X-ray imaging device

Abstract

This X-ray imaging device (100) is provided with: a holding unit (40) that holds an X-ray irradiation unit (10) so that the same can be moved in the horizontal direction; an optical imaging unit (30) that is provided to the holding unit (40); and a display unit (41) that is provided to the holding unit (40). The X-ray imaging device is configured so that a first display state of an optical image (2) displayed on the display unit (41) can be switched to a second display state in which the orientation of a subject (1) is rotated so as to match the orientation of the subject (1) in an X-ray image.

Description

X-ray equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an X-ray imaging device including an optical imaging unit has been known. Such an X-ray imaging device is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-147978.

[0003] The X-ray imaging device described in JP 2012-147978 A includes a camera (optical imaging unit) attached to an X-ray tube, and automatically performs positioning of the X-ray tube and adjustment of the X-ray irradiation field based on an image including a subject captured by the camera.

[0004] JP 2012-147978 A

[0005] Although not described in the above-mentioned JP 2012-147978 A, when performing X-ray imaging, the person performing the X-ray imaging, such as a radiologist or a physician (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "photographer"), adjusts the position of the X-ray irradiator and the orientation of the subject's body by referring to an optical image of the subject captured by a camera (optical imaging unit) displayed on a display unit. When performing X-ray imaging with the subject lying on a tabletop (in a supine position), the photographer stands near the longitudinal edge of the tabletop and adjusts the position of the X-ray irradiator and the orientation of the subject's body while referring to the optical image displayed on the display unit. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the tabletop in the optical image is displayed along the left-right direction, just as if the photographer were directly viewing the tabletop. However, in X-ray images viewed by a physician during diagnosis, the longitudinal direction of the tabletop, which is generally the head-to-foot direction, is displayed along the up-down direction. Therefore, radiologists who provide doctors with X-ray images suitable for diagnosis, and doctors who take images and diagnose, may find it difficult to visualize the finished X-ray image after adjusting the position of the X-ray irradiation unit and the orientation of the subject's body, even when referring to the optical image displayed on the display unit. Therefore, it is desirable for radiographers to be able to easily visualize the X-ray image to be taken based on the optical image displayed on the display unit.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging device that allows the photographer to easily visualize the X-ray image to be captured based on the optical image displayed on the display unit.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an X-ray imaging device includes an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube, an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit, a holding unit that holds the X-ray irradiation unit so that it can be moved horizontally, an image generation unit that generates an X-ray image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit, an optical imaging unit provided in the holding unit that captures an optical image of a subject placed on a tabletop, and a display unit provided in the holding unit that displays the optical image captured by the optical imaging unit, and is configured to be able to switch a first display state of the optical image displayed on the display unit to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject is rotated to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit.

[0008] In the X-ray imaging device according to the above aspect, as described above, the first display state of the optical image displayed on the display unit provided in the holder can be switched to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject is rotated to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit. This allows the photographer to view the optical image in which the orientation of the subject is aligned with the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit after adjusting the position of the holder that holds the X-ray irradiation unit and the orientation of the subject's body, but before X-ray imaging. This allows the photographer to easily visualize the X-ray image to be captured based on the optical image displayed on the display unit.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging device according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging device according to an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a holding unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an operation display unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an optical image in a first display state displayed on the operation display unit and an optical image in a second display state displayed on the operation display unit; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of switching control between the first display state and the second display state; and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of switching control between the first display state and the second display state.

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] (Configuration of X-Ray Imaging Apparatus) The configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows an example of a ceiling-suspended X-ray imaging device 100 installed in an imaging room 110. The X-ray imaging device 100 includes an X-ray irradiator 10, an X-ray detector 20, an image generator 70, an optical imaging unit 30, a holder 40, a movement mechanism 50, an apparatus controller 60, and an input unit 61. In the ceiling-suspended X-ray imaging device 100, a holder 40 provided with the X-ray irradiator 10 and the optical imaging unit 30 is suspended from the ceiling by a movement mechanism 50 arranged on the ceiling of the imaging room 110. The holder 40 is held movably within the imaging room 110 by the movement mechanism 50. The vertical (perpendicular) direction is defined as the Z direction, the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 21 in the horizontal direction is defined as the X direction, and the shorter side of the tabletop 21 in the horizontal direction is defined as the Y direction.

[0013] The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 is a medical X-ray imaging apparatus configured to perform X-ray imaging of a subject 1, which is the imaging target. The X-ray imaging apparatus 100 includes a tabletop 21 for imaging the subject 1 in a lying position (supine position).

