X-ray diagnostic equipment and X-ray filter

Abstract

To downsize an X-ray diagnostic apparatus.SOLUTION: An X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes an imaging unit, an X-ray filter, and a driving mechanism. The imaging unit includes an X-ray tube for irradiating a subject with an X-ray and a detector for detecting the X-ray radiated from the X-ray tube and passing through the subject. The X-ray filter is disposed between the X-ray tube and the detector, and includes a film formed with a high transmissivity region whose X-ray transmissivity is higher than that of other regions. The driving mechanism moves the high transmissivity region by guiding the X-ray filter in a direction different from a direction that the surface opposed to the X-ray tube faces.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to an X-ray diagnostic device and an X-ray filter. [Background technology]

[0002] Among X-ray diagnostic devices that irradiate a subject with X-rays to diagnose the inside of a living body, there are devices, such as angiography devices, that have a region of interest (ROI) filter arranged to reduce the amount of radiation exposure to the subject. Conventional ROI filters have, for example, a transparent window formed in a metal plate with low X-ray transmittance, and X-rays are irradiated onto the subject through the transparent window.

[0003] In addition to reducing radiation exposure, ROI filters are also expected to be able to adjust the area and size of the region through which X-rays pass depending on the location, size, and shape of the lesion, the type of examination, and other factors. However, conventional ROI filters did not allow for the shape or size of the transmission window to be changed. For this reason, when trying to adjust the area of ​​the region through which X-rays pass, it was necessary to prepare multiple ROI filters with different transmission windows, or to prepare multiple transmission windows in a single ROI filter. In this case, the ROI filter's accommodation area would increase, or the ROI filter would become larger, making it difficult to miniaturize the X-ray diagnostic equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-22743 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to realize a miniaturized X-ray diagnostic apparatus. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an imaging unit, an X-ray filter, and a drive mechanism. The imaging unit includes an X-ray tube that irradiates an object with X-rays and a detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through the object. The X-ray filter is disposed between the X-ray tube and the detector and includes a film having a high transmittance region formed thereon that transmits X-rays more efficiently than other regions. The drive mechanism guides the X-ray filter in a direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube faces, thereby moving the high transmittance region. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of an X-ray filter 142 and a driving mechanism 143 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 106 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the transmission window 162 according to the first embodiment has moved. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the X-ray filter 142 according to the first embodiment is retracted from the X-ray irradiation region R. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 106 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of an X-ray filter 142 and a driving mechanism 143 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 106 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view of an X-ray filter 142 and a driving mechanism 143 according to Modification 1. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a front view of an X-ray filter 142 and a driving mechanism 143 according to a second modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a front view of an X-ray filter 142 and a driving mechanism 143 according to a third modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a front view of an X-ray filter 142 and a driving mechanism 143 according to a fourth modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a front view of an X-ray filter 142 and a driving mechanism 143 according to a fifth modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on X-rays detected by an X-ray detector 106 according to a fifth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An X-ray diagnostic apparatus and an X-ray filter according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 is, for example, an angiography apparatus for examining and treating the shape and abnormality of blood vessels, and the state of blood vessels and blood flow to tumors. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 may be another apparatus. For example, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 may be an X-ray television apparatus for fluoroscopically examining the inside of the body of a subject P.

[0009] (First embodiment) 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 includes, for example, an X-ray high-voltage device 101, an X-ray tube 102, an X-ray aperture 103, a tabletop 104, a C-arm 105, an X-ray detector 106, a memory 107, an input / output interface 108, a storage 109, and a processing circuit 110.

[0010] The X-ray high voltage device 101 supplies a high voltage to the X-ray tube 102 under the control of the processing circuit 110. For example, the X-ray high voltage device 101 includes electrical circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, a high voltage generator that generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 102, and an X-ray control device that controls the output voltage according to the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 102. The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type.

[0011] The X-ray tube 102 irradiates the subject P with X-rays. The X-ray tube 102 is a vacuum tube having a cathode (filament) that generates thermoelectrons and an anode (target) that generates X-rays upon collision with the thermoelectrons. The X-ray tube 102 generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from the cathode toward the anode using a high voltage supplied from the X-ray high voltage device 101.

[0012] The X-ray aperture 103 adjusts the opening of the aperture blades of the X-ray aperture to control the irradiation range of the X-rays irradiated onto the subject P. Also, for example, the X-ray aperture 103 controls the distribution of the dose of the X-rays irradiated onto the subject P by adjusting the position of an ROI filter.

[0013] The X-ray aperture 103 includes, for example, an X-ray aperture 141, an X-ray filter 142, and a drive mechanism 143. The X-ray aperture 141 narrows the irradiation range of the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 102. The X-ray aperture 141 has, for example, four slidable aperture blades. By sliding the aperture blades, the X-ray aperture 141 narrows the X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 102 and irradiates the X-rays onto the subject P. The aperture blades are plate-shaped members made of lead or the like, and are provided near the X-ray irradiation port of the X-ray tube 102 in order to adjust the irradiation range of the X-rays.

