JP6977948B2 - X-ray equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a technique for X-ray photography of the head of a subject.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of scanning a fan-shaped beam from top to bottom or from left to right to perform cephalo imaging.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-97842

However, when the fan-shaped beam is scanned from top to bottom or from left to right to perform cephalo imaging, X-rays are also irradiated to unnecessary parts in the cephalo image.

For example, when performing lateral head X-ray standard imaging, it is preferable that the lateral head X-ray standard image includes the lower jaw (chin) of the head. This mandible is located anteriorly and inferiorly in the head. Therefore, if the fan-shaped beam is scanned from top to bottom or from left to right and cephalo imaging is performed so as to include the lower jaw, unnecessary parts in lateral head X-ray standard imaging, such as the thyroid gland, etc. Is also irradiated with X-rays.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable X-ray standard imaging of the lateral head while suppressing X-ray irradiation to an unnecessary part.

The first aspect is an X-ray imaging device that performs lateral head X-ray standard imaging, and includes an X-ray generator including an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector including an X-ray detector, and the X-ray detector. It is provided with a support portion that supports the generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, and is irradiated from the X-ray generator during the side head X-ray standard imaging and passes through the head to pass the X-ray. The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation region of the X-ray incident incident on the detector is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge, and the X-ray detector incorporates the X-ray detector. Including the exterior, the support portion is below the region where the X-ray detector exists and the X-ray detector faces the X-ray generator and the side surface head X-ray standard photographing is performed. The X-ray detector side support portion includes an X-ray detector side support portion that supports the X-ray detector portion so that the rear side of the head of the edge is located higher than the head front side of the lower edge. However, the X-ray detector is supported so that the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the X-ray detector has a long X-ray detection surface. The X-ray detector side support portion of the X-ray detector side is such that the lower edge of the moving region of the X-ray detector during the side head X-ray standard imaging is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The X-ray detection unit side movement mechanism includes an X-ray detection unit side movement mechanism that moves the X-ray detection unit in a direction intersecting the extension direction, and the X-ray detection unit side movement mechanism moves the X-ray detection unit to the X-ray detection surface. A scanning direction moving mechanism that moves in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction, and an inclined support portion that tilts and supports the X-ray detection unit by supporting the scanning direction moving mechanism in an inclined posture with respect to the horizontal direction. including.

The second aspect is an X-ray imaging device that performs lateral head X-ray standard imaging, and includes an X-ray generator including an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector including an X-ray detector, and the X-ray detector. It is provided with a support portion that supports the generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, and is irradiated from the X-ray generator during the side head X-ray standard imaging and passes through the head to pass the X-ray. The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation region of the X-ray incident incident on the detector is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge, and the X-ray detector incorporates the X-ray detector. Including the exterior, the support portion is below the region where the X-ray detector exists and the X-ray detector faces the X-ray generator and the side surface head X-ray standard photographing is performed. The X-ray detector side support portion includes an X-ray detector side support portion that supports the X-ray detector portion so that the rear side of the head of the edge is located higher than the head front side of the lower edge. However, the X-ray detector is supported so that the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the X-ray detector has a rectangular X-ray detection surface. The X-ray detector side support portion supports the X-ray detector so that the lower edge of the X-ray detector tilts in the horizontal direction during X-ray standard imaging of the side surface head. Including part.

A third aspect is an X-ray imaging device that performs lateral head X-ray standard imaging, and includes an X-ray generator including an X-ray generator, an X-ray detector including an X-ray detector, and the X-ray detector. It is provided with a support portion that supports the generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, and is irradiated from the X-ray generator during the side head X-ray standard imaging and passes through the head to pass the X-ray. The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation region of the X-ray incident incident on the detector is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge, and the X-ray detector incorporates the X-ray detector. Including the exterior, the support portion is below the region where the X-ray detector exists and the X-ray detector faces the X-ray generator and the side surface head X-ray standard photographing is performed. The X-ray detector side support portion includes an X-ray detector side support portion that supports the X-ray detector portion so that the rear side of the head of the edge is located higher than the head front side of the lower edge. However, the X-ray detector is supported so that the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the X-ray detector side support has the presence of the X-ray detector. The X-ray detector can be changed between a horizontal state in which the lower edge of the region is along the horizontal direction and an inclined state in which the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Is to support.

A fourth aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the inclined support portion has a horizontal state in which the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detection portion exists is in the horizontal direction. The X-ray detection unit is supported so that the state can be changed between the tilted state in which the lower edge of the existing region of the X-ray detection unit is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and the head holder supports the X-ray detection unit. It is supported so that the posture can be changed with respect to the support part on the device side.

A fifth aspect is the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, and in the X-ray detector side support portion, the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is in the horizontal direction. The X-ray detector is supported so that the state can be changed even between a plurality of tilted states having different tilt angles.

A sixth aspect is an X-ray imaging apparatus that performs X-ray standard imaging of the side head, and includes an X-ray generator including an X-ray generator, an X-ray detection unit including an X-ray detector, and the X-ray. A support portion that supports the generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state is provided, and the X-ray is irradiated from the X-ray generator and passes through the head during the side head X-ray standard radiography. The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the X-ray irradiation region incident on the detector is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge, and the X-ray generator is irradiated from the X-ray generator. The lower edge of the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit, which includes an X-ray beam shape adjusting unit for adjusting the shape of the X-ray beam and regulates the passage of the X-ray beam, is during the side head X-ray standard radiography. It is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

According to the first aspect, the side head is supported by supporting the scanning direction moving mechanism that moves the X-ray detecting unit in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the X-ray detecting surface in a horizontally tilted posture. The lower edge of the moving region of the X-ray detection unit during X-ray standard imaging can be tilted with respect to the horizontal direction.

According to the second aspect, since the X-ray detector has a rectangular X-ray detection surface, the X-ray detector is not moved, and the X-ray detector is in the posture in one shot. Side head X-ray standard photography can be performed. At this time, by supporting the X-ray detection unit so that the lower edge of the X-ray detection unit tilts with respect to the horizontal direction during the side head X-ray standard shooting, the side head X-ray standard shooting is performed. The lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists can be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

According to the third aspect, in the horizontal state, it is suitable for frontal photography and the like, and in the inclined state, it is suitable for side head X-ray standard photography and the like.

According to the fourth aspect, since the head holder is supported so as to be able to change its posture with respect to the X-ray detector side support portion, even if the X-ray detector is in the horizontal posture, the X-ray detector is supported. It is easy to keep the head holder in a predetermined posture even if the posture is tilted.

According to the fifth aspect, the angle at which the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction can be adjusted according to the physique of the patient and the like.

According to the sixth aspect, in the X-ray generator, the lower edge of the X-ray beam can be regulated to be inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the X-ray photographing apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the irradiation area of X-ray. It is a front view which shows the X-ray photographing apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the above-mentioned X-ray imaging apparatus when viewed from diagonally above. It is a schematic front view of the X-ray cone beam shape adjustment part. It is a schematic front view of the X-ray cone beam shape adjustment part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the X-ray beam shape adjustment part which concerns on another example. It is a top view which shows the state which the X-ray photographing apparatus performs Cephalo photography. It is a schematic front view which shows the Cephalo photography unit. It is a schematic plan view which shows the cephalo photography unit. It is a schematic side view which shows the cephalo photography unit. It is a schematic side view which shows an example of the scanning direction movement mechanism. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus during lateral head cephalo imaging. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus during lateral head cephalo imaging. It is a block diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the main body control part. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of an X-ray photographing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the generation process of the side head cephalo image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shape and position control example of the opening by the X-ray beam shape adjustment part. It is explanatory drawing which shows the irradiation area of X-ray. It is a figure which shows an example of the initial lateral head cephalo image. It is a figure which shows an example of the lateral head cephalo image. It is a figure which shows another example of the lateral head cephalo image. It is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship between the existence area of an X-ray detection part, and a shoulder. It is a schematic side view which shows the Cephalo photography unit which concerns on the modification. It is a schematic front view which shows the Cephalo photography unit of the same above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which the X-ray detection part was tilted in the said Cephalo photography unit. It is a schematic front view which shows the Cephalo photographing unit which concerns on other modification. It is a schematic plan view which shows the Cephalo photography unit of the same above. It is a schematic side view which shows the Cephalo photography unit of the same above. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus during lateral head cephalo imaging. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus during lateral head cephalo imaging. It is explanatory drawing which shows the shape and position control example of the opening by the X-ray beam shape adjustment part. It is a schematic front view which shows the cephalo photography unit which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic side view which shows the cephalo photography unit. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the moving mechanism for tilting. It is a block diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of an X-ray photographing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus during lateral head cephalo imaging. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus during lateral head cephalo imaging. It is explanatory drawing which shows the irradiation area of X-ray. It is a flowchart which shows the generation process of the side head cephalo image. It is a figure which shows an example of the lateral head cephalo image. It is a schematic front view which shows the cephalo photography unit which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic plan view which shows the cephalo photography unit. It is a schematic side view which shows the cephalo photography unit. It is a schematic front view which shows the X-ray beam shape adjustment part. It is the schematic sectional drawing in the LL line of FIG. It is a schematic front view which shows the state which the opening of the X-ray beam shape adjustment part is tilted. It is a block diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of an X-ray photographing apparatus. It is a schematic front view which shows the Cephalo photographing unit 500 which concerns on a modification. It is a schematic side view which shows the cephalo photography unit.

{First embodiment}
Hereinafter, the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an X-ray imaging apparatus 10.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 is an apparatus for performing X-ray standard imaging of the side head. Lateral head X-ray standard radiography is a radiography method in which a part of the head (for example, ears) is fixed in a fixed position and X-rays are taken from the side of the head. It can be said that. In the following, the lateral head X-ray standard imaging may be referred to as a lateral head cephalo image, and the lateral head X-ray standard image obtained by this imaging may be referred to as a lateral head cephalo image. Similarly, the frontal head X-ray standard imaging may be referred to as a frontal head cephalo image, and the frontal head X-ray standard image obtained by this imaging may be referred to as a frontal head cephalo image.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 10 includes an X-ray generation unit 20, an X-ray detection unit 30, and a support unit 40.

The X-ray generator 20 includes an X-ray generator 22. The X-ray generator 22 generates X-rays.

The X-ray detector 30 includes an X-ray detector 32. The X-ray detector 32 detects the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22.

The support portion 40 supports the X-ray generator 22 and the X-ray detector 32 in a facing state. In a state where the X-ray generator 22 and the X-ray detector 32 are supported by the support portion 40, a space is provided between them so that the head P, which is a subject, can be arranged. Then, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 pass through the head P and enter the X-ray detector 32. The X-rays incident on the X-ray detector 32 are converted into electric signals according to the intensity of the X-rays for each unit pixel. A lateral head cephalo image is generated based on each of these electrical signals.

FIG. 2 shows an irradiation region H of X-rays incident on the X-ray detector 32 during lateral head cephalo imaging. In FIG. 2, for reference, an X-ray transmission image Px of the head P projected on the irradiation region H is drawn.

The irradiation region H is defined by the entire region where the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 are incident on the X-ray detector 32 during the lateral head cephalo imaging. In this irradiation region H, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 are the imaging parts of the head P necessary for performing lateral head cephalo imaging, for example, the maxillofacial region including the skull of the head P. It has a spread that can be projected onto the X-ray detector 32 through the region.

Here, it is assumed that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 are in the shape of a slit and in the case of spreading in a square shape.

When the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 are in the shape of a slit, for example, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 are in the shape of a slit due to an irradiation field regulation unit or the like in which a long slit is formed. It is assumed that the X-rays are restricted by the X-rays of the above and enter the X-ray detector 32 through the head P. In this case, by scanning the slit-shaped X-rays in the front-back direction or the up-down direction with respect to the head P, the cephalo-photographed portion of the head P can be the irradiation region H of the projected X-rays. In this case, the irradiation region H is defined by the movement trace of the slit-shaped incident region in which the slit-shaped X-rays are incident on the X-ray detector 32. In this case, as the X-ray detector 32, one having the slit-shaped detection surface can be used, and a configuration can be adopted in which the X-ray detector is moved in synchronization with the slit-shaped X-rays. The case where the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 have a slit shape will be described more specifically in the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

When the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 spread in a square shape, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 spread to the extent that they can pass through the cephalo-photographed part of the head P, and the X-ray detector. It is incident on 32. The irradiation region H in this case is defined by the entire region where the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 are incident on the X-ray detector 32 at one timing. In this case, as the X-ray detector 32, one having the same or larger detection surface as the irradiation region H can be used. The case where the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 spread in a square shape will be described more specifically in the fourth embodiment.

The head-rear side HE1 of the lower edge HE of the irradiation region H is arranged higher than the head front side HE2 of the lower edge HE.

For example, the lower edge HE is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so that the HE1 on the rear side of the head is higher than the HE2 on the front side of the head. The horizontal direction is a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, which is the direction of gravity, and here, the front-back direction of the head P.

Preferably, the lower edge HE is tilted along the mandibular floor Ba of the head skeleton B of the head P. Therefore, the irradiation region H includes the lower jaw Bb of the head. Further, in the place where the cervical spine Bc behind the mandible Bb is present, the lower edge HE passes through the position as upper as possible with respect to the cervical spine Bc so that the irradiation region H does not include the cervical spine as much as possible. It has become.

Further, the shape of the lower edge is not always linear. For example, the shape may be continuous via the step HEbS so that the HEb1 on the rear side of the head of the lower edge HEb is higher than the HEb2 on the front side of the head.

In this case, the head anterior side HEb2 of the lower edge HEb is located below (slightly below) the mandibular floor Ba. Further, the posterior head HEb1 of the lower edge HEb is located above the anterior HEb2 of the head and passes through a position as high as possible with respect to the cervical spine Bc. The step HEbS is located between the mandible Bb and the cervical spine Bc.

The setting of the lower edge HE and HEb of the irradiation region H as described above is, for example, adjusting the path when scanning the slit-shaped X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 22 or the X-rays. This can be done by adjusting the regulated shape of the X-rays emitted from the generator 22 or the like.

In FIG. 2, the lower edge HEc shows a straight line along the horizontal direction for comparison. In order to perform lateral head cephalo imaging, the lower edge HEc must pass below the mandibular floor Ba. Therefore, the lower edge HEc will pass across the middle part of the cervical spine Bc in the posterior part of the head P.

On the other hand, like the X-ray imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the X-ray irradiation region H which is irradiated from the X-ray generator 22, passes through the head P, and is incident on the X-ray detector 32. When the lower edge HE and HEb on the posterior side of the head HE1 and HEb1 are arranged higher than the lower edge HE and HEb on the front side of the head HE2 and HEb2, X-ray irradiation to unnecessary parts is performed. While suppressing it, lateral head cephalo photography can be performed.

That is, for the lower jaw Bb, X-ray imaging can be performed in the lower region of the lower edge HE and HEb of the irradiation region H, which is the inner region of the lower head front side HE2 and HEb2. In addition, by arranging the upper posterior head HE1 and HEb1 of the lower edges HE and HEb of the irradiation region H on the upper side of the cervical spine Bc as much as possible, X-ray irradiation to unnecessary parts (thyroid gland, etc.) can be performed. Can be suppressed.