[0014] The X-ray irradiation unit 10 includes an X-ray tube 11 (see FIG. 3), a collimator 12, and an irradiation field lamp 13 (see FIG. 3). The X-ray tube 11 is configured to irradiate the subject 1 with X-rays. The X-ray tube 11 is configured to irradiate X-rays by applying a predetermined voltage. The collimator 12 is configured to adjust the irradiation field of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. The collimator 12 is provided near the X-ray tube 11 in the X-ray irradiation direction of the X-ray tube 11. The collimator 12 is provided with an irradiation field lamp 13. The irradiation field lamp 13 includes a light source of visible light. The visible light irradiated from the irradiation field lamp 13 makes it possible to check the X-ray irradiation field without using X-rays.

[0015] An X-ray detection unit 20 is movably held on the top plate 21. The X-ray detection unit 20 includes, for example, a flat panel detector (FPD). The X-ray detection unit 20 is configured to detect X-rays that have passed through the subject 1. In X-ray imaging in a supine position, the holder 40 is disposed at a position that faces the X-ray detection unit 20 on the top plate 21 in the vertical direction, and the subject 1 lying on the top plate 21 is imaged between the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20 that face each other in the vertical direction.

[0016] The image generation unit 70 (see FIG. 2) is configured to generate an X-ray image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit 20. The image generation unit 70 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and the like.

[0017] The optical imaging unit 30 is configured to capture an optical image 2 (see FIG. 4 ). As shown in FIG. 2 , the optical imaging unit 30 includes an image sensor 31 and an optical imaging control unit 32. The optical imaging unit 30 is, for example, an optical camera. In X-ray imaging in a supine position, the holding unit 40 is disposed at a position facing the X-ray detection unit 20 on the tabletop 21 in the vertical direction, and the subject 1 lying on the tabletop 21 is imaged by the optical imaging unit 30 between the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20, which are facing each other in the vertical direction.

[0018] The imaging element 31 includes, for example, a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

[0019] The optical imaging control unit 32 is, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, etc. The optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to receive the signal output by the imaging element 31 and generate an optical image 2 based on the received signal. The generated optical image 2 is an optical image 2 in a first display state in which the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is displayed along the left-to-right direction of the display operation unit 41, as shown in FIG.

[0020] The optical imaging control unit 32 is also configured to be able to switch the first display state of the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated to match the orientation of the subject 1 in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70. In this embodiment, the optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to be able to switch from the first display state of the optical image 2, in which the head-to-foot orientation of the subject 1 is displayed along the left-to-right direction of the display operation unit 41 as shown in FIG. 5A , to the second display state, in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated so that the head-to-foot orientation of the subject 1 is displayed along the up-to-down direction of the display operation unit 41 as shown in FIG. 5B . That is, the optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to control switching between the first display state and the second display state. The optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to output either the optical image 2 in the first display state or the optical image 2 in the second display state to the display operation unit 41. The real-time optical image 2 output by the optical imaging control unit 32 is then displayed on the display operation unit 41. The optical imaging control unit 32 is an example of the "control unit" in the claims.

[0021] Specifically, when adjusting the horizontal position of the holding unit 40, the optical image 2 is displayed on the display operation unit 41 in the first display state, and after adjusting the horizontal position of the holding unit 40, the display state is switched from the first display state to the second display state to display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41. Note that the control of switching between the first display state and the second display state by the optical imaging control unit 32 will be described later.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 1, the optical imaging unit 30 is attached to the collimator 12. The optical imaging unit 30 is attached facing the direction of X-ray irradiation from the X-ray irradiation unit 10. When the X-ray irradiation unit 10 faces the subject 1 and the X-ray detection unit 20, the optical imaging unit 30 can capture an optical image 2 (see Fig. 4) from the X-ray irradiation unit 10 side in the direction of the subject 1 and the X-ray detection unit 20. The optical image 2 captured by the optical imaging unit 30 is an image captured from approximately the same direction as the imaging direction of the X-ray image. The imaging range of the optical imaging unit 30 is set to include the range of the X-ray irradiation field and to be larger than the range of the X-ray irradiation field.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 4, the optical imaging unit 30 can capture an optical image 2 including a visible light region 3 formed by visible light irradiated from the irradiation field lamp 13 (see Fig. 3) and the peripheral portion of the visible light region 3. The range of the visible light region 3 formed by the visible light irradiated from the irradiation field lamp 13 substantially coincides with the range of the X-ray irradiation field. The optical image 2 captured by the optical imaging unit 30 is displayed on the display operation unit 41. By using the visible light irradiated from the irradiation field lamp 13, the X-ray irradiation field can be confirmed based on the optical image 2 without irradiating X-rays.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the holding unit 40 movably holds the X-ray irradiation unit 10. As shown in Fig. 4, the holding unit 40 includes the X-ray irradiation unit 10, the optical imaging unit 30, a display operation unit 41, a plurality of lock operation buttons 42, and a grip unit 43. The holding unit 40 is configured to be movable in the horizontal and vertical directions via a movement mechanism 50, either manually or under the control of the device control unit 60.

