JP5204260B2 - X-ray equipment - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray apparatus including an X-ray tube that generates X-rays.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an X-ray apparatus including an X-ray tube that generates X-rays and an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays, such as an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, and an X-ray fluoroscopic examination apparatus. It is used in various fields.

  An X-ray diagnostic apparatus arranges an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector so as to face each other, irradiates the subject with X-rays generated by the X-ray tube, and transmits X-rays transmitted through the subject to X-rays It is an apparatus that images an internal form of a subject by detecting with a detector. In addition, the X-ray CT apparatus detects transmitted X-rays while rotating an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector arranged opposite to each other around the subject, and based on the detection result, the inside of the subject is detected. An apparatus for forming a tomographic image representing a form. The X-ray fluoroscopic inspection apparatus is an apparatus that is used for nondestructive inspection of industrial products such as electronic components that are disposed so that an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector face each other.

  The X-ray tube includes a filament (cathode) to which a high voltage is applied and a target (anode), and generates X-rays by causing thermal electrons emitted from the filament to collide with the target.

  When the X-ray apparatus is actually used, it is necessary to perform various maintenance on the X-ray tube. For example, when the X-ray tube is used for the first time or when it is resumed after a long period of non-use, the tube voltage is gradually increased without suddenly applying a high tube voltage. A treatment called “aging” is performed in which foreign matters such as protrusions are melted and the focal track surface is smoothed to improve the high voltage resistance characteristics (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Aging is sometimes referred to as “screening”.

  Further, when the operation of the X-ray tube is unstable or a discharge phenomenon occurs due to long-term use or the like, the above-mentioned treatments called aging and getter activation are performed. “Getter activation” means heating (baking) a getter (gas adsorbing material) that adsorbs the released gas in the internal region of the vacuum-sealed X-ray tube to activate the gas adsorption capability, Is a process for maintaining a sufficiently low pressure in a substantially vacuum state (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, when the value of the tube current applied to the X-ray tube deviates from the set value due to aging degradation of the filament, it is necessary to adjust the tube current. In particular, the tube current adjustment is an important measure because the X-ray tube may be damaged or the life may be shortened if the use is continued while the actual tube current value exceeds the set value.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an invention that generates an alarm that prompts the user to perform aging when the use is resumed after the X-ray apparatus is not used for a predetermined time or more. The present invention is configured to start counting up a timer in response to the power-off of the device, and to generate an alarm sound or a warning light when the power is turned on after the timer has counted for a predetermined time or more. .

JP-A-6-168667 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-141985 JP 11-260590 A

  Conventionally, maintenance work as described above is performed by a specialized service engineer who visits the operation location (hospital, factory, etc.) of the X-ray device and determines the necessity and type of maintenance based on the device log etc. It was common to do. Various conditions for performing maintenance (for example, exposure conditions such as tube voltage during aging) are described in the device manual, etc., and the user can also perform maintenance with reference to them. is there. However, there are currently a small number of users who perform such work themselves.

  Further, when the user recognizes the necessity of maintenance, such as when the operation of the X-ray tube becomes unstable, the user has to arrange for a service engineer to visit. However, there may be a case where the service engineer cannot immediately visit even after receiving arrangements from the user. In this case, a situation occurs in which the user cannot use the device even though he wants to use it. On the other hand, such a situation is not preferable for service engineers. Furthermore, there is a problem that the service engineer cannot easily manage the service provision schedule.

  Further, according to the invention described in Patent Document 3, there is an advantage that the user can be notified of the timing at which aging should be performed, and the user himself / herself can determine whether or not aging has been performed. If the timer stops or resets due to the occurrence of a power failure or power failure during the period of use, an alarm may not be output at an appropriate timing.

  In addition, in the conventional X-ray apparatus, when the operation of the X-ray tube is unstable or a discharge phenomenon occurs, it is not possible to quickly perform aging and getter activation treatments. Also, the tube current adjustment procedure when the deviation from the set value could not be performed quickly.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and it is preferable to determine the necessity of maintenance of the X-ray tube and automatically determine the type of maintenance to be performed. The main object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray apparatus that can perform accurate maintenance and can maintain the quality and extend the life of the X-ray tube.

  In order to achieve the above object, the X-ray apparatus according to the embodiment includes a display unit, a generation number counting unit, a calculation unit, and a control unit, and the generation number counting unit counts the number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube. . The calculating means includes a setting value of the tube current by the setting means and the tube current detecting means when the tube current is supplied to the X-ray tube by the energizing means when the counted number of occurrences of the X-rays is a predetermined number or more. Calculate the error from the detected value of the tube current. The control means causes the display means to display information that allows the user to determine whether or not to perform tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube when the calculated error is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

1 is a schematic external view showing an example of the overall configuration of a preferred embodiment of an X-ray apparatus according to the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the whole structure of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a functional structure of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the structure of the 1st maintenance process part in the functional structure of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the structure of the 2nd maintenance process part in the functional structure of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a structure of the 3rd maintenance process part in the functional structure of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing showing the outline | summary of the aging execution judgment information displayed by suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing showing the outline | summary of the investigation judgment information displayed by suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an example of operation | movement of suitable embodiment of the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention.

  An example of a preferred embodiment of an X-ray apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, as a specific example of the X-ray apparatus according to the present invention, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that images the internal form of a subject will be described. Note that other X-ray apparatuses including an X-ray tube can be similarly configured.

  The X-ray apparatus according to the present embodiment automatically determines whether the timing for performing X-ray tube maintenance (aging, getter activation, tube current adjustment) has arrived, and determines that the implementation timing has arrived. When it does, the information for making a user judge whether maintenance is implemented is shown. In response to a request from the user based on the presented information, maintenance is performed. Hereinafter, the X-ray apparatus that operates in this manner will be described in detail.

[overall structure]
First, an example of the configuration of the X-ray apparatus (X-ray diagnostic apparatus) according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an outline of the entire configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus shown in these drawings includes an X-ray tube 1 that generates X-rays and an X-ray detector 2 that detects X-rays. The X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 2 are disposed at one end and the other end of the substantially C-shaped arm 3 so as to face each other.

  The X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detector 2 are arranged so as to sandwich the subject P at the time of examination. Thereby, the X-ray generated from the X-ray tube 1 is irradiated toward the subject P, and the X-ray transmitted through the subject P is detected by the X-ray detector 2.

  As described above, the X-ray tube 1 includes a filament to which a high voltage is applied and a target, and generates X-rays by causing thermal electrons emitted from the filament to collide with the target.

  The X-ray tube 1 may or may not have a getter that adsorbs the emitted gas, but in the present embodiment, it will be described as the former. The latter case will be described in [Modification].

  The flow of thermoelectrons from the filament of the X-ray tube 1 toward the target is called tube current. The tube current value changes according to the temperature of the filament, and the filament temperature changes according to the value of the current (filament current) applied to the filament. Therefore, the tube current value is controlled by controlling the filament current value. By changing the tube current value, the brightness of the X-ray image can be adjusted.

  The potential difference between the filament of the X-ray tube 1 and the target is called tube voltage. The tube voltage value is controlled by a known method such as a primary-side control method such as a single-phase full-wave rectification method, a three-phase full-wave rectification method, an inverter method or a capacitor method, or a secondary-side control method such as a tetrode method. To do. By changing the tube voltage, the transmission power of the generated X-ray can be adjusted.

  The tube current voltage detection unit 20 includes a circuit that measures the actual tube current value of the X-ray tube 1 and a circuit that measures the tube voltage value. The tube current value measurement signal and the tube voltage value measurement signal are sent to the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12 via the X-ray control unit 8a.

  The X-ray detection unit 2 has a conventional configuration including, for example, an image intensifier (sometimes abbreviated as I.I.) and an optical system. The image intensifier converts X-ray information transmitted through the subject P into optical information. The optical system of the X-ray detection unit 2 captures optical information output from the image intensifier with an image sensor, converts it into a video signal, and outputs the video signal.

  Note that a detection device such as an X-ray flat panel detector may be used instead of the image intensifier. This X-ray flat panel detector detects X-ray information by applying X-rays transmitted through the subject P to a photoelectric film to generate electron holes, accumulating them in a semiconductor switch and reading them as electrical signals. It is a device.

  The X-ray control unit 8 and the high voltage generation unit 9 correspond to an example of the “energization unit” of the present invention, and generate X-rays by applying a tube current and a tube voltage based on the X-ray conditions to the X-ray tube 1. The structure for is provided. The high voltage generator 9 generates a high voltage necessary for X-ray radiation and applies it to the X-ray tube 1. The X-ray controller 8 controls the high voltage generator 9 to adjust the voltage value and current value applied to the X-ray tube 1. Thereby, the filament current value of the X-ray tube 1 is appropriately changed, and as a result, the tube current value is changed. The operation of the X-ray control unit 8 is controlled by the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  The X-ray control unit 8 includes a numerical value setting unit 8a. The numerical value setting unit 8a is used to determine whether maintenance is performed or to set numerical values (threshold value or range) for determining which type of maintenance is performed. The numerical value setting unit 8a is configured using an arbitrary user interface such as a numerical value setting button, switch, control panel, or touch panel.