[0014] The X-ray filter 142 is, for example, an ROI filter. The X-ray filter 142 changes the radiation quality of the X-rays that pass through it depending on the material and thickness thereof, with the aim of reducing the radiation dose to the subject P and improving the image quality of the X-ray image data. As a result, the X-ray filter 142 reduces soft ray components that are easily absorbed by the subject P and high-energy components that cause a decrease in the contrast of the X-ray image data.

[0015] The X-ray filter 142 is disposed between the X-ray tube 102 and the X-ray detector 106. The X-ray filter 142 changes the dose and irradiation range of X-rays depending on the material, thickness, position, etc. The X-ray filter 142 attenuates the X-rays so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 102 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution.

[0016] The X-ray filter 142 is driven by a driving mechanism 143. Here, the configurations of the X-ray filter 142 and the driving mechanism 143 will be described. FIG.

[0017] The X-ray filter 142 includes a strip-shaped film 161. The film 161 is a highly flexible sheet that blocks or is semi-transparent to radiation (semi-radiation transparent sheet). The material of the film 161 is, for example, a material that is semi-transparent to X-rays, such as rubber. The film 161 may also be made of cloth, vinyl, resin, or the like. If the strength of the film 161 is insufficient for repeated winding, the film 161 may be a rubberized cloth made of rubber woven with fibers. The thickness of the film 161 is, for example, about 1 mm. The thickness of the film 161 may also be other thicknesses.

[0018] The film 161 is formed with a plurality of transmission windows 162, each having a different shape or size; in the first embodiment, five transmission windows are formed, a first transmission window 162A to a fifth transmission window 162E. The transmission windows 162 are regions in the film 161 that have a higher X-ray transmittance than other regions. The transmission windows 162 are an example of a high-transmittance region. The transmission windows 162 are, for example, made of a film that has a higher X-ray transmittance than regions in the film 161 other than the transmission windows 162, but has a strength similar to that of those regions. The transmission windows 162 may be made of a different material and may have an opening. The plurality of transmission windows 162 may include windows of the same shape and size.

[0019] The first to third transmission windows 162A to 162C are square-shaped, and the fourth to fifth transmission windows 162D to 162E are circular. The first transmission window 162A is larger than the second transmission window 162B, which is larger than the third transmission window 162C. The fourth transmission window 162D is larger than the fifth transmission window 162E. The first to fifth transmission windows 162A to 162E are arranged side by side along the longitudinal direction of the film 161.

[0020] 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 106. The image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 106 is displayed, for example, on the monitor 108A in the input / output interface 108. The X-ray image includes an image obtained by detecting X-rays that are irradiated onto a region R irradiated with X-rays by the X-ray tube 102 (hereinafter referred to as the X-ray irradiation region) and that have passed through the subject.

[0021] The X-ray image includes an ROI image GA10 obtained by detecting X-rays that have passed through the transmission window 162 among the X-rays irradiated to the X-ray irradiation region R, and a peripheral image GA20 obtained by detecting X-rays that have passed through portions other than the transmission window. The X-ray irradiation region R is set to a fixed region regardless of the position of the X-ray filter 142.

[0022] The ROI image GA10 is an image obtained by detecting X-rays passing through a film with high X-ray transmittance. Therefore, the image of the subject P within the ROI is displayed with high clarity. The peripheral image GA20 is an image obtained by detecting X-rays passing through a film with low X-ray transmittance. Therefore, if the image of the subject P within the ROI is displayed with low clarity or if the X-rays are blocked, the peripheral image GA20 is displayed in pitch black. Various data values, etc. are displayed to the side of the peripheral image GA20 on the monitor 108A.

[0023] The drive mechanism 143 holds the X-ray filter 142 and guides the X-ray filter 142 in a direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube 102 faces. The drive mechanism 143 includes, for example, a first winding shaft 171, a second winding shaft 172, a first motor 173, a carriage 174, a rail 175, and a second motor 176. One end of the film 161 in the longitudinal direction of the X-ray filter 142 is connected to the first winding shaft 171. The first winding shaft 171 rotates (spins) clockwise in a plan view, thereby guiding the one end of the film 161 in a winding direction and winding up the one end of the film 161. The first winding shaft 171 is an example of a first winding unit. The winding direction of the one end of the film 161 corresponds to a direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube 102 faces.

[0024] Second winding shaft 172 is disposed parallel to first winding shaft 171. The other longitudinal end of film 161 is connected to second winding shaft 172. Second winding shaft 172 rotates (spins) counterclockwise in plan view, thereby guiding the other end of film 161 in the winding direction and winding up the other end of film 161. Second winding shaft 172 is an example of a second winding section. The direction in which the other end of film 161 is wound corresponds to a direction different from the direction in which the surface facing X-ray tube 102 faces.