[0025] The display operation unit 41 includes, for example, a touch panel type liquid crystal display. As shown in Fig. 4, the display operation unit 41 is configured to function as an image display unit including an image display area 41a in which the optical image 2 captured by the optical imaging unit 30 and shooting information are displayed, and as an operation unit into which various operations by the photographer are input. The display operation unit 41 is an example of a "display unit" in the claims. In Fig. 4, the optical image 2 in the first display state is displayed on the display operation unit 41.

[0026] The display operation unit 41 includes an operation unit 46 having a first operation unit 44 (see FIG. 4 ) and a second operation unit 45 (see FIG. 4 ). The first operation unit 44 is configured to accept an operation input for switching from the first display state to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated clockwise to match the orientation of the subject 1 in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70. In this embodiment, the first operation unit 44 is configured to accept an operation input for switching from the first display state to the second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated clockwise so that the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is displayed along the up-down direction of the display operation unit 41.

[0027] The second operation unit 45 is configured to accept an operation input for switching the first display state to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated counterclockwise to match the orientation of the subject 1 in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70. In this embodiment, the second operation unit 45 is configured to accept an operation input for switching from the first display state to the second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated counterclockwise so that the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is displayed along the up-down direction of the display operation unit 41.

[0028] The plurality of lock operation buttons 42 are physical buttons that an operator presses to control a plurality of lock mechanisms 54 (described later) arranged on the movement mechanism 50. The lock mechanisms 54 switch the holding unit 40 between an unlocked state (a state in which movement is permitted) and a locked state (a state in which movement is prohibited) in each of a plurality of directions under the control of the device control unit 60. A plurality of lock operation buttons 42 are provided near the grip portion 43 of the holding unit 40 (at or near the grip portion 43).

[0029] The grip portion 43 is provided for an operator to grip when manually moving the holding portion 40. The grip portion 43 transmits the operating force of the operator to the holding portion 40.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1 , the moving mechanism 50 is configured to movably hold the holding unit 40. The moving mechanism 50 includes a ceiling suspension unit 51 and a support unit 52. The moving mechanism 50 is supported by rails 53 provided on the ceiling of the radiography room 110. The ceiling suspension unit 51 is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction (X direction and Y direction) by the rails 53. The ceiling suspension unit 51 is configured to support the support unit 52. The support unit 52 is configured to support the holding unit 40. The support unit 52 is configured to be extendable and retractable in the vertical direction (Z direction). The holding unit 40 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by the support unit 52.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2 , the movement mechanism 50 includes a locking mechanism 54 that restricts movement of the holding unit 40 in each direction (multiple directions including the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction), a motor 55 that moves the holding unit 40 in each direction (multiple directions including the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction), and a position movement detection unit 56.

[0032] The locking mechanism 54 includes a plurality of electromagnetic locks (electromagnetic brakes). The locking mechanism 54 may be a hydraulic or mechanical brake. Each electromagnetic lock is configured to releasably lock the movement of the holding unit 40 in each of a plurality of directions. The electromagnetic locks are individually provided in a plurality of directions, including the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. Each electromagnetic lock can be individually switched between locked and unlocked in each of the plurality of directions, including the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. As a result, the locking mechanism 54 is configured to be switchable between a state that allows movement of the holding unit 40 in each of the plurality of directions (unlocked state) and a state that prohibits movement of the holding unit 40 in each direction (locked state). The operation of the locking mechanism 54 is controlled by the device control unit 60.

[0033] The motors 55 are individually provided in a plurality of directions including the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. The operation of each motor 55 is controlled by the device control unit 60.

[0034] The position movement detection unit 56 includes a potentiometer and is configured to detect the movement of the holding unit 40 and the absolute position of the holding unit 40 by electrically outputting the length of the wire that is extended or drawn out as the holding unit 40 moves.

[0035] The device control unit 60 controls X-ray imaging by the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the X-ray detection unit 20, and controls the movement of the holding unit 40. The device control unit 60 is configured to control switching between an unlocked state and a locked state of the lock mechanism 54 based on input operations of the multiple lock operation buttons 42. The device control unit 60 is also configured to control the movement of the holding unit 40. Specifically, the device control unit 60 is configured to perform auto-positioning control to move the holding unit 40 to a predetermined position and posture, and to perform power assist control to move the holding unit 40 when the operator manually moves the holding unit 40. The device control unit 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory.

[0036] The input unit 61 has a function of accepting input operations related to X-ray imaging, such as setting imaging conditions for X-ray imaging and issuing an instruction to start X-ray irradiation.

[0037] (First Display State and Second Display State) The first display state and second display state of the optical image 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5. FIG.