  The numerical values set by the numerical value setting unit 8a include a threshold T1 of an elapsed time (that is, a device non-use time) from the previous power-off to a current power-on, and a threshold of an elapsed time (maintenance interval) from the previous maintenance. T2, threshold value N1 of the number of discharge detections of the X-ray tube 1, threshold value N2 of the number of X-ray images to be taken (number of X-ray generation times of the X-ray tube 1 in X-ray image shooting), and measured values for the set value of the tube current There is an error threshold Δ or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the apparatus non-use time threshold T1 = 186 hours, the maintenance interval threshold T2 = 31 days, the discharge detection frequency threshold N1 = 4 times, and the number of radiographs (X-ray generation) ) (Threshold) N2 = 10000 (times), and tube current error threshold Δ = (| actually measured value−set value | / set value) = 0.2 = 20%.

  These numerical values may be set by default, or may be changed by the numerical value setting unit 8a or set after the operation of the apparatus is started by the numerical value setting unit 8a. It may be a thing.

  In the present embodiment, the X-ray control unit 8 is provided with a numerical value setting unit for setting and inputting the above-described various numerical values. However, this numerical value setting unit may be disposed in another part. For example, it is possible to display a numerical value setting screen on a display 10 described later and to set a numerical value on the screen by operating an operation unit 11 described later.

  The arm 3 is held by a holding portion 4 provided on the side surface of the column 5. The arm 3 includes a rail on the back surface or side surface thereof. The arm drive mechanism 31 shown in FIG. 2 moves the arm 3 along this rail. The arm 3 is rotatably held by the holding portion 4. The arm drive mechanism 31 operates to rotate the X-ray tube 1 and the X-ray detection unit 2 integrally by rotating the arm 3 around the holding unit 4. The arm drive mechanism 31 also operates to tilt the arm 3 with respect to the holding unit 4.

  The position sensor 32 detects the position, rotation angle, and tilt angle of the arm 3 and is constituted by, for example, an optical detector, a mechanical detector, a magnetic detector, a brush detector, a photoelectric detector, or the like. Has been. The detection result by the position sensor 32 is sent as a detection signal to the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 50 via the mechanism control unit 7.

  The bed 6 includes a top plate on which the subject P is placed and leg portions that support the top plate, as in the prior art. The top plate of the bed 6 is moved in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction by the bed driving mechanism 61 stored in the legs. The bed driving mechanism 61 can also tilt the top plate.

  The drive operation of the arm 3 by the arm drive mechanism 31 and the drive operation of the top plate of the bed 6 by the bed drive mechanism 61 are controlled by the mechanism control unit 7. The operation of the mechanism control unit 7 is controlled by the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention includes a computer that functions as the main control unit 12. The main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12 performs overall control of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. At this time, the main CPU 50 performs various controls of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus by developing a control program and various data in the main storage device 51 such as a RAM.

  The imaging protocol storage medium 52 is a storage medium for storing in advance imaging protocols corresponding to various imaging techniques (imaging site, examination content, etc.). The imaging protocol is data including a set value such as a tube current value, a tube voltage value, and an imaging time set in advance according to the imaging technique and an image processing program.

  The position storage medium 53 is a storage medium that stores information on the position, rotation angle, and tilt angle of the arm 3 detected by the position sensor 32. Further, when a configuration capable of detecting the position and inclination angle of the couch top of the bed 6 is employed (when a position sensor is provided), the detection result is also stored in the position storage medium 53.

  The error log storage medium 54 is a storage medium for the main CPU 50 to store a record of the error (error log) when an error (abnormality) occurs in the operation or control processing of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The recorded error log is analyzed by a service engineer and used for maintenance.

  These photographing protocol storage medium 52, position storage medium 53, and error log storage medium 54 are arbitrary storage media such as a hard disk drive, PROM, DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, optical disk, magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, and semiconductor storage device, respectively. Consists of.

  The detailed internal configuration of the main control unit 12 (particularly the main CPU 50) will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The display 10 displays a screen for inputting various operation requests of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus and inputting various setting values. This display control is performed by the main CPU 50.

  The operation unit 11 includes an arbitrary operation device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, a control panel, or a trackball.

  The user operates the operation unit 11 according to the screen displayed on the display 10 to set imaging conditions such as tube current value, tube voltage value, imaging time and fluoroscopy time (X-ray exposure time), and fluoroscopy conditions. Input, switching on / off of the power supply, selection input of whether or not to perform maintenance, which will be described later, are performed.

  Here, the setting input operation of the photographing condition and the fluoroscopic condition can be performed by selecting and specifying a desired one from various photographing protocols stored in the photographing protocol storage medium 52.

  In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the display 10 and the operation unit 11 are provided separately. For example, by using a touch panel, a control panel attached to the display, or the like, they can be configured integrally. Is possible.

  The image signal processing unit 13 is configured by, for example, a computer different from the main control unit 12 and performs processing for generating X-ray image data based on a detection result (video signal) by the X-ray detection unit 2. In this image generation processing, for example, processing such as calibration is performed to generate image data such as a mask image, a contrast image, and a subtraction image. If the computer has sufficient processing capability, the computer constituting the main control unit 12 and the computer constituting the image signal processing unit 13 may be integrated.

  An image based on the X-ray image data generated by the image signal control unit 13 is displayed on the display 14.

  The image storage medium 15 is for storing X-ray data generated by the image signal control unit 13. The image storage medium 15 is composed of an arbitrary storage medium in the same manner as the photographing protocol storage medium 52 described above.

  Based on the detection result by the X-ray detection unit 2, the luminance control unit 16 sets the imaging condition and the fluoroscopic condition so that the average luminance in a predetermined reference region in the X-ray radiographed image or the fluoroscopic image becomes an appropriate luminance value. Reset and feed back to the X-ray control unit 8.

  The exposure timer control unit 17 controls an exposure timer (provided in the X-ray control unit 8) such as a photo timer that blocks X-rays based on the detection result by the X-ray detection unit 2. Thereby, the imaging time (X-ray exposure time) is automatically controlled and the film density is kept constant.

  Note that the luminance control unit 16 and the exposure timer control unit 17 are provided in a computer constituting the image signal control unit 13, for example.

  The communication interface (I / F) 40 includes a communication device such as a LAN card or a modem, and performs data communication via a network N such as a LAN or the Internet. The communication interface 40 may be provided inside the computer constituting the main control unit 12 and the image signal control unit 13 or may be provided outside them.

  A communication device 1000 on the maintenance service providing side is connected to the network N. The communication apparatus 1000 is composed of, for example, a server or a computer terminal of a maintenance service provider, a mobile phone of a service engineer, a PDA with a communication function, or a notebook personal computer.

[Functional configuration]
3 to 6 are functional block diagrams showing the functional configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an outline of the functional configuration, and FIGS. 4 to 6 show details of the functional configuration. In these drawings, a configuration for performing maintenance processing (aging, getter activation, tube current adjustment) of the X-ray tube 1 is described, and components unnecessary for explanation of the maintenance processing are illustrated. Omitted.

[Overview of functional configuration]
First, an outline of a functional configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus is provided with a maintenance control unit 70, a display unit 71, a set value storage unit 72, a timing unit 73, a first maintenance processing unit 100, a second maintenance processing unit 200, and a third maintenance processing unit 300. ing.

  Here, the first to third maintenance processing units 100 to 300 may operate based on individual computer programs, or may operate based on a single computer program. .

  Hereinafter, the maintenance control unit 70, the display unit 71, the set value storage unit 72, and the timekeeping unit 73 will be described, and the first maintenance processing unit 100, the second maintenance processing unit 200, and the third maintenance processing unit 300 will be described. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.

[Maintenance control unit]
The maintenance control unit 70 includes the main CPU 50 shown in FIG. The maintenance control unit 70 controls maintenance processing according to the present embodiment in accordance with a control program stored in advance in a hard disk drive or the like in the main control unit 12.

  Specifically, the maintenance control unit 70 performs, for example, the following operations: (1) The first to third maintenance processing units 100 to 300 are switched to operate; (2) The display screen of the display unit 71 is displayed. (3) Read the data stored in the set value storage unit 72 and transmit the read data to the first to third maintenance processing units 100 to 300; (4) Time measurement with reference to the time measuring unit 73 Information (described later) is acquired and transmitted to the first to third maintenance processing units 100 to 300; (5) data processed by the first to third maintenance processing units 100 to 300 is acquired. Other processes executed by the maintenance control unit 70 will be described below as needed.

[Display section]
The display unit 71 corresponds to an example of the “display unit” in the present invention. This display means 71 is comprised by the display 10 (refer FIG. 1, 2), for example.

[Set value storage section]
The set value storage unit 72 stores various set value information set and input by the numerical value setting unit 8a (see FIG. 2). The set value storage unit 72 is configured by an arbitrary storage medium such as a hard disk drive of a computer constituting the main control unit 12, for example.

