CA2451257A1 - Display and control element for an x-ray unit - Google Patents
Display and control element for an x-ray unit Download PDFInfo
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- CA2451257A1 CA2451257A1 CA002451257A CA2451257A CA2451257A1 CA 2451257 A1 CA2451257 A1 CA 2451257A1 CA 002451257 A CA002451257 A CA 002451257A CA 2451257 A CA2451257 A CA 2451257A CA 2451257 A1 CA2451257 A1 CA 2451257A1
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- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 11
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002238 attenuated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940124645 emergency medicine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/46—Arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
- A61B6/461—Displaying means of special interest
- A61B6/465—Displaying means of special interest adapted to display user selection data, e.g. graphical user interface, icons or menus
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05G—X-RAY TECHNIQUE
- H05G1/00—X-ray apparatus involving X-ray tubes; Circuits therefor
- H05G1/08—Electrical details
- H05G1/26—Measuring, controlling or protecting
- H05G1/54—Protecting or lifetime prediction
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
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- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
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- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
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- Molecular Biology (AREA)
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- X-Ray Techniques (AREA)
- Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a display (20, 21, 22) and a control element for a control device (11) for an X-ray unit (1). The triggering of an X-ray shot can be blocked automatically upon reaching a thermal loading limit for an X-ray source (4), where the display (20, 21, 22) can display a period of time which the X-ray source (4) requires in order to leave the thermal loading limit again. The triggering of an X-ray shot can be deblocked by operating the control element despite the thermal loading limit having been reached.
In line with the invention, the display (20, 21, 22) and the control element are integrated in a common break-time key (14).
In line with the invention, the display (20, 21, 22) and the control element are integrated in a common break-time key (14).
Description
Description Display and control element for an X-ray unit The invention relates to a display and a control element for an X-ray unit.
In clinical work environments, rational working methods and a high degree of automation are demanded in order to allow efficient and economic working.
Rationalization in radiological departments have reduced the break intervals between X-ray shots to such a great extent that the time required for an X-ray tube which is in operation to cool down is often no longer achieved in the break intervals. Furthermore, peak traffic operation occurring in emergency diagnostics can also occasionally result in the break intervals being shortened to a critical degree in no time.
Particularly susceptible to destruction as a result of overheating is the anode plate in a X-ray tube. The temperature of the anode plate can be monitored by measurement, or the thermal loading thereof can be simulated in a tube load computer using a computation model. Limit values for the thermal loading are prescribed by the manufacturer according to the tube type. When a thermal loading limit is reached, whether it be as a result of said limit being exceeded or as a result of the immediate imminence of said limit being exceeded, which could result in the X-ray tube or the anode plate being damaged, the X-ray unit automatically prevents or blocks the triggering of an X-ray shot until the necessary cooling time has passed. In addition, a display or a warning signal informs the operator that the thermal loading limit has been reached.
When the reaching of a thermal loading limit is signaled, it is, however, possible to force further X-ray shots even though they are blocked, in principle, by the X-ray unit. This can be provided for medical reasons, for example. To this end, it is known practice to provide a separate key which an operator needs to operate in order to release the X-ray unit's blocking mechanism. It is then possible to use the normal shoot key to trigger an X-ray shot as normal. The need for a separate key to be operated is intended to ensure that the operator is aware under all circumstances that when forcing the X-ray shot there is the risk of damage to the X-ray tube or to the anode plate.
To inform the operator about the loading state of an X-ray tube, DE 100 39 416 A1 has disclosed a display which an X-ray unit, upon reaching a loading limit, uses to display the remaining cooling time which needs to pass in order for the X-ray tube to cool down sufficiently. An operator can use this time display to optimize his working sequence, for example. In addition, particularly in hurried cases, e.g. in emergency diagnostics, there can be a better estimation of whether the necessary cooling time is acceptable. On the basis of this, the operator can better decide whether X-ray shots need to be forced despite the loading limit having been reached.