[0038] The optical imaging unit 30 images the subject 1 lying on the tabletop 21. As described above, when performing X-ray imaging with the subject 1 lying on the tabletop 21 (in a supine position), the radiographer stands near a longitudinal edge of the tabletop 21 and adjusts the position of the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the orientation of the subject 1's body while referring to the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41. Since the subject 1 is placed on the tabletop 21 so that its head-to-foot direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 21, the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is aligned with the left-to-right direction in the radiographer's field of view. Therefore, the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 in the optical image 2 is captured along the left-to-right direction of the display operation unit 41 so that it coincides with the actual head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 as seen by the radiographer. That is, as shown in FIG. 5A , the optical image 2 is captured so that the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is displayed along the left-to-right direction of the display operation unit 41. The first display state is a state in which the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is displayed along the left-to-right direction of the display operation unit 41 in the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41, and the orientation of the subject 1 displayed on the display operation unit 41 does not match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70.

[0039] 5B, the second display state is a state in which the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is displayed along the vertical direction of the display operation unit 41 in the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41. More specifically, the second display state is a state in which the direction from the head to the feet of the subject 1 is displayed along the top-to-bottom direction of the display operation unit 41 in the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41. That is, the second display state is a state in which the vertical direction of the display operation unit 41 and the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 substantially coincide with each other, as shown during a diagnosis by a doctor, and the orientation of the subject 1 displayed on the display operation unit 41 is aligned with the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70.

[0040] In this embodiment, the aspect ratio of the optical image 2 captured by the optical imaging unit 30 and the aspect ratio of the image display area 41a in which the optical image 2 is displayed on the display operation unit 41 are both 4:3. Therefore, the optical image 2 displayed in the image display area 41a in the first display state is displayed in the image display area 41a without extending outside the image display area 41a and being cut off. In contrast, the optical image 2 displayed in the image display area 41a in the second display state is displayed in the image display area 41a with the upper end 2a and lower end 2b extending outside the image display area 41a and being cut off. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 5B , the periphery of the optical image 2 in the second display state is indicated by a dashed line.

[0041] However, the visible light region 3 formed by the visible light irradiated from the irradiation field lamp 13 onto the central portion of the optical image 2 is located approximately in the center of the optical image 2. Therefore, in both the optical image 2 displayed in the image display region 41a in the first display state and the optical image 2 displayed in the image display region 41a in the second display state, the visible light region 3 is displayed in the image display region 41a without extending outside the image display region 41a and being cut off. Note that the left end portion 41b and the right end portion 41c of the image display region 41a, where the optical image 2 in the second display state is not displayed, are filled in, for example, with black (shown by hatching for ease of explanation).

[0042] Furthermore, when switching between the display on the display operation unit 41 in the first display state and the display on the display operation unit 41 in the second display state, the optical image 2 is displayed on the display operation unit 41 without being enlarged or reduced. This makes it possible to suppress the visual discomfort caused by a change in the size of the subject 1 displayed on the display operation unit 41 when switching between the first display state and the second display state. Note that the aspect ratio of the optical image 2 captured by the optical imaging unit 30 and the aspect ratio of the display operation unit 41 are not particularly limited.

[0043] 5(a) and 5(b), the timing of switching between displaying the optical image 2 in the first display state on the display operation unit 41 and displaying the optical image 2 in the second display state on the display operation unit 41 will be described. In the following description, "adjustment" refers to adjustment of the horizontal position of the holding unit 40.

[0044] The optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to control the display operation unit 41 to switch from the first display state during adjustment to the second display state after adjustment based on at least one of the input operation before or after adjustment and the first movement operation of the holding unit 40 after adjustment, thereby displaying the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0045] Here, the input operation includes an input operation to the display operation unit 41. Specifically, the input operation is an input operation to the first operation unit 44 or the second operation unit 45 of the display operation unit 41. Based on the input operation to the first operation unit 44 or the second operation unit 45, the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the first display state to the second display state and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0046] The first movement operation also includes an operation to stop the horizontal movement of the holding unit 40. The operation to stop the horizontal movement of the holding unit 40 as the first movement operation specifically refers to stopping the horizontal movement of the holding unit 40 manually or stopping the horizontal movement of the holding unit 40 via the movement mechanism 50 under the control of the device control unit 60. When the horizontal movement of the holding unit 40 is stopped based on the detection result of the position movement detection unit 56 provided in the movement mechanism 50, the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the first display state to the second display state and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0047] In addition, the optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to switch from the second display state based on the input operation before the adjustment to the first display state during adjustment based on the second movement operation of the holding unit 40 during the adjustment, and display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0048] Furthermore, the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the second display state, which has been switched based on the input operation before the adjustment, to the first display state during the adjustment based on the second movement operation of the holding unit 40 during the adjustment, to display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41. Furthermore, the optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to switch from the first display state during the adjustment to the second display state after the adjustment based on the first movement operation after the adjustment, to display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0049] Here, the second movement operation includes a horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40. The horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40 as the second movement operation specifically refers to a manual operation of moving the holding unit 40 in the horizontal direction, or an operation of moving the holding unit 40 in the horizontal direction via the movement mechanism 50 under the control of the device control unit 60. When a horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40 is being executed, based on the detection result of the position movement detection unit 56 provided in the movement mechanism 50, the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the second display state to the first display state and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0050] (Switching Control Between First Display State and Second Display State) An example of switching control between the first display state and the second display state by the optical imaging control unit 32 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.

