a scratch) in the acquired captured image 101, the captured image 102 having a high resolution can be acquired and the part of concern can be checked in detail in the captured image 102.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the photographed image 101 is a tomographic image, and the control unit 90 controls the display unit 70 to display a superimposed image 103 in which a photographed area image 104 having a shape corresponding to the cross section represented by the tomographic image as the photographed image 101 is superimposed on the photographed image 101. As a result, when the photographed image 101 is a tomographic image, the superimposed image 103 in which a photographed area image 104 having an appropriate shape corresponding to the cross section represented by the tomographic image as the photographed image 101 is superimposed on the photographed image 101 can be displayed on the display unit 70. As a result, when the photographed image 101 is a tomographic image, the user can easily determine, based on the superimposed image 103 displayed on the display unit 70, whether the photographed portion of the subject 200 falls within the photographed area of ​​the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow photographed area.

[0050] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0051] For example, in the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the superimposed image 103 is generated by superimposing the photographed area image 104 on the photographed image 101, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a superimposed image 303 may be generated by superimposing the photographed image 102 on the photographed image 101, as in the modified example shown in Fig. 12. The superimposed image 303 is an example of an "X-ray image superimposed image" in the claims.

[0052] In this modification, the control unit 90 is configured to perform control to generate a superimposed image 303 by superimposing the captured image 102 on the imaging area of ​​the detection unit 20b on the captured image 101, and control to display the superimposed image 303 on the display unit 70. This makes it easy to determine whether the imaging target portion of the subject 200 falls within the imaging area of ​​the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow imaging area, based on the superimposed image 303 displayed on the display unit 70. As a result, when imaging the subject 200 by switching from the detection unit 20a, which has a wide imaging area, to the detection unit 20b, which has a narrow imaging area, the imaging position can be easily determined. Note that the control unit 90 may be configured to generate both the superimposed images 103 and 303, or the control unit 90 may be configured to generate only one of the superimposed images 103 and 303.

[0053] In a modified example, the control unit 90 may be configured to perform control to change the position of the captured image 102 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 303 so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b. In this case, the control unit 90 may be configured to perform control to change the position of the captured image 102 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 303 so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b, which occurs when the subject 200 moves due to movement of the subject positioning unit 30.

[0054] In a modified example, the control unit 90 may be configured to perform control to display the superimposed image 303 on the display unit 70 while capturing an image of the subject 200 using the detection unit 20b. In this case, the control unit 90 may be configured to change the position of the captured image 102 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 303 in real time so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b, and to perform control to update the captured image 102 on the captured image 101 in the superimposed image 303 in real time so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b.

[0055] In the above embodiment, the subject 200 moves as the subject placement unit 30 moves, and the relative position of the subject 200 with respect to the detection unit 20b (second detection unit) changes, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the relative position of the subject with respect to the second detection unit may change as the second detection unit moves. Furthermore, the relative position of the subject with respect to the second detection unit may change as both the subject placement unit and the second detection unit move.

[0056] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the detector 20a (first detector) and the detector 20b (second detector) are configured to capture images of the subject 200 at the same height position 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the first detector and the second detector may be configured to capture images of the subject at different height positions.

[0057] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the image capturing device 100 was equipped with the display unit 70, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the image capturing device does not have to be equipped with a display unit. The superimposed image may be displayed on a display unit external to the image capturing device.

[0058] [Aspect] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0059] (Item 1) a first detector for acquiring a first X-ray image of the subject; a second detector having a narrower imaging area than the first detector and configured to acquire a second X-ray image of the subject; a control unit, The control unit Control to generate a superimposed image by superimposing an imaging area image indicating the imaging area of ​​the second detection unit on the first X-ray image; and controlling the superimposed image to be displayed on a display unit.

[0060] (Item 2) Item 1. The imaging device according to item 1, wherein the control unit performs control to change the position of the imaging area image on the first X-ray image in the superimposed image so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject with respect to the second detection unit.