[0025] A first motor 173 is connected to the first winding shaft 171. The first motor 173 drives the first winding shaft 171 to rotate. The first motor 173 is an example of a motor. A power spring 172A is built into the second winding shaft 172. The power spring 172A biases the second winding shaft 172 in a counterclockwise direction in a plan view. The counterclockwise direction of the second winding shaft 172 is the direction in which the X-ray filter 142 (film 161) is pulled in. The power spring 172A is an example of a biasing portion.

[0026] When first motor 173 rotates first winding shaft 171 in the direction to wind up film 161, first winding shaft 171 rotates and second winding shaft 172 rotates in a direction against the biasing force of spiral spring 172A. As first winding shaft 171 and second winding shaft 172 rotate, film 161 is wound onto first winding shaft 171, and film 161 moves toward first winding shaft 171. Drive mechanism 143 guides X-ray filter 142 in the direction to wind up the other end of film 161, thereby moving transmission window 162.

[0027] When first motor 173 rotates first winding shaft 171 in the direction in which film 161 is unwound, second winding shaft 172 is urged to rotate in the direction in which film 161 is wound by the urging force of power spring 172A. First motor 173 rotates first winding shaft 171, and second winding shaft 172 is urged to rotate, so that film 161 is wound onto second winding shaft 172 and film 161 moves in the direction of second winding shaft 172.

[0028] The first winding shaft 171, the second winding shaft 172, and the first motor 173 are placed on a carriage 174. The carriage 174 is movable along a rail 175. The rail 175 is linear and extends parallel to the first winding shaft 171 and the second winding shaft 172. The second motor 176 is connected to the carriage 174. When the second motor 176 is driven, the carriage 174 is movable along the rail 175.

[0029] The top board 104 is, for example, a bed on which the subject P rests. The top board 104 is placed on a bed (not shown). The bed is equipped with a drive mechanism including, for example, a motor, an actuator, etc. The bed moves and tilts the top board 104 by operating the drive mechanism under the control of the processing circuitry 110.

[0030] The C-arm 105 holds the X-ray tube 102, the X-ray aperture 103, and the X-ray detector 106 so that they face each other with the subject P in between. For example, the C-arm 105 is equipped with a drive mechanism including a motor, an actuator, etc. The drive mechanism is operated under the control of the processing circuitry 110, and the C-arm 105 rotates and moves relative to the subject P, thereby controlling the X-ray irradiation position and irradiation angle. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 is a single-plane apparatus, but may also be a bi-plane apparatus.

[0031] The X-ray detector 106 is, for example, an X-ray flat panel detector (FPD) having detection elements arranged in a matrix. The X-ray detector 106 detects X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray tube 102 and transmitted through the subject P. The X-ray detector 106 may be an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array, or may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electrical signal. The X-ray detector 106 is an example of a detector. The X-ray tube 102 and the X-ray detector 106 are an example of an imaging unit.

[0032] The memory 107 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 107 temporarily stores the processing results by the processing circuit 110. For example, the memory 107 receives and temporarily stores various data collected by the processing circuit 110. The various data stored by the memory 107 is stored and saved in the storage 109 in accordance with the saving process of the processing circuit 110.

[0033] The input / output interface 108 includes, for example, a monitor that displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) image for receiving instructions from an operator such as a doctor, and various X-ray images. The input interface in the input / output interface 108 receives instructions through various input operations by the operator and outputs electrical signals indicating the contents of the received input operations to the processing circuitry 110. The input interface is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a drag ball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a camera, an infrared sensor, a microphone, etc.

[0034] In this specification, the input interface is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse, keyboard, etc. For example, an example of an input interface also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit.

[0035] The storage 109 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage 109 receives and stores various data such as X-ray image data collected by the processing circuitry 110. The storage 109 stores programs corresponding to various functions that are read and executed by the processing circuitry 110. The storage 109 may be realized by a group of servers (cloud) connected to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 via a network.

[0036] The processing circuitry 110 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), for example. The processing circuitry 110 controls the overall operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100. The processing circuitry 110 includes, for example, a reception function 111, a selection function 112, and a drive control function 113. The processing circuitry 110 realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor executing a program stored in a storage device (storage circuit).

[0037] The term "hardware processor" refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD)), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Instead of storing a program in a memory device, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the hardware processor. In this case, the hardware processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. The memory device may be a non-transitory (hardware) storage medium. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into a single hardware processor to realize each function.

[0038] Each component of the processing circuitry 110 may be distributed and realized by multiple pieces of hardware. The processing circuitry 110 may not be a component of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100, but may be realized by a processing device capable of communicating with the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100. Each function included in the processing circuitry 110 may be distributed to multiple circuits, or may be made available by activating application software stored in the storage 109.