[0051] In the following example, when X-ray imaging is performed with the subject 1 lying on the tabletop 21 (supine position), the position of the holding unit 40 provided with the X-ray irradiation unit 10 is adjusted by horizontally moving the holding unit 40 to a position corresponding to the imaging region of the subject 1, and after adjusting the horizontal position of the holding unit 40, the display state is switched from the first display state to the second display state. Here, as an example, the imaging region of the subject 1 is the head of the subject 1. Also, as an example, the holding unit 40 before adjustment is located approximately directly above the lower limbs of the subject 1. Also, in the field of view of the photographer, the subject 1 is placed on the tabletop 21 so that the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is aligned in the left-right direction and the subject's head faces left.

[0052] <First Example> A first example of switching control will be described with reference to Figures 6(a) to 6(e). Figure 6(a) shows the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 before adjustment. The optical imaging control unit 32 generates the optical image 2 based on the signal output by the image sensor 31. Because the holding unit 40 on which the optical imaging unit 30 is provided is located substantially directly above the lower limbs of the subject 1, the optical imaging control unit 32 generates the optical image 2 of the lower limbs of the subject 1 in the first display state and outputs the optical image 2 of the lower limbs of the subject 1 in the first display state to the display operation unit 41. As a result, the optical image 2 of the lower limbs of the subject 1 in the first display state is displayed on the display operation unit 41.

[0053] Then, the photographer operates the first operation unit 44. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B , the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 is switched from the first display state to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated to match the orientation of the subject 1 in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70. Specifically, the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 is switched from the first display state to the second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated clockwise so that the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is represented along the up-down direction of the display operation unit 41. That is, the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the first display state to the second display state and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41 based on the input operation to the first operation unit 44 before the adjustment.

[0054] The photographer then moves the holding unit 40 to the left, where the head of the subject 1 is located. The movement of the holding unit 40 may be either a manual operation of moving the holding unit 40 in the horizontal direction, or an operation of moving the holding unit 40 in the horizontal direction via the movement mechanism 50 under the control of the device control unit 60. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6C , the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 is switched from the second display state to the first display state. That is, based on the second movement operation as a horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40 detected as a result of the position movement detection unit 56 provided in the movement mechanism 50, the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the second display state, which was switched based on the input operation before the adjustment, to the first display state during the adjustment, and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0055] The photographer then adjusts the holding unit 40 by moving it to a position corresponding to the head of the subject 1, and after the adjustment, stops the movement of the holding unit 40. Fig. 6(d) shows the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 just before the movement of the holding unit 40 is stopped after the adjustment.

[0056] 6( e), when the movement of the holding unit 40 is stopped after the adjustment, the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 is switched from the first display state to the second display state. That is, based on the first movement operation as the stop of the horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40 as a detection result of the position movement detection unit 56 provided in the movement mechanism 50, the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the first display state during the adjustment to the second display state after the adjustment, and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0057] 7(a) to 7(c), a second example of switching control will be described. Fig. 7(a) shows the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 before adjustment. As in the first example, the display operation unit 41 displays the optical image 2 of the lower limbs of the subject 1 in the first display state.

[0058] The photographer then moves the holding unit 40 to the left, where the head of the subject 1 is located. The movement of the holding unit 40 may be performed either by manually moving the holding unit 40 horizontally, or by operating the moving mechanism 50 under the control of the device control unit 60 to move the holding unit 40 horizontally. The optical image 2 of the subject 1 in the first display state is displayed on the display operation unit 41. The photographer then adjusts the holding unit 40 by moving it to a position corresponding to the head of the subject 1, and stops the movement of the holding unit 40 after the adjustment, as shown in FIG. 7B .

[0059] Then, the photographer operates the first operation unit 44. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7C , the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 is switched from the first display state to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated to match the orientation of the subject 1 in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70. Specifically, the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 is switched from the first display state to the second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated clockwise so that the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is displayed along the up-and-down direction of the display operation unit 41. That is, based on the input operation to the first operation unit 44 after the adjustment, the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the first display state during the adjustment to the second display state after the adjustment, and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41.

[0060] In both the first and second examples, after adjustment, if the display state is switched to the second state to display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41 and the holding unit 40 is then moved horizontally for readjustment, as shown in Figure 6 (c), the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the second display state to the first display state and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41 based on the second movement operation as a horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40 as a detection result of the position movement detection unit 56 provided in the movement mechanism 50.

[0061] Then, after the readjustment, when the movement of the holding unit 40 is stopped, as shown in Figure 6 (e), the optical imaging control unit 32 switches from the first display state to the second display state and displays the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41 based on the first movement operation as a stop of the horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40 as a detection result of the position movement detection unit 56 provided in the movement mechanism 50.