A drawback of the known display and control elements is that the operator needs to direct his attention to two different elements of the X-ray unit in order to force X-ray shots. To detect the remaining cooling time after the loading limit has been reached, the operator needs to look at the cooling-time display. To release the X-ray unit's blocking mechanism, he needs to look at the separate, detached key for debblocking. When the deblocking key has been operated, an X-ray shot can be ' CA 02451257 2003-11-27 triggered by operating the shoot key, as a third element needing to be visualized.
Particularly with regard to X-ray units' displays, which are becoming ever more comprehensive and full of information, the need to devote attention to a plurality of separate elements for one and the same procedure is confusing, complicated and takes up an unnecessary amount of time. When working under a high level of strain and with a high level of time pressure, for example in emergency medicine, this can easily result in the information on the cooling-time display no longer being given any attention at all. Instead, an operator under the stress of a medical emergency situation will readily operate the separate deblocking key immediately upon reaching the loading limit, without purposefully also paying attention to the cooling-time display beforehand.
It is the object of the invention to provide an X-ray unit having a cooling-time display and having an deblocking key for the purpose of forcing X-ray shots despite a thermal loading limit having been reached, in which the deblocking key and the cooling-time display can be detected and operated quickly and intuitively.
The invention achieves this object by means of a display and a control element having the features of the first patent claim.
A basic idea behind the invention involves combining the cooling-time display and the deblocking key for forcing X-ray shots with one another and linking them to form a single, common break-time key. The break-time key as a combined key and display element can advantageously be detected at one glance and hence quickly. In addition, the combination results in elements with associated content also being brought ' CA 02451257 2003-11-27 together visually, which makes operating the X-ray unit more intuitive and ergonomic.
In one advantageous refinement of the invention, the break-time key is used not just for displaying the remaining cooling time and for deblocking the next X-ray shot but also permits immediate triggering of the next X-ray shot in addition to the deblocking. This makes the detection and operation of a further, additional control element unnecessary and saves a further control step. At the same time, the display functionality continues to ensure that it is clear to an operator that by triggering the X-ray shot there is a risk of damage or destruction.
Other advantageous refinements of the invention are covered by the dependent patent claims.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to schematic figures, in which:
figure 1 shows an X-ray unit with a break-time key in line with the invention, figure 2 shows a break-time key in which the period of time is displayed in units of time, figure 3 shows a break-time key which displays the period of time as a percentage, figure 4 shows a break-time key which displays the period of time symbolically, figure 5 shows a control device with a break-time key.
Figure 1 schematically shows an X-ray unit 1 which, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment, comprises a patient table 2 (indicated merely schematically), which is supported by a mounting apparatus (not shown in figure 1), and a support apparatus 3 carrying an X-ray source 4. An X-ray image cassette 5 arranged on the patient table 2 is used for obtaining an X-ray image using an X-ray beam 6 which is emitted by the X-ray source 4 and is attenuated upon passing through an examination object 7 (shown merely schematically), the marginal rays of said X-ray beam 6 being shown in dashes in figure 1.
In addition, an X-ray tube (not shown in figure 1) in the X-ray source 4 is connected to an X-ray generator 9 by means of an electric line 8. A control device 10 arranged in the housing of the X-ray generator 9 uses a computer program to control the X-ray generator 9 during the X-ray shot such that the operational values input using a control device 11 prior to the X-ray shot observe a tube voltage and a quantity of electricity.
The control device 11 is arranged on a control desk 12 and is connected to the control device 10 by means of an electric line 13. The control device 10 prevents or blocks the triggering of X-ray shorts upon reaching a thermal loading limit, whether as a result of an X-ray tube's or anode plate's loading limit being exceeded or as a result of the exceeding thereof being immediately imminent. It is possible to ascertain that the loading limit has been reached by measuring the temperature of the anode or by recording the quantity of electricity which has flowed through the X-ray tube for each time, for example.
