HK1219039B - Compact medical x-ray imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Small medical X-ray equipment

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a portable small medical X-ray imaging device, and more particularly to a technology that ensures low radiation while being able to capture clear X-ray images and having an X-ray source that can be used for a long time (long life).

Background Art

Several portable medical compact X-ray imaging devices are disclosed, such as Patent Documents 1 to 8. For example, Patent Document 4 uses a cold cathode electron source as the X-ray source, achieving miniaturization. Non-Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 10 also disclose cold cathode electron sources. Patent Document 9 discloses technology related to extending the life of cold cathodes.

Prior art literature

Patent Literature

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-95715

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-70885

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-20835

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-65769

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-65768

Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-56170

Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-251005

Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-253727

Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-181276

Patent Document 10: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-133897

Non-patent literature

Non-patent literature 1: http://beam-physics.kek.jp/bpc/procs/suzuki.pdf

"Development and Application of a Dry Cell-Powered Ultra-Small Electron Accelerator and High-Energy X-Ray Source," March 29, 2009, by Ryoichi Suzuki, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan.

Summary of the Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

However, none of these portable medical compact X-ray imaging devices considers the optimal X-ray dose required to achieve clear X-ray images while ensuring low patient exposure, nor does it consider the lifespan of the X-ray source. The cathode of an X-ray source degrades with use, and even if a constant voltage is applied to the cathode, the specified radiation dose cannot be achieved. If this condition persists, the X-ray source must be replaced.

Patent Document 9 discloses a method for extending the life of a cold cathode. However, there is a problem in that a higher current than usual is required to activate the emitter.

In recent years, small, portable medical X-ray imaging devices have been gaining attention for use in emergency treatment during disasters and accidents, emergency diagnosis, and home care consultations. They are also highly anticipated for their ability to produce clear images while minimizing radiation exposure to patients.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable small medical X-ray imaging device that can capture clear X-ray images while ensuring low radiation and can extend the life of the X-ray source.

Technical means used to solve technical problems

To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a small medical X-ray imaging device having the following structure:

(1)

A small medical X-ray imaging device is a portable X-ray imaging device that ensures low radiation and can capture clear X-ray images. It is characterized by:

Carbon nanostructured three-pole cold cathode X-ray tube, emitting X-rays;

An X-ray image sensor that captures X-ray images transmitted through the patient;

a first detector for detecting an X-ray exposure amount, disposed between the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube and the X-ray image sensor and located within the X-ray exposure range outside an effective X-ray imaging area irradiated to the X-ray image sensor;

a second detector for detecting an X-ray dose, disposed at a central position on one side of a frame of the X-ray image sensor;

a third detector for detecting X-ray dose, disposed on one side of the frame of the X-ray image sensor, facing the second detector, and sandwiching the detection surface of the X-ray image sensor between the second detector and the detector;

A power supply for providing negative and positive high voltage pulses to the cathode and anode of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube, respectively;

The X-ray photography control device obtains detection data from the first detector, the second detector, and the third detector, as well as distance information from the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube to the X-ray image sensor, calculates the X-ray exposure and attenuation, and determines the most suitable X-ray dose for the patient and the voltage of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube. The X-ray photography control device also has a feedback control unit for controlling the number of high-voltage pulses, pulse width, and cathode and anode voltages of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube.

(2)

The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in (1) above is characterized in that

Based on the detection results of the first detector, the current reduction of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube caused by the deterioration of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube is calculated. By applying an additional voltage to the cathode side electrode of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube to offset the current reduction of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube, and subtracting the additional part from the anode side voltage, the set current value and X-ray dose of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube can be generated stably for a long time.

(3)

The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in (1) above is characterized in that

The X-ray irradiation unit composed of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube and the X-ray imaging control device includes a detachable battery as a power source for the X-ray irradiation unit.

(4)

The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in (3) above is characterized in that

A holding platform is provided, the holding platform comprising:

A base having an AC/DC adapter including a connection cord and a socket for connecting to a commercial power source;

An arm is erected on the base and embedded with the X-ray irradiation unit;

A connector connected to the AC/DC adapter via a lead wire and disposed at the end of the arm,

By fitting the X-ray irradiation unit into the connector, the X-ray irradiation unit can be held while commercial power can be supplied to the X-ray irradiation unit.

(5)

The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in (4) above is characterized in that

A second connector connected to the X-ray image sensor, the second detector, and the third detector is provided on the holding table. The second connector is connected to the X-ray imaging control device via wiring arranged in the arm.