[0039] The reception function 111 receives operation instructions regarding the operation of the drive mechanism 143 input to the input / output interface 108. The operator performs a start instruction operation when starting a diagnosis using the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100, and performs an end instruction operation when ending the diagnosis. When the operator is observing the state of the subject P in the ROI through the transmission window 162 and moving the transmission window 162, the operator performs an operation instruction operation to specify the movement direction and movement amount of the transmission window 162. The reception function 111 is an example of a reception unit.

[0040] When switching the transmission window 162 through which the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 102 pass, the input / output interface 108 operates to issue a selection instruction regarding the selection of the transmission window 162 through which the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 102 pass. The input / output interface 108 transmits to the processing circuitry 110 electrical signals corresponding to the operator's start instruction, end instruction, operation instruction, and selection instruction. The selection instruction regarding the selection of the transmission window 162 through which the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 102 pass is an operation instruction regarding the operation of the drive mechanism 143.

[0041] The selection function 112 selects a transmission window, through which X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 102 pass, from among the first to fifth transmission windows 162A to 162E, of the multiple transmission windows 162, based on the selection instruction received by the reception function 111. The selection function 112 is an example of a selection unit.

[0042] The drive control function 113 controls the operation of the drive mechanism 143 based on the operation instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108. The drive control function 113 controls the drive mechanism 143 so that the transmission window 162 selected by the selection function 112 is positioned at a position where the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 102 pass through. The drive control function 113 controls the drive mechanism 143 so that the X-ray filter 142 is retracted from the area where the X-rays are irradiated when switching the transmission window through which the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 102 pass. The drive control function 113 is an example of a drive control unit.

[0043] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the transmission window 162 has been moved. The operator moves the transmission window 162 within the X-ray irradiation region R or switches the transmission window 162 included in the X-ray irradiation region R to make it easier to visually observe an object to be visually recognized, such as a lesion in the subject P.

[0044] When the transmission window 162 is moved within the X-ray irradiation region R, the transmission window 162 formed in the film 161 moves along with the movement of the film 161. For example, when the drive control function 113 drives the first motor 173 to rotate the first winding shaft 171 clockwise in a plan view, the transmission window 162 moves in a direction Q1 in which the film 161 extends (hereinafter referred to as the first direction). When the drive control function 113 drives the second motor 176 to move the carriage 174 in a direction Q2 perpendicular to the first direction along the rail 175 (hereinafter referred to as the second direction), the transmission window 162 also moves in the second direction Q2.

[0045] The operator issues an operation instruction to the input / output interface 108 so that, for example, a transparent window (first transparent window 162A in FIG. 4) that fits within the X-ray irradiation region R moves within the range of the X-ray irradiation region R. When the operator issues an operation instruction, the input / output interface 108 transmits an electrical signal corresponding to the operation instruction to the processing circuitry 110.

[0046] The processing circuitry 110, which has received the electrical signal, drives the first motor 173 or the second motor 176 based on the received electrical signal, thereby operating the X-ray filter 142 or the carriage 174, using the drive control function 113. By operating the X-ray filter 142 or the carriage 174, the drive control function 113 moves the first transmission window 162A in the first direction Q1 or the second direction Q2 relative to the X-ray irradiation region R. By moving the first transmission window 162A, the operator can set a position at which he or she wants to view a clearly displayed region of the subject P.

[0047] When moving the X-ray filter 142 in the first direction Q1, to move the range included in the X-ray irradiation region R of the X-ray filter 142 toward the first winding shaft 171, the first motor 173 is driven so that the first winding shaft 171 rotates in a direction to wind up the X-ray filter 142. As the first winding shaft 171 rotates, the film 161 moves, and the second winding shaft 172 also rotates in the same direction.

[0048] At this time, the biasing force of the spiral spring 172A built into the second winding shaft 172 acts in a direction against the rotation direction of the second winding shaft 172. Therefore, the first motor 173 can move the range included in the X-ray irradiation region R of the X-ray filter 142 toward the first winding shaft 171 by rotating the first winding shaft 171 with a force greater than the biasing force of the spiral spring 172A.

[0049] On the other hand, when the range included in the X-ray irradiation region R of the X-ray filter 142 is moved toward the second winding shaft 172, the first motor 173 is driven so that the first winding shaft 171 rotates in the first direction Q1 in the direction that pays out the X-ray filter 142. As the first winding shaft 171 rotates, the second winding shaft 172 rotates in the same direction as the first winding shaft 171 due to the biasing force of the power spring 172A.

[0050] As the first winding shaft 171 and the second winding shaft 172 rotate, the range of the X-ray filter 142 included in the X-ray irradiation region R moves in the direction of the second winding shaft 172. In this way, the first motor 173 rotates the first winding shaft 171 in the direction in which the X-ray filter 142 is unwound, thereby moving the range of the X-ray filter 142 included in the X-ray irradiation region R toward the second winding shaft 172.