The X-ray unit 1 comprises an inventive break-time key 14 which is arranged on the control desk 12. The break-time key 14 incorporates a display of the period of time which the X-ray tube in the X-ray source 4 of the X-ray unit 1 needs, having reached a loading limit on account of the thermal loading of previous X-ray ' CA 02451257 2003-11-27 shots, to obtain a sufficient distance from the loading limit again. The break-time key 14 also incorporates a functionality as a key. To this end, it is alternatively in the form of an element on a touch-sensitive screen (touch screen), in the form of an element on a non-touch-sensitive screen, or in the form of a mechanical key with additional display functionality, e.a. in the form of LEDs or LCDs. When the break-time key 14 is operated by pressing a key, the X-ray generator's block is lifted, which means that the triggering of X-ray shots can be forced despite the loading limit having been reached.
The period of time for cooling which is displayed by the integrated break-time key 14 can be ascertained, by way of example, using a computer (not shown in figure 1) in which cooling curves for an anode in the X-ray tube are stored and by measuring the temperature of the anode.
Figures 2 to 4 show options for the design of the cooling-time display for the break-time key 14 (which is not shown in detail in figure 1). In this case, it is of no matter whether the break-time key 14 is a touchscreen element or is in another form.
The display 20 incorporated in the break-time key 14 and shown schematically in figure 2 shows the period of time required for the X-ray tube to cool down in units of time, that is to say the period of time until the X-ray unit 1 shown in figure 1 is operational again.
The period of time is counted down in the manner of a countdown. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of the display 20 which is shown schematically in figure 2, the period of time which still remains until the X-ray tube is operational again is shown in minutes and seconds. Alternatively, other units of time could be chosen. In addition, the break-time key 14 displays advice 24 ("Press to lift limit") indicating that operating it allows the block on the next X-ray shot to be lifted.
In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the X-ray tube still needs three minutes and twelve seconds until it is operational again. When the break-time key 14 has been operated, the period of time continues to be displayed.
Figure 3 schematically shows a display 21 which is incorporated in the break-time key 14 and displays the period of time for the X-ray tube to cool down as a percentage. If the display 21 displays 100%, this can mean, by way of example, that the X-ray unit 1 has turned off at present on account of a risk of overheating. The percentage on the display 21 is thus a measure of the remaining period of time in relation to the total period of time of a cooling phase for the X-ray tube at present. In addition, the break-time key 14 displays, as previously in figure 2, advice 24 ("Press to lift limit") indicating that operating the break-time key 14 allows the block on the next X-ray shot to be lifted.
Figure 4 schematically shows a display 22 which is incorporated in the break-time key 14 and displays the period of time for the X-ray tube to cool down symbolically. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the period of time is shown using a bar 23 whose length 1 is variable. When the bar 23 is at its maximum length lmaX, for example, this can mean, by way of example, that the X-ray unit 1 has turned off at present on account of a risk of overheating. The length 1 of the bar 23 is thus a measure of the remaining period of time in relation to the total period of time of the X-ray tube's cooling phase at present. In addition, the break-time key 14 displays, as previously in figure 2 and figure 3, advice 24 ("Press to lift limit") indicating that operating the break-time key 14 allows the block on the next X-ray shot to be lifted.
Combinations of the displays 20 - 22 and 24 for the break-time key 14 which are shown in figures 2 to 4 and are described are also possible. In addition, the break-time key 14 can also be switchable between the displays 20 - 22 and 24.
Figure 5 shows a control device 11 in line with the invention, in this case in the form of a touchscreen.
The control device 11 displays all the elements which can be used to select or set the operational values for the X-ray unit 1. It has an area in which an operational-value display 25 shows all the current settings and an area for inputting operational values 26, said area being able to be used by an operator to set all the operational values for the X-ray unit 1.
Settings which an operator makes in the operational-value input 26 are immediately displayed in the operational-value display 25. The display and setting elements do not need any more detailed discussion in order to explain the invention.