Further, if the lower edge HE of the irradiation region H is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction, the lower edge HE is easily tilted along the lower jaw bottom Ba of the head P, so that it is easy to take an image of a necessary portion.

{Second embodiment}
The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described.

<About the overall configuration>
FIG. 3 is an overall view showing the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment when viewed from diagonally above. .. In each figure, for convenience of explanation, the XYZ coordinate system may be set in the entire space where the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 exists. In this XYZ coordinate system, when the head P supported by the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 (see the head P shown on the right side in FIG. 3) is used as a reference when performing CT imaging or panoramic imaging, the right direction is X (see the head P shown on the right side in FIG. 3). The +) direction, the left direction is the X (−) direction, the front is the Y (+) direction, the rear is the Y (−) direction, the upper is the Z (+) direction, and the lower is the Z (−) direction. In this XYZ coordinate system, the forward direction is the X (-) direction with reference to the head P supported by the X-ray imaging device 110 (see the head P shown on the left side in FIG. 3) when performing Cephalo imaging. , The rear direction is the X (+) direction, the right side is the Y (+) direction, the left side is the Y (−) direction, the upper direction is the Z (+) direction, and the lower direction is the Z (−) direction. The orientation of the head P supported by the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 when performing Cephalo imaging may be reversed in the front-back and left-right directions.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 110 includes an imaging main body 120 and an image processing apparatus 180. The imaging main body 120 is a device that collects X-ray projection data by performing X-ray imaging on the head P of the subject. The photographing main body 120 is housed in, for example, an X-ray-proof chamber 146 and used. The image processing device 180 processes the X-ray projection data collected by the photographing main body 120 to perform various X-ray images (specifically, a panoramic image, a CT image, a head X-ray standard image (Cephalo image), and the like. ) Is generated.

However, the imaging main body 120 may be capable of performing head X-ray standard imaging (head cephalo imaging) for the head P, particularly side head cephalo imaging, and the image processing apparatus 180 may be capable of performing head X-ray standard imaging (head cephalo imaging). The X-ray projection data collected by the above method may be processed to generate a head X-ray standard image (cephaloc image), particularly a side head X-ray standard image (side head cephalo image). Hereinafter, the configuration in which the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 performs lateral head cephalo imaging will be mainly described.

The photographing main body 120 includes an X-ray generator 126 including an X-ray generator 126a, an X-ray detector 128, a swivel support unit 124, and a main body control unit 150.

The X-ray generator 126a is, for example, an X-ray tube that is an X-ray source that generates X-rays. An X-ray cone beam is emitted from the X-ray generator 126a.

The X-ray generation unit 126 includes an X-ray beam shape adjustment unit 127 that adjusts the shape of the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray generator 126a. The X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 is provided on the side where the X-ray cone beam is irradiated with respect to the X-ray generator 126a. The X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 are supported by one end of the swivel support unit 124.

5 and 6 are schematic front views of the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127. The X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 regulates the spread of the X-ray cone beam emitted from the X-ray generator 126a, and is irradiated so as to have a shape according to the purpose of photography and at a position according to the purpose of photography. The X-ray cone beam is adjusted so as to be.

As a more specific example, the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 includes four shielding members 127A and 127B, a shielding member driving unit 127C for opening and closing the shielding member 127A, and a shielding member driving for opening and closing the shielding member 127B. A unit 127D is provided. In FIG. 5, the parts (motors, shafts, etc.) that drive the shielding members 127A and 127B and the shielding members 127A and 127B are indicated by solid lines or hidden lines (broken lines), and the guides 127C1 and 127D1 are indicated by virtual lines (two points). It is shown by the chain line).

The shielding members 127A and 127B are made of a material (lead or the like) that absorbs X-rays, and are formed in the shape of a rectangular plate.

Two of the four shielding members 127A and 127B, the shielding member 127A, are provided at the vertical position in the front view of the emission port of the X-ray generator 126a. The opposite sides of the two shielding members 127A are along the horizontal direction.

The shielding member driving unit 127C moves and drives the two shielding member 127A in the vertical direction. That is, the shielding member driving unit 127C includes a pair of guides 127C1, shafts 127C2, 127C3, a motor 127C4 for driving the shaft 127C2, and a motor 127C5 for driving the shaft 127C3.

The pair of guides 127C1 movably support both ends of each of the two shielding members 127A in the vertical direction.

A thread groove is formed on the outer periphery of one of the shafts 127C2, and one of the two shielding members 127A has a threaded portion screwed onto the shaft 127C2. Then, the shaft 127C2 rotates in both the forward and reverse directions by the rotational drive of one of the motors 127C4 in both the forward and reverse directions. Depending on the rotation direction of the shaft 127C2, one of the shielding members 127A moves upward or downward while being guided by the pair of guides 127C1.

A thread groove is formed on the outer periphery of the other shaft 127C3, and the other threaded portion of the two shielding members 127A is screwed onto the shaft 127C3. Then, the shaft 127C3 rotates in both the forward and reverse directions by the rotational drive of the other motor 127C5 in both the forward and reverse directions. The other shielding member 127A moves upward or downward according to the rotation direction of the shaft 127C3.

As a result, the two shielding members 127A are individually moved and driven in the vertical direction.

Of the four shielding members 127A and 127B, the other two shielding members 127B are located at positions different from those of the two shielding members 127A in the X-ray emission direction from the X-ray generator 126a, of the X-ray generator 126a. It is provided at the left and right positions of the front view of the exit port. The opposite sides of the two shielding members 127B are along the vertical direction.

The shielding member driving unit 127D moves and drives the two shielding member 127B in the left-right direction. That is, the shielding member driving unit 127D includes a pair of guides 127D1, shafts 127D2, 127D3, a motor 127D4 that drives the shaft 127D2, and a motor 127D5 that drives the shaft 127D3.

The pair of guides 127D1 movably support both ends of each of the two shielding members 127B in the left-right direction.

A thread groove is formed on the outer periphery of one of the shafts 127D2, and one of the two shielding members 127B has a threaded portion screwed onto the shaft 127D2. Then, the shaft 127D2 rotates in both the forward and reverse directions by the rotational drive of one of the motors 127D4 in both the forward and reverse directions. Depending on the rotation direction of the shaft 127D2, one of the shielding members 127B moves to the left or right while being guided by the pair of guides 127D1.

A thread groove is formed on the outer periphery of the other shaft 127D3, and the other threaded portion of the two shielding members 127B is screwed onto the shaft 127D3. Then, the shaft 127D3 rotates in both the forward and reverse directions by the rotational drive of the other motor 127D5 in both the forward and reverse directions. The other shielding member 127B moves to the left or right depending on the rotation direction of the shaft 127D3.

As a result, the two shielding members 127B are individually moved and driven in the left-right direction.

In addition, a linear motor mechanism, a rack and pinion mechanism, or the like may be used as the shielding member driving unit 127C, 127D.

In this example, the X-ray cone beam corresponds to the opening 127E formed by the two inner sides of the two shield members 127A facing each other and the two inner sides of the two shield members 127B facing each other. The shape, the position of the irradiation destination, etc. are adjusted.

For example, when the two inner sides of the two shielding members 127A facing each other are wide open and the two opposite inner sides of the two shielding members 127B are wide open, the square opening 127E Is formed (see FIG. 5). The X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray generator 126a is formed into an X-ray cone beam that spreads in a regular quadrangular pyramid shape by passing through this square shape, for example, a square opening 127E.

Further, for example, when the two inner sides of the two shielding members 127A facing each other are wide open and the two opposite inner sides of the two shielding members 127B are slightly open, the elongated opening 127E is formed. (See FIG. 6, in FIG. 6, only the elements that shield and drive the X-rays are shown and partly omitted). The X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray generator 126a is formed into an X-ray narrow gap beam that spreads in the shape of a long pyramid in the vertical direction by passing through the vertically elongated slit-shaped opening 127E. By moving the two shielding members 127B in the same direction, for example, to the right while maintaining the shape of the opening 127E, the irradiation destination of the X-ray gap beam can be scanned from the left to the right. Further, by moving the two shielding members 127A in the same direction, for example, in the upward direction while maintaining the shape of the opening 127E, the irradiation destination of the X-ray gap beam can be moved from the downward direction to the upward direction. can.

When irradiating the X-ray gap beam from the X-ray generator 126a, the movement of the two shielding members 127A and the two shielding members 127B is controlled to control the movement of the X-ray detector 128 and the X-ray detector 222. The X-ray irradiation range can be adjusted.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 327 according to another example. The X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 327 includes two shielding members 327A and 327B. The shielding members 327A and 327B are formed in the shape of an L-shaped plate, and the edges 327A1 and 327B1 constituting the inner angle portions thereof are combined to form the opening 327E. Each of the shielding members can be moved in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction by an XY table mechanism or the like. By adjusting the shielding members 327A and 327B by this moving mechanism, the shape of the opening 327E is adjusted.

In the above example, the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 is composed of a plurality of shielding members and a moving mechanism. However, the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit may also be composed of a single shielding member having an opening having a predetermined shape and a moving mechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the X-ray detector 128 detects an X-ray cone beam emitted from the X-ray generator 126a. The X-ray detector 128 may be configured by a flat panel detector (FPD) having a detection surface extending in a plane, an X-ray fluorescence multiplying tube (I.I .: Image Intensifier), or the like.

A plurality of detection elements arranged on the detection surface of the X-ray detector 128 convert the intensity of the incident X-ray into an electric signal. Then, the electric signal is input to the main body control unit 150 or the image processing device 180 as an output signal, and an X-ray projection image is generated based on the signal.

The X-ray detector 128 is supported at the other end of the swivel support portion 124 so as to face the X-ray generator 126a at a distance. The detection surface of the X-ray detector 128 is irradiated with an X-ray beam such as an X-ray cone beam or an X-ray gap beam emitted from the X-ray generator 126a.

The X-ray detector 128 is for performing X-ray CT imaging or panoramic imaging.

The swivel support portion 124 is suspended and supported by the horizontal arm 123 via the rotation shaft portion 125. The swivel support portion 124 extends along the horizontal direction while being supported in a suspended shape. A housing 124a is attached to one end of the swivel support portion 124, and a housing 124b is attached to the other end of the swivel support portion 124. The X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 are supported in the housing 124a in a state of being accommodated.

The X-ray generator 126a irradiates an X-ray beam such as an X-ray cone beam or an X-ray gap beam from one end to the other end of the swivel support portion 124. The X-ray detector 128 is housed in the housing 124b with the X-ray detection surface facing the X-ray generator 126a. As a result, the swivel support portion 124 supports the X-ray generator 126a on one end side thereof and the X-ray detector 128 on the other end side.

The housing 124a can rotate about an axis along the vertical direction with respect to the intermediate portion 124c of the swivel support portion 124 together with the internal X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray beam shape adjusting portion 127. For example, the housing 124a can rotate about an axis along the vertical direction with respect to the X-ray generator side base end portion of the swivel support portion 124. The rotation of the housing 124a may be performed manually, or may be performed by driving a rotation mechanism including a motor or the like. By rotating the housing 124a, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a are in a posture toward the X-ray detector 128, and the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a are in the housing 124b. It is possible to switch between a state in which the patient passes by the side and faces the X-ray detector 222 for cephalo imaging, which will be described later. The rotation of the housing 124a may be performed manually, or may be performed by driving a rotation mechanism including a motor or the like.

The swivel support portion 124 is supported via a support column 121 and a horizontal arm 123.

The support column 121 is supported in a vertical position on the base 121B placed on the floor surface or the like. An elevating portion 122 is provided on the support column 121 so as to be able to elevate and drive. The elevating unit 122 is elevated and driven by the elevating drive mechanism. As the elevating drive mechanism, a ball screw mechanism, a moving mechanism including a motor or the like, or a linear actuator such as a linear motor is used, and is incorporated in the support column 121 to elevate and drive the elevating portion 122. A horizontal arm 123 is supported on the elevating portion 122 so as to extend in the horizontal direction. A swivel drive mechanism 130 is incorporated in the tip of the horizontal arm 123.

The swivel drive mechanism 130 is a mechanism for swiveling the swivel support portion 124. In the present embodiment, the swivel drive mechanism includes a swivel shaft moving mechanism 134 and a swivel mechanism 132 movably supported by the swivel shaft moving mechanism 134.

The swivel shaft moving mechanism 134 is a mechanism for moving the rotary shaft portion 125 together with the swivel mechanism 132 in a direction (here, a horizontal direction) intersecting the swivel shaft X1 of the rotary shaft portion 125. As the swivel axis moving mechanism 134, for example, an XY table mechanism in which two linear actuators are combined in directions orthogonal to each other can be adopted. Then, the swivel shaft moving mechanism 134 moves the swivel shaft portion 125 together with the swivel mechanism 132 along the horizontal direction, so that the swivel shaft portion 125 can be arranged at a desired position, and the X-ray generators 126a and X can be arranged. The swivel axis of the line detector 128 can be set to any position.

The swivel mechanism 132 includes a motor as a swivel drive unit, and is supported by the swivel shaft moving mechanism 134 so as to be movable in the horizontal direction. The upper end portion of the rotary shaft portion 125 projecting upward from the intermediate portion in the extending direction of the swivel support portion 124 is rotatably supported by the swivel mechanism 132. By transmitting the rotational motion of the motor provided in the swivel mechanism 132 to the rotary shaft portion 125, the swivel support portion 124 and the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 128 supported by the swivel support portion 124 are swiveled. do. The rotational movement of the motor provided in the swivel mechanism 132 is transmitted to the rotary shaft portion 125 via a transmission mechanism such as a gear or a pulley, if necessary.

The swivel support portion 124 can be moved up and down by the elevating portion 122 according to the height of the head P. Further, the swivel drive mechanism 130 can swivel the swivel support portion 124 so that the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 128 swivel around the head P.

Further, a head fixing device elevating portion 141A is provided on the support column 121 so as to be able to elevate and drive. The elevating portion 141A for the head fixing device is provided below the elevating portion 122. The head fixing device arm 141 is provided so as to extend in the same direction as the horizontal arm 123 from the head fixing device elevating portion 141A. The head fixing device arm 141 passes under the horizontal arm 123 and extends downward toward the lower position between the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 128. A head fixing device 142 is provided at the tip of the head fixing device arm 141. The head fixing device 142 is located between the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 128. The head fixing device 142 includes a chin rest 142a capable of mounting and supporting the jaw of the head P as a subject, and a holding portion 142b for sandwiching and holding the head P as a subject from both outer sides thereof. Then, the jaw of the head P is supported on the chin rest 142a, and the head P is sandwiched by the holding portion 142b, so that the head P is between the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 128. It is held in place. The head fixing device 142 may be configured at least on one side of the chin rest 142a and the holding portion 142b.

When performing X-ray CT imaging or panoramic imaging, X-rays are performed with the head P, which is the subject, fixed by the head fixing device 142, and the swivel support portion 124 rotated according to a desired imaging mode. Take a line shot. In particular, by rotating the turning support portion 124 and turning the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 128 around the subject P, the X-ray image data necessary for generating an X-ray CT image or the like is obtained. be able to. Further, a panoramic image can be obtained by performing X-ray photography in a state where the turning support portion 124 is rotated in a certain range. In the imaging mode for capturing a fluoroscopic image of the target region, X-ray imaging is performed with the turning support portion 124 stopped.