[0051] When the X-ray filter 142 moves in the second direction Q2, it moves together with the carriage 174. The X-ray irradiation region R is constant regardless of the position of the carriage 174. Therefore, the drive mechanism 143 can move the range included in the X-ray irradiation region R of the X-ray filter 142 in the second direction Q2 by driving the second motor 176 to move the carriage 174 in the second direction Q2.

[0052] The operator can easily view the target by switching the transmission window 162 depending on the size and shape of the target, such as a lesion in the subject P, and its surroundings. When switching the transmission window 162, the drive mechanism 143 retracts the X-ray filter 142 to a retracted position from the X-ray irradiation region R. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the state in which the X-ray filter 142 has been retracted to the retracted position.

[0053] When switching the transmission window 162, the drive mechanism 143, under the control of the drive control function 113, drives the second motor 176 to move the carriage 174 in the second direction Q2 to a position where the X-ray filter 142 is out of the X-ray irradiation region R, and then retracts to the retracted position. The retracted position may be any position that is out of the X-ray irradiation region R. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the retracted position is a position where the X-ray filter 142 is moved in the traveling direction of the carriage 174 (the extension direction of the rails 175) to a position where it is out of the X-ray irradiation region R. The drive mechanism 143 including the second motor 176 is an example of a retraction mechanism.

[0054] By retracting the X-ray filter 142 to the retracted position, the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 102 are detected by the X-ray detector 106 without passing through the X-ray filter 142. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 106. Fig. 6 shows an image when the X-ray filter 142 is in the retracted position.

[0055] The X-ray image does not include the ROI image GA10 shown in Fig. 3, but only includes a peripheral image GA20 obtained by detecting X-rays that have passed through portions other than the transmission window. When the X-ray filter 142 is retracted during diagnosis, the X-ray irradiation by the X-ray tube 102 may be interrupted to reduce the amount of radiation exposure to the subject P.

[0056] Next, a description will be given of processing in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 starts diagnosis, for example, when the reception function 111 receives an electrical signal indicating a start instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108 (step S101).

[0057] Having started diagnosis, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 drives the first motor 173 and the second motor 176 using the drive control function 113 to set the transmission window 162 in accordance with the start instruction (step S103). Setting the transmission window 162 means placing the transmission window 162 in the X-ray irradiation region R. Setting the transmission window 162 in accordance with the start instruction may, for example, involve setting a predetermined transmission window 162 (e.g., the first transmission window 162A) or may involve setting a transmission window 162 designated by the operator.

[0058] When the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 sets the transparent window 162 in response to the start instruction, the reception function 111 determines whether or not an operation instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108 has been received (step S105). If it is determined that an operation instruction has not been received, the reception function 111 skips the process of step S107 and proceeds to step S109.

[0059] When the reception function 111 determines that the operation instruction has been received, the drive control function 113 drives the first motor 173 and the second motor 176 in the drive mechanism 143 in accordance with the operation instruction to move the transmission window 162 within the X-ray irradiation region R (step S107). By moving the transmission window 162 within the X-ray irradiation region R, the operator can easily view the target to be visualized.

[0060] Next, the reception function 111 determines whether or not a selection instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108 has been received (step S109). If it is determined that a selection instruction has not been received, the reception function 111 skips the processes of steps S111 to S117 and proceeds to step S119.

[0061] When it is determined that the reception function 111 has received the selection instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108, the selection function 112 selects the transmission window 162 according to the selection instruction (step S111). For example, when the selection instruction instructs to switch the transmission window 162 set in the X-ray irradiation region R from the first transmission window 162A to the fourth transmission window 162D, the selection function 112 selects the fourth transmission window 162D as the transmission window 162 to be set in the X-ray irradiation region R. The drive control function 113 executes processing to set the transmission window 162 selected by the selection function 112 in the X-ray irradiation region R.

[0062] As a process for setting the transmission window 162 selected by the selection function 112 in the X-ray irradiation region R, the drive control function 113 first drives the second motor 176 to retract the X-ray filter 142 to the retracted position (step S113). Next, the drive control function 113 drives the first motor 173 to move the film 161, and switches the transmission window at the position to be set in the X-ray irradiation region R after recovery from the first transmission window 162A to the fourth transmission window 162D (step S115).

[0063] Next, the drive control function 113 drives the second motor 176 to return the X-ray filter 142 to a position including the X-ray irradiation region R (step S117). When the X-ray filter 142 returns to a position including the X-ray irradiation region R, the fourth transmission window 162D is included in the X-ray irradiation region R. FIG. 8 is a front view of the X-ray filter 142 and the drive mechanism 143. FIG. 8 shows a diagram when the fourth transmission window 162D is included in the X-ray irradiation region R.