The operational-value display 25 also contains a break-time key 14 in line with the invention. This is shown symbolically as a clock in figure 5. For display purposes, there are also other variants available, however, e.g. those explained previously in figure 2, figure 3 and figure 4. When the control device 10 establishes that a thermal loading limit for the X-ray tube has been reached or is immediately imminent, the break-time key 14 on the control device 11 is either revealed or is visually highlighted with clarity. The revelation or highlighting signals that the break-time key 14 has been activated and that a thermal loading limit has been reached. The break-time key 14 activated in this manner expediently has a design which makes it clearly discernible and conspicuous, e.g. through the use of a signal color or as a result of it flashing. It can also be in visually enhanced form as a prominent key. It is in a form such that an operator can immediately recognize it despite the extreme wealth of information on the control device 11.
By means of the symbolic display used in the form of a clock, the break-time key 14 shows the remaining period of time which is required in order for the X-ray tube to cool down after it has reached a thermal loading limit. When this cooling time has passed, the break-time key automatically returns to the visual background. If an X-ray shot needs to be taken before the cooling time has passed, however, then an operator needs to deblock this shot by operating the break-time key 14. The X-ray shot can then be triggered in the usual way by operating a shoot key (not shown in more detail). The separate activation and operation of the break-time key 14 ensure that an operator is clear about the risk of damage to the X-ray tube as a result of triggering an X-ray shot.
In one particular refinement of the invention, operating the break-time key 14 not only deblocks the next X-ray shot but also simultaneously triggers the X-ray shot. This saves one work step for an operator, since he does not first additionally need to visualize and operate the shoot key.
The integration of various display and control functionalities in the break-time key 14 thus increases the visual order of the control device 11 and makes it easier to operate.
In clinical work environments, rational working methods and a high degree of automation are demanded in order to allow efficient and economic working.
Rationalization in radiological departments have reduced the break intervals between X-ray shots to such a great extent that the time required for an X-ray tube which is in operation to cool down is often no longer achieved in the break intervals. Furthermore, peak traffic operation occurring in emergency diagnostics can also occasionally result in the break intervals being shortened to a critical degree in no time.
Particularly susceptible to destruction as a result of overheating is the anode plate in a X-ray tube. The temperature of the anode plate can be monitored by measurement, or the thermal loading thereof can be simulated in a tube load computer using a computation model. Limit values for the thermal loading are prescribed by the manufacturer according to the tube type. When a thermal loading limit is reached, whether it be as a result of said limit being exceeded or as a result of the immediate imminence of said limit being exceeded, which could result in the X-ray tube or the anode plate being damaged, the X-ray unit automatically prevents or blocks the triggering of an X-ray shot until the necessary cooling time has passed. In addition, a display or a warning signal informs the operator that the thermal loading limit has been reached.
When the reaching of a thermal loading limit is signaled, it is, however, possible to force further X-ray shots even though they are blocked, in principle, by the X-ray unit. This can be provided for medical reasons, for example. To this end, it is known practice to provide a separate key which an operator needs to operate in order to release the X-ray unit's blocking mechanism. It is then possible to use the normal shoot key to trigger an X-ray shot as normal. The need for a separate key to be operated is intended to ensure that the operator is aware under all circumstances that when forcing the X-ray shot there is the risk of damage to the X-ray tube or to the anode plate.
To inform the operator about the loading state of an X-ray tube, DE 100 39 416 A1 has disclosed a display which an X-ray unit, upon reaching a loading limit, uses to display the remaining cooling time which needs to pass in order for the X-ray tube to cool down sufficiently. An operator can use this time display to optimize his working sequence, for example. In addition, particularly in hurried cases, e.g. in emergency diagnostics, there can be a better estimation of whether the necessary cooling time is acceptable. On the basis of this, the operator can better decide whether X-ray shots need to be forced despite the loading limit having been reached.
A drawback of the known display and control elements is that the operator needs to direct his attention to two different elements of the X-ray unit in order to force X-ray shots. To detect the remaining cooling time after the loading limit has been reached, the operator needs to look at the cooling-time display. To release the X-ray unit's blocking mechanism, he needs to look at the separate, detached key for debblocking. When the deblocking key has been operated, an X-ray shot can be ' CA 02451257 2003-11-27 triggered by operating the shoot key, as a third element needing to be visualized.