  As described above, when the setting value information is set by default, the default value is stored. Further, when the default value is changed by the numerical value setting unit 8a, for example, it is desirable to store the default value together with the changed set value information (necessary when returning to the default value).

  The setting value information stored in the setting value storage unit 72 includes the apparatus non-use time threshold T1 = 186 hours, the maintenance interval threshold T2 = 31 days, the discharge detection frequency threshold N1 = 4, and the number of shots (X Line generation frequency) threshold N2 = 10000 (times), tube current error threshold Δ = 20%.

[Timekeeping section]
The timer unit 73 has a function of keeping time. The function of the timer unit 73 is based on, for example, the timer function of the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12. The “time” preferably includes year, month, day, hour, minute, and second, but may be some of them (for example, only month, day, hour, etc.).

  The maintenance control unit 70 accesses the time measuring unit 73 at an appropriate timing, and acquires the current time indicated by the time measuring unit 73. The acquired current time is sent to the first to third maintenance processing units 100 to 300 as time measurement information.

[First maintenance processing section]
The operation of the first maintenance processing unit 100 is started by the maintenance control unit 70 in response to the power supply of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus being turned on. The first maintenance processing unit 100 performs processing for performing aging of the X-ray tube 1 based on the length of elapsed time (device non-use time) from the previous power-off to the current power-on. Run. The first maintenance processing unit 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The first maintenance processing unit 100 includes a power operation unit 101, a power operation storage unit 102, a non-use time calculation unit 103, a non-use time determination unit 104, a display control unit 105, a maintenance request operation unit 106, and a maintenance condition storage unit 107. In addition, a maintenance execution unit 108 is provided. Hereinafter, each of these units 101 to 108 will be described.

(Power control section)
The power supply operation unit 101 functions as an operation unit for switching the power of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus on and off. The power operation unit 101 is configured by a power switch disposed at an arbitrary position of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus, such as the X-ray control unit 8, the support column 5, the arm 3, or the bed 6.

  In addition, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus may be configured to be turned on / off in response to start-up (power-on) / termination (power-off) of the computer constituting the main control unit 12. The power switch of the computer functions as the power operation unit 101.

(Power operation memory)
The power operation storage unit 102 functions as a storage unit that stores the timing when the power operation unit 101 is operated, that is, stores the timing when the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is turned on and the time when the power is turned off. The power operation storage unit 102 is configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive built in the computer constituting the main control unit 12, for example.

  Here, “timing” includes time information such as year, month, day, hour, minute, second, etc., and is information corresponding to “time” counted by the time measuring unit 73.

  The storage process of the operation timing of the power operation unit 101 in the power operation storage unit 102 is executed by the maintenance control unit 70 (main CPU 50). In response to the operation of the power operation unit 101, the maintenance control unit 70 acquires the time measured by the time measuring unit 73 and stores the time in the power operation storage unit 102. Thereby, the timing is stored every time the power of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is turned on or off.

(Non-use time calculation part)
The non-use time calculation unit 103 operates when the power of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is turned on by the power operation unit 101, and calculates an elapsed time (device non-use time) from the previous power-off to the current power-on. It functions as a calculation means. This non-use time calculation unit 103 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  The processing performed by the non-use time calculation unit 103 will be specifically described. As the previous stage, when the power supply operation unit 101 is operated and the apparatus power supply is turned on, the maintenance control unit 70 acquires the current time with reference to the time measuring unit 73 as described above to obtain the first maintenance processing unit. Send to 100. The power operation storage unit 102 has already stored the time when the power was last turned off. The non-use time calculation unit 103 calculates the elapsed time from the previous power-off timing stored in the power operation storage unit 102 to the current time (current power-on timing) from the maintenance control unit 70.

(Non-use time judgment part)
The non-use time determination unit 104 performs a process of determining whether or not the elapsed time calculated by the non-use time calculation unit 103 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The non-use time determination unit 104 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  The maintenance control unit 70 reads the device non-use time threshold T1 from the set value storage unit 72 and sends it to the first maintenance processing unit 100. This threshold value T1 is the “predetermined time”. The non-use time determination unit 104 determines the magnitude relationship by comparing the elapsed time calculation result t1 with the threshold value T1.

  When the elapsed time calculation result t1 is less than the threshold value T1 (t1 <T1), the non-use time determination unit 104 sends an instruction to the maintenance control unit 70. Receiving this instruction, the maintenance control unit 70 ends the operation of the first maintenance processing unit 100.

  On the other hand, when the elapsed time calculation result t1 is equal to or greater than the threshold T1 (t1 ≧ T1), the non-use time determination unit 104 sends an instruction to the display control unit 105. The operation of the display control unit 105 when receiving this instruction will be described later.

  Here, the magnitude relationship between the elapsed time calculation result t1 and the threshold value T1 is divided into the case of t1 <T1 and the case of t1 ≧ T1, but is divided into the case of t1 ≦ T1 and the case of t1> T1. It is also possible to compare and judge the magnitude relationship.

  In this specification, in the comparison determination of the magnitude relationship between arbitrary numerical values a and b, “a> b” and “a ≧ b” are regarded as equivalent, and “a <b” and “a ≦ b” "Is considered equivalent. That is, “a is greater than b” and “a is greater than or equal to b” are considered equivalent, and “a is less than b” and “a is less than or equal to b” are considered equivalent.

(Display control unit)
The display control unit 105 operates in response to an instruction from the non-use time determination unit 104 and functions as a control unit that causes the display unit 71 to display information that allows the user to determine whether or not to perform aging of the X-ray tube 1. . The display control unit 105 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  Here, “information that allows the user to determine whether to perform aging” is referred to as “aging execution determination information”. This aging execution determination information is stored in advance in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive of a computer constituting the main control unit 12.

  Upon receiving an instruction from the non-use time determination unit 104, the display control unit 105 acquires the aging execution determination information from the storage medium and sends an instruction to the maintenance control unit 70 so as to display it on the display unit 71. The maintenance control unit 70 causes the display unit 71 to display aging execution determination information in response to this instruction.

  In addition, as a display mode of the aging execution determination information on the display unit 71, it is desirable that the user can determine whether or not aging is necessary, and further that aging can be requested when performing the aging. .

  FIG. 7 shows an example of a display mode of the aging execution determination information. The aging execution determination information 2000 shown in the figure is a dialog displayed on the display screen 71a of the display unit 71 and is called “Do you want to perform aging?” For allowing the user to determine whether to perform aging. A message 2001 is included. Further, the aging execution determination information 2000 includes soft keys 2002 and 2003 that can be selectively operated. “Execute” is displayed on the soft key 2002. The soft key 2003 displays “Not implemented”. An arrow M on the display screen 71a is a mouse pointer operated by the user.

(Maintenance request operation part)
The maintenance request operation unit 106 functions as a request operation unit for the user to request execution of aging based on the aging execution determination information displayed on the display unit 71. The maintenance request operation unit 106 is configured by, for example, the operation unit 11 (particularly a mouse).

  A specific example of the maintenance request operation unit 106 will be described based on the case where the aging execution determination information 2000 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. The user sees the message 2001 of the aging execution determination information 2000 and determines whether to perform aging.

  If it is determined that aging is to be performed, the user operates the mouse of the operation unit 11, places the mouse pointer M on the soft key 2002 displayed as “execute”, and clicks. Thereby, an aging execution request is made. When this soft key 2002 is clicked, the maintenance execution unit 108 starts operating.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that aging is not to be performed, the user operates the mouse of the operation unit 11 and places the mouse pointer M on the soft key 2003 displayed as “not to be executed” and clicks. When this soft key 2003 is clicked, the maintenance control unit 70 ends the operation of the first maintenance processing unit 100.

(Maintenance condition storage)
The maintenance condition storage unit 107 stores in advance X-ray conditions (referred to as aging conditions) when performing aging of the X-ray tube 1. The maintenance condition storage unit 107 is constituted by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive of a computer constituting the main control unit 12, for example.

  The aging conditions include conditions such as tube voltage value, tube current value (filament current value), and exposure time (energization time) at each stage when the tube voltage is gradually increased during aging. Yes. Such aging conditions are conventionally described in manuals for X-ray diagnostic apparatuses, maintenance manuals for service engineers, and the like. The aging conditions stored in the maintenance condition storage unit 107 are the data described in this manual and stored.

(Maintenance Department)
The maintenance execution unit 108 functions as an aging unit that performs aging of the X-ray tube 1 in response to the request for execution of aging by the maintenance request operation unit 106. The maintenance execution unit 108 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  When the maintenance request operation unit 106 makes an aging request, the maintenance execution unit 108 acquires the aging condition from the maintenance condition storage unit 107 and transmits it to the X-ray control unit 8. The X-ray controller 8 controls the high voltage generator 9 according to this aging condition, and changes the tube voltage and tube current applied to the X-ray tube 1 in a stepwise manner. As a result, aging is performed as requested by the user. Above, description of the 1st maintenance process part 100 is complete | finished.