(6)

The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in (4) above is characterized in that

The X-ray irradiation unit includes a power supply switch capable of selecting whether power is supplied from the commercial power supply or the battery.

Effects of the Invention

The above-described configuration of the present invention provides the following advantages. The use of a carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube as the radiation source allows for a more compact imaging unit while also conserving energy. Furthermore, the integration of the X-ray source, X-ray imaging control unit, and power supply allows for portability.

The X-ray control unit incorporates a feedback control unit, reducing patient radiation exposure and enabling the capture of clear X-ray images. Furthermore, as the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube degrades over time, the applied cathode voltage is increased to compensate for the decrease in X-ray emission. This stabilizes the X-ray emission of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube, thereby increasing the tube's service life and extending its lifespan.

Furthermore, since the holding table has an AC/DC adapter, it can also be used for a long time by using the indoor power supply for ward rounds, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 shows the overall structure of the compact medical X-ray imaging device of the present invention and an X-ray image of a patient's abdomen captured using the device.

Figure 2: Plan view of an X-ray image sensor in a compact medical X-ray imaging device.

Figure 3: Schematic diagram of a carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube.

FIG4 is a control block diagram of the small medical X-ray imaging device of the present invention.

FIG5 is a schematic diagram showing a case where an additional voltage is applied to offset the reduction in X-ray dose (deterioration reduction) caused by degradation of a carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube.

FIG6 is a perspective view of the X-ray irradiation unit when it is held on the holding table, and a front view of the operation panel of the X-ray irradiation unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes the specific embodiments of the present invention in detail based on the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments.

Example 1

As shown in FIG1 , a small medical X-ray imaging device 1 as an example of the present invention includes an X-ray image sensor 2 , a plurality of detectors, a holding table 4 , an X-ray irradiation unit 5 , a power supply, and a PC 8 .

As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, an X-ray image sensor 2 is mounted on a base 4a of a holding table 4. A patient's affected area is placed on top of the X-ray image sensor 2 to be X-rayed. The X-ray image sensor 2 detects X-rays transmitted through the patient and obtains data representing an X-ray image. The acquired data signal 2e is transmitted to the X-ray imaging control device 6. Based on this signal 2e, the PC 8 displays the X-ray image on a monitor. Examples of the X-ray image sensor 2 include a scintillator, a CCD, a CMOS, a CdTe semiconductor, and an imaging plate detector.

As shown in Figure 2 , the X-ray image sensor 2 comprises a centrally located detection surface 2a for detecting X-rays transmitted through the patient, a frame 2b surrounding the detection surface, and a handle 2c on the frame 2b for carrying the sensor. As shown in Figure 2 , a second detector 3b and a third detector 3d, described later, are also exposed on the frame 2b.

1 and 2 , the plurality of detectors are composed of the first detector 3, the second detector 3b, and the third detector 3d. The X-ray image sensor 2, the first detector 3, the second detector 3b, and the third detector 3d constitute an X-ray detection device group 2f as shown in FIG4 .

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the first detector 3 is positioned between the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a and the X-ray image sensor 2, within the X-ray irradiation range 5m outside the X-ray effective imaging area 5n irradiated by the X-ray image sensor 2. The first detector 3 is used to detect the X-ray exposure dose. The first detector 3 is mounted on the X-ray irradiation unit 5, preferably always positioned at the predetermined position. For example, the first detector 3 may be suspended from the X-ray irradiation unit 5 (suspender 3f in Figure 6), or may be connected to a support arm described later and rotated.

The second detector 3b is located at the center of one side of the frame 2b of the X-ray image sensor 2 and is used to detect the X-ray dose. The third detector 3d is located on one side of the frame 2b of the X-ray image sensor 2, sandwiching the detection surface 2a of the X-ray image sensor 2 and detecting the X-ray dose at a position facing the second detector 3b. The various detected data signals 3a, 3c, and 3e are transmitted to the X-ray imaging control device 6 for use in information feedback control and X-ray dose stabilization control, which will be described later.

As shown in Figures 1 and 6(A), the holding platform 4 consists of a base 4a, an arm erected on the base 4a into which the X-ray irradiation unit 5 is embedded, and a connector connected to an AC/DC adapter 4g via a lead 4f and located at the end of the arm. The base 4a is provided with an AC/DC adapter 4g having a connection 4h for connecting to a commercial power source and a socket 4e. The arm is composed of an upper arm 4b and a lower arm 4c, which are connected or extended or folded or connected by a connecting portion 4d. It is very compact and highly portable. It may also be equipped with a detection unit for detecting the distance between the X-ray irradiation unit 5 and the X-ray image sensor 2 by extending and retracting the arm. Examples of this detection unit include a laser rangefinder or a gear measuring device. The detection results are input to the X-ray imaging control device 6 for feedback control.