The X-ray imaging apparatus 110 includes a cephalo imaging unit 200. The cephalo photographing unit 200 is a unit used for acquiring a head X-ray standard photograph. The cephalo photographing unit 200 will be described later.

A main body control unit 150 including an operation panel device 158 is provided at an intermediate portion in the extending direction of the head fixing device arm 141.

The main body control unit 150 is configured by a computer or the like so that each instruction to the photographing main body 120 can be received and each operation of the photographing main body 120 can be controlled. The main body control unit 150 is fixed to a cephalo photographing arm 143 extending in the horizontal direction from the support column 121. The main body control unit 150 is provided with an operation panel device 158 for displaying various information from the main body control unit 150 and receiving various commands to the main body control unit 150. Here, the operation panel device 158 is a touch panel including a display device such as a liquid crystal display panel and a touch detection unit arranged on the display screen of the display device. By detecting the touch operation of the operator on the display screen by the touch detection unit, the operation on the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 can be accepted. A push button or the like may be provided near the operation panel device 158 or the like. Further, the display device and the input device for receiving the operation of the operator may be provided separately.

An irradiation control unit 150s for controlling X-ray irradiation of the main body control unit 150 is provided on the outside of the wall of the X-ray protection chamber 146 that houses the photographing main body 120, and the irradiation control unit 150s is pressed by a push called a deadman switch. A button switch 147 is provided. X-ray irradiation is performed only while the operator presses the deadman switch. Although the irradiation control unit 150s is used for controlling X-ray irradiation, all or part of the functions of the irradiation control unit 150s may be realized by the control unit 150.

The image processing device 180 includes an information processing main unit 183 composed of, for example, a computer or a workstation, and is connected to the image processing main unit 120 by a communication cable so as to be able to transmit and receive various data. However, data may be transmitted / received by wireless communication between the photographing main unit 120 and the image processing device 180. The information processing main unit 183 can execute various image processing and the like based on the data transmitted from the photographing main unit 120.

The image processing device 180 is connected to a display unit 184a composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor and an operation unit 184b composed of a keyboard, a mouse, or the like. The operator can give various commands to the information processing main unit 183 by operating a pointer via a mouse or the like on the characters and images displayed on the display unit 184a. The display unit 184a may be composed of a touch panel.

A part or all of the processing of the image processing apparatus 180 may be executed by the main body control unit 150. Alternatively, a part or all of the processing of the main body control unit 150 may be executed by the image processing device 180. That is, each process of the main body control unit 150 and the image processing device 180 may be executed by a single computer provided in any place, or may be distributed by a plurality of processors provided in any place. May be processed.

<About the Cephalo shooting unit>
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a state in which the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 performs Cephalo imaging. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 8, the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 includes a cephalo imaging unit 200. The cephalo photographing unit 200 is a unit used for acquiring a head X-ray standard photograph.

A cephalo photographing arm 143 is provided so as to extend in the horizontal direction on the side opposite to the side on which the horizontal arm 123 extends from the support column 121, and the cephalo photographing unit 200 is provided at the tip end portion of the cephalo photographing arm 143. Strictly speaking, the horizontal arm 123 is in the direction of the vector obtained by adding the two vectors of -X and -Y, and the cephalo shooting arm 143 is the vector obtained by adding the two vectors of -X and + Y. It extends in the direction.

The cephalo imaging unit 200 includes a head holder 210, an X-ray detection unit (Cephalo imaging X-ray detection unit) 220, and an irradiation field regulation unit 230.

The head holder 210 holds the head P, which is the subject. Here, the head holder 210 includes a pair of ear rods 212 and a forehead rod 214 (see FIGS. 9 to 11 below). The pair of ear rods 212 are further supported in a drooping manner from the rod base 215 which is supported in a drooping manner from the cephalo base 202 which is supported at a fixed position at the tip of the cephalo photographing arm 143. Both ears are positioned by inserting the tips of the pair of ear rods 212 into the ears on both sides of the head P. Further, the forehead rod 214 is supported in a hanging shape from the rod base 215 at a position displaced from the central portion of the pair of ear rods 212 in the rod base 215 in a direction orthogonal to the direction connecting the pair of ear rods 212. .. The head P is positioned when the tip of the forehead rod 214 comes into contact with the forehead or the like of the head P. The head holder 210 may be any as long as it supports the head P in a fixed position and a fixed posture, and is not limited to the above configuration. The head holder may be configured to include at least one of the forehead rod 214 and the pair of ear rods 212.

The rod base 215 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 210AX in the vertical direction with respect to the cephalo base 202. This rotation may be driven by a mechanical actuator such as being electrically driven by a motor or the like, or may be manually rotated so that it can be locked on the front surface or the side surface. The head holder 210 holds the head P in a fixed position and a constant posture so that its front faces the −X side during lateral cephalo imaging. Hereinafter, the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions during the lateral head cephalo imaging are based on the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions with respect to the head P held by the head holder 210. During frontal head cephalo imaging, the head P is held so that the front of the head P faces the −Y side.

In many countries around the world including Japan, lateral head cephalo photography is mainly performed so that X-rays are incident from the left side of the head and detected on the right side of the head. In some cases, X-rays are incident from the right side and the image is taken so that it is detected on the left side of the head. Therefore, the rod base 215 of the head holder 210 can be rotated by 180 ° from the state shown in FIG. 8 and positioned so that the front of the head faces the + X side.

The X-ray detector 220 includes an X-ray detector 222. The X-ray detection unit 220 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a, and is composed of a flat panel detector (FPD), an X-ray fluorescence multiplying tube (I.I .: Image Intensifier), or the like. As the flat panel detector, a CCD sensor, a MOS sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like can be used. An X-ray detector having a long X-ray detection surface may be used, and a CCD sensor, a MOS sensor, a CMOS sensor, or the like can also be used for this. The illustrated X-ray detection unit 220 has a long X-ray detection surface 222a. In the initial posture, the X-ray detection surface 222a extends along the vertical direction.

The X-ray detector 222 is incorporated in an outer case 224 made of resin or the like. Since the outer case 224 covers at least the lower portion and the back surface side of the X-ray detector 222, the outer shape of the X-ray detector 220 is larger than the outer shape of the X-ray detector 222. The X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detector 222 faces the head holder 210 side.

The irradiation field regulation unit 230 is made of a material (lead or the like) that absorbs X-rays, and is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. A long slit 232 is formed in the irradiation field regulation unit 230. The irradiation field regulating unit 230 is between the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 222, and is held by the head holder 210 (that is, the head holder 210) with respect to the X-ray detector 222. It is arranged at a position on the opposite side of the head P). Then, the shape of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a is regulated by the slit 232. X-rays whose shape is restricted by the slit 232 pass through the head P and enter the X-ray detection surface 222a. Therefore, the size of the slit 232 is about the same as or smaller than the X-ray detection surface 222a. The shape of the X-ray beam is regulated to some extent by the above-mentioned X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127, but is regulated with higher accuracy by the slit 232.

When performing cephalo photography, the X-ray generator 126a faces the X-ray detector 222 via the head holder 210 and the irradiation field regulating unit 230, and the housing of the X-ray detector 128 is accommodated. The swivel support portion 124 is swiveled so that the body 124b is disposed at a position off the line connecting the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 222 (see FIG. 8). Further, the housing 124a is rotated so that the irradiation direction of the X-ray generator 126a faces the X-ray detector 222 side. As a result, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a are made to enter the X-ray detector 222 via the head holder 210 and the irradiation field regulating unit 230 without being blocked by the housing 124b. With this positional relationship, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray generator 126a to perform cephalo imaging.

In the present embodiment, the swivel support portion 124, the horizontal arm 123, the cephalo photographing arm 143, and the X-ray detector side support portion described later support the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 222 in a facing state. Department (Cephalo photography support part).

In this support portion, the X-ray detector 222 faces the X-ray generator 126a, and the rear side of the head of the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector 220 exists during lateral head cephalo imaging is lower. The X-ray detector side support portion that supports the X-ray detector portion 220 is included so as to be located higher than the front side of the head of the side edge.

In the present embodiment, the X-ray detector side support portion has an X-ray detection surface 222a so that the lower edge of the moving region of the X-ray detector 220 during lateral head cephalo imaging is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. An example including an X-ray detector side moving mechanism 240 for moving the X-ray detector 220 in a direction intersecting the extending direction of the X-ray detector will be described. Other examples of the X-ray detector side support will be described in another embodiment.

9 is a schematic front view showing the cephalo photographing unit 200, FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the cephalo photographing unit 200, and FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing the cephalo photographing unit 200. Of the cephalo imaging unit 200, at least the mechanical element that supports the X-ray detector 222 is the X-ray detector side support portion. The X-ray detector side support portion may support the irradiation field regulation portion 230, and may further support the head holder 210.

The X-ray detector side moving mechanism 240 includes a scanning direction moving mechanism 242 and an inclined support portion 250.

The scanning direction moving mechanism 242 moves the X-ray detection unit 220 in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface 222a.

12 and 13 are views showing an example of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242.

The scanning direction moving mechanism 242 includes a long base 243, a rail 244, and a scanning direction driving unit 246.

The long base 243 is a long member made of a metal plate or the like. The rail 244 is a member that linearly and movably supports the X-ray detection unit 220. Here, the rail 244 is an elongated plate-shaped member, and is fixed to the long base 243 at a position spaced apart from the long base 243. The rail 244 is along the longitudinal direction of the long base 243.

A plurality of sets (here, two sets) of driven wheels 226 are rotatably provided at the upper end of the X-ray detection unit 220. The plurality of sets of driven wheels 226 sandwich the rail 244 in the vertical direction on both sides in the thickness direction. In this state, the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detection unit 220 is orthogonal to the long base 243. A plurality of sets of driven wheels 226 drive and rotate on both the upper and lower sides of the rail 244, so that the X-ray detection unit 220 extends the rail 244 while keeping the X-ray detection surface 222a orthogonal to the long base 243. It is supported so that it can move back and forth along the current direction.

The scanning direction driving unit 246 reciprocates the X-ray detection unit 220. Here, the scanning direction drive unit 246 includes a motor 247, a pair of pulleys 248, and a circulation belt 249 wound around the pair of pulleys 248.

One of the pair of pulleys 248 is rotatably supported by one end of the long base 243. The motor 247 is fixed to the other end of the long base 243. The other end of the pair of pulleys 248 is rotatably supported by the other end of the long base 243 in such a manner that rotational driving force can be transmitted from the motor 247.

The X-ray detection unit 220 is connected to the circulation belt 249 via the bracket 229 between the pair of pulleys 248.

Then, the circulation belt 249 rotates in the forward direction or the reverse direction according to the rotation of the motor 247 in the forward direction or the reverse direction, and the X-ray detection unit 220 reciprocates according to the rotation direction of the circulation belt 249.

In addition to the above configuration, the scanning direction movement mechanism 242 includes a rack and pinion mechanism in which a screw portion provided on the X-ray detector side is screwed into a screw shaft portion that can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions by a motor. Various configurations such as a linear motor mechanism can be adopted.

The tilt support unit 250 supports the X-ray detection unit 220 in an inclined manner by supporting the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 in an inclined posture with respect to the horizontal direction (see FIG. 14 described later).

Here, the tilt support portion 250 includes a motor 252. As the motor 252, a motor capable of adjusting the rotation direction and the amount of rotation, for example, a stepping motor or the like can be used. The motor 252 is fixed to one side of the cephalo base 202. The drive shaft 253 of the motor 252 projects outward from one side of the cephalo base 202, and the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 extends in the extending direction (moving direction of the X-ray detection unit 220) at the end of the drive shaft 253. The ends or middle parts that are part of the are connected. Here, a portion of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 near one end in the extending direction is connected to the drive shaft 253.

Then, by rotating the drive shaft 253 in the forward direction or the reverse direction by driving the motor 252, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 can be supported in an inclined posture with respect to the horizontal direction. By adjusting the rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the motor 252, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 can change the posture between the horizontal posture and the posture tilted from the horizontal posture. In particular, by finely adjusting the amount of rotation of the motor 252, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 can change its posture in a plurality of tilted postures tilted from the horizontal posture.

In the above example, the drive shaft 253 is directly connected to the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, but the drive shaft and the support shaft that rotatably supports the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 are via a gear mechanism including a plurality of gears. The rotational driving force of the drive shaft may be transmitted to the support shaft via the gear mechanism. As the gear mechanism, a reduction gear mechanism that increases the rotational driving force and transmits it to the support shaft can be used. For example, the gear mechanism may have a configuration in which the first gear is fixed to the drive shaft, and the second gear that can mesh with the first gear and has a larger number of teeth than the first gear is fixed to the support shaft. can. The rotational driving force of the drive shaft may also be transmitted to the support shaft via a pulley mechanism or the like.

In the present embodiment, the tilt support portion 250 is configured to tilt and drive the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 by driving a motor, but the tilting support portion tilts the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 by manually operating the scanning direction moving mechanism 242. It may be configured to support as much as possible. For example, the tilt support portion 250 may be configured to have a shaft that slantably supports the scanning direction moving mechanism 242. As a configuration for supporting the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 in a constant inclined posture, a ratchet structure is provided around the shaft, a screw is provided in the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, and the scanning direction movement with respect to the shaft is performed according to tightening and loosening of the screw. This can be achieved by switching the tilt stop of the mechanism 242 and the tilt permissible state, and providing a lock structure for holding the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 in a predetermined tilting posture at a position away from the shaft.

When the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is in the horizontal posture, the X-ray detecting surface 222a is in a posture orthogonal to the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, that is, the horizontal direction, and the X-ray detecting unit 220 is in the scanning direction moving mechanism. It is movably supported in a hanging shape with respect to 242.

14 and 15 are explanatory views showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 during lateral head cephalo imaging.

When the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is tilted by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction, the X-ray detection unit 220 can move with respect to the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 in a posture in which the X-ray detection surface 222a is tilted by an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction. Is supported by. In this state, it is assumed that the X-ray detection unit 220 is moved along the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 by driving the scanning direction moving mechanism 242. At this time, the lower edge of the movement trace of the X-ray detection unit 220 is inclined by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction. Similarly, the lower edge of the movement locus of the X-ray detection surface 222a is inclined by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction.

By adjusting the rotation angle of the motor 252, the angle θ at which the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 tilts with respect to the horizontal direction can be adjusted in multiple stages (see the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 14). ).

Further, the X-ray detection unit side movement mechanism 240 moves the irradiation field regulation unit 230 in the same direction as the movement direction of the X-ray detection unit 220. Here, the X-ray detection unit side moving mechanism 240 includes two sets of a scanning direction moving mechanism 242 and an inclined support portion 250.

As described above, the set of scanning direction moving mechanism 242 and the tilting support unit 250 support the X-ray detection unit 220 in a slantable and movable manner.

The other set of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 and the tilting support portion 250 are provided on the other side of the cephalo base 202, and have the same configuration as described above to support the irradiation field regulating portion 230 in a slantable and movable manner. There is.

Therefore, the irradiation field regulation unit 230 is tilted in the same direction as the X-ray detection unit 220 by the other set of scanning direction movement mechanism 242 and the tilt support unit 250, and is in the same direction as the X-ray detection unit 220. Can be moved to.