[Second maintenance processing section]
Next, the second maintenance processing unit 200 will be described. The operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 is started by the maintenance control unit 70 after the examination (imaging and fluoroscopy) by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is completed.

  The second maintenance processing unit 200 executes processing for performing aging and getter activation of the X-ray tube 1 based on the number of discharges of the X-ray tube 1 and the elapsed time since the previous maintenance. The second maintenance processing unit 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The second maintenance processing unit 200 includes a maintenance operation unit 201, a maintenance history storage unit 202, a discharge detection unit 203, a discharge frequency count unit 204, a discharge frequency determination unit 205, a maintenance interval calculation unit 206, a maintenance interval determination unit 207, a display A control unit 208, a maintenance request operation unit 209, a maintenance condition storage unit 210, a maintenance execution unit 211, and a notification processing unit 212 are provided. Hereinafter, each of these units 201 to 212 will be described.

(Maintenance operation part)
The maintenance operation unit 201 is operated when the maintenance of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is performed, and includes, for example, various operation switches of the X-ray control unit 8 and the operation unit 11.

(Maintenance history storage)
The maintenance history storage unit 202 functions as a storage unit that stores the timing when the maintenance operation unit 201 is operated, that is, stores the timing when maintenance of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is performed. The maintenance history storage unit 202 is configured by a storage medium such as a hard disk drive built in the computer constituting the main control unit 12, for example. Here, “timing” is the same information as described in the first maintenance processing unit 100.

  The storage process of the operation timing of the maintenance operation unit 201 to the maintenance history storage unit 202 is executed by the maintenance control unit 70 (main CPU 50). In response to the maintenance operation unit 201 being operated and the maintenance being started, the maintenance control unit 70 acquires the time counted by the time measuring unit 73 and stores the time in the maintenance history storage unit 202. Note that the time when the maintenance is completed may be acquired and stored in the maintenance history storage unit 202. By such processing, the timing is stored every time maintenance of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is performed.

  The information stored in the maintenance history storage unit 202 may be the history of all maintenance performed in the past, or may be the timing of the latest maintenance in the past (previous maintenance). When the latter is adopted, the maintenance control unit 70 operates to update the latest latest maintenance timing to the current maintenance timing every time maintenance is performed.

(Discharge detection unit)
The discharge detection unit 203 functions as a discharge detection unit that detects that a discharge has occurred in the X-ray tube 1. The discharge detection unit 203 includes, for example, a tube current / voltage detection unit 20 and a main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  Detection of the occurrence of discharge in the X-ray tube 1 by the discharge detection unit 203 is performed, for example, by monitoring the tube voltage of the X-ray tube 1 by the tube current voltage detection unit 20, and a tube voltage equal to or less than half of a predetermined set value This is performed by determining that a discharge has occurred in the X-ray tube 1 when the value of is detected. This discharge detection method is a conventionally used method.

(Discharge count section)
The discharge number counting unit 204 functions as a discharge number counting unit that counts the number of times the discharge detection unit 203 has detected the discharge of the X-ray tube 1. The discharge count unit 204 is constituted by, for example, the main CPU 50 (having a counter function) of the main control unit 12.

  The maintenance control unit 70 is configured to reset the count value by the discharge frequency counting unit 204, for example, every time the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is turned on or off, or every time maintenance is performed. .

(Discharge count determination unit)
The discharge number determination unit 205 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12, and performs the following process according to the number of detected discharges of the X-ray tube 1 counted by the discharge number counting unit 204. .

  First, when the counted number of discharge detections n1 is 0 (n1 = 0), that is, when no discharge has been detected, the discharge number determination unit 205 sends an instruction to the maintenance control unit 70. Upon receiving this instruction, the maintenance control unit 70 ends the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200.

  When the number of discharge detections n1 is 1 or more (n1 ≧ 1), the discharge number determination unit 205 sends an instruction to the maintenance control unit 70 and reads the threshold value N1 of the number of discharge detections stored in the set value storage unit 72. To be sent to the second maintenance processing unit 200. Further, the discharge number determination unit 205 compares the counted number of discharge detections n1 with the threshold value N1 to determine the magnitude relationship.

  When the number of discharge detections n1 is less than or equal to the threshold value N1 (1 ≦ n1 ≦ N1; corresponding to the “predetermined range” of the present invention), the discharge number determination unit 205 sends an instruction to the maintenance interval calculation unit 206. The operation of the maintenance interval calculation unit 206 that has received this instruction will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the discharge detection number n1 exceeds the threshold value N1 (n1> N1), the discharge number determination unit 205 sends an instruction to the notification processing unit 212. The operation of the notification processing unit 212 that has received this instruction will be described later.

  The magnitude relationship between the number of discharge detections n1 and the threshold value N1 is divided into the case of n1 ≦ N1 and the case of n1> N1, but the magnitude relationship is divided into a case of n1 <N1 and a case of n1 ≧ N1. It is also possible to make a comparative determination.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 is ended only when the discharge detection number n1 is 0. However, the discharge detection number n1 that leads to the end of the operation can be arbitrarily set. . For example, when the number of discharge detections n1 = 0 or 1, the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 can be terminated.

(Maintenance interval calculator)
The maintenance interval calculation unit 206 operates in response to an instruction from the discharge number determination unit 205, and functions as a calculation unit that calculates an elapsed time from the previous maintenance to the present based on the stored timing. The maintenance interval calculation unit 206 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  The process performed by the maintenance interval calculation unit 206 will be described more specifically. The maintenance interval calculation unit 206 sends an instruction to the maintenance control unit 70, refers to the time measuring unit 73, acquires the current time, and sends it to the second maintenance processing unit 200. Instead of acquiring the current time at this stage, it is also possible to use the time acquired when the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is powered on (see the description of FIG. 11 described later).

  The maintenance interval history storage unit 202 stores the previous maintenance timing. The maintenance interval calculation unit 206 calculates an elapsed time from the previous maintenance timing to the current time (or time when the power is turned on).

(Maintenance interval judgment unit)
The maintenance interval determination unit 207 performs processing for determining whether or not the elapsed time from the previous maintenance calculated by the maintenance interval calculation unit 206 is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. The maintenance interval determination unit 207 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  The maintenance control unit 70 reads the maintenance interval threshold value T <b> 2 from the set value storage unit 72 and sends it to the second maintenance processing unit 200. This threshold value 21 is the “predetermined time”. The maintenance interval determination unit 207 determines the magnitude relationship by comparing the calculation result t2 of the elapsed time from the previous maintenance with the threshold value T2.

  When the elapsed time calculation result t2 is equal to or less than the threshold value T2 (t2 ≦ T2), the maintenance interval determination unit 207 sends an instruction to the display control unit 208.

  On the other hand, when the elapsed time calculation result t2 exceeds the threshold value T2 (t2> T2), the maintenance interval determination unit 207 sends an instruction different from the case of t2 ≦ T2 to the display control unit 208. The contents of the instruction when t2 ≦ T2 and the contents of the instruction when t2> T2 will be described in detail in the description of the display control unit 208 described later.

  Note that the comparison determination of the magnitude relationship between the calculation result t2 of the elapsed time from the previous maintenance and the threshold value T2 can be performed separately for the case of t2 <T2 and the case of t2 ≧ T2.

(Display control unit)
The display control unit 208 operates in response to an instruction from the maintenance interval determination unit 207, and allows the user to determine whether to perform aging of the X-ray tube 1 or whether to perform getter activation. It functions as a control means for causing the display unit 71 to display information to be determined. The display control unit 208 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  Here, “information that allows the user to determine whether or not to perform aging” is the above-described aging execution determination information. Further, “information for allowing the user to determine whether to execute getter activation” is referred to as “getter activation execution determination information”. This getter activation execution determination information is stored in advance in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive of a computer constituting the main control unit 12.

  When the display control unit 208 receives an instruction sent from the maintenance interval determination unit 207 when t2 ≦ T2, the display control unit 208 sends an instruction to the maintenance control unit 70 to display the aging execution determination information on the display unit 71. The maintenance control unit 70 causes the display unit 71 to display aging execution determination information in response to this instruction. The display mode of this aging execution determination information is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  When the display control unit 208 receives an instruction sent from the maintenance interval determination unit 207 when t2> T2, the display control unit 208 instructs the maintenance control unit 70 to display the getter activation execution determination information on the display unit 71. send. In response to this instruction, the maintenance control unit 70 causes the display unit 71 to display getter activation execution determination information.

  The display mode of the getter activation execution determination information is, for example, a dialog similar to the aging execution determination information 2000 of FIG. The message displayed in this dialog is "Do you want to activate getter?"

(Maintenance request operation part)
The maintenance request operation unit 209 has the same configuration as the maintenance request operation unit 106 of the first maintenance processing unit 100, and the user is based on the aging execution determination information or the getter activation execution determination information displayed on the display unit 71. Functions as a request operation means for requesting execution of aging or getter activation.