Particularly with regard to X-ray units' displays, which are becoming ever more comprehensive and full of information, the need to devote attention to a plurality of separate elements for one and the same procedure is confusing, complicated and takes up an unnecessary amount of time. When working under a high level of strain and with a high level of time pressure, for example in emergency medicine, this can easily result in the information on the cooling-time display no longer being given any attention at all. Instead, an operator under the stress of a medical emergency situation will readily operate the separate deblocking key immediately upon reaching the loading limit, without purposefully also paying attention to the cooling-time display beforehand.
It is the object of the invention to provide an X-ray unit having a cooling-time display and having an deblocking key for the purpose of forcing X-ray shots despite a thermal loading limit having been reached, in which the deblocking key and the cooling-time display can be detected and operated quickly and intuitively.
The invention achieves this object by means of a display and a control element having the features of the first patent claim.
A basic idea behind the invention involves combining the cooling-time display and the deblocking key for forcing X-ray shots with one another and linking them to form a single, common break-time key. The break-time key as a combined key and display element can advantageously be detected at one glance and hence quickly. In addition, the combination results in elements with associated content also being brought ' CA 02451257 2003-11-27 together visually, which makes operating the X-ray unit more intuitive and ergonomic.
In one advantageous refinement of the invention, the break-time key is used not just for displaying the remaining cooling time and for deblocking the next X-ray shot but also permits immediate triggering of the next X-ray shot in addition to the deblocking. This makes the detection and operation of a further, additional control element unnecessary and saves a further control step. At the same time, the display functionality continues to ensure that it is clear to an operator that by triggering the X-ray shot there is a risk of damage or destruction.
Other advantageous refinements of the invention are covered by the dependent patent claims.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to schematic figures, in which:
figure 1 shows an X-ray unit with a break-time key in line with the invention, figure 2 shows a break-time key in which the period of time is displayed in units of time, figure 3 shows a break-time key which displays the period of time as a percentage, figure 4 shows a break-time key which displays the period of time symbolically, figure 5 shows a control device with a break-time key.
Figure 1 schematically shows an X-ray unit 1 which, in the case of the present exemplary embodiment, comprises a patient table 2 (indicated merely schematically), which is supported by a mounting apparatus (not shown in figure 1), and a support apparatus 3 carrying an X-ray source 4. An X-ray image cassette 5 arranged on the patient table 2 is used for obtaining an X-ray image using an X-ray beam 6 which is emitted by the X-ray source 4 and is attenuated upon passing through an examination object 7 (shown merely schematically), the marginal rays of said X-ray beam 6 being shown in dashes in figure 1.
In addition, an X-ray tube (not shown in figure 1) in the X-ray source 4 is connected to an X-ray generator 9 by means of an electric line 8. A control device 10 arranged in the housing of the X-ray generator 9 uses a computer program to control the X-ray generator 9 during the X-ray shot such that the operational values input using a control device 11 prior to the X-ray shot observe a tube voltage and a quantity of electricity.
The control device 11 is arranged on a control desk 12 and is connected to the control device 10 by means of an electric line 13. The control device 10 prevents or blocks the triggering of X-ray shorts upon reaching a thermal loading limit, whether as a result of an X-ray tube's or anode plate's loading limit being exceeded or as a result of the exceeding thereof being immediately imminent. It is possible to ascertain that the loading limit has been reached by measuring the temperature of the anode or by recording the quantity of electricity which has flowed through the X-ray tube for each time, for example.
The X-ray unit 1 comprises an inventive break-time key 14 which is arranged on the control desk 12. The break-time key 14 incorporates a display of the period of time which the X-ray tube in the X-ray source 4 of the X-ray unit 1 needs, having reached a loading limit on account of the thermal loading of previous X-ray ' CA 02451257 2003-11-27 shots, to obtain a sufficient distance from the loading limit again. The break-time key 14 also incorporates a functionality as a key. To this end, it is alternatively in the form of an element on a touch-sensitive screen (touch screen), in the form of an element on a non-touch-sensitive screen, or in the form of a mechanical key with additional display functionality, e.a. in the form of LEDs or LCDs. When the break-time key 14 is operated by pressing a key, the X-ray generator's block is lifted, which means that the triggering of X-ray shots can be forced despite the loading limit having been reached.