<About the block diagram of the X-ray imaging device>
16 is a block diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110, FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the main body control unit 150, and FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image processing apparatus 180.

The main body control unit 150 controls the X-ray shooting operation of the shooting main body 120, and is an example of a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 150a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 150b, a storage unit 150c, and an input / output unit. The 150d, the operation input unit 150e, the image output unit 150f, and the like are configured by a computer interconnected via a bus line 150g (see FIG. 17). The storage unit 150c is composed of a flash memory or a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and receives various instructions regarding X-ray photography through an operation panel device 158 or the like, and the image pickup main body unit X in accordance with the instructions. It stores an imaging program 151 or the like that controls operations when performing line imaging. The shooting program 151 includes a cephalo shooting program 151a for performing cephalo shooting.

The RAM 150b is provided as a work area when the CPU 150a performs a predetermined process. The input / output unit 150d includes a motor included in the X-ray detection unit side moving mechanism 240 of the main body unit 120, the X-ray generator 126a, the X-ray detector 128, 222, the X-ray beam shape adjustment unit 127, and the like. It is connected. Further, the operation input unit 150e is connected to the touch detection unit of the operation panel device 158, and the image output unit 150f is connected to the display unit of the operation panel device 158.

In the main body control unit 150, the CPU 150a performs arithmetic processing according to the procedure described in the shooting program 151 and the instruction received through the operation panel device 158, etc., to control the display on the operation panel device 158 and to perform shooting. Accept various settings. Further, the CPU 150a performs arithmetic processing according to the procedure described in the photographing program 151 and various instructions regarding the accepted photographing, whereby the X-ray detector side moving mechanism 240, the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray detector 128, It drives and controls 222, the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127, and the like. In particular, in the present embodiment, the main body control unit 150 is irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a by controlling the X-ray detection unit side movement mechanism 240 and the X-ray beam shape adjustment unit 127 during lateral head cephalo imaging. The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation region of the X-ray that passes through the head P and is incident on the X-ray detector 222 is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge. Then, an X-ray CT image can be generated based on the data detected by the X-ray detector 222.

As shown in FIG. 16, the main body control unit 150 includes a support unit drive control unit 152a, a mode setting reception unit 152b, an inclination angle setting unit 152c, an inclination control unit 152d, a scanning direction control unit 152e, and an X-ray detection unit drive control unit. It includes 152f, an X-ray beam shape control unit 152g, and an X-ray generator drive control unit 152h. Each of these control units is a function realized by operating the CPU 150a according to the photographing program 151. It should be noted that some or all of these functions may be realized in terms of hardware by configuring them with a dedicated circuit or the like. Further, each of the above functions may be distributed and processed by a plurality of computers.

The support unit drive control unit 152a controls the rotation of the rotation support unit 124 by controlling the rotation drive mechanism 130.

The mode setting reception unit 152b receives the setting for the cephalo shooting, particularly the side head cephalo shooting mode, through the operation panel device 158. That is, since the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 is an apparatus capable of performing X-ray CT imaging, panoramic imaging, and cephalo imaging, it accepts a mode setting for which imaging is to be performed. As for cephalo photography, frontal head cephalo photography and lateral head cephalo photography are assumed, so the mode setting for which cephalo photography is to be performed is accepted.

The tilt angle setting unit 152c sets the tilt angle of the lower edge of the irradiation region (here, the tilt angle of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242) when performing lateral head cephalo imaging. There are several possible configurations for setting the tilt angle. For example, it is conceivable to display the angle input screen on the operation panel device 158 so that the operation panel device 158 has a function as the tilt angle setting operation unit 158a. In this case, when the operator operates and inputs the tilt angle through the operation panel device 158, the tilt angle is set according to the operation input. In addition, a reference table that associates information about the physique such as height and weight with the tilt angle is registered in advance, and when the physique information of a patient having a head P as a subject is set, the physique information is used. The tilt angle may be set by referring to the reference table. In addition, if the tilt angle suitable for the patient to be imaged is known at the time of past lateral head cephalo imaging, and the tilt angle is registered as the patient's history information, the history information is referred to. The tilt angle may be set. In addition, if there is a lateral head cephalo image or lateral head cephalo image of the patient taken in the past, the boundary of the mandibular floor or submandibular line is image-recognized from the image, and the inclination angle is determined by the inclination angle of the boundary. It may be set. The inclination angle may be set as a constant value in advance regardless of the physique of the patient or the like.

The tilt control unit 152d controls the operation of the tilt support unit 250 according to the tilt angle set by the tilt angle setting unit 152c.

The scanning direction control unit 152e controls the movement of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 in the scanning direction by the scanning direction moving mechanism 242. These moving speeds may be constant regardless of the physique, or may be changed according to the physique.

The X-ray detector drive control unit 152f performs on / off control of the X-ray detector 128, output signal reading, and the like.

The X-ray beam shape control unit 152g controls the X-ray beam shape adjustment unit 127, and performs shape adjustment of the opening 127E, position control of the opening 127E, and the like. In particular, during Cephalo imaging, the position of the opening 127E is controlled so that the X-ray irradiation destination scans the head P and the X-ray irradiation destination moves upward as it moves in the scanning direction. ..

The X-ray generator drive control unit 152h controls the tube voltage, tube voltage, on / off control, and the like of the X-ray generator 126a.

Further, when executing each of the above processes, the main body control unit 150 controls the display contents in the operation panel device 158 and receives a touch operation on the operation panel device 158. In particular, when it is decided to accept the tilt angle setting operation through the operation panel device 158, the operation panel device 158 can function as the tilt angle setting operation unit 158a.

The main body control unit 150 is communicably connected to the image processing device 180 via the communication I / F (interface) 154.

The image processing device 180 is composed of a computer, a workstation, or the like. The image processing device 180 includes a control unit 181 capable of executing a function as an image processing unit 182.

The control unit 181 has a CPU 181a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 181b, a storage unit 181c, a communication I / F185, an operation input unit 181e, an image output unit 181f, etc. as an example of a processor that performs various arithmetic processes, and has a bus line 181g. It is composed of computers interconnected via a computer (see FIG. 18). The storage unit 181c is composed of a flash memory or a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk device, and is an X-ray photographed image (particularly, a side head cephalo image) based on the output from the X-ray detectors 128 and 222. ) Is stored in the image processing program 182p. In the image processing program 182p, the lower jaw bottom of the head P is in the horizontal direction based on the inclination angle θ of the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector 220 exists and the output of the X-ray detector 222 during lateral head cephalo imaging. The process of generating a lateral head cephalo image reflected in an inclined state is executed.

The storage unit 181c stores the generated X-ray photographed image or the like. The image processing unit 182 is a function realized by operating the CPU 181a of the control unit 181 according to the image processing program 182p.

A display unit 184a for displaying images showing various information is connected to the control unit 181 via the image output unit 181f, and an operation unit 184b for the operator to input an operation is connected via the operation input unit 181e. .. Further, the image processing device 180 is connected to the main body control unit 150 via the communication I / F 185 so that information can be communicated.

<About operation>
The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 19, focusing on the lateral head cephalo imaging operation.

First, the setting of the shooting mode by the operator is accepted through the operation panel device 158 or the like. The shooting mode is one of a panoramic shooting mode, a cephalo shooting mode, and a CT shooting mode. If the CT imaging mode setting is accepted, the process proceeds to step S9 to execute the CT imaging process, and if the panoramic imaging mode setting is accepted, the process proceeds to step S10 to execute the panoramic imaging process. When the setting of the cephalo shooting mode is accepted, the process proceeds to step S2.

In step S2, it is determined that the mode is for cephalo photography. In this case, the swivel support portion 124 and the housing 124a are swiveled so as to be in a state suitable for performing cephalo imaging (see FIG. 8).

In the next step S3, the setting of the cephalo direction by the operator is accepted through the operation panel device 158 or the like. The cephalo direction includes a direction in which the head P is photographed from the side surface (lateral head cephalo) and a direction in which the head P is photographed from the front (frontal head cephalo). As the cephalo direction, if the setting of the direction in which the head P is photographed from the front (frontal head cephalo) is accepted, the process proceeds to step S11, and the frontal head cephalo photographing process is executed.

The frontal head cephalo photographing process is executed with the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 in a horizontal posture (see FIGS. 9 to 11). When the rod base 215 is configured to rotate with respect to the cephalo base 202 by electric drive, the rod base 215 is rotated so that the head P faces the −Y side. When the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is in the horizontal posture, the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detector 222 is a posture along the vertical direction, and the X-ray detection unit 220 is horizontal in this posture. Move to execute the frontal head cephalo imaging process. The X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a are emitted to the X-ray detection surface 222a by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 and the irradiation field regulating unit 230 following the moving position of the X-ray detection surface 222a. As such, the irradiation range and the irradiation position are adjusted. In this respect, the frontal head cephalo imaging process can be the same as the general frontal cephalo imaging process. The scanning direction moving mechanism 242 can change the posture between the horizontal posture and the tilted posture by the tilting support portion 250, and the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a are the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 and the irradiation field. Since the irradiation range and the irradiation position can be adjusted by the regulating unit 230, both the frontal head cephalo imaging and the lateral head cephalo imaging can be performed.

Cephalo imaging in which the posterior side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation area is located higher than the anterior side of the head is called tilted cephalo imaging, and the posterior side of the head and the anterior side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation area are at the same height. The cephalo photography arranged in the head is called non-tilt cephalo photography. In the imaging via the step HEbS shown in FIG. 2, the rear side of the head is generally higher than the front side of the head, which can also be considered as a kind of tilted cephalo imaging.

As shown in FIG. 15, the irradiation field regulation unit 230 can move in an inclined state by the tilt support portion 250, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, and the mechanical element for driving. With this configuration, the irradiation region formed for the cephalo imaging in the inclined cephalo imaging is such that the rear side of the head of the lower edge is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge. Elements such as the tilted support portion 250, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, and the mechanical element for driving that realize the irradiation region of such an arrangement are referred to as tilted irradiation mechanisms.

The element forming the irradiation region in which the rear side of the head of the lower edge is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge does not necessarily form the irradiation region by moving. For example, it is conceivable to use an irradiation field regulation unit having a sufficiently inclined opening for one-shot cephalo photography described later (see the fourth embodiment), and the irradiation field regulation unit in this case is also a tilt irradiation mechanism. This is just one example. The irradiation field regulation unit does not need to regulate the irradiation field near the X-ray generator, and may regulate the irradiation field near the head holder for cephalo.

A mechanism that forms the irradiation region by moving during cephalo imaging is called a driven tilt irradiation mechanism, and a mechanism that forms the irradiation region even if it does not move is called a non-drive tilt irradiation mechanism.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the X-ray detection unit 220 can move in an inclined state by the inclined support unit 250, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, and the mechanical element for driving. With this configuration, the region of existence of the X-ray detector 220 formed for cephalo imaging in tilted cephalo imaging is such that the rear side of the head of the lower edge is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge. Will be. Elements such as the tilt support portion 250, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, and the mechanical element for driving that realize the irradiation region of such an arrangement are referred to as tilt detection mechanisms.

The element forming the existence region in which the rear side of the head of the lower edge is arranged higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge does not necessarily form the existence region by moving. For example, it is conceivable to use an inclined X-ray detector having a sufficiently wide X-ray detection surface for one-shot cephalo photography described later (see the fourth embodiment), and the X-ray detector in this case is also inclined. This is an example of a detection mechanism.

A mechanism that forms the existing region by moving during cephalo imaging is called a driven tilt detection mechanism, and a mechanism that forms the existing region even if it does not move is called a non-driven tilt detection mechanism.

In step S4, it is determined to perform lateral head cephalo imaging.

In the next step S5, the inclination angle θ is set. As described above, the tilt angle may be set by accepting an operation input by the operator, may be set based on the physique such as height and weight, or may be set based on the physique such as height and weight in the past. It may be set based on the patient's history information or the like, or may be set as a predetermined constant value. As the tilt angle θ set here, an angle smaller than 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction can be assumed.

The tilt angle θ may be zero. That is, depending on the subject, the shoulder PS is sufficiently lower than the head P, the history of cephalo photography is small, and the number of photographs can be estimated to be small in the future. It is possible that non-tilted cephalo photography may be performed. In that case, the inclination angle θ may be set to zero.

In the next step S6, the tilt support portion 250 is driven according to the set tilt angle so that the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is tilted by the tilt angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction (see FIG. 14).

When the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is manually tilted, step S6 is a step scanned by the user. In this case, step S5 is also omitted, and instead, a step of acquiring the tilt angle of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is executed following step S5. This step can be, for example, a step in which an angle sensor such as a potentiometer for detecting the inclination of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is provided and the inclination angle is acquired based on the output from the angle sensor. When the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 has only one tilt angle setting physically and structurally, it is not necessary to provide an angle sensor. In this case, the inclination angle θ may be processed as a predetermined constant value.

In the next step S7, the operator holds the patient's head P, which is the subject, in a fixed position and a constant posture by the head holder 210 before giving the imaging start instruction. When the rod base 215 is configured to rotate with respect to the cephalo base 202 by electric drive, the rod base 215 is rotated so that the head P faces the −X side. This rotation process may be performed after step S4.

In step S7, the operator gives an instruction to start shooting using the operation panel device 158 or the like.

In step S8, X-ray irradiation control, X-ray generator side control, and X-ray detector side control are performed.

The X-ray irradiation control includes controlling the on / off of the X-ray generator 126a, the tube voltage, the tube current, and the like at a predetermined timing in order to perform lateral head cephalo imaging.

The X-ray generator side control adjusts the X-ray beam shape so that the irradiation range and position are adjusted so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a scan the head P in the anteroposterior direction (X direction). It includes controlling unit 127.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of shape and position control processing of the opening 127E by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127. The circle C in FIG. 21 shows the range of X-rays irradiated to the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127, that is, the X-rays before regulation. As shown in the figure, the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 adjusts the positions of the shielding members 127A and 127B (see FIGS. 5 and 6) so as to form a slit-shaped opening 127E that is long in the vertical direction. Then, when the lateral head cephalo imaging is started, the head P is moved in the anteroposterior direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Z direction) while maintaining the slit-shaped opening 127E in a constant slit-shaped shape. As such, the shielding members 127A and 127B are moved.

The opening 127E is arranged so that the rear side of the head P is higher than the front side of the head P on a surface (XZ plane) parallel to the surface including the movement trace of the X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detector 222. Will be moved to. Here, as the opening 127E is moved from the front to the rear of the head P along the X direction, the opening 127E is gradually moved upward along the Z direction.

At this time, assuming that the set inclination angle θ is set, the amount of movement in the X direction with respect to the initial position of the opening 127E is Xa, and the amount of movement in the Z direction with respect to the initial position of the opening 127E is Za, (tan θ = Za / Xa) is set. The position of the opening 127E is controlled so as to satisfy.

The X-ray detector side control includes controlling the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 so as to move the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulating unit 230 in the front-back direction (X direction) of the head P. ..