(Maintenance condition storage)
The maintenance condition storage unit 210 has the same configuration as the maintenance condition storage unit 107 of the first maintenance processing unit 100, and together with the aging condition described above, the X-ray condition (when the getter activation of the X-ray tube 1 is performed ( (Referred to as getter activation conditions).

  The getter activation conditions include conditions such as a tube voltage value, a tube current value (filament current value), and an exposure time (energization time) for heating the getter to activate its gas adsorption ability. . Such a getter activation condition has been conventionally described in a service engineer's manual or the like as well as the aging condition, and the maintenance condition storage unit 210 stores the getter activation condition.

(Maintenance Department)
The maintenance execution unit 211 responds to the request for execution of aging (getter activation) by the maintenance request operation unit 209, and performs aging (getter activation) for the aging (getter activation) of the X-ray tube 1. ). The maintenance execution unit 211 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12.

  When the maintenance request operation unit 209 makes an aging (getter activation) execution request, the maintenance execution unit 211 acquires an aging condition (getter activation condition) from the maintenance condition storage unit 210 and acquires the X-ray control unit 8. Send to. The X-ray controller 8 controls the high voltage generator 9 according to this aging condition (getter activation condition) to change the tube voltage and tube current applied to the X-ray tube 1. As a result, aging (getter activation) is performed as requested by the user.

(Notification processing part)
The notification processing unit 212 operates in response to an instruction when the discharge number determination unit 205 determines that the discharge detection number n1 exceeds the threshold value N1 (n1> N1), and communicates with the maintenance service provider via the network N. It functions as a notification means for transmitting notification information to the apparatus 1000 (see FIG. 2). The notification processing unit 212 includes the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12 and the communication interface 40.

  As the notification information transmitted to the communication apparatus 1000, for example, a message indicating that an abnormality (discharge has occurred) in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus or a message requesting dispatch of a service engineer is used. This notification information may be a visual message such as a text message or a voice message. The notification information is stored in advance in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive of a computer that constitutes the main control unit 12, for example. The notification processing unit 212 reads the stored notification information and transmits it to the communication device 1000. Above, description of the 2nd maintenance process part 200 is complete | finished.

[Third maintenance processing section]
Next, the third maintenance processing unit 300 will be described. The operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300 is started by the maintenance control unit 70 after the examination (imaging and fluoroscopy) by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is completed.

  The third maintenance processing unit 300 is actually energized to the set value of the tube current and the X-ray tube 1 based on the number of X-ray images taken by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus (the number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 1). A process for displaying information that allows the user to determine whether or not to investigate an error from the tube current is executed.

  Further, the third maintenance processing unit 300 executes a process for adjusting the tube current of the X-ray tube 1 when the error of the tube current is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The third maintenance processing unit 300 that performs such processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  The third maintenance processing unit 300 includes a tube current setting unit 301, a photographed number counting unit 302, a photographed number determining unit 303, a tube current investigation operating unit 304, a tube current detecting unit 305, a tube current error calculating unit 306, and a tube current determining unit. A unit 307, a display control unit 308, a maintenance request operation unit 309, a maintenance condition storage unit 310, and a maintenance execution unit 311 are provided. Hereinafter, each of these units 301 to 311 will be described.

(Tube current setting part)
The tube current setting unit 301 functions as a setting unit for setting a tube current value for energizing the X-ray tube 1 and includes, for example, the operation unit 11. Information on the set value of the tube current set by the tube current setting unit 301 is sent to the X-ray control unit 8. The X-ray control unit 8 controls the high voltage generation unit 9 based on this information to energize the X-ray tube 1 with a tube current.

(Number of shots taken)
The number-of-images counting unit 302 functions as a generation number counting unit that counts the number of X-ray images to be captured, that is, counts the number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 1. The photographed image count unit 302 is constituted by, for example, the main CPU 50 (having a counter function) of the main control unit 12.

  Before specifically describing an example of the operation of the imaging number counting unit 302, an X-ray generation procedure in X-ray image imaging will be briefly described. When performing X-ray imaging, the user sets imaging conditions using the operation unit 11 (tube current setting unit 301). This imaging condition is sent to the X-ray control unit 8. When the user requests execution of imaging from the operation unit 11, the X-ray control unit 8 controls the high voltage generation unit 9 to energize the X-ray tube 1 with a tube current corresponding to the imaging conditions to generate X-rays. (At this time, the tube voltage and the shooting time are also based on the shooting conditions).

  The X-ray control unit 8 transmits a signal to the main CPU 50 (the number of shots counting unit 302) every time X-rays are generated in this way. Every time this signal is received, the number-of-images counting unit 302 counts the number of X-rays generated (number of images) by the X-ray tube 1 by adding 1 to the count value so far.

  The maintenance control unit 70 is configured to reset the count value obtained by the number-of-photographing counting unit 302 every time maintenance is performed, for example.

  The counting method by the “occurrence number counting means” of the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, counting may be performed in response to a request to perform shooting from the operation unit 11, counting may be performed in response to setting of shooting conditions, or the image signal control unit 13 may capture a captured image. Counting may be performed in response to the creation of the image data.

(Shooting number judgment part)
The number-of-photographing number determination unit 303 includes, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12, and performs the following processing according to the number of photographings (number of X-rays generated) counted by the number-of-photographing number counting unit 302.

  In the processing by the number-of-photographing number determination unit 303, the threshold value N2 of the number of photographings stored in the setting value storage unit 72 is used. The threshold N2 is read from the maintenance control unit 70 and sent to the third maintenance processing unit 300. The number-of-shoots determination unit 303 compares the counted number of shots n2 and the threshold value N2 to determine the magnitude relationship.

  When the number of shots n2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value N2 (n2 ≧ N2), the shot number determination unit 303 sends an instruction to the display control unit 308. Receiving this instruction, the display control unit 308 causes the display unit 71 to display information that allows the user to determine whether to investigate an error between the measured value and the set value of the tube current (details will be described later).

  On the other hand, when the number of shots n2 is less than the threshold value N2 (n2 <N2), the shot number determination unit 303 sends an instruction to the maintenance control unit 70 and ends the operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300.

  It should be noted that the magnitude relationship between the number of shots n2 and the threshold value N2 can be compared and determined separately when n2> N2 and when n2 ≦ N2.

(Tube current investigation operation part)
The tube current investigation operation unit 304 is configured by the operation unit 11, for example, and based on information displayed by the display control unit 308 in response to an instruction from the number-of-photographing number determination unit 303, the tube current survey operation unit 304 It functions as an operating means for starting an error investigation.

(Tube current detector)
The tube current detection unit 305 includes, for example, the tube current voltage detection unit 20 and functions as a tube current detection unit that detects a tube current value supplied to the X-ray tube 1.

(Tube current error calculator)
The tube current error calculation unit 306 is based on the tube current value (set value) set by the tube current setting unit 301 and the tube current value (actually measured value) detected by the tube current detection unit 305. It functions as a calculation means for calculating an error of the actually measured value with respect to the set value. The tube current error calculation unit 306 includes, for example, a main CPU 50.

(Tube current judgment part)
The tube current determination unit 307 is configured to include, for example, the main CPU 50 of the main control unit 12, and performs the following processing according to the tube current error calculated by the tube current error calculation unit 306.

  For the processing by the tube current determination unit 307, the threshold value Δ of the tube current error stored in the set value storage unit 72 is used. The tube current determination unit 307 compares the calculated tube current error δ with a threshold value Δ to determine the magnitude relationship.

  When the tube current error δ is greater than or equal to the threshold value Δ (δ ≧ Δ), the tube current determination unit 307 sends an instruction to the display control unit 308. The operation of the display control unit 308 based on this instruction will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the tube current error δ is less than the threshold value Δ (δ <Δ), the tube current determination unit 307 sends an instruction to the maintenance control unit 70 and ends the operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300.

  Note that the magnitude relationship between the tube current error δ and the threshold value Δ can be compared and determined separately when δ> Δ and when δ ≦ Δ.

(Display control unit)
The display control unit 308 is configured to include, for example, the main CPU 50 and functions as a control unit that performs the following processing: (1) Whether the tube current error is examined in response to an instruction from the number-of-photographing number determination unit 303 (2) Whether or not to perform tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube 1 in response to an instruction from the tube current determination unit 307 Information (tube current adjustment execution determination information) that allows the user to determine whether or not is displayed on the display unit 71.

  Here, the investigation determination information and the tube current adjustment execution determination information are each stored in advance in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive of a computer constituting the main control unit 12.

  (1) The display control unit 308 causes the maintenance control unit 70 to display the investigation determination information on the display unit 71 based on an instruction sent from the shooting number determination unit 303 when the number of shots n2 is equal to or greater than the threshold N2. Send instructions. The maintenance control unit 70 causes the display unit 71 to display survey determination information in response to this instruction.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of a display mode of the survey determination information. The investigation determination information 3000 shown in the figure is a dialog displayed on the display screen 71a of the display unit 71 as in the case of the aging execution determination information 2000 of FIG. 7, and the user determines whether or not to investigate the tube current value. A message 3001 “Do you want to investigate the tube current value?”, A soft key 3002 that is clicked when the survey is performed, and a 2003 that is clicked when the survey is not performed are arranged.