[0061] (Item 3) further comprising a movable subject placement unit for placing the subject; Item 3. The imaging device according to item 2, wherein the control unit performs control to change the position of the imaging area image on the first X-ray image in the superimposed image so as to follow the movement of the subject caused by the movement of the subject positioning unit and the change in the relative position of the subject with respect to the second detection unit.

[0062] (Item 4) 4. The photographing device according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the first detector and the second detector are configured to photograph the subject at the same height position.

[0063] (Item 5) 5. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the second detection unit has a higher resolution than the first detection unit.

[0064] (Item 6) the first X-ray image is a tomographic image, The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display the superimposed image, in which the imaging area image having a shape corresponding to the cross section represented by the tomographic image serving as the first X-ray image is superimposed on the first X-ray image.

[0065] (Item 7) 7. The imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the control unit generates an X-ray image superimposed image by superimposing the second X-ray image on the first X-ray image.

[0066] (Item 8) A method for determining an imaging position in an imaging device including a first detector for acquiring a first X-ray image of a subject, and a second detector having a narrower imaging area than the first detector for acquiring a second X-ray image of the subject, the method comprising: generating a superimposed image by superimposing an imaging area image indicating an imaging area of ​​the second detection unit on the first X-ray image; and displaying the superimposed image on a display unit.

[0067] (Item 9) a first detector for acquiring a first X-ray image of the subject; a second detector having a narrower imaging area than the first detector and configured to acquire a second X-ray image of the subject; a control unit, The control unit Control to generate a superimposed image by superimposing the second X-ray image on the imaging area of ​​the second detection unit on the first X-ray image; and controlling the superimposed image to be displayed on a display unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 20a detection unit (first detection unit) 20b detection unit (second detection unit) 21 Height position 30 Subject placement section 90 Control Unit 100 Imaging device 101 Image taken (first X-ray image) 102 Image taken (second X-ray image) 103 Overlaid Images 104 Shooting area image 200 subjects 303 Superimposed image (X-ray image superimposed image)

Claims

1. a first detector for acquiring a first X-ray image of a subject; a second detector having a narrower imaging area than the first detector and configured to acquire a second X-ray image of the subject; a control unit, The control unit Control to generate a superimposed image by superimposing an imaging area image indicating an imaging area of ​​the second detection unit on the first X-ray image; and controlling the superimposed image to be displayed on a display unit.

2. 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control to change a position of the imaging area image on the first X-ray image in the superimposed image so as to follow a change in a relative position of the subject with respect to the second detection unit.

3. further comprising a movable subject placement unit for placing the subject; 3. The imaging device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control to change the position of the imaging area image on the first X-ray image in the superimposed image so as to follow a change in the relative position of the subject with respect to the second detection unit caused by a movement of the subject positioning unit.

4. The photographing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first detector and the second detector are configured to photograph the subject at the same height position.

5. The imaging device according to claim 1 , wherein the second detection unit has a higher resolution than the first detection unit.

6. the first X-ray image is a tomographic image, 2. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit to display the superimposed image, in which the imaging area image having a shape corresponding to the cross section represented by the tomographic image as the first X-ray image is superimposed on the first X-ray image.

7. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit generates an X-ray image superimposition image by superimposing the second X-ray image on the first X-ray image.

8. 1. A method for determining an imaging position in an imaging device including a first detector for acquiring a first X-ray image of a subject, and a second detector having a narrower imaging area than the first detector for acquiring a second X-ray image of the subject, the method comprising: generating a superimposed image by superimposing an imaging area image indicating an imaging area of ​​the second detection unit on the first X-ray image; and displaying the superimposed image on a display unit.

9. a first detector for acquiring a first X-ray image of a subject; a second detector having a narrower imaging area than the first detector and configured to acquire a second X-ray image of the subject; a control unit, The control unit Control to generate a superimposed image by superimposing the second X-ray image on the imaging area of ​​the second detector on the first X-ray image; and controlling the superimposed image to be displayed on a display unit.

Images