In the initial position, the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are located on the front side with respect to the head P. Then, each scanning direction movement mechanism 242 is controlled to move the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 toward the rear of the head P. Here, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 that supports the X-ray detection unit 220 and the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 that supports the irradiation field regulating unit 230 are tilted by an inclination angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction. Therefore, the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 gradually move upward toward the rear of the head P (see FIGS. 14 and 15). As for the moving speed of the head P of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 to the rear, the X-rays whose irradiation range and position are adjusted by the opening 127E are the X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the X-ray detection surface 222a. The range is set so that the slit 232 of the irradiation field regulation unit 230 can be irradiated.

Therefore, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a scan the head P from the front to the rear. At this time, the X-rays are adjusted in shape by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127, and then adjusted to a thinner slit shape near the head P by the slit 232 of the irradiation field regulating unit 230. Then, it passes through the head P and is incident on the X-ray detection surface 222a.

The X-rays shape-adjusted by the X-ray beam shape adjustment unit 127 incident on the irradiation field regulation unit 230 in an elongated shape extending in the vertical direction (see the range F in FIGS. 14 and 15). Since the slit 232 of the irradiation field regulating unit 230 is tilted at an inclination angle θ with respect to the vertical direction, the X-rays incident on the range F are adjusted to a slit shape at which the tilt angle θ is tilted with respect to the vertical direction, and then the head. It passes through the portion P and is incident on the X-ray detection surface 222a. The slit 232 is set to a size such that the X-rays that have passed through the slit 232 are contained within the X-ray detection surface 222a and are incident on the slit 232. Since the X-ray detection surface 222a is also tilted by an inclination angle θ with respect to the vertical direction, the X-rays whose shape is adjusted by the slit 232 of the irradiation field regulation unit 230 can be incident on the X-ray detection surface 222a without waste. Smooth control may be made so that the opening 127E, the slit 232, and the X-ray detection surface 222a move synchronously in the same direction.

FIG. 22 shows the X-ray irradiation region H on the surface (XZ plane) including the X-ray irradiation region G for the head P and the trace through which the X-ray detection surface 222a passes. At the detection position, the X-ray has a wide range of H, but the subject is closer to the X-ray generator than that, so considering the spread from the focal point of the X-ray tube, the range of the subject's image is wide. It is shown by FIG. 22 that the range is slightly narrower than the range of H and the range of G is widened.

As shown in the figure, during lateral head cephalo imaging, the lower edge HE of the X-ray irradiation region H irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a, passing through the head P, and incident on the X-ray detector 222. The rear side HE1 of the head is arranged higher than the front side HE2 of the head of the lower edge HE.

Here, the lower edge HE of the irradiation region H is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so as to face forward with respect to the posture of the head P held by the head holder 210. ..

Further, the X-ray detector 220 includes an X-ray detector 222 and an exterior case 224 in which the X-ray detector 222 is incorporated. Assuming that the X-ray detection unit 220 is moved as described above during lateral head X-ray imaging, in this case, the lower edge IE is in front of the head P in the existence region I of the X-ray detection unit 220. Draw a square shape that inclines upward from to the rear (see FIG. 15). Therefore, the X-ray detector 220 is supported by the X-ray detector side support so that the head rear side IE1 of the lower edge IE is located higher than the head front side IE2 of the lower edge IE. ing.

Here, the rear side of the head IE1 of the lower edge IE is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so as to be downward toward the front side with respect to the posture of the head P held by the head holder 210. ing.

Further, based on the head P held by the head holder 210 and the patient PW including the head P, the lower edge IE passes over the shoulder PS of the patient PW (see FIG. 15). ). Further, the lowermost end portion IE of the lower edge IE is arranged on the front side of the head P and below the uppermost portion of the shoulder PS (see the position of the line L1 in FIG. 15). Patient PW is considered based on standard adult body shape.

The tilt support portion 250 has a configuration in which the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is tiltably supported between the horizontal posture and the tilt posture, and the X-ray detector side support portion is the lower edge of the existence region J of the X-ray detector portion 220. A state between a horizontal state in which JE is along the horizontal direction (see FIG. 11) and an inclined state in which the lower edge IE of the region I where the X-ray detector 220 exists (see FIG. 15) is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. It is configured to support the X-ray detector so that it can be changed. Since the tilting support portion 250 can tilt the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 at a plurality of tilting angles, in this configuration, the lower edge IE of the existing region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 is relative to the horizontal direction. It can be considered that the X-ray detection unit 220 is supported so that the state can be changed even between a plurality of tilted states having different tilt angles.

During the side head X-ray imaging, the irradiation field regulation unit 230 also moves in the same manner as the X-ray detection unit 220. The lower end portion of the irradiation field regulating unit 230 exists at a height position equal to or higher than the lower end portion of the X-ray detection unit 220. Therefore, during the lateral head X-ray imaging, the lower edge KE of the existence region K of the irradiation field regulation unit 230 is also parallel to the lower edge IE of the existence region I of the X-ray detection unit 220, and the lower side thereof. It is located at or above the edge IE (see FIG. 15).

<Generation of lateral head cephalo image>
The process of generating a side head cephalo image based on the output of the X-ray detector 222 in the image processing apparatus 180 will be described with reference to FIG.

The X-ray imaging data output from the X-ray detector 222 is transmitted to the image processing device 180. The tilt angle θ at the time of the side head cephalo photographing is also transmitted to the image processing apparatus 180.

In step S21, the initial lateral head cephalo image 260 is generated based on the X-ray imaging data. Since the X-ray imaging data is data obtained by scanning the X-ray detector 222 in the direction of inclination at the inclination angle θ, the initial side head cephalo image 260 is a rectangular image as shown in FIG. 23. In the region, the head skeleton B is tilted by an angle θ. In the initial lateral head cephalo image, the mandibular floor Ba of the head skeleton B is along the lower edge E of the image region, and the mandible Bb is entirely reflected inside the lower edge E. ing.

In the next step S22, the initial side head cephalo image 260 is tilted by an angle θ based on the inclination angle θ to generate the side head cephalo image 262. As shown in FIG. 24, the lateral head cephalo image 262 is displayed in a state of being tilted by an angle θ as a whole on a display screen of a liquid crystal display device or the like, and therefore, on the display screen, the mandibular floor Ba of the head skeleton B is displayed. Is reflected in a state of being tilted with respect to the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is possible to generate a lateral head cephalo image 262 in which the head skeleton B is reflected in a state corresponding to the posture of the head P held by the head holder 210.

As shown in FIG. 25, on a display screen of a liquid crystal display device or the like, a modified side head cephalo image 262A in which the side head cephalo image 262 is reflected in the rectangular display area 264 is generated and displayed. In the modified side head cephalo image 262A, the area 266 between the rectangular display area 264 and the side head cephalo image 262 may be filled with a background color (for example, black).

<Summary>
According to the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 configured as described above, irradiation of X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a, passing through the head P, and incident on the X-ray detector 222 during lateral head cephalo imaging. The head posterior side HE1 of the lower edge HE of the region H is arranged higher than the head anterior side HE2 of the lower edge HE. Therefore, by setting the HE1 on the posterior side of the head of the lower margin HE above the spine or above the thyroid region, X-ray imaging can be performed while suppressing X-ray irradiation to unnecessary regions. In addition, by setting the anterior side HE2 of the head of the lower edge HE below the mandibular floor Ba of the mandible Bb, a missing part is not generated in the image of the mandible, and the part necessary for the lateral head cephalo image is X-rayed. You can shoot.

Further, by inclining the lower edge HE of the irradiation region H with respect to the horizontal direction, the lower edge HE can be easily tilted along the mandibular floor Ba. This makes it possible to perform lateral head cephalo imaging by including the mandibular Bb site and the like necessary for the lateral head cephalo image and suppressing X-ray irradiation to the unnecessary site as much as possible.

Further, the X-ray detection unit 220 includes an exterior case 224 including an X-ray detector 222, and the X-ray detection unit 220 is a region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 during lateral head cephalo imaging. The posterior head IE1 of the lower edge IE is supported so as to be higher than the anterior IE2 head of the lower edge IE.

Therefore, for the lower jaw Bb, X-ray imaging can be performed in the lower portion of the existing region of the X-ray detection unit 220 during lateral head cephalo imaging. Further, by arranging the portion of the lower edge IE of the lower edge IE of the X-ray detection unit 220 existing region I during lateral head cephalo imaging above the lowermost end portion above the shoulder PS of the patient PW, the patient It is possible to avoid contact between the shoulder PS of the PW and the X-ray detector 220. As a result, the imaging region including the mandibular Bb can be imaged as a whole as much as possible while avoiding the contact between the shoulder PS of the patient PW and the X-ray detection unit 220.

In particular, if the lower edge IE of the region I where the X-ray detector 220 exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the IE can be easily moved along the mandibular floor Ba, and the lower edge becomes the mandibular base Ba. It is easy to take a side head cephalo image along.

Assuming a configuration including a head holder 210 for holding the head P, the lower edge IE of the region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 during lateral head cephalo imaging is held by the head holder 210. When the head P is tilted downward toward the front of the head P with respect to the posture of the head P, it is suitable for photographing the lower jaw Bb of the head P held by the head holder 210.

Assuming the above tilted configuration, the lower edge IE of the region I of the X-ray detector 220 during lateral head cephalo imaging is on the shoulder PS of the patient PW in which the head P is held by the head holder 210. And the lowermost end of the lower edge IE of the region I where the X-ray detector 220 is present during lateral head cephalo imaging is located on the front side of the head P and below the uppermost part of the shoulder PS. When it is provided, it is suitable for photographing the lower jaw Bb while avoiding contact between the X-ray detection unit 220 and the shoulder PS.

For example, as shown in FIG. 26, it is assumed that the shoulder PS1 of the patient PW1 is located above the normal physique and the tip of the jaw PC1 is located below the normal physique. In this case, when the X-ray detector 220 is moved horizontally to perform lateral head cephalo imaging, the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector 220 exists is lower than the tip of the jaw PC1. It becomes necessary to move on the horizontal line L2. However, in this case, the X-ray detection unit 220 comes into contact with the shoulder PS1 while moving toward the rear of the head P.

As described above, the rear side of the head IE1 of the lower edge IE of the region I where the X-ray detector 220 exists during the lateral head cephalo imaging is located higher than the front side of the head IE2 of the lower edge IE. By supporting the X-ray detector 220, it is possible to prevent the X-ray detection unit 220 from coming into contact with the shoulder PS when the jaw PC1 is moved under conditions in which an image can be taken.

Further, as a configuration for detecting X-rays irradiated to the irradiation region H as described above, the X-ray detector 222 has a long X-ray detection surface 222a, and the X-ray detector side moving mechanism 240. With respect to the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface 222a so that the lower edge IE of the existing region (moving region) I of the X-ray detection unit 220 during lateral head cephalo imaging is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Since the X-ray detector 220 is moved in the intersecting direction, the side head cephalo image can be obtained by the X-ray detector 222 having the long X-ray detection surface 222a. The X-ray detector 222 having a long X-ray detection surface 222a is inexpensive as compared with the X-ray detector having an X-ray detection surface extending over the entire irradiation region H.

Further, the irradiation field regulating unit 230 can regulate the irradiation range of X-rays near the head P, which contributes to the reduction of the exposure dose.

Further, the X-ray detection unit side moving mechanism 240 includes a scanning direction moving mechanism 242 that scans and moves the X-ray detection unit 220, and an inclined support portion 250 that tilts the scanning direction moving mechanism 242. Therefore, by supporting the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 in a horizontally tilted posture, the lower edge IE of the existing region (moving region) I of the X-ray detection unit 220 during lateral head cephalo imaging becomes horizontal. On the other hand, it can be tilted.

Further, by adjusting the tilt angle of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, the lower edge IE of the existing region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 can change the state between the horizontal state and the tilted state. Therefore, in the horizontal state, it is suitable for performing frontal head cephalo imaging in which the head is imaged from the front, and in the inclined state, it is suitable for lateral head cephalo imaging and the like.

When performing frontal head cephalo imaging, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 may be kept in a horizontal posture. Further, the opening 127E formed in the X-ray beam shape adjusting portion 127 may be moved in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the head P while being kept at a constant position in the vertical direction (Z direction).

Further, the state can be changed even between a plurality of tilted states in which the lower edge IE of the existing region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 has a different tilting angle with respect to the horizontal direction. This is realized by adjusting the tilt angle of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 by the tilt support portion 250.

Therefore, the lower edge IE of the existing region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 is horizontal according to the physique of the patient, for example, by setting the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 to be along the mandibular floor Ba. The angle of inclination with respect to the direction can be adjusted.

Further, in the lateral head cephalo image 262, since the lower jaw bottom Ba of the head P is reflected in an inclined state with respect to the horizontal direction, the lateral head cephalo in which the head P is reflected in a normal posture or a posture close to it. The image 262 can be easily observed.

Further, in the lateral head cephalo image 262, the lower edge thereof is along the mandibular floor Ba, and the mandible is reflected inside the mandible. The lateral head cephalo image 262 is obtained by performing lateral head cephalo imaging under the condition that the lower edge IE of the region I where the X-ray detection unit 220 exists during the lateral head cephalo imaging is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. , Can be easily obtained.

<Modification example>
Various modifications will be described on the premise of the second embodiment.

<Modification 1>
27 is a schematic side view showing the Cephalo photographing unit 200A according to the first modification, and FIG. 28 is a schematic front view showing the Cephalo photographing unit 200A.

The cephalo photographing unit 200A corresponding to the cephalo photographing unit 200 includes an X-ray detection unit side moving mechanism 240A corresponding to the X-ray detecting unit side moving mechanism 240, and the X-ray detecting unit side moving mechanism 240A has a scanning direction. It includes a moving mechanism 242A and an inclined support portion 250A.

The inclined support portion 250A is in a state between a horizontal state in which the lower edge IE of the existing region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 is along the horizontal direction and an inclined state in which the lower edge IE is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. It supports the X-ray detector 220 so that it can be changed. Here, two scanning direction moving mechanisms 242A are provided, one scanning direction moving mechanism 242A movably supports the X-ray detection unit 220, and the other scanning direction moving mechanism 242A moves the irradiation field regulating unit 230. I support it as much as possible.

More specifically, the cephalo base 202A corresponding to the cephalo base 202 is slantably supported on the tip end portion of the cephalo photographing arm 143 via the inclined support portion 250A. Similar to the tilt support portion 250, the tilt support portion 250A includes a motor 252A, and a configuration in which the cephalo base 202A is driven to change the posture between the horizontal posture and the tilt posture by the driving force of the motor 252A can be adopted. can. A drive mechanism such as a motor may not be incorporated in the inclined support portion, and the posture may be changed manually.

A pair of scanning direction moving mechanisms 242A are fixed on both sides of the cephalo base 202A, an X-ray detection unit 220 is supported in a drooping manner on one of the pair of scanning direction moving mechanisms 242A, and an irradiation field regulating unit 230 is drooping on the other. It is supported in a shape. The scanning direction moving mechanism 242A can adopt the same configuration as the scanning direction moving mechanism 242.

In the first modification, the posture of the pair of scanning direction moving mechanisms 242A can be changed collectively by changing the posture of the cephalo base 202A.