[0062] Furthermore, in both the first and second examples, after the adjustment, if the photographer wishes to switch to the second display state and display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41 so that the optical image 2 matches the head-to-foot direction of the actual subject 1 as seen by the photographer, the photographer operates the second operation unit 45. This allows the photographer to switch from the second display state to the first display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated counterclockwise so that the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is displayed along the left-to-right direction of the display operation unit 41.

[0063] In addition, when the subject 1 is placed on the tabletop 21 so that, in the photographer's field of view, the head-to-foot direction of the subject 1 is aligned in the left-to-right direction and the subject's head is facing to the right, the photographer operates the second operating unit 45 as an input operation before or after adjustment.

[0064] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0065] As described above, this embodiment is configured to be able to switch the first display state of the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41 provided on the holder 40 to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70. This allows the photographer to view the optical image 2 in which the orientation of the subject 1 displayed is matched to the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70 after adjusting the position of the holder 40 that holds the X-ray irradiation unit 10 and the orientation of the body of the subject 1, and before X-ray imaging. Therefore, the photographer can easily imagine the X-ray image to be captured based on the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the following additional effects can be obtained by configuring as follows.

[0067] That is, in this embodiment, as described above, when adjusting the horizontal position of the holding unit 40, the optical image 2 is displayed on the display operation unit 41 in the first display state, and after the adjustment, the display state is switched from the first display state to the second display state to display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41. As a result, when adjusting the horizontal position of the holding unit 40, the optical image 2 is displayed in the first display state so that the orientation of the imaging region of the subject 1 in the optical image 2 matches the orientation of the actual imaging region of the subject 1 as seen by the photographer. Furthermore, after adjusting the horizontal position of the holding unit 40, the optical image 2 is displayed in the second display state so that the orientation of the imaging region of the subject 1 displayed matches the orientation of the imaging region of the subject 1 in the X-ray image shown by a doctor during diagnosis. Therefore, when adjusting the horizontal position of the holding unit 40, the photographer can easily move the holding unit 40 based on the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41, and after adjusting the position of the holding unit 40 and the body orientation of the subject 1, the photographer can easily imagine the X-ray image that will be taken based on the optical image 2 displayed on the display operation unit 41.

[0068] Furthermore, as described above, this embodiment further includes the optical imaging control unit 32 that controls switching between the first display state and the second display state, and the optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to perform control to switch from the first display state during adjustment to the second display state after adjustment based on at least one of an input operation before or after adjustment and a first movement operation of the holding unit 40 after adjustment, so as to display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41. This allows the photographer to easily switch from the first display state during adjustment to the second display state after adjustment based on the input operation or the first movement operation.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the input operation includes an input operation to the operation unit 46 provided in the X-ray imaging apparatus 100, and the first movement operation includes an operation to stop the horizontal movement of the holding unit 40. This allows the radiographer to more easily switch from the first display state during adjustment to the second display state after adjustment by using the input operation to the operation unit 46, and also saves the radiographer the trouble of separately switching from the first display state to the second display state by using the operation to stop the horizontal movement of the holding unit 40.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to switch from the second display state based on the input operation before adjustment to the first display state during adjustment based on the second movement operation of the holding unit 40, and display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41. This allows switching from the second display state to the first display state based on the second movement operation of the holding unit 40 during adjustment, thereby eliminating the need for the photographer to separately perform the operation of switching from the second display state to the first display state.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the optical imaging control unit 32 is configured to switch from the second display state, which is switched based on an input operation before the adjustment, to the first display state during the adjustment based on the second movement operation of the holding unit 40 during the adjustment, to display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41, and to switch from the first display state during the adjustment to the second display state after the adjustment based on the first movement operation after the adjustment, to display the optical image 2 on the display operation unit 41. In this way, the second display state is switched to the first display state based on the second movement operation of the holding unit 40 during the adjustment, and the first display state is switched to the second display state based on the first movement operation after the adjustment, thereby eliminating the need for the photographer to perform a separate operation to switch between the second display state and the first display state.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the second movement operation includes a horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40. This makes it possible to easily eliminate the need for the photographer to separately perform an operation to switch from the second display state to the first display state during adjustment by performing the horizontal movement operation of the holding unit 40.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the operation unit 46 that accepts input operations is further provided, and the operation unit 46 includes a first operation unit 44 that switches the first display state to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated clockwise to match the orientation of the subject 1 in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70, and a second operation unit 45 that switches the first display state to the second display state in which the orientation of the subject 1 is rotated counterclockwise to match the orientation of the subject 1 in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit 70. As a result, for example, regardless of whether the subject's head is facing right or left in the field of view of the radiographer in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop, the optical image 2 can be easily displayed on the display operation unit 41 in the second display state in which the orientation of the subject displayed on the display operation unit 41 is matched to the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit.