The AC/DC adapter 4g of the base 4a is preferably placed at a position that can support the X-ray irradiation unit 5 in consideration of its weight. The lead wire 4f can be placed inside the arm, further improving portability.

Furthermore, a second connector 4i is provided on the base 4a of the holding table 4 for connecting the X-ray image sensor 2, the second detector 3b, and the third detector 3d. This second connector 4i is connected to the X-ray imaging control unit 6 via a wiring 4m disposed within the arm. Furthermore, a socket 4k is provided on the base 4a for supplying power to the X-ray image sensor 2, the second detector 3b, and the third detector 3d. This socket 4k is connected to a commercial power source via an AC/DC adapter 4g. This allows for a compact assembly of a small medical X-ray imaging device.

By snapping the X-ray irradiation unit 5 into the end of the arm (connector), the X-ray irradiation unit 5 is held securely in place while being supplied with commercial power (electrical connection), making assembly easier. When the X-ray irradiation unit 5 is snapped into place, a configuration can be provided that prioritizes commercial power. A power selector switch 7c can also be provided to select between battery 7b and commercial power (AC/DC adapter), allowing the user to select the preferred power source. As shown in FIG6(A), the power selector switch 7c is provided on the X-ray irradiation unit 5.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the X-ray irradiation unit 5 comprises a carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a and an X-ray imaging control unit 6, which are integrated with a removable battery 7b to enhance portability. Alternatively, the X-ray imaging control unit 6 can be provided separately.

As shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), a compact carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a generates electrons 5e from a carbon nanostructured cold cathode 5d on the cathode 5b side, irradiating a target 5f on the anode 5c side, generating X-rays 5m that are emitted from an irradiation port 5g. The principle and structure of operating the tube using dry cell batteries, batteries, or commercial power sources are described in detail in Patent Document 10 and Non-Patent Document 1. The power supply supplies negative and positive high-voltage pulses to the cathode 5b and anode 5c of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a, respectively.

The X-ray imaging control device 6 acquires detection data from the first detector 3, the second detector 3b, and the third detector 3d, as well as information about the distance between the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a and the X-ray image sensor 2. It calculates the X-ray exposure and attenuation, thereby determining the optimal X-ray dose and voltage for the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a for the patient 10. It then controls the number and width of high-voltage pulses of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a, as well as the voltages of the cathode 5b and anode 5c, as shown in FIG4 . Furthermore, the X-ray imaging control device 6 can perform various processes, as shown in FIG6 , and store various databases.

As shown in FIG5 , to stabilize (extend the life of) the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a, the amount of current reduction in the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a due to degradation of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a is calculated based on the detection results of the first detector 3. An additional voltage is applied to the cathode 5b-side electrode of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a to offset the current reduction. The additional voltage is then subtracted from the voltage on the anode 5c side. This allows the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a to generate a predetermined current value and X-ray dose stably over a long period of time. As a result, as shown in FIG5 , the X-ray dose from the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a is set to a predetermined value, thereby extending the service life of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a and improving its economic efficiency.

X-ray imaging is started by turning on the switch 7. By turning on the switch 7, the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube 5a is energized, driving the feedback control unit and other detectors, thereby capturing the most appropriate X-ray image.

PC 8 acquires data signals 2e, 3a, 3c, and 3e detected by the X-ray image sensor 2, first detector 3, second detector 3b, and third detector 3d, and transmits them to the X-ray imaging control device 6. Furthermore, PC 8 controls the settings of X-ray imaging control device 6 and displays X-ray images on a monitor in real time. Communication 7a between PC 8 and X-ray imaging control device 6 can be wired or wireless.

The X-ray irradiation unit 5 is provided with a control and recording mechanism such as a microcontroller 6 a . As shown in FIG. 6 , an operation panel 9 of the X-ray irradiation unit 5 is provided with various buttons for setting X-ray imaging conditions.

The various buttons on the operation panel are described below. Turning the power key switch 9a supplies power to the X-ray imaging control unit 6. The power lamp 9b illuminates when the power is on. The LCD display 9c displays various settings and the remaining battery level indicator 9r. The imaging site setting button 9d registers the anode and cathode voltage values of the carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube corresponding to the optimal radiation dose for a representative imaging site.