The head holder 210 is supported so as to be able to change its posture with respect to the X-ray detector side moving mechanism 240A. Here, the head holder 210 is supported in a hanging shape from the central portion of the cephalo base 202A via the posture change support portion 211A. The posture change support portion 211A supports the head holder 210 so that the posture can be changed around an axis along the same direction as the support shaft of the inclined support portion 250A. Here, the posture change support portion 211A includes a fixing piece 203A suspended from the central portion of the cephalo base 202A, a support piece 212A extending upward from the rod base 215 which is an element constituting the head holder 210, and a shaft 213A. Is inserted so that the head holder 210 can change its posture around the shaft 213A. The fixed piece 203A is rotatable with respect to the cephalo base 202A so that the direction of the head P can be changed.

According to this modification, in addition to the action and effect of the second embodiment, by changing the posture of the cephalo base 202A, the posture of both the X-ray detector 222 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 is changed by the inclination support portion 250. can do. Then, the head holder 210 is tilted with respect to the cephalo base 202A so that the head P can be held in the vertical posture by changing the posture with respect to the cephalo base 202A (see FIG. 29). Then, lateral head cephalo photography can be performed. That is, regardless of whether the X-ray detector 222 is in a horizontal posture or an inclined posture, or when these posture changes are performed on the entire Cephalo Base 202A, the head holder 210 is set to a predetermined posture suitable for Cephalo photography. Easy to keep.

A motor or the like for transmitting the rotational driving force may be provided on the shaft 213A, and the head holder 210 may be tilted and driven by the driving of the motor or the like.

The configuration in which the head holder 210 is supported so as to be able to change its posture with respect to the X-ray detector side moving mechanism 240A can also be applied to the fourth embodiment described later.

<Modification 2>
FIG. 30 is a schematic front view showing the cephalo photographing unit 200B according to the modified example 2, FIG. 31 is a schematic plan view showing the cephalo photographing unit 200B, and FIG. 32 is a schematic side view showing the cephalo photographing unit 200B.

In the above embodiment, the X-ray, the X-ray detection unit 220, and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are tilted in a state close to the horizontal direction and scanned in the front-rear direction of the head P. As in 2, the X-ray, the X-ray detection unit 220, and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 may be tilted in a state close to the vertical direction and scanned in the vertical direction of the head P.

That is, the cephalo photographing unit 200B corresponding to the cephalo photographing unit 200 includes an X-ray detection unit side moving mechanism 240B corresponding to the X-ray detecting unit side moving mechanism 240, and the X-ray detecting unit side moving mechanism 240B scans. It includes a directional movement mechanism 242 and an inclined support portion 250B.

The characteristic feature of the cephalo imaging unit 200B according to the second modification is that the extending direction of the long X-ray detector 222 and the X-ray detection surface 222a is the horizontal direction in the non-tilted cephalo imaging. Along with this, the slit 232 also extends long in the horizontal direction. The moving (scanning) direction of the X-ray detector 222 and the irradiation field regulating unit 230 in non-tilted cephalo photography is the vertical direction. In tilted cephalo photography, this scanning direction is tilted by an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction (see FIGS. 32 and 33).

The scanning direction moving mechanism 242 has the same mechanical configuration as the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 described in the second embodiment, although the installation direction is different.

The tilt support unit 250B can support the X-ray detection unit 220 in an inclined manner by supporting the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 in an inclined posture with respect to the vertical direction.

That is, the tilted support portion 250B can adopt the same configuration as the tilted support portion 250 as a configuration for slantably supporting the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, but the supporting posture of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is different. There is.

More specifically, the inclined support portion 250B is fixed to the rear portion of the head P with respect to the cephalo base 202. The rear end of the head P of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is connected to the end of the drive shaft 253B of the inclined support portion 250B. Then, by rotating the drive shaft 253B by driving a motor or the like, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is supported so that the posture can be changed between the vertical posture and the posture tilted from the vertical posture.

Here, as in the above embodiment, the inclined support portions 250B and the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 are provided on both sides of the cephalo base 202. The X-ray detection unit 220 is movably supported by one of the two scanning direction moving mechanisms 242 in a posture orthogonal to the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, and the irradiation field regulating unit 230 is orthogonal to the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 on the other side. It is supported so that it can move in a posture.

Of course, as described in the above embodiment, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 may be configured to be manually changed in posture.

In the state where the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is in the vertical posture, the X-ray detection surface 222a is in the horizontal posture orthogonal to the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242, and the X-ray detection unit 220 can move in the vertical direction. Will be done. Similarly, the irradiation field regulating unit 230 can move in the vertical direction in a horizontal posture in which the extending direction is orthogonal to the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 (see FIG. 32).

At this time, the movement locus of the X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detector 222 has a rectangular shape in which the horizontal edge is along the horizontal direction and the vertical edge is along the vertical direction. Therefore, it is suitable for frontal head cephalo photography.

Further, when the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is tilted by an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction, the X-ray detection unit 220 tilts the X-ray detection surface 222a by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction, and the X-ray detection unit 220 with respect to the scanning direction moving mechanism 242. It is movably supported (see FIGS. 33 and 34). In this state, it is assumed that the X-ray detection unit 220 is moved along the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 by driving the scanning direction moving mechanism 242. At this time, the lower edge of the movement trace of the X-ray detection unit 220 is inclined by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction. Similarly, the lower edge of the movement locus of the X-ray detection surface 222a is inclined by an angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction. The X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a and adjusted in shape by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 form a slit shape along the horizontal direction and reach the irradiation field regulating unit 230. Here, the region F (see FIGS. 33 and 34) where the X-rays reach the irradiation field regulating portion 230 is larger than the slit 232, and therefore, the X-rays are formed into a slit shape which is inclined by the slit 232 which is inclined by the angle θ. It is restricted and passes through the head P and is incident on the X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detector 222.

Therefore, the lower edge of the movement trace of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the lower edge of the movement trajectory of the X-ray detection surface 222a during the lateral head cephalo imaging can be set in the same manner as in the second embodiment. can.

In the case of this modification, the shape and position control process of the opening 127E by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 is made to follow the movements of the slit 232 and the X-ray detection surface 222a of the irradiation field regulating unit 230, and is shown in FIG. It is good to show.

That is, the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 positions the shielding members 127A and 127B (see FIGS. 5 and 6) so as to form a long slit-shaped opening 127E in the horizontal direction (front-back direction of the head P). adjust. Then, when the lateral head cephalo imaging is started, the head P is moved in the vertical direction (Z direction) and the front-back direction (X direction) while maintaining the slit-shaped opening 127E in a constant slit-shaped shape. As such, the shielding members 127A and 127B are moved.

Here, as the opening 127E is moved from below to above the head P along the Z direction, the opening 127E is gradually moved toward the front of the head P along the Z direction. This movement follows the movement of the slit 232 of the irradiation field regulation unit 230.

Assuming that the tilt angle θ of the scanning direction movement mechanism 242, the movement amount in the Z direction with respect to the initial position of the opening 127E is Zb, and the movement amount in the X direction with respect to the initial position of the opening 127E is Xb, (tan θ = Xb / Zb) is set. The position of the opening 127E is controlled so as to satisfy.

As a result, the lateral head cephalo imaging is performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment (see FIG. 22), except that the extending direction and the scanning direction of the X-ray, the X-ray detection unit 220, and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are different. Inside, the head rear side HE1 of the lower edge HE of the X-ray irradiation region H irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a, passing through the head P, and incident on the X-ray detector 222 is the head of the lower edge. It is possible to perform X-ray imaging so that the portion is arranged higher than the HE2 on the front side of the portion (see FIG. 34), and it is possible to obtain the same effect as that of the second embodiment. Further, the existing region of the X-ray detection unit 220 during the lateral head cephalo imaging is the same as that of the second embodiment.

If the X-ray detector 220 is moved from the bottom to the top, the X-ray detector 220 will move after it is confirmed that there is no contact with the shoulder, so that the contact with the shoulder is effective. It can be suppressed and is suitable.

When performing frontal head cephalo imaging, the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 is set to a vertical posture, and the X-ray scanning direction by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 is set to the vertical direction. In this case, the X-ray irradiation region H in the X-ray detector 222 has a rectangular shape with horizontal upper and lower sides as shown in FIG. 32, and is suitable for frontal head cephalo imaging.

<Other variants>
In the present embodiment and its modifications, the lower edge HE of the X-ray irradiation region H is adjusted by controlling the shape and position of the opening 127E in the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 and controlling the irradiation field regulating unit 230. ing. However, by omitting the irradiation field regulating unit 230 and controlling the shape and position of the opening 127E in the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127, the lower edge HE of the X-ray irradiation region H can be configured as described above. Can be adjusted. In this case, as a configuration in which the extending direction of the opening 127E in the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 is tilted, as described in the fourth embodiment, the entire shielding member 127A and 127B of the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 is used. A tilting configuration can be adopted. Further, by omitting the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 and controlling the position of the irradiation field regulating unit 230, it is possible to adjust the lower edge HE of the X-ray irradiation region H to the above configuration. .. In this case, the irradiation field regulation unit 230 may be made larger so that the range of X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a can be limited to a larger range.

{Third embodiment}
The X-ray imaging apparatus 310 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those described in the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 36 is a schematic front view showing the cephalo photographing unit 300 corresponding to the cephalo photographing unit 200, and FIG. 37 is a schematic side view showing the cephalo photographing unit 300.

In the second embodiment, the configuration in which the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 itself is tilted and the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulating unit 230 are moved along the tilting direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 has been described. In the embodiment, the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are supported in an ascending / descending manner, and when the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are moved in the front-rear direction of the head P, the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are supported. The irradiation field regulation unit 230 is moved up and down. The movement in the front-back direction and the movement in the ascending / descending direction may be synchronized. As a result, the rear side of the head of the lower edge of the X-ray irradiation region irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a, passing through the head P, and incident on the X-ray detector 222 during lateral head cephalo imaging is described above. It is placed higher than the front side of the head on the lower edge. Further, the rear side of the head of the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detection unit 220 is present during the lateral head cephalo imaging is positioned higher than the front side of the head of the lower edge.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the cephalo imaging unit 300 includes an X-ray detection unit side movement mechanism 340 corresponding to the X-ray detection unit side movement mechanism 240, and the X-ray detection unit is provided. The portion-side moving mechanism 340 includes a scanning direction moving mechanism 342 and a tilting moving mechanism 351.

The scanning direction moving mechanism 342 has the same configuration as the scanning direction moving mechanism 242 described in the second embodiment. The scanning direction moving mechanism 342 is supported on the side portion of the cephalo base 202 along the front-rear direction (horizontal direction) of the head P. The movable portion 343 is supported by the scanning direction moving mechanism 342 so as to be movable and driveable along the front-rear direction of the head P.

The X-ray detection unit 220 is movably supported by the movable unit 343 via the tilting movement mechanism 351. In the support posture of the X-ray detection unit 220, the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detector 222 incorporated in the X-ray detection unit 220 is orthogonal to the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 342. It is a constant posture. Therefore, the scanning direction moving mechanism 342 reciprocates the X-ray detection unit 220 in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface 222a.

The tilting movement mechanism 351 moves the X-ray detection unit 220 in a direction along the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface 222a in synchronization with the movement of the X-ray detection unit 220 by the scanning direction movement mechanism 342.

FIG. 38 is a schematic perspective view showing the tilting moving mechanism 351. As shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, the tilting moving mechanism 351 includes an elevating drive unit 352, an elevating drive shaft 353, and a guide shaft 354.

The elevating drive unit 352 is a motor or the like, and is fixed to the movable unit 343. The elevating drive shaft 353 of the elevating drive unit 352 projects downward from the movable unit 343, which is orthogonal to the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 342. A screw groove is formed in the elevating drive shaft 353. Further, the exterior case 224 of the X-ray detection unit 220 is formed with a screw portion 325 having a screw hole that can be screwed into the elevating drive shaft 353. Then, when the elevating drive shaft 353 is rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions by the driving of the elevating drive unit 352, the X-ray detection unit 220 is elevating and driving according to the rotation direction and the rotation speed.

Further, the guide shaft 354 projects downward from the movable portion 343, which is orthogonal to the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 342. The exterior case 224 of the X-ray detection unit 220 is formed with a guide hole 326 through which the guide shaft 354 is movably inserted. Then, with the guide shaft 354 inserted through the guide hole 326, the X-ray detection unit 220 moves up and down under the guide of the guide shaft 354. The irradiation field regulation unit 230 is also driven up and down with the same configuration as described above.

On the other side of the cephalo base 202, a scanning direction moving mechanism 342 and a tilting moving mechanism 351 having the same configuration as described above are provided.

On the other side of the cephalo base 202, the irradiation field regulating unit 230 can be moved along the extending direction of the scanning direction moving mechanism 342 by the scanning direction moving mechanism 342 and the tilting moving mechanism 351 in the same manner as the X-ray detection unit 220. Moreover, it is supported so as to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus 310. The block diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus 310 is different from the block diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 16) because the tilt control unit 152d is omitted and instead, the main body control unit 350 is used. This is a point including the elevating direction control unit 352d.

The elevating direction control unit 352d is moved by the tilt moving mechanism 351 in synchronization with the X-ray detection unit 220 being scanned and moved by the scanning direction moving mechanism 342 according to the tilt angle set by the tilt angle setting unit 152c. The X-ray detector 220 is controlled to move up and down.

The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 310 will be described with reference to FIG. 40, focusing on the lateral head cephalo imaging operation.

The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 310 differs from the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 19) in that step S6 (step of tilting the scanning direction moving mechanism) is omitted. In step S31 instead of step S8, when performing X-ray irradiation control, X-ray generator side control, and X-ray detector side control, the X-ray detector side control is the scanning direction by the scanning direction moving mechanism 342. In addition to the control, the tilting movement mechanism 351 controls the ascending / descending direction.

That is, after steps S1 to S7 are processed as described above, in step S31, X-ray irradiation control and X-ray generator side control are performed in the same manner as described in the second embodiment.

As the X-ray detector side control, the scanning direction movement mechanism 342 is controlled so as to move the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 in the front-back direction (X direction) of the head P, and this movement is performed. It is included to control the tilting movement mechanism 351 so that the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are moved up and down in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the head P in synchronization with the above. In step S5, the inclination angle θ may be set to zero (the amount of vertical movement of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 is zero), which is the X-ray imaging apparatus of the second embodiment. This is the same as the case of the operation of 110.

In the initial position, the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are located on the front side and below the head P (see FIG. 37). Then, each scanning direction movement mechanism 342 is controlled to move the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 toward the rear of the head P.

In synchronization with this, the tilting movement mechanism 351 is controlled to move the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 toward the upper side of the head P (see FIGS. 41 and 42).

Here, the set inclination angle θ, the amount of movement in the X direction with respect to the initial position of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are Xc, and the Z direction with respect to the initial position of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230. Assuming that the movement amount of is Zc, the ascending / descending distance by the tilting moving mechanism 351 is controlled with respect to the moving distance by the scanning direction moving mechanism 342 so as to satisfy (tan θ = Zc / Xc).

In the present embodiment, if the moving speeds of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 by the tilting movement mechanism 351 are changed with respect to the movement speed by the scanning direction movement mechanism 342, the above-mentioned multiple steps or variable It becomes possible to correspond to the inclination angle θ of.

The X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 gradually move upward at an inclination angle θ toward the rear of the head P. As for the moving speed of the head P of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 to the rear, the X-rays whose irradiation range and position are adjusted by the opening 127E are the X-ray detection surface 222a of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the X-ray detection surface 222a. The range is set so that the slit 232 of the irradiation field regulation unit 230 can be irradiated.