[0064] The portions of the film 161 where the third transmission window 162C and the second transmission window 162B are formed are taken up around the first winding shaft 171. Therefore, the third transmission window 162C and the second transmission window 162B are not visible on the surface of the film 161. On the second winding shaft 172 side of the fourth transmission window 162D, a portion of the film 161 where the transmission window 162 is not formed is visible.

[0065] This portion is the portion that was wound around the second winding shaft 172 when the first transmission window 162A was located in the X-ray irradiation region R. In this example, no transmission window 162 is formed on the second winding shaft 172 side of the fourth transmission window 162D, but a transmission window 162 may be formed. In this case, the transmission window 162 formed on the second winding shaft 172 side of the fourth transmission window 162D may have a different shape or size from any of the first transmission window 162A to fifth transmission windows 162E.

[0066] 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 106. FIG. 9 shows an image when the fourth transparent window 162D is included in the X-ray irradiation region R. The X-ray image includes an ROI image GA10 having the same shape as the fourth transparent window 162D, and a peripheral image GA20. The ROI image GA10 is different from the ROI image GA10 when the first transparent window 162A is included in the X-ray irradiation region R.

[0067] Thereafter, the reception function 111 determines whether or not an end instruction has been received (step S119). If it is determined that an end instruction has not been received, the reception function 111 returns the process to step S105. If it is determined that an end instruction has been received, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0068] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment includes a drive mechanism that guides the X-ray filter 142 in a direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube 102 faces, thereby moving the transmission window 162. Therefore, for example, when the transmission window 162 of the X-ray filter 142 is not in use (when X-rays are not transmitted through the transmission window 162), the window 162 can be wound around the first winding shaft 171 or the second winding shaft 172. This allows the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 to be made more compact.

[0069] Furthermore, the X-ray filter 142 is formed with a plurality of transmission windows 162 (first transmission window 162A to fifth transmission window 162E) having mutually different shapes. For example, in a conventional ROI filter in which transmission windows are formed in a metal plate, forming a plurality of transmission windows requires an area for arranging the metal plate in which the plurality of transmission windows are formed. In this regard, by providing a drive mechanism that guides the X-ray filter 142 in a direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube 102 faces to move the transmission windows 162, it is possible to keep the portion of the X-ray filter 142 in which unused transmission windows are formed wound up around the first winding shaft 171 or the second winding shaft 172. Therefore, it is possible to achieve a compact X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 having a plurality of transmission windows.

[0070] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the following description of the second embodiment and various modifications, parts common to the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof may be omitted.

[0071] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in that a control protocol is stored in the storage 109 and that control is executed in accordance with the diagnostic protocol. The control protocol is a protocol for driving and controlling the drive mechanism 143 in accordance with the diagnostic protocol. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment not only operates the drive mechanism in response to an operation by an operator, but is also linked to a system or the like and places a transmissive window 162 of the currently required shape within the X-ray irradiation region R in accordance with the diagnostic protocol. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment.

[0072] A control protocol 109A is stored in the storage 109 of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. The control protocol 109A is set for each of a plurality of diagnostic protocols according to the purpose of diagnosis. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 controls the driving of the driving mechanism 143 in accordance with the control protocol 109A. The control protocol 109A stores, for example, the order in which the transmission windows 162 are to be used.

[0073] The operator performs a start instruction operation when starting a diagnosis using the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100, and also performs a designation instruction operation to designate a diagnostic protocol. The input / output interface 108 transmits an electrical signal of the designation instruction together with an electrical signal of the start instruction to the processing circuitry 110. The reception function 111 of the processing circuitry 110 receives the electrical signal of the designation instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108. The drive control function 113 identifies the control protocol 109A that has been designated and controls the drive mechanism 143 in accordance with the identified control protocol 109A.

[0074] Next, processing in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 starts diagnosis, for example, when the reception function 111 receives an electrical signal indicating a start instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108 (step S201).

[0075] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100, which has started the diagnosis, drives the first motor 173 and the second motor 176 by the drive control function 113 so as to set the transmission window 162 in accordance with the start instruction (step S203). The processing up to this point is the same as the processing in the first embodiment. Next, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 receives an electrical signal of a designation instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108 (step S205).

[0076] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 specifies the control protocol 109A in the drive control function 113 based on the designation instruction received by the reception function 111 (step S207). The drive control function 113 controls the drive mechanism 143 in accordance with the specified control protocol 109A by driving the first motor 173 and the second motor 176 (step S209).

[0077] While the drive control function 113 is controlling the drive mechanism 143 in accordance with the control protocol 109A, the reception function 111 determines whether or not an operation instruction transmitted by the input / output interface 108 has been received (step S211). If it is determined that an operation instruction has not been received, the reception function 111 skips the processing of step S213 and proceeds to the processing of step S213.