[0074] [Modifications] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the above-mentioned embodiments, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0075] For example, in the above embodiment, the optical imaging control unit is configured to control switching between the first display state and the second display state and output one of the optical images in the first display state and the second display state to the display operation unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray imaging device may further include an optical imaging unit rotation mechanism that can rotate the optical imaging unit clockwise and counterclockwise so as to capture the optical images in the first display state and the second display state. In this case, the optical image control unit may be configured to control the rotation of the optical imaging unit using the optical imaging unit rotation mechanism to switch between capturing the optical image in the first display state and capturing the optical image in the second display state, or the device control unit may be configured to control the rotation of the optical imaging unit using the optical imaging unit rotation mechanism.

[0076] Furthermore, instead of the optical imaging unit rotation mechanism, the optical imaging unit may further include an imaging element rotation unit that can rotate the imaging element of the optical imaging unit clockwise and counterclockwise so as to be able to capture an optical image in the first display state and an optical image in the second display state. In this case, the optical image control unit may be configured to control the rotation of the imaging element by the imaging element rotation unit to switch between capturing an optical image in the first display state and capturing an optical image in the second display state.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the optical imaging control unit including a microcomputer was configured to control switching between the first display state and the second display state and output one of the optical images in the first display state and the second display state to the display operation unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a device control unit that controls X-ray imaging and control of the movement of the holding unit may be configured to acquire the optical image in the first display state generated by the optical image control unit, control switching between the first display state and the second display state for the acquired optical image, and display one of the optical images in the first display state and the second display state on the display operation unit.

[0078] In addition, in the above embodiment, the first movement operation is either manually stopping the horizontal movement of the holding unit or stopping the horizontal movement of the holding unit via the movement mechanism under control of the device control unit, and the optical imaging control unit, when the horizontal movement of the holding unit is stopped based on the detection result of the position movement detection unit provided in the movement mechanism, switches from the first display state to the second display state and displays the optical image on the display operation unit, and the second movement operation is either manually moving the holding unit horizontally or operating the horizontal movement of the holding unit via the movement mechanism under control of the device control unit, and when the horizontal movement operation of the holding unit is being performed based on the detection result of the position movement detection unit provided in the movement mechanism, the optical imaging control unit, switches from the second display state to the first display state and displays the optical image on the display operation unit, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0079] For example, the first movement operation may be an operation for restricting horizontal movement of the holding unit instead of an operation for stopping horizontal movement of the holding unit. Specifically, the operation for restricting horizontal movement of the holding unit as the first movement operation may be an operation based on a lock operation button that switches the holding unit to a locked state (a state in which movement is prohibited) in all directions including the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction using an electromagnetic lock. The optical imaging control unit may be configured to switch from the first display state to the second display state and display the optical image on the display unit based on control of the lock state of the lock mechanism by the device control unit.

[0080] In this case, the second movement operation may be an operation for releasing the restriction on horizontal movement of the holding unit instead of a horizontal movement operation of the holding unit. Specifically, the operation for releasing the restriction on horizontal movement of the holding unit as the second movement operation may be an operation based on a lock operation button that switches the holding unit to an unlocked state (a state in which movement is permitted) in all directions, including the X, Y, and Z directions, by an electromagnetic lock. The optical imaging control unit may be configured to switch from the second display state to the first display state and display the optical image on the display unit based on control of the unlocked state of the lock mechanism by the device control unit. This also makes it easier for the photographer to switch between the first display state and the second display state.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the optical image control unit switches from the first display state during adjustment to the second display state after adjustment based on an input operation to the first operation unit or the second operation unit before or after the adjustment to display the optical image on the display unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the optical imaging control unit may be configured to switch from the first display state to the second display state to display the optical image on the display unit when the horizontal movement of the holding unit is stopped based on a detection result of a position movement detection unit provided in the movement mechanism, without performing an input operation to the first operation unit or the second operation unit before or after the adjustment, and to switch from the second display state to the first display state to display the optical image on the display unit when the horizontal movement of the holding unit is being performed.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the X-ray imaging device performs imaging of the subject in a lying position (supine position), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray imaging device may be configured to perform imaging of the subject while the subject is seated in a chair or wheelchair (sitting position) with the subject's arms resting on a tabletop.

[0083] Aspects It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0084] an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube; an X-ray detection unit that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit; a holding unit that holds the X-ray irradiation unit so that it can be moved horizontally; an image generation unit that generates an X-ray image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit; an optical imaging unit that is provided in the holding unit and that takes an optical image of a subject placed on a tabletop; and a display unit that is provided in the holding unit and that displays the optical image taken by the optical imaging unit, wherein the X-ray imaging device is configured to be able to switch a first display state of the optical image displayed on the display unit to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject is rotated to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit.