  (2) The display control unit 308 performs maintenance so that the tube current adjustment execution determination information is displayed on the display unit 71 based on the instruction sent from the tube current determination unit 307 when the tube current error δ is equal to or greater than the threshold value Δ. An instruction is sent to the control unit 70. The maintenance control unit 70 causes the display unit 71 to display tube current adjustment execution determination information in response to this instruction.

  The display mode of the tube current adjustment execution determination information is, for example, a dialog similar to the aging execution determination information 2000 of FIG. The message displayed in this dialog is "Do you want to adjust the tube voltage?"

(Maintenance request operation part)
The maintenance request operation unit 309 has the same configuration as that of the maintenance request operation unit 106 of the first maintenance processing unit 100, and based on the tube current adjustment execution determination information displayed on the display unit 71, the user can perform the tube current investigation. It functions as a request operation means for requesting implementation.

(Maintenance condition storage)
The maintenance condition storage unit 310 has a configuration similar to that of the maintenance condition storage unit 107 of the first maintenance processing unit 100, and X-ray conditions (referred to as tube current adjustment conditions) when performing tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube 1. .) Is stored in advance.

  The tube current adjustment conditions are the same as the aging conditions, etc., as described in the manual, such as tube voltage value, tube current value (filament current value), exposure time (energization time), etc. It is included.

(Maintenance Department)
The maintenance execution unit 311 includes, for example, the main CPU 50, and in response to a request for execution of tube current adjustment by the maintenance request operation unit 309, tube current adjustment means for performing tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube 1. Function as. The adjustment of the tube current value is performed by a method similar to the conventional method.

  When the maintenance request operation unit 309 makes a tube current adjustment execution request, the maintenance execution unit 311 acquires the tube current adjustment condition from the maintenance condition storage unit 310 and transmits it to the X-ray control unit 8. The X-ray control unit 8 controls the high voltage generation unit 9 based on the tube current adjustment condition, applies a tube current having a value indicated by the condition to the X-ray tube 1 and exposes the X-ray.

  The tube current detection unit 305 detects the tube current value of the X-ray tube 1 at this time and feeds it back to the maintenance execution unit 311. The maintenance execution unit 311 compares the tube current value feedback with the tube current value indicated in the tube current adjustment condition, and corrects the tube current value of the condition. Then, the corrected tube current value is sent to the X-ray control unit 8, and X-rays are again irradiated. Such an “exposure-detection-feedback-correction” cycle is repeated until the set value of the tube current and the measured value fall within a predetermined error. Thereby, the tube current adjustment is performed as requested by the user. This is the end of the description of the configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

[Operation]
Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. 9 to 12 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 represents an outline of a series of operations executed between the power-on and power-off of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 represents an operation executed when the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is powered on. The flowcharts shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 represent operations that are performed before the examination (X-ray imaging, X-ray fluoroscopy) by the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is finished and the power is turned off.

[Overview of operation: Fig. 9]
First, the user operates the power supply operation unit 101 shown in FIG. 4 to turn on the X-ray diagnostic apparatus (S1).

  The maintenance control unit 70 receives the power on of the apparatus and starts processing by the first maintenance processing unit 100 (S2). The first maintenance processing unit 100 executes processing (described later) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 (S3), and the operation is ended by the maintenance control unit 70 (S4). As a result, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus shifts to a state in which the subject can be examined.

  X-ray imaging and fluoroscopy for the subject are performed (S5). When all the inspections are completed, the user requests completion of the inspection (S6). This inspection end request is made by operating the operation unit 11, for example.

  During the inspection, the discharge detection unit 203 of the second maintenance processing unit 200 monitors the occurrence of discharge in the X-ray tube 1, and the number of occurrences is counted by the discharge number counting unit 204. Further, during the inspection, the number-of-images counting unit 302 of the third maintenance processing unit 300 counts the number of images of X-ray images (number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 1).

  Now, when an inspection end request is made, the maintenance control unit 70 starts processing by the second maintenance processing unit 200 (S7). The second maintenance processing unit 200 executes processing (described later) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 (S8), and the operation is ended by the maintenance control unit 70 (S9).

  Next, the maintenance control unit 70 starts processing by the third maintenance processing unit 300 (S10). The third maintenance processing unit 300 executes processing (described later) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 (S11), and the operation is ended by the maintenance control unit 70 (S12).

  In response to the end of the operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300, the main CPU 50 performs shutdown processing of the computer serving as the main control unit 12 and the computer serving as the image signal control unit 13 (S13), and the power supply of the apparatus Is turned off (S14). The above is the outline of the operation of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In the operation shown in FIG. 9, the second maintenance processing unit 200 is operated in response to the inspection end request, and the third maintenance processing unit 300 is operated after the operation ends. The third maintenance processing unit 300 can be operated in response to the inspection end request, and the second maintenance processing unit 200 can be controlled to operate after the operation ends.

  Hereinafter, the operations of the first, second, and third maintenance processing units 100, 200, and 300 shown in steps S3, S8, and S11 of FIG. 9 will be described in detail.

[Processing by First Maintenance Processing Unit in Step S3: FIG. 10]
Please refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. When the power is turned on (S1), the maintenance control unit 70 starts the processing by the first maintenance processing unit 100 (S2) and refers to the time measuring unit 73 to the current time (the power is turned on at step S1). Is stored in the power operation storage unit 102 (S101).

  Next, based on the previous power-off time and the current power-on time stored in the power operation storage unit 102, the non-use time calculation unit 103 performs the period from the previous power-off to the current power-on. The elapsed time t1 is calculated (S102). The non-use time determination unit 104 determines the magnitude relationship between the elapsed time calculation result t1 and the device non-use time threshold T1 (S103).

  When the elapsed time calculation result t1 is less than the threshold value T1 (t1 <T1) (S104; N), the operation of the first maintenance processing unit 100 ends (S4).

  On the other hand, when the elapsed time calculation result t1 is equal to or greater than the threshold T1 (t1 ≧ T1) (S104; Y), the display control unit 105 causes the display unit 71 to display the aging execution determination information 2000 shown in FIG. 7 (S105). ).

  The user looks at the displayed aging execution determination information 2000 and determines whether to perform aging. When aging is not performed, the soft key 2003 is clicked (S106; N), and the operation of the first maintenance processing unit 100 ends (S4).

  On the other hand, when performing aging, the soft key 2002 is clicked and an aging execution request is made (S106; Y). The maintenance execution unit 108 performs aging of the X-ray tube 1 in response to the aging execution request (S107). In response to the end of aging, the operation of the first maintenance processing unit 100 ends (S4).

[Processing by Second Maintenance Processing Unit in Step S8: FIG. 11]
Please refer to FIG. 5 and FIG. As described above, during the inspection in step S5, the discharge number counting unit 204 counts the number of occurrences of discharge of the X-ray tube 1 by the discharge detection unit 203.

  When the inspection is completed (S6) and the processing by the second maintenance processing unit 200 is started (S7), the discharge number determination unit 205 determines that the count value of the number of discharges (discharge detection number n1) is 0 or 1 It is determined whether it is above (S201).

  When the number of detected discharges n1 = 0 (S202; N), the maintenance control unit 70 ends the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 (S9).

  On the other hand, when the number of discharge detections n1 ≧ 1 (S202; Y), the discharge number determination unit 205 determines the magnitude relationship between the counted number of discharge detections n1 and the threshold value N1 of the number of discharge detections (S203).

  When the discharge detection count n1 exceeds the threshold value N1 (n1> N1) (S204; N), the notification processing unit 212 transmits notification information to the maintenance service providing side communication device 1000 via the network N (S214). ), The operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 ends (S9).

  On the other hand, when the discharge detection number n1 is equal to or less than the threshold value N1 (1 ≦ n1 ≦ N1) (S204; Y), the maintenance interval calculation unit 206 stores the current time and the previous maintenance stored in the maintenance interval history storage unit 202. The elapsed time t2 from the previous maintenance is calculated based on the timing (S205).

  If the process shown in FIG. 11 is performed after the power-on time is acquired in step S101 in FIG. 10, the elapsed time using the power-on time as the “current time”. t2 can be calculated.

  The maintenance interval determination unit 207 determines the magnitude relationship between the calculation result t2 of the elapsed time from the previous maintenance and the maintenance interval threshold T2 (S206).

  When the elapsed time calculation result t2 is equal to or less than the threshold value T2 (t2 ≦ T2) (S207; Y), the display control unit 208 causes the display unit 71 to display the aging execution determination information 2000 of FIG. 7 (S208).

  The user sees this aging execution determination information 2000 and determines whether to perform aging. When the aging is not performed, the soft key 2003 is clicked (S209; N), and the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 ends (S9).