[0078] If the reception function 111 determines that the operation instruction has been received, the drive control function 113 drives the first motor 173 and the second motor 176 in the drive mechanism 143 in accordance with the operation instruction to move the transmission window 162 within the X-ray irradiation region R (step S213). Thereafter, the drive control function 113 determines whether or not to end the control protocol 109A in accordance with the control protocol 109A (step S215). If it is determined not to end the control protocol 109A, the drive control function 113 returns the process to step S209. If the drive control function 113 determines to end the control protocol 109A, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 ends the process shown in FIG. 11.

[0079] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment has the same effects as the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the second embodiment drives the driving mechanism 143 in accordance with the control protocol stored in the storage 109. Therefore, when diagnosing the subject P in accordance with the diagnostic protocol, the driving mechanism 143 can be accurately driven.

[0080] (Variation) The following describes modified examples of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100. In the following modifications, various different aspects of the X-ray filter 142 and the drive mechanism 143 in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of each of the above-described embodiments will be described.

[0081] (Variation 1) 12 is a front view of the X-ray filter 142 and the drive mechanism 143 of Modification 1. For example, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 includes a first X-ray filter 142A and a second X-ray filter 142B. While the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of each of the above embodiments includes one X-ray filter 142, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 1 includes two X-ray filters 142, that is, the first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B. In this manner, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 may include multiple X-ray filters 142.

[0082] The first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B are arranged in parallel along a direction (hereinafter referred to as the irradiation direction) that intersects, for example, is perpendicular to both the direction in which the X-ray filter 142 is driven (first direction Q1) and the direction in which the X-ray tube 102 irradiates X-rays. In this example, the first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B are arranged in parallel along a second direction Q2 in which the irradiation direction is perpendicular to the first direction Q1.

[0083] The first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B are both wound around a first winding shaft 171 and a second winding shaft 172, and move in a first direction Q1 as the first winding shaft 171 rotates. The first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B are arranged spaced apart from each other in a second direction Q2.

[0084] The first X-ray filter 142A has first to fifth transmission windows 162A to 162E formed as transmission windows 162, which are the same as the first to fifth transmission windows 162A to 162E formed in the X-ray filter 142 of the first embodiment. The second X-ray filter 142B has sixth to tenth transmission windows 163A to 163E formed as transmission windows 163, which are different in orientation (shape) and the like from the first to fifth transmission windows 162A to 162E.

[0085] The first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B are movable independently of each other along the first direction Q1. The first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B are both mounted on a single carriage 174. Therefore, the first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B are movable in synchronization with each other in the second direction Q2. The first X-ray filter 142A and the second X-ray filter 142B may be movable in synchronization with each other in the first direction, or may be movable independently in the second direction.

[0086] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first modification has the same effects as the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first modification includes a first X-ray filter 142A and a second X-ray filter 142B as the multiple X-ray filters 142. This allows more transmission windows to be provided, and these transmission windows 162 can be quickly guided to the X-ray irradiation region R.

[0087] (Variation 2) 13 is a front view of the X-ray filter 142 and the drive mechanism 143 of Modification 2. In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 2, the surface area of ​​the X-ray filter 142 between the first winding shaft 171 and the second winding shaft 172 is set to an area where one transmission window 162 appears. In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of each of the above embodiments, the surface area of ​​the X-ray filter 142 between the first winding shaft 171 and the second winding shaft 172 has an area where five transmission windows 162 appear.

[0088] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 2 achieves the same effects as the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 2, the surface area of ​​the X-ray filter 142 between the first winding shaft 171 and the second winding shaft 172 is set to an area where one transmission window 162 appears. This prevents the area where the X-ray filter 142 appears from being too large. This allows the X-ray diaphragm 103 to be made smaller, and the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 to be made smaller.

[0089] (Variation 3) 14 is a front view of the X-ray filter 142 and the drive mechanism 143 of the third modification. In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the third modification, the drive mechanism 143 includes a belt 177 that connects the first winding shaft 171 and the second winding shaft 172 and rotates the second winding shaft 172 in conjunction with the rotation of the first winding shaft 171. The belt 177 is wound around the vicinity of the upper ends of the first winding shaft 171 and the second winding shaft 172 and around the vicinity of the lower ends thereof. The belt 177 is an example of a power transmission unit. The second winding shaft 172 is not provided with a spiral spring 172A.

[0090] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the third modification has the same effects as the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the third modification can suppress deterioration over time of the spiral spring 172A, etc. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 may be provided with a motor that rotates the second winding shaft 172 in synchronization with the first winding shaft, instead of or in addition to the spiral spring 172A and the belt 177.

[0091] (Variation 4) 15 is a front view of the X-ray filter 142 and the drive mechanism 143 of Modification 4. In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 4, the X-ray filter 142 has eleventh to fifteenth transmission windows 164A to 164E formed as transmission windows 164, each of which is horizontally elongated along the movement direction (first direction Q1) of the X-ray filter 142. The eleventh to thirteenth transmission windows 164A to 164C have a rectangular shape, with the eleventh transmission window 164A being larger than the twelfth transmission window 164B, and the twelfth transmission window 164B being larger than the thirteenth transmission window 164C. The fourteenth to fifteenth transmission windows 164D to 164E have an oval shape, with the fourteenth transmission window 164D being larger than the fifteenth transmission window 164E.