[0085] (Item 2) The X-ray imaging device according to Item 1, configured to display the optical image on the display unit in the first display state when adjusting the horizontal position of the holding unit, and to switch from the first display state to the second display state and display the optical image on the display unit after the adjustment.

[0086] (Item 3) An X-ray imaging device according to Item 2, further comprising a control unit that controls switching between the first display state and the second display state, wherein the control unit is configured to control switching from the first display state during the adjustment to the second display state after the adjustment and displaying the optical image on the display unit based on at least one of an input operation before or after the adjustment and a first movement operation of the holding unit after the adjustment.

[0087] (Item 4) The X-ray imaging device according to Item 3, wherein the input operation includes an input operation to an operation unit provided in the X-ray imaging device, and the first movement operation includes at least one of an operation to stop horizontal movement of the holding unit and an operation to restrict horizontal movement of the holding unit.

[0088] (Item 5) The X-ray imaging device according to Item 3 or 4, wherein the control unit is configured to switch from the second display state based on the input operation before the adjustment to the first display state based on a second movement operation of the holding unit during the adjustment, and display the optical image on the display unit.

[0089] (Item 6) The X-ray imaging device according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the control unit is configured to switch from the second display state, which has been switched based on the input operation before the adjustment, to the first display state during the adjustment based on a second movement operation of the holding unit during the adjustment, to display the optical image on the display unit, and to switch from the first display state during the adjustment to the second display state after the adjustment based on the first movement operation after the adjustment, to display the optical image on the display unit.

[0090] (Item 7) The X-ray imaging apparatus according to item 5 or 6, wherein the second movement operation includes a horizontal movement operation of the holding unit and an operation for releasing restriction on the horizontal movement of the holding unit.

[0091] (Item 8) The X-ray imaging device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising an operation unit that accepts input operations, wherein the operation unit includes a first operation unit that switches the first display state to the second display state by rotating the orientation of the subject clockwise to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit, and a second operation unit that switches the first display state to the second display state by rotating the orientation of the subject counterclockwise to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit.

[0092] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Object 2 Optical image 10 X-ray irradiation unit 11 X-ray tube 20 X-ray detection unit 21 Top plate 30 Optical imaging unit 32 Optical imaging control unit (control unit) 40 Holding unit 41 Display operation unit (display unit) 44 First operation unit 45 Second operation unit 46 Operation unit 70 Image generation unit 100 X-ray imaging device

Claims

1. An X-ray imaging device comprising: an X-ray irradiation unit including an X-ray tube; an X-ray detection unit which detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiation unit; a holding unit which holds the X-ray irradiation unit so that it can be moved horizontally; an image generation unit which generates an X-ray image based on the X-rays detected by the X-ray detection unit; an optical imaging unit which is provided in the holding unit and which takes an optical image of a subject placed on a top plate; and a display unit which is provided in the holding unit and displays the optical image taken by the optical imaging unit, wherein a first display state of the optical image displayed on the display unit can be switched to a second display state in which the orientation of the subject is rotated to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit.

2. An X-ray imaging device as described in claim 1, configured to display the optical image on the display unit in the first display state when adjusting the horizontal position of the holding part, and to switch from the first display state to the second display state and display the optical image on the display unit after the adjustment.

3. An X-ray imaging device as described in claim 2, further comprising a control unit that controls switching between the first display state and the second display state, wherein the control unit is configured to control switching from the first display state during the adjustment to the second display state after the adjustment based on at least one of an input operation before or after the adjustment, and a first movement operation of the holding part after the adjustment, so as to display the optical image on the display unit.

4. An X-ray imaging device as described in claim 3, wherein the input operation includes an input operation to an operating unit provided in the X-ray imaging device, and the first movement operation includes at least one of an operation to stop horizontal movement of the holding unit and an operation to restrict the horizontal movement of the holding unit.

5. The X-ray imaging device of claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to switch from the second display state based on the input operation before the adjustment to the first display state during the adjustment based on a second movement operation of the holding unit during the adjustment, and display the optical image on the display unit.

6. The X-ray imaging device of claim 3, wherein the control unit is configured to switch from the second display state switched based on the input operation before the adjustment to the first display state during the adjustment based on a second movement operation of the holding unit during the adjustment, thereby displaying the optical image on the display unit, and to switch from the first display state during the adjustment to the second display state after the adjustment based on the first movement operation after the adjustment, thereby displaying the optical image on the display unit.

7. The X-ray imaging device according to claim 5, wherein the second movement operation includes a horizontal movement operation of the holding part and an operation for releasing the restriction on the horizontal movement of the holding part.

8. An X-ray imaging device as described in claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that accepts input operations, the operation unit including: a first operation unit that switches the first display state to the second display state in which the orientation of the subject is rotated clockwise to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit; and a second operation unit that switches the first display state to the second display state in which the orientation of the subject is rotated counterclockwise to match the orientation of the subject in the X-ray image generated by the image generation unit.

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