  On the other hand, when performing aging, the soft key 2002 is clicked and an aging execution request is made (S209; Y). The maintenance execution unit 211 performs aging of the X-ray tube 1 in response to the aging execution request (S210). When the aging is finished, the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 is finished (S9).

  In step S207, when the elapsed time calculation result t2 exceeds the threshold T2 (t2> T2) (S207; N), the display control unit 208 causes the display unit 71 to display the getter activation execution determination information. (S211).

  The user sees the getter activation execution determination information and determines whether to execute getter activation. If not, the corresponding soft key is clicked (S212; N), and the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 ends (S9).

  On the other hand, when performing getter activation, a corresponding soft key is clicked to make a getter activation execution request (S212; Y). The maintenance execution unit 211 performs getter activation of the X-ray tube 1 in response to the execution request (S213). When the getter activation is finished, the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 is finished (S9).

  After the aging in step S210 or after the getter activation in step S213, the count value reset process of the discharge count unit 204 and / or the history writing process to the maintenance history storage unit 202 are performed. May be.

[Processing by Third Maintenance Processing Unit in Step S11: FIG. 12]
Please refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. Note that, as described above, during the inspection in step S5, the number-of-images counting unit 302 counts the number of X-ray images (number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 1).

  When the operation of the second maintenance processing unit 200 is finished (S9), the processing by the third maintenance processing unit 300 is started (S10). The tube current setting unit 301 is set to a predetermined tube current value. The number-of-shots determination unit 303 determines the magnitude relationship between the number of shots n2 counted by the number-of-shots counting unit 302 and the threshold N2 of the number of shots (S301).

  When the number of shots n2 is less than the threshold value N2 (n2 <N2) (S302; N), the operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300 is ended by the maintenance control unit 70 (S12).

  On the other hand, when the number of shots n2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value N2 (n2 ≧ N2) (S302; Y), the display control unit 308 causes the display unit 71 to display the investigation determination information 3000 of FIG. 8 (S303).

  The user sees this investigation determination information 3000 and determines whether or not to investigate the tube current value. When not investigating, the soft key 3003 is clicked (S304; N), and the operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300 ends (S12).

  On the other hand, when investigating the tube current, the soft key 3002 is clicked to make a tube current investigation request (S304; Y). In response to this, the tube current value set by the tube current setting unit 301 is applied to the X-ray tube 1, and the tube current detection unit 301 detects the tube current value that actually flows through the X-ray tube 1 (S305). ).

  The tube current error calculation unit 306 calculates an error δ of the detected value (actual value) of the tube current with respect to the set value of the tube current (S306). The tube current determination unit 307 determines the magnitude relationship between the calculated tube current error δ and the tube current threshold value Δ (S307).

  When the tube current error δ is less than the threshold value Δ (δ <Δ) (S308; N), the operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300 is ended by the maintenance control unit 70 (S12).

  On the other hand, when the tube current error δ is equal to or greater than the threshold value Δ (δ ≧ Δ) (S308; Y), the display control unit 308 causes the display unit 71 to display tube current adjustment execution determination information (S309).

  The user looks at this tube current adjustment execution determination information and determines whether or not to perform tube current adjustment. If not, the corresponding soft key is clicked (S310; N), and the operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300 ends (S12).

  On the other hand, when the tube current adjustment is performed, a corresponding soft key is clicked to request execution of tube current adjustment (S310; Y). The maintenance execution unit 311 performs tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube 1 in response to this execution request (S311). When the tube current adjustment is completed, the maintenance control unit 70 resets the counter of the photographed number counting unit 302 (S312), and ends the operation of the third maintenance processing unit 300 (S12).

[Action / Effect]
According to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment that operates as described above, aging, getter activation, and tube current adjustment can be performed at suitable timings. Hereinafter, the operation and effect of this embodiment will be described for each of these types of maintenance.

  First, the operation and effect of the present embodiment relating to aging will be described. Aging is maintenance performed when the use of a device that has not been used for a long time is resumed. This X-ray diagnostic device calculates the elapsed time from the previous power-off to the current power-on based on the previous power-off timing and the current power-on timing when the power is switched on. In addition, when the calculated elapsed time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time (apparatus non-use time threshold T1), the aging execution determination information 2000 is displayed for allowing the user to determine whether to perform aging of the X-ray tube 1 or not. It acts to display on the unit 71.

  As described above, according to this X-ray diagnostic apparatus, whether maintenance (aging), which has been performed by a service engineer in the past, is automatically determined based on the previous power-off timing and the current power-on timing. The aging execution determination information 2000 can be displayed when it should be executed.

  Thereby, the user can request execution of aging with reference to the displayed aging execution determination information 2000, except when an emergency examination for an emergency patient is necessary, for example. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the apparatus is not used for a long time and the use is resumed, accurate maintenance (aging) can be performed at a suitable timing, and the quality of the X-ray tube 1 can be maintained and the life can be extended. Can be achieved.

  Further, the aging execution request may be made by simply clicking the soft key 2002 of the aging execution determination information 2000, and the X-ray diagnostic apparatus that receives the request automatically performs the aging of the X-ray tube 1. Yes. Therefore, since it is not necessary to refer to the device manual for the aging method, aging can be performed easily. In addition, since it is not necessary to wait for a service engineer's visit, aging can be performed quickly at a suitable timing.

  The conventional configuration described in Patent Document 3 described above starts counting up a timer in response to the power-off of the device, and generates an alarm when the power is turned on after the timer has counted for a predetermined time or more. Therefore, if the timer is stopped or reset while the device is not in use, there is a problem in that an alarm cannot be generated at an appropriate timing when use is resumed. On the other hand, the present embodiment is configured to store the power-off timing (time) and to calculate the elapsed time based on the stored power-off timing and the current time when resuming use. . Therefore, according to this embodiment, there is no inconvenience unlike the apparatus of Patent Document 3.

  As another case where the aging of the X-ray tube 1 is to be performed, there is a case where discharge occurs in the X-ray tube 1. In order to deal with such a case, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment stores the timing at which maintenance of the X-ray tube 1 is performed and detects that discharge has occurred in the X-ray tube 1. The number of detections is counted. When the count value n1 falls within a predetermined range (1 ≦ n1 ≦ N1), an elapsed time t2 from the previous maintenance to the present is calculated, and this elapsed time t2 is further set to a predetermined time (threshold value T2). In the following cases, the display unit 71 is configured to display the aging execution determination information 2000.

  Thereby, the user can request execution of aging based on the displayed aging execution determination information 2000. Therefore, when a discharge occurs in the X-ray tube 1, accurate maintenance (aging) can be performed at a suitable timing, and the quality of the X-ray tube 1 can be maintained and the life can be extended. Furthermore, since aging is automatically performed according to a request | requirement, the implementation work of aging can be made easy and quick.

  Next, the operation and effect of the present embodiment regarding the getter activation will be described. When the X-ray tube 1 includes a getter, getter activation is performed as maintenance for coping with the occurrence of discharge. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment stores the timing at which maintenance of the X-ray tube 1 is performed, counts the number of discharge detections of the X-ray tube 1, and the count value n1 is within a predetermined range ( When 1 ≦ n1 ≦ N1), an elapsed time t2 from the previous maintenance to the present is calculated (same as above). When the elapsed time t2 exceeds the threshold value T2, the display unit 71 is configured to display getter activation execution determination information that allows the user to determine whether to perform getter activation of the X-ray tube 1. .

  Thereby, the user can request execution of getter activation based on the displayed getter activation execution determination information. Therefore, when a discharge occurs in the X-ray tube 1, accurate maintenance (getter activation) can be performed at a suitable timing, and the quality of the X-ray tube 1 can be maintained and the life can be extended. Furthermore, since getter activation can be automatically performed as required, it is possible to facilitate and speed up the work of performing getter activation.

  In addition, this embodiment is configured to automatically transmit notification information to the communication device 1000 on the maintenance service providing side when the count value n1 of the number of discharge detections of the X-ray tube 1 exceeds the threshold value N1. Therefore, it is possible to promptly notify the service provider that the number of occurrences of discharge has increased and a situation that requires specialized maintenance has occurred. Thereby, it is possible to promote the quality maintenance and long life of the X-ray tube 1.

  Then, the effect | action of this embodiment regarding a tube current adjustment and an effect are demonstrated. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment counts the number of times X-rays are generated by the X-ray tube 1 (the number of X-ray images taken), and when the count value n2 exceeds a predetermined number (threshold N2), the tube current The display unit 71 displays survey determination information 3000 that allows the user to determine whether or not to investigate an error between the set value and the actual measurement value. When the investigation start is requested, an error δ of the actual measurement value with respect to the set value of the tube current value is calculated.

  The user can refer to the calculated tube current error δ to determine whether or not to execute the tube current adjustment, and request the execution. Therefore, when the number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 1 increases, accurate maintenance (tube current adjustment) can be performed at a suitable timing, and the quality of the X-ray tube 1 can be maintained and the life can be extended.