The period of time for cooling which is displayed by the integrated break-time key 14 can be ascertained, by way of example, using a computer (not shown in figure 1) in which cooling curves for an anode in the X-ray tube are stored and by measuring the temperature of the anode.
Figures 2 to 4 show options for the design of the cooling-time display for the break-time key 14 (which is not shown in detail in figure 1). In this case, it is of no matter whether the break-time key 14 is a touchscreen element or is in another form.
The display 20 incorporated in the break-time key 14 and shown schematically in figure 2 shows the period of time required for the X-ray tube to cool down in units of time, that is to say the period of time until the X-ray unit 1 shown in figure 1 is operational again.
The period of time is counted down in the manner of a countdown. In the case of the exemplary embodiment of the display 20 which is shown schematically in figure 2, the period of time which still remains until the X-ray tube is operational again is shown in minutes and seconds. Alternatively, other units of time could be chosen. In addition, the break-time key 14 displays advice 24 ("Press to lift limit") indicating that operating it allows the block on the next X-ray shot to be lifted.
In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the X-ray tube still needs three minutes and twelve seconds until it is operational again. When the break-time key 14 has been operated, the period of time continues to be displayed.
Figure 3 schematically shows a display 21 which is incorporated in the break-time key 14 and displays the period of time for the X-ray tube to cool down as a percentage. If the display 21 displays 100%, this can mean, by way of example, that the X-ray unit 1 has turned off at present on account of a risk of overheating. The percentage on the display 21 is thus a measure of the remaining period of time in relation to the total period of time of a cooling phase for the X-ray tube at present. In addition, the break-time key 14 displays, as previously in figure 2, advice 24 ("Press to lift limit") indicating that operating the break-time key 14 allows the block on the next X-ray shot to be lifted.
Figure 4 schematically shows a display 22 which is incorporated in the break-time key 14 and displays the period of time for the X-ray tube to cool down symbolically. In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, the period of time is shown using a bar 23 whose length 1 is variable. When the bar 23 is at its maximum length lmaX, for example, this can mean, by way of example, that the X-ray unit 1 has turned off at present on account of a risk of overheating. The length 1 of the bar 23 is thus a measure of the remaining period of time in relation to the total period of time of the X-ray tube's cooling phase at present. In addition, the break-time key 14 displays, as previously in figure 2 and figure 3, advice 24 ("Press to lift limit") indicating that operating the break-time key 14 allows the block on the next X-ray shot to be lifted.
Combinations of the displays 20 - 22 and 24 for the break-time key 14 which are shown in figures 2 to 4 and are described are also possible. In addition, the break-time key 14 can also be switchable between the displays 20 - 22 and 24.
Figure 5 shows a control device 11 in line with the invention, in this case in the form of a touchscreen.
The control device 11 displays all the elements which can be used to select or set the operational values for the X-ray unit 1. It has an area in which an operational-value display 25 shows all the current settings and an area for inputting operational values 26, said area being able to be used by an operator to set all the operational values for the X-ray unit 1.
Settings which an operator makes in the operational-value input 26 are immediately displayed in the operational-value display 25. The display and setting elements do not need any more detailed discussion in order to explain the invention.
The operational-value display 25 also contains a break-time key 14 in line with the invention. This is shown symbolically as a clock in figure 5. For display purposes, there are also other variants available, however, e.g. those explained previously in figure 2, figure 3 and figure 4. When the control device 10 establishes that a thermal loading limit for the X-ray tube has been reached or is immediately imminent, the break-time key 14 on the control device 11 is either revealed or is visually highlighted with clarity. The revelation or highlighting signals that the break-time key 14 has been activated and that a thermal loading limit has been reached. The break-time key 14 activated in this manner expediently has a design which makes it clearly discernible and conspicuous, e.g. through the use of a signal color or as a result of it flashing. It can also be in visually enhanced form as a prominent key. It is in a form such that an operator can immediately recognize it despite the extreme wealth of information on the control device 11.