Therefore, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a scan the head P from the front to the rear. At this time, the X-rays are adjusted in shape by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127, and then adjusted to a thinner slit shape near the head P by the slit 232 of the irradiation field regulating unit 230. Then, it passes through the head P and is incident on the X-ray detection surface 222a.

The X-rays shape-adjusted by the X-ray beam shape adjustment unit 127 incident on the irradiation field regulation unit 230 in an elongated shape extending in the vertical direction (see range F in FIG. 42). The X-rays are restricted to be a finer X-ray beam by the slit 232 of the irradiation field restricting unit 230, pass through the head P, and enter the X-ray detection surface 222a. The slit 232 is set to a size such that the X-rays that have passed through the slit 232 are contained within the X-ray detection surface 222a and are incident on the slit 232. Since the X-ray detection surface 222a is also along the vertical direction, the X-rays whose shape is adjusted by the slit 232 of the irradiation field regulation unit 230 can be incident on the X-ray detection surface 222a without waste.

FIG. 43 shows the X-ray irradiation region H on the surface (XZ plane) including the X-ray irradiation region G for the head P and the trace through which the X-ray detection surface 222a passes.

As shown in the figure, during lateral head cephalo imaging, the lower edge HE of the X-ray irradiation region H irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a, passing through the head P, and incident on the X-ray detector 222. The rear side HE1 of the head is arranged higher than the front side HE2 of the head of the lower edge HE.

Here, the lower edge HE of the irradiation region H is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so as to face forward with respect to the posture of the head P held by the head holder 210. ..

Further, the X-ray detector 220 includes an X-ray detector 222 and an exterior case 224 in which the X-ray detector 222 is incorporated. Assuming that the X-ray detection unit 220 is moved as described above during lateral head X-ray imaging, in this case, the lower edge IE is in front of the head P in the existence region I of the X-ray detection unit 220. A parallel quadrilateral shape that inclines upward from the rear is drawn (see FIG. 42). Therefore, the X-ray detector 220 is supported by the X-ray detector side support so that the head rear side IE1 of the lower edge IE is located higher than the head front side IE2 of the lower edge IE. ing.

Here, the rear side of the head IE1 of the lower edge IE is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so as to be downward toward the front side with respect to the posture of the head P held by the head holder 210. ing.

That is, the lower side of each of the X-ray irradiation region H and the existence region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 on the surface (XZ plane) including the X-ray irradiation region G for the head P and the trace through which the X-ray detection surface 222a passes. The edge portion is set in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

In the second embodiment, the X-ray irradiation region H and the existence region I of the X-ray detection unit 220 on the surface (XZ plane) including the traces of the X-ray irradiation region G and the X-ray detection surface 222a on the head P are the above-mentioned second embodiment. The difference from the above is that the front and rear edges are not inclined and are along the vertical direction.

When performing frontal head cephalo imaging, the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field are moved when the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are moved in the front-back direction (X direction) of the head P. The restricting portion 230 may be held at a fixed position in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the head P. Further, the opening 127E formed in the X-ray beam shape adjusting portion 127 is moved in the front-back direction (X direction) of the head P while being kept at a constant position in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the head P. It is good.

FIG. 44 describes, in the image processing apparatus 380 corresponding to the image processing apparatus 180, the generation process of the side head cephalo image based on the output of the X-ray detector 222 with reference to FIG.

The X-ray imaging data output from the X-ray detector 222 is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 380. The tilt angle θ at the time of the side head cephalo photography is also transmitted to the image processing device 380.

In step S41, the amount of deviation of the pixel data based on the inclination angle θ is calculated. That is, when the X-ray image is taken by scanning as described above, the adjacent pixels in the horizontal direction are shifted up and down by the inclination angle θ. The amount of deviation of the pixel data in the horizontal direction is calculated based on the inclination angle θ. When the inclination angle θ is constant or the like, the deviation amount may be a value preset with respect to the inclination angle θ.

In the next step S42, the lateral head cephalo image is generated by correcting the deviation amount based on the X-ray imaging data. As shown in FIG. 45, the lateral head cephalo image 362 is displayed in a state where the lower edge is tilted by an angle θ on a display screen of a liquid crystal display device or the like, and therefore, on the display screen, the mandibular floor of the head skeleton B is displayed. Ba is reflected in a state of being tilted with respect to the horizontal direction. Therefore, a modified side head cephalo image 362A in which the side head cephalo image 362 in which the head skeleton B is reflected is generated in a state corresponding to the posture of the head P held by the head holder 210. can do.

When displaying the modified side head cephalo image 362A in the rectangular display area 364 on a display screen of a liquid crystal display device or the like, the side head cephalo image 362 is reflected, and the rectangular display area 364 and the side head The area 366 between the cephalo image 362 and the image 362 may be filled with a background color (for example, black) or the like.

As in the modification 2 in the second embodiment, the third embodiment is deformed so that the extending direction of the long X-ray detector 222 and the X-ray detection surface 222a is the horizontal direction in non-tilted cephalo imaging. Since it is easy to recall what is done, detailed explanation is omitted.

<Summary>
According to the X-ray imaging apparatus 310 according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained except for the action and effect of tilting the scanning direction moving mechanism 242.

That is, by moving the X-ray detection unit 220 in the direction along the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface 222a in synchronization with the movement of the X-ray detection unit 220 by the scanning direction movement mechanism 342, the side head cephalo is being photographed. The lower edge of the moving region of the X-ray detector 220 in the above can be tilted with respect to the horizontal direction.

In particular, in the present embodiment, since the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230 are configured to move up and down, the existing region of the X-ray detection unit 220 and the irradiation field regulation unit 230, particularly the shape of the lower edge. Is easy to set freely. Therefore, for example, while scanning X-rays from the front to the rear of the head P, the X-ray irradiation range by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 is displaced up and down so as to provide a step, and X-ray detection is performed. By moving the portion 220 and the irradiation field regulating portion 230 up and down so as to provide a step, the rear side HEb1 of the head becomes higher than the front side HEb2 of the head, as in the lower edge HEb shown in FIG. As described above, it is also possible to have a continuous configuration via the step HEbS.

{Fourth Embodiment}
The X-ray imaging apparatus 410 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those described in the second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

46 is a schematic front view showing the cephalo imaging unit 400, FIG. 47 is a schematic plan view showing the cephalo imaging unit 400, FIG. 48 is a schematic side view showing the cephalo imaging unit 400, and FIG. 48 is an X-ray. The detection unit 420 shows a tilted state.

In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a are shaped and adjusted by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 to scan the head P, and the X-ray detector side. An example of scanning the X-ray detection unit 220 by the support unit has been described. In the fourth embodiment, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a pass through the entire desired imaging region of the head P, and the X-ray detection surface of the X-ray detector 422 of the X-ray detector 420. A configuration will be described in which the 422a can detect the entire irradiation region of the X-ray and can perform cephalo imaging (one-shot cephalo imaging) by irradiating the X-ray once. That is, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 410, an example in which the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a spread in a square shape, pass through the cephalo imaging portion of the head P, and are incident on the X-ray detector 422 at one timing. Will be explained.

That is, in the X-ray photographing apparatus 410, the X-ray generating unit 126 including the X-ray generator 126a and the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 426 and the X-ray detecting unit including the X-ray detector 422 (Cephalo-photographed X-ray detecting unit). ) 420 is arranged to face each other.

The X-ray generator 126a has the same configuration as that described in the second embodiment.

49 is a schematic front view showing the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 426, FIG. 50 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line LL of FIG. 49, and FIG. 51 is an inclination of the opening 127E of the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 426. It is a schematic front view which shows the state.

The X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 426 is provided on the X-ray irradiation direction side with respect to the X-ray generator 126a, and adjusts the shape of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a.

The X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 426 includes an X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 and a tilting mechanism 430.

The configuration of the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 is the same as that of the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 described in the second embodiment, and shields four X-ray shapes emitted from the X-ray generator 126a. It is adjusted in a square shape by the opening 127E formed by the members 127A and 127B. By opening and closing each of the four shielding members 127A and 127B by the shielding member driving units 127C and 127D, the width and height of the opening 127E are adjusted, and the positions thereof are also adjusted.

The tilting mechanism 430 is a mechanism that tilts the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 around the center of the opening 127E.

The tilting mechanism 430 includes an annular support portion 432, a rotating plate 434, and a tilting drive portion 436.

A base plate 431 is provided on the irradiation direction side of the X-ray generator 126a, and the annular support portion 432 is rotatably supported by the base plate 431. The annular support portion 432 is an annular member in which an elongated portion is continuous in an annular shape, and an annular hole larger than the opening 431h of the base plate 431, which will be described later, is formed inside the annular support portion 432. As this rotation support structure, for example, an annular support portion 432 is arranged along one main surface of the base plate 431, and rotates at three or more locations (four locations in FIG. 49) around the annular support portion 432. A configuration provided with a support roller 433 can be adopted. The rotary support roller 433 is rotatably supported on one main surface of the base plate 431 in a protruding state. Then, each rotary support roller 433 comes into contact with the annular support portion 432 at a plurality of points on the outer periphery, thereby supporting the annular support portion 432 at a fixed position. In this state, the annular support portion 432 rotates around the central axis at a fixed position while drivenly rotating the rotary support roller 433. As shown in the blowout of FIG. 49, the circular body portion of the axially intermediate portion of the rotary support roller 433 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the annular support portion 432. Further, the head portion of the rotary support roller 433 is thicker than the other portions, and this head portion contacts the annular support portion 432 from the opposite side of the base plate 431, and the annular support portion 432 is brought into contact with the base plate 431. It is supported in a state where it is in contact with one of the main surfaces.

The rotary plate 434 is supported on the opposite side of the base plate 431 with respect to the annular support portion 432 via the pin member 434b, and is rotatably supported together with the annular support portion 432.

In the region on the center side of the annular support portion 432 of the base plate 431 and the rotary plate 434, openings 431h and 434h that allow the passage of X-rays shape-adjusted by the X-ray beam shape adjustment mechanism 427 are formed. There is.

A partial gear 434T is formed on one side of the rotary plate 434 along an arcuate line. The center of curvature of the arcuate line along the partial gear 434T coincides with the center of the annular support portion 432.

The tilt drive unit 436 includes a motor, and a gear 436T is fixed to the drive shaft thereof. The tilt drive unit 436 is fixed to the base plate 431 via a bracket or the like at a position and posture in which the gear 436T is meshed with the partial gear 434T. Then, by driving the tilt drive unit 436 to rotate the gear 436T in both forward and reverse directions, the rotary plate 434 is rotationally driven in both forward and reverse directions around the central axis of the annular support portion 432. The motor included in the tilt drive unit 436 is a motor such as a stepping motor that can control the rotation direction and the amount of rotation, and by controlling the rotation direction and the amount of rotation driven by the tilt drive unit 436, the rotation direction of the rotation plate 434. And the amount of rotation (tilt angle) is controlled.

The X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 is fixed to the rotating plate 434 in a state where the openings 127E formed by the shielding members 127A and 127B are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 431h and 434h. Therefore, by controlling the rotation direction and rotation amount (tilt angle) of the rotation plate 434, the direction and angle of the inclination of the opening 127E formed in the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 are controlled.

If you want the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a to irradiate the rectangular irradiation area in the X-ray detector 422 and keep its lower edge along the horizontal posture, open 127E. The rotation angle of the rotating plate 434 and the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 is controlled so as to form a square shape and to align the lower edge of the opening 127E in the horizontal direction (see FIG. 49).

Further, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a irradiate the rectangular irradiation area in the X-ray detector 422, and the lower edge thereof is kept tilted by an inclination angle θ with respect to the horizontal posture. The rotation angle of the rotating plate 434 and the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 is controlled so that the opening 127E is formed in a square shape and the lower edge of the opening 127E is tilted by an inclination angle θ (see FIG. 51). ). As a result, the lower edge of the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 426 that regulates the passage of the X-ray beam can be tilted with respect to the horizontal direction during the side head X-ray standard imaging.

Further, the X-ray detector side support portion 440 includes an inclined support portion 450 (see FIGS. 46 to 49).

The X-ray detection unit 420 is tiltably supported on one side of the cephalo base 202 via the tilt support portion 450.

Here, the tilt support portion 450 includes a motor 452. As the motor 452, a motor capable of adjusting the rotation direction and the amount of rotation, for example, a stepping motor or the like can be used. The motor 452 is fixed to one side of the cephalo base 202. The drive shaft 453 of the motor 452 projects outward from one side of the cephalo base 202, and one end of the support rod 456 in the extending direction is connected to the end of the drive shaft 453.

Then, by rotating the drive shaft 453 in the forward direction or the reverse direction by driving the motor 452, the support rod 456 can be supported in an inclined posture with respect to the horizontal direction. By adjusting the rotation direction and the amount of rotation of the motor 452, the support rod 456 can change its posture between a horizontal posture and a posture tilted from the horizontal posture. In particular, by finely adjusting the amount of rotation of the motor 452, the support rod 456 can change its posture in a plurality of tilted postures tilted from the horizontal posture.

In the above example, the drive shaft 453 is directly connected to the support rod 456, but the drive shaft and the support shaft that rotatably supports the support rod are connected via a gear mechanism including a plurality of gears. , The rotational driving force of the drive shaft may be transmitted to the support shaft via the gear mechanism. In addition, the rotational driving force of the drive shaft may be transmitted to the support shaft via a pulley mechanism or the like.

In the present embodiment, the tilted support portion 450 is configured to tilt and drive the support rod 456 by driving a motor, but the tilted support portion tilts the support rod 456 by manually operating the support rod 456 or the X-ray detection unit 420. It may be a configuration that supports it as much as possible. For example, the inclined support portion 450 may be configured to have a shaft that supports the support rod 456 in an inclined manner. As a configuration for supporting the support rod 456 in a constant inclined posture, a ratchet structure is provided around the shaft, a screw is provided on the support rod 456, and the support rod 456 is stopped from tilting with respect to the shaft according to the tightening and loosening of the screw. This can be achieved by switching the tilt allowable state and providing a lock structure for holding the support rod 456 in a predetermined tilt posture at a position away from the shaft.

The upper end portion of the X-ray detection unit 420 may be directly fixed to the drive shaft 453.

The X-ray detector 420 includes an X-ray detector 422. The X-ray detector 422 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a, and is composed of a flat panel detector (FPD), an X-ray fluorescence multiplying tube (I.I .: Image Intensifier), or the like. The X-ray detector 422 has a rectangular X-ray detection surface 422a. Here, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a are adjusted in a square shape by the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427, then spread in a pyramidal shape, and are irradiated on a plane including the X-ray detection surface 422a. .. The X-ray detection surface 422a is set to make this X-ray equal to or larger than the irradiation region.

The X-ray detector 422 is incorporated in an outer case 424 made of resin or the like. Since the outer case 424 covers at least the lower portion and the back surface side of the X-ray detector 422, the outer shape of the X-ray detector 420 is larger than the outer shape of the X-ray detector 422. The X-ray detection surface 422a of the X-ray detector 422 faces the head holder 210 side.

By tilting the support posture of the X-ray detection unit 420 by the tilt support unit 450, the lower edge of the X-ray detection unit 420 during lateral head cephalo imaging is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction.