The body shape setting button 9e sets a representative body shape and adjusts the voltage value for the imaging site. The X-ray image sensor setting button 9f adjusts for differences in the characteristics of different X-ray image sensors. The exposure timer setting button 9o functions as an exposure timer to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure to the person being examined. The detector setting button 9p adjusts for differences in the characteristics of different detectors.

The negative and positive movement buttons 9h and 9i allow you to switch and select the item displayed in the flashing text section of the LCD screen 9c. The X-ray irradiation indicator 9k illuminates during X-ray irradiation to indicate that X-rays are being irradiated. The confirmation button 9g is used to confirm settings, and the reset button 9q is used to reset settings. The external remote terminal 9m is a connector for connecting to the switch 7.

Label Description

1 Small medical X-ray device

2 X-ray image sensor

2a Detection surface

2b Framework

2c Handle

2e signal

2f X-ray detection equipment group

3 Detector 1

3a signal

3b Second detector

3c signal

3d 3rd detector

3e signal

3f boom

4 Holding platform

4a Base

4b Upper Arm

4c Lower Arm

4d connection

4e plug

4f lead

4g AC/DC adapter

4h wiring

4i 2nd connector

4k socket

4m wiring

5 X-ray irradiation unit

5a Carbon nanostructure triode cold cathode X-ray tube

5b cathode

5c Anode

5d carbon nanocathode

5e Electronics

5f target

5g irradiation port

5h Intermediate

5i hole

5k ground

5m X-ray

5n X-ray effective imaging area

5o outside the shooting area

5p Shield

5q single 3 dry cell battery

6 X-ray photography control device

7 Switch

7a Communication

7b battery

7c Power switch

8 PC

8a X-ray shooting software

8c control signal

9 Operation panel

9a Power button switch

9b Power light

9c LCD screen

9d Shooting position setting button

9e Body shape setting button

9f X-ray image sensor setting button

9g OK button

9h negative direction movement button

9i Positive direction movement button

9k X-ray display light

9m external remote terminal

9n Various function setting selection buttons

9o Exposure timer setting button

9p Detector setting button

9q Reset button

9r Battery remaining display

10 patients

Claims (6)

1. A portable medical X-ray imaging device, characterized by low radiation while capturing clear X-ray images, comprising: A carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube emits X-rays. X-ray image sensor, capturing X-ray images through the patient; The first detector for detecting X-ray exposure is disposed between the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube and the X-ray image sensor, and is located outside the effective X-ray imaging area of the X-ray image sensor. A second detector for detecting the amount of X-rays is disposed at the center of one side of the frame of the X-ray image sensor; A third detector for detecting X-ray dose is disposed on one side of the frame of the X-ray image sensor, facing the second detector, and sandwiching the detection surface of the X-ray image sensor with the second detector; The power source provides negative and positive high-voltage pulses to the cathode and anode of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube, respectively. The X-ray imaging control device acquires detection data from the first detector, the second detector, and the third detector, as well as distance information from the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube to the X-ray image sensor. It calculates the X-ray exposure and attenuation, determines the optimal X-ray dose for the patient, and the voltage of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube. The X-ray imaging control device also has a feedback control unit for controlling the number of high-voltage pulses, pulse width, and the voltage of the cathode and anode of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube. 2. The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that... Based on the detection results of the first detector, the amount of current reduction in the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube caused by the degradation of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube was calculated. By applying an additional voltage to the cathode-side electrode of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube to offset the reduction in current of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube, and subtracting the additional voltage from the anode-side voltage, the set current value and X-ray quantity of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube can be generated stably over a long period of time. 3. The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The X-ray irradiation unit, which is composed of the carbon nanostructured triode cold cathode X-ray tube and the X-ray imaging control device, has a removable battery that serves as the power source for the X-ray irradiation unit. 4. The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in claim 3, characterized in that... It has a holding stage, the holding stage comprising: The base includes an AC/DC adapter, which contains wiring and a socket for connecting to a commercial power supply; The support arm is erected on the base and embedded in the X-ray irradiation unit; A connector, which is connected to the AC/DC adapter via leads and configured at the end of the arm, allows the X-ray irradiation unit to be embedded and installed in the connector, holding the X-ray irradiation unit in place while also providing commercial power to the X-ray irradiation unit. 5. The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in claim 4, characterized in that... A second connector is provided on the holding stage for connection to the X-ray image sensor, the second detector, and the third detector. The second connector is connected to the X-ray imaging control device via wiring configured within the arm. 6. The small medical X-ray imaging device as described in claim 4, characterized in that... The X-ray irradiation unit has a power switching switch that allows selection of power supply from either the commercial power source or the battery.