  In addition, this X-ray diagnostic apparatus allows the user to determine whether or not to perform tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube 1 when the calculated tube current error δ is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (threshold value Δ). The execution determination information is displayed on the display unit 71. The user can request execution of tube current adjustment with a simple operation based on the tube current adjustment execution determination information. When the request is made, the X-ray diagnostic apparatus is configured to automatically perform the tube current adjustment, so that the work for performing the tube current adjustment can be facilitated and speeded up.

  According to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment, as described above, the amount and frequency of maintenance services provided by service engineers can be reduced. Therefore, a reduction in running cost is expected for the side operating the X-ray diagnostic apparatus. On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, since maintenance that occurs during normal operation can be automatically performed by the apparatus, the maintenance service provider needs to dispatch a service engineer for such maintenance. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of service provision.

[Modification]
The embodiment described above is only one specific example of the X-ray apparatus according to the present invention. Therefore, arbitrary modifications can be made as appropriate. Hereinafter, an example of such a modification will be described.

[Modification 1]
Although the X-ray apparatus of the said embodiment is comprised so that the information regarding three types of maintenance of aging, getter activation, and tube current adjustment can be displayed, respectively, the X-ray apparatus which concerns on this invention It is sufficient to be able to display information about at least one type.

  For example, according to the present invention, (1) an X-ray apparatus that displays aging determination information when the apparatus non-use time is a predetermined time or more, (2) the number of discharges of the X-ray tube is within a predetermined range, and An X-ray device that displays aging execution determination information when the elapsed time from the previous maintenance is less than or equal to a predetermined time, and (3) the number of discharges of the X-ray tube is within a predetermined range, and since the previous maintenance An X-ray apparatus that displays getter activation execution determination information when the elapsed time of (1) exceeds a predetermined time, (4) When the number of X-ray generation (number of X-ray images taken) by the X-ray tube is a predetermined number or more (5) In addition to the configuration of (4), in addition to the configuration of (4), the tube current adjustment is performed when the tube current error obtained by the survey is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. X-ray diagnosis that displays judgment information It is possible to adopt location, and the like.

  At this time, the X-ray apparatus of (1) is configured to include the first maintenance processing unit 100 in the above embodiment, and the X-ray apparatus of (2) is the second maintenance processing unit 200 (part relating to getter activation). The X-ray apparatus of (3) is configured to include the second maintenance processing unit 200 (excluding the part related to aging), and the X-ray apparatus of (4) is The third maintenance processing unit 300 (excluding portions related to tube current adjustment execution determination information) is configured, and the X-ray apparatus of (5) is configured to include the third maintenance processing unit 300.

[Modification 2]
Although the X-ray apparatus of the above embodiment has an X-ray tube having a getter, the present invention can also be applied to an X-ray apparatus having an X-ray tube not having a getter. In that case, it is not necessary to execute processing related to getter activation.

  Maintenance of an X-ray tube that does not include a getter includes aging and tube current adjustment. The configurations (1), (2), (4), and (5) of [Modification 1] can be applied to such an X-ray apparatus as it is.

  Note that the configuration (2) can be simplified. For example, the discharge detection means detects the discharge of the X-ray tube, the discharge frequency count means counts the number of discharge detections, and the control is performed when the count value n1 falls within a predetermined range (1 ≦ n1 ≦ N1). A configuration in which the means displays the aging execution determination information on the display means can be adopted. That is, since the process for determining the elapsed time from the previous maintenance in the configuration of (2) is a process for selecting whether to perform aging or to perform getter activation, for maintenance of an X-ray tube without a getter, This is because it is not necessary to make this determination.

[Modification 3]
As described above, if the tube current continues to be used while the value of the tube current actually flowing through the X-ray tube exceeds the set value, the X-ray tube may be damaged or the life may be shortened. In order to cope with such a situation, the following configuration can be added to the X-ray apparatus of the present invention.

  The tube current error calculation unit 306 of the third maintenance processing unit 300 of the above embodiment functions to calculate the error of the actual measurement value with respect to the set value of the tube current. From this calculation result, it is possible to determine the magnitude relationship between the actually measured value and the set value. This determination process is performed by the tube current determination unit 307, for example. When the actually measured value is larger, the display control unit 308 displays a warning (for example, “Please adjust the tube current”) on the display unit 71. At this time, a warning may be displayed only when the error is a predetermined value (for example, an error of 5%) or more.

  Instead of acquiring the magnitude relationship from the error between the set value of the tube current and the measured value, it is possible to determine only the magnitude relationship between the set value and the measured value.

[Modification 4]
The X-ray apparatus of the above embodiment displays the investigation determination information 3000 as to whether or not to investigate the tube current error in the previous stage of performing the tube current adjustment, and performs the survey in response to the user's request. However, when the number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 1 (the number of X-ray images taken) exceeds a predetermined number, the tube current error is automatically investigated. The same actions and effects can be obtained.

  However, if the user determines not to perform tube current adjustment after investigating the tube current error, the operation of the apparatus and CPU resources required for the investigation are wasted. Considering this point, the above-described embodiment is superior to the modified example in terms of the efficiency of device operation. Further, as will be described later in [Modification 5], the above embodiment is superior to this modification in terms of safety. On the other hand, this modified example is superior in terms of operability in that a survey is automatically performed regardless of a user request.

[Modification 5]
The X-ray apparatus according to the embodiment displays information (aging execution determination information, etc.) that allows the user to determine whether or not to perform maintenance in response to a specific condition (device non-use time, etc.) being satisfied. However, it is also possible to configure so that the maintenance is automatically started in response to a specific condition being satisfied.

  In that case, it is desirable to notify a user or the like of a message or warning indicating that maintenance is started or maintenance is being performed. That is, if maintenance starts when there is a person in the examination room or if a person enters the examination room during the maintenance, the person may be exposed. In the above-described embodiment, in consideration of this, the execution of maintenance is left to the user's judgment.

  In the X-ray apparatus of the above-described embodiment, the number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube is counted, and when the counted number of X-rays generated is a predetermined number or more, a tube current is passed through the X-ray tube, An error (tube current error) between the set value of the tube current value and the detected value at that time is calculated, and if this tube current error is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, whether or not to perform tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube Since the information to be determined by the user is displayed, the user can request execution of tube current adjustment with reference to the displayed information. Therefore, appropriate maintenance (tube current adjustment) can be performed at a suitable timing according to the number of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube and the tube current error, and the quality of the X-ray tube can be maintained and the life can be extended. It becomes possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray tube 2 X-ray detection part 8 X-ray control part 8a Numerical value setting part 9 High voltage generation part 10, 14 Display 11 Operation part 12 Main control part 50 Main CPU
13 Image signal control unit 20 Tube current voltage detection unit 70 Maintenance control unit 71 Display unit 72 Setting value storage unit 73 Timekeeping unit 100 First maintenance control unit 101 Power supply operation unit 102 Power supply operation storage unit 103 Non-use time calculation unit 104 Nonuse Time determination unit 105 Display control unit 106 Maintenance request operation unit 107 Maintenance condition storage unit 108 Maintenance execution unit 200 Second maintenance processing unit 201 Maintenance operation unit 202 Maintenance history storage unit 203 Discharge detection unit 204 Discharge frequency count unit 205 Discharge frequency determination unit 206 Maintenance interval calculation unit 207 Maintenance interval determination unit 208 Display control unit 209 Maintenance request operation unit 210 Maintenance condition storage unit 211 Maintenance execution unit 300 Third maintenance processing unit 301 Tube current setting Fixed unit 302 Number of photographed image count unit 303 Number of photographed image determination unit 304 Tube current investigation operation unit 305 Tube current detection unit 306 Tube current error calculation unit 307 Tube current determination unit 308 Display control unit 309 Maintenance request operation unit 310 Maintenance condition storage unit 311 Maintenance Execution unit 1000 (maintenance service providing side) communication device 2000 aging execution determination information 3000 investigation determination information N network

Claims (3)

An X-ray tube for generating X-rays, setting means for setting a tube current value to be passed through the X-ray tube, and energization for passing a tube current through the X-ray tube based on the set tube current value An X-ray apparatus comprising: means; and a tube current detecting means for detecting a tube current value supplied to the X-ray tube by the energizing means,
Display means;
An occurrence number counting means for counting the number of occurrences of X-rays by the X-ray tube;
The tube current set value by the setting means and the tube current detection when the tube current is supplied to the X-ray tube by the energizing means when the counted number of occurrences of the X-rays is a predetermined number or more. Calculating means for calculating an error from the detected value of the tube current by the means;
Control means for causing the display means to display information that allows a user to determine whether or not to perform tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube when the calculated error is equal to or greater than a predetermined value;
An X-ray apparatus comprising: Further, the control means causes the display means to select whether or not to investigate the error when the counted number of occurrences of the X-rays is equal to or greater than a predetermined number,
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the error in response to selection of the error investigation . Request operation means for requesting execution of tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube based on information for determining whether or not to perform the tube current adjustment displayed on the display means;
Tube current adjusting means for performing tube current adjustment of the X-ray tube in response to the request;
The X-ray apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

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