In this embodiment, the irradiation field regulation unit is not provided. However, the irradiation field regulation unit may be provided at a position opposite to the head holder 210 with respect to the X-ray detection unit 420. In this case, it is preferable to use an irradiation field control unit having a rectangular opening having a size capable of passing X-rays toward the cephalo imaging site. Further, the irradiation field regulation unit may be configured to be tilted at the same angle as the X-ray detection unit 420 by the same configuration as the tilt support unit 450.

An irradiation field regulation unit is provided at a position opposite to the head holder 210 with respect to the X-ray detection unit 420, and the same configuration as the tilt support unit 450 allows the X-ray detection unit 420 to be tilted at the same angle. In this case, as shown in Modification 3 described later, the mechanism for tilting the X-ray detection unit 420 is omitted, and the X-ray detection unit 420 is supported by the irradiation field regulation unit by tilting the irradiation field regulation unit so as to support it in a constant posture. The X-rays may be incident on the X-ray detection surface 422a of the X-ray detector 422 in a state where the X-rays are spread in a square shape and inclined.

FIG. 52 is a block diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus 410. The block diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus 410 is different from the block diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 16) in that the scanning direction control unit 152e is omitted in the main body control unit 449. be.

That is, in the present embodiment, when the side head cephalo imaging is performed, the X-ray detection unit 420 is kept stationary without being moved, so that the operation control is unnecessary.

The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 410 will be described with reference to FIG. 53, focusing on the lateral head cephalo imaging operation.

The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 410 differs from the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 110 of the second embodiment (see FIG. 19) in step S41 instead of step S8, where the X-ray irradiation control and the X-ray generator are used. When performing side control, the movement control of the X-ray detection unit 420 is not performed.

That is, after steps S1 to S5 are processed as described above, the tilt of the X-ray detection unit 420 is controlled in step S6, and in step S41, the same as described in the second embodiment. X-ray irradiation control and X-ray generator side control are performed.

As the X-ray generator side control, the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a have a predetermined shape and a predetermined size so as to be able to pass through the region of the head P to be the cephalo imaging target portion. While controlling the shape of the opening 127E of the line beam shape adjusting mechanism 427, the tilting mechanism 430 is controlled so that the lower edge of the opening 127E of the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 is tilted by the tilt angle θ. For example.

Then, X-rays are emitted from the X-ray generator 126a. The X-rays are adjusted to a predetermined square shape according to the shape and inclination of the opening 127E, and then pass through the lateral head cephalo imaging portion of the head P, and then the X-ray detector 422 of the X-ray detector 420 It is incident on the X-ray detection surface 422a. The X-ray irradiation region G on the head P and the X-ray irradiation region H on the X-ray detection surface 422a are as shown in FIG. 48.

As shown in the figure, during lateral head cephalo imaging, the lower edge HE of the X-ray irradiation region H irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a, passing through the head P, and incident on the X-ray detector 422. The rear side HE1 of the head is arranged higher than the front side HE2 of the head of the lower edge HE.

Here, the lower edge HE of the irradiation region H is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction so as to be downward toward the front side with respect to the posture of the head P held by the head holder 210. ..

Further, the X-ray detector 420 includes an X-ray detector 422 and an exterior case 424 in which the X-ray detector 422 is incorporated. The existing region I of the X-ray detection unit 420 during the lateral head X-ray imaging draws a square shape along the outer edge of the X-ray detection unit 420 (see FIG. 48). Therefore, the X-ray detector 420 is supported by the X-ray detector side support so that the head rear side IE1 of the lower edge IE is located higher than the head front side IE2 of the lower edge IE. ing.

Here, the rear side of the head IE1 of the lower edge IE is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction so as to be downward toward the front side with respect to the posture of the head P held by the head holder 210. ing.

That is, the X-ray irradiation region G for the head P, the X-ray irradiation region H on the X-ray detection surface 422a, and the lower edge portions of the existence region I of the X-ray detection unit 420 are the same as in the second embodiment. Is set to.

The side head cephalo image generation process based on the output of the X-ray detector 422 in the image processing device 180 can be performed in the same manner as in the case of the second embodiment.

When performing frontal head cephalo photography, the support rod 456 is placed in a horizontal position, and the upper and lower sides of the X-ray detection surface 422a of the X-ray detector 422 are aligned horizontally and the left and right sides are aligned vertically. Let's take the posture. Further, the shape of the opening 127E of the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 is controlled to be rectangular, and the tilting mechanism 430 is controlled so that the lower edge portion of the opening 127E of the X-ray beam shape adjusting mechanism 427 is in a horizontal posture. As such, the tilting mechanism 430 is controlled. In this state, if the same procedure as described above is performed, frontal head cephalo imaging can be performed.

<Summary>
According to the X-ray imaging apparatus 410 according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained except for the operation and effect due to the configuration in which the X-ray detection unit 220 is moved in the scanning direction.

That is, by adjusting the shape of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a to a predetermined shape by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 426, the head is irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a during lateral head cephalo imaging. The head rear side HE1 of the lower edge HE of the X-ray irradiation region H passing through P and incident on the X-ray detector 422 is arranged higher than the head front side HE2 of the lower edge HE. can do.

In addition, by tilting the X-ray detector 420 that spreads in a square shape, the lower edge of the moving region of the X-ray detector 420 during lateral head cephalo imaging is tilted with respect to the horizontal direction. be able to.

In particular, in the present embodiment, an X-ray detector 422 having a rectangular X-ray detection surface 422a is used, and X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a pass through the head P at one timing to detect X-rays. Since it is configured to be incident on the vessel 422 and perform lateral head cephalo imaging, lateral head cephalo imaging can be performed in one shot.

The advantage of the scanning type cephalo imaging as in the second embodiment is that the scanning speed can be changed during the cephalo imaging. For example, the control is such that the scanning speed is increased in the region having a large ratio of soft tissue and the scanning speed is decreased in the region having a large ratio of hard tissue. The advantage of one-shot type cephalo photography as in the fourth embodiment is that the time required for photography is short.

<Modification 3>
FIG. 54 is a schematic front view showing the Cephalo photographing unit 500 according to the modified example 3, and FIG. 55 is a schematic side view showing the Cephalo photographing unit 500.

In the fourth embodiment, an example in which the X-ray detection unit 420 is tilted by the tilt support unit 450 has been described, but as in the present modification, the X-ray detection unit 420 may be supported in a constant posture without tilting.

That is, the cephalo photographing unit 500 corresponding to the cephalo photographing unit 400 includes an X-ray detector side support portion 540 corresponding to the X-ray detector side support portion 440.

In this modification, the X-ray detector side support portion 540 is configured to support the X-ray detector portion 420 in a fixed posture on one side portion of the cephalo base 202 via a bracket 541. The upper and lower sides of the X-ray detection unit 420 are along the horizontal direction, and the left and right sides of the X-ray detection unit 420 are along the vertical direction.

The X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 126a are incident on the X-ray detection surface 422a of the X-ray detector 422 in a rectangular shape and inclined state as described in the fourth embodiment. .. Therefore, the X-ray detection surface 422a is set to be larger than the irradiation region H of the X-rays incident on the rectangular shape while being inclined in this way.

According to this modification, as in the fourth embodiment, the X-ray irradiation region irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a, passing through the head P, and incident on the X-ray detector 422 during lateral head cephalo imaging. The head posterior side HE1 of the lower edge HE of H can be arranged higher than the head anterior side HE2 of the lower edge HE. The region I through which X-rays pass at the position of the head P is one size smaller than the irradiation region H.

However, the lower edge of the existing region of the X-ray detection unit 420 is in a state along the horizontal direction.

Therefore, according to the present modification, the same effect as that of the fourth embodiment is obtained except that the lower edge of the existing region of the X-ray detection unit 420 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. be able to.

{Modification example}
It should be noted that the configurations described in the above embodiments and the modifications can be appropriately combined as long as they do not conflict with each other.

For example, the tilting mechanism 430 in the fourth embodiment is incorporated in the second embodiment, and the extending direction of the slit shape irradiated from the X-ray generator 126a and adjusted by the X-ray beam shape adjusting unit 127 is detected by X-ray detection. It may be along the extending direction of the surface 222a.

Further, the configuration described in the first modification of the second embodiment is applied to the fourth embodiment, the entire cephalo base 202 and the X-ray detector 420 are supported so as to be tiltable, and the head holder 210 is a cephalo. The configuration may be such that the posture can be changed with respect to the base 202 via the posture change support portion 211A.

Although the present invention has been described in detail as described above, the above description is an example in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that innumerable variations not illustrated can be assumed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

10, 110, 310, 410 X-ray imaging device 20, 126 X-ray generator 22, 126a X-ray generator 30, 220, 420 X-ray detector 32, 222, 422 X-ray detector 40 Support 120 Imaging main unit 121 Strut 123 Horizontal arm 124 Swivel support part 124a Housing 125 Rotating shaft part 127, 327, 426 X-ray beam shape adjustment part 127A, 127B Shielding member 127C, 127D Shielding member drive part 127E Opening 143 Cephalo photography arm 150, 350 Main body Control unit 150a CPU
150c Storage unit 151 Imaging program 151a Cephalo imaging program 152c Inclined angle setting unit 152d Inclined control unit 152e Scanning direction control unit 152g X-ray beam shape control unit 158a Inclined angle setting operation unit 180, 380 Image processing unit 181a CPU
182p Image processing program 200, 200A, 200B, 300, 400, 500 Cephalo photography unit 202, 202A Cephalo base 210 Head holder 211A Posture change support part 222a, 422a X-ray detection surface 224, 424 Exterior case 230 Irradiation field regulation part 232 Slit 240, 240A, 240B, 340, 440, 540 X-ray detector side movement mechanism 242, 242A, 342 Scanning direction movement mechanism 250, 250A, 250B, 450 Tilt support part 262, 362 Side head cephalo image 351 For tilt Movement mechanism 352 Elevating drive unit 352d Elevating direction control unit 427 X-ray beam shape adjustment mechanism 430 Tilt mechanism B Head skeleton Ba Lower jaw floor B B Lower jaw Bc Cervical spine H Irradiation area HE, HEb Lower edge HE1, HEb1 Head posterior HE2, HEb2 Head front side HEbS Step step I Presence area IE Lower edge IE1 Head rear side IE2 Head front side IEL Bottom end K Presence area KE Lower edge P Head PS, PS1 Shoulder PW, PW1 Patient θ tilt angle

Claims (6)

It is an X-ray imaging device that performs X-ray standard imaging of the side head.
X-ray generator including X-ray generator and
An X-ray detector including an X-ray detector,
A support portion that supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, and
Equipped with
The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation region of the X-ray that is irradiated from the X-ray generator, passes through the head, and is incident on the X-ray detector during the side head X-ray standard imaging is the lower side. Placed higher than the front side of the head on the side edge,
The X-ray detector includes an exterior in which the X-ray detector is incorporated.
In the support portion, the X-ray detector faces the X-ray generating portion, and the rear of the head of the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists during the side head X-ray standard imaging. The X-ray detector side support portion that supports the X-ray detector portion is included so that the side is located higher than the head front side of the lower edge.
The X-ray detector side support portion supports the X-ray detector portion so that the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.
The X-ray detector has a long X-ray detection surface and has a long X-ray detection surface.
The X-ray detector side support portion extends the X-ray detection surface so that the lower edge of the moving region of the X-ray detector during the side surface head X-ray standard imaging is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. The X-ray detector side moving mechanism for moving the X-ray detector in a direction intersecting the current direction is included.
The X-ray detection unit side movement mechanism includes a scanning direction moving mechanism that moves the X-ray detecting unit in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the X-ray detection surface, and a scanning direction moving mechanism with respect to the horizontal direction. An X-ray imaging apparatus including an inclined support portion that tilts and supports the X-ray detection unit by supporting the X-ray detection unit in an inclined posture. It is an X-ray imaging device that performs X-ray standard imaging of the side head.
X-ray generator including X-ray generator and
An X-ray detector including an X-ray detector,
A support portion that supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, and
Equipped with
The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation region of the X-ray that is irradiated from the X-ray generator, passes through the head, and is incident on the X-ray detector during the side head X-ray standard imaging is the lower side. Placed higher than the front side of the head on the side edge,
The X-ray detector includes an exterior in which the X-ray detector is incorporated.
In the support portion, the X-ray detector faces the X-ray generating portion, and the rear of the head of the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists during the side head X-ray standard imaging. The X-ray detector side support portion that supports the X-ray detector portion is included so that the side is located higher than the head front side of the lower edge.
The X-ray detector side support portion supports the X-ray detector portion so that the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.
The X-ray detector has a rectangular X-ray detection surface and has a rectangular X-ray detection surface.
The X-ray detector side support portion supports the X-ray detector portion so that the lower edge of the X-ray detector portion tilts in the horizontal direction during X-ray standard radiography of the side surface head. X-ray imaging device including the part. It is an X-ray imaging device that performs X-ray standard imaging of the side head.
X-ray generator including X-ray generator and
An X-ray detector including an X-ray detector,
A support portion that supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, and
Equipped with
The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation region of the X-ray that is irradiated from the X-ray generator, passes through the head, and is incident on the X-ray detector during the side head X-ray standard imaging is the lower side. Placed higher than the front side of the head on the side edge,
The X-ray detector includes an exterior in which the X-ray detector is incorporated.
In the support portion, the X-ray detector faces the X-ray generating portion, and the rear of the head of the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists during the side head X-ray standard imaging. The X-ray detector side support portion that supports the X-ray detector portion is included so that the side is located higher than the head front side of the lower edge.
The X-ray detector side support portion supports the X-ray detector portion so that the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.
In the X-ray detector side support portion, the lower edge of the existing region of the X-ray detector is in a horizontal state along the horizontal direction, and the lower edge of the existing region of the X-ray detector is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. An X-ray imaging device that supports the X-ray detector so that the state can be changed between the tilted state and the tilted state. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.
The inclined support portion has a horizontal state in which the lower edge of the existing region of the X-ray detection unit is along the horizontal direction and an inclined state in which the lower edge of the existing region of the X-ray detection unit is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Supports the X-ray detector so that the state can be changed between
An X-ray imaging device in which a head holder is supported so as to be able to change its posture with respect to the X-ray detector side support portion. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3 or 4.
The X-ray detector side support portion can change the state even during a plurality of tilted states in which the lower edge of the region where the X-ray detector exists is tilted at different angles with respect to the horizontal direction. An X-ray detector that supports. It is an X-ray imaging device that performs X-ray standard imaging of the side head.
X-ray generator including X-ray generator and
An X-ray detector including an X-ray detector,
A support portion that supports the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector in a facing state, and
Equipped with
The rear side of the head of the lower edge of the irradiation region of the X-ray that is irradiated from the X-ray generator, passes through the head, and is incident on the X-ray detector during the side head X-ray standard imaging is the lower side. Placed higher than the front side of the head on the side edge,
The X-ray generator includes an X-ray beam shape adjusting unit that adjusts the shape of the X-ray beam emitted from the X-ray generator.
An X-ray imaging apparatus in which the lower edge of the X-ray beam shape adjusting portion that regulates the passage of an X-ray beam is inclined in the horizontal direction during the side head X-ray standard imaging.

Images