[0092] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 4 achieves the same effects as the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 4 has a horizontally elongated shape that is long in the first direction Q1 in which the X-ray filter 142 (film 161) moves. Therefore, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 4 can be suitably used in diagnoses in which lesions and the like are often observed along the first direction Q1.

[0093] When the transmission window is elongated, the extending direction may be a shape other than a shape elongated along the first direction Q1. For example, the transmission window may be elongated in a direction intersecting the moving direction of the X-ray filter 142, for example, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction Q1. Furthermore, when multiple elongated transmission windows are formed, the respective length directions may be different.

[0094] (Variation 5) 16 is a front view of the X-ray filter 142 and the drive mechanism 143 of Modification 5. In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of Modification 5, a transmission window 165 having a gradation of transmittance is formed in the X-ray filter 142. The transmittance of the transmission window 165 gradually increases from the outer edge toward the inside, and is highest near the center.

[0095] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an image based on X-rays detected by the X-ray detector 106. Fig. 17 shows an image when the transmission window 165 is included in the X-ray irradiation region R. The ROI image GA10 based on X-rays when the transmission window 165 is included in the X-ray irradiation region R is displayed with a gradation of brightness.

[0096] The X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the fifth modification has the same effects as the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus 100 of the fifth modification, the ROI image GA10 based on the X-rays when the transmission window 165 is included in the X-ray irradiation region R is displayed with a brightness gradation. This allows for more variations in displaying the ROI image GA10.

[0097] In each of the above embodiments, the direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube 102 faces is the direction in which the film 161 is wound up, but the direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube 102 faces may be another direction. The direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube 102 faces may be, for example, the direction in which the film 161 is folded.

[0098] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus can be made smaller by having an imaging unit including an X-ray tube that irradiates X-rays onto a subject and a detector that detects the X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray tube and pass through the subject, an X-ray filter that is placed between the X-ray tube and the detector and includes a film in which a high transmittance region that has a higher X-ray transmittance than other regions is formed, and a drive mechanism that guides the X-ray filter in a direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube faces, thereby moving the high transmittance region.

[0099] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 100...X-ray diagnostic equipment 101...X-ray high voltage device 102...X-ray tube 103...X-ray squeezer 104...Tabletop 105...C-arm 106...X-ray detector 107...Memory 108...Input / output interface 108A...Monitor 109…Storage 109A...Control Protocol 110...Processing circuit 111…Reception function 112...Selection function 113...Drive control function 142...X-ray filter 142A...1st X-ray filter 142B...Second X-ray filter 143...Drive mechanism 161...Film 162~165...Transparent window 171...1st winding shaft 172...Second winding shaft 172A...Mainspring 173...First motor 174...Cart 175...rail 176...Second motor 177...Belt GA10...ROI image GA20... Peripheral images P...Subject Q1…Direction 1 Q2…Direction 2 R…X-ray irradiation field

Claims

1. an imaging unit including an X-ray tube that irradiates an object with X-rays and a detector that detects the X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray tube and pass through the object; an X-ray filter disposed between the X-ray tube and the detector, the X-ray filter including a film having a high transmittance region formed therein, the high transmittance region being higher than the other regions of the film; a drive mechanism for guiding the X-ray filter in a direction different from the direction in which the surface facing the X-ray tube faces, thereby moving the high transmittance region; a plurality of the X-ray filters are arranged in parallel along a direction intersecting both a direction in which the X-ray filters move and a direction in which the X-ray tube irradiates X-rays; X-ray diagnostic equipment.

2. A plurality of high transmittance regions having different shapes or sizes from each other are formed in the film.

2. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

3. a selection unit that selects a high transmittance region through which X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube pass from among the plurality of high transmittance regions; 3. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2.

4. Further comprising a drive control unit that controls the drive mechanism.

4. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The drive control unit controls the drive mechanism in accordance with a diagnostic protocol.

5. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The drive mechanism includes: a retraction mechanism for retracting the X-ray filter from an area irradiated with X-rays by the X-ray tube; 5. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

7. a receiving unit that receives an operation instruction regarding the operation of the drive mechanism input via an input interface; 7. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The drive mechanism includes a first winding unit that winds up one end of the film; a motor that rotates the first winding unit; a second winding section that winds up the other end of the film; Equipped with 8. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The drive mechanism includes: a biasing portion that biases the second winding portion in a direction that retracts the X-ray filter; 9. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.

10. a power transmission unit that connects the first winding unit and the second winding unit and rotates the second winding unit in accordance with the rotation of the first winding unit, 9. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 8.

Images