By means of the symbolic display used in the form of a clock, the break-time key 14 shows the remaining period of time which is required in order for the X-ray tube to cool down after it has reached a thermal loading limit. When this cooling time has passed, the break-time key automatically returns to the visual background. If an X-ray shot needs to be taken before the cooling time has passed, however, then an operator needs to deblock this shot by operating the break-time key 14. The X-ray shot can then be triggered in the usual way by operating a shoot key (not shown in more detail). The separate activation and operation of the break-time key 14 ensure that an operator is clear about the risk of damage to the X-ray tube as a result of triggering an X-ray shot.
In one particular refinement of the invention, operating the break-time key 14 not only deblocks the next X-ray shot but also simultaneously triggers the X-ray shot. This saves one work step for an operator, since he does not first additionally need to visualize and operate the shoot key.
The integration of various display and control functionalities in the break-time key 14 thus increases the visual order of the control device 11 and makes it easier to operate.
Claims (4)
1. A display (20, 21, 22) and control element for a control device (11) for an X-ray unit (1), where the triggering of an X-ray shot can be blocked automatically upon reaching a thermal loading limit for an X-ray source (4), where the display (20, 21, 22) can display a period of time which the X-ray source (4) requires in order to leave the thermal loading limit again, and where the triggering of an X-ray shot can be deblocked by operating the control element despite the thermal loading limit having been reached, characterized in that the display (20, 21, 22) and the control element are integrated in a common break-time key (14).
2. The break-time key (14) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it is in the form of an element on a touch-sensitive screen.
3. The break-time key (14) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it is in the form of a key with integrated display chips, e.g. LCD chips or LED chips.
4. The break-time key (14) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that operating it allows an X-ray shot to be triggered despite the thermal loading limit having been reached.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE10255955.4 | 2002-11-29 | ||
| DE10255955A DE10255955B3 (en) | 2002-11-29 | 2002-11-29 | Display and control element for X-ray unit, de-blocks triggering of X-ray shot, when thermal loading limit of X-ray tube is reached |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2451257A1 true CA2451257A1 (en) | 2004-05-29 |
Family
ID=32477412
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002451257A Abandoned CA2451257A1 (en) | 2002-11-29 | 2003-11-27 | Display and control element for an x-ray unit |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN1505454A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2451257A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE10255955B3 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2255793B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102006019454A1 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2007-10-31 | Siemens Ag | Medical imaging system e.g. magnet resonance device, operation guidance method, involves representing information to user for operation of system, where information depends on internal operating condition of system |
| DE102020209632A1 (en) | 2020-07-30 | 2021-07-29 | Siemens Healthcare Gmbh | Temperature-controlled X-ray device |
| DE102020210804A1 (en) | 2020-08-26 | 2021-09-02 | Siemens Healthcare Gmbh | Controlling an X-ray device in accordance with a thermal load |
| US11779293B2 (en) | 2021-10-29 | 2023-10-10 | GE Precision Healthcare LLC | System and method for thermal load prediction of proposed imaging procedures for X-ray tubes |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DD137649B1 (en) * | 1978-07-12 | 1981-08-26 | Herbert Thiele | DEVICE FOR THE PROTECTION OF A ROENTGENE TUBE |
| DE10011294B4 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2007-04-05 | Siemens Ag | Method for operating an X-ray tube |
| DE10039416A1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2002-02-28 | Siemens Ag | Display device for displaying a time period for heating up X-ray tubes in an X-ray device shows a time period requiring X-ray tubes for a source of X-rays during heating up for X-ray shots. |
-
2002
- 2002-11-29 DE DE10255955A patent/DE10255955B3/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-11-27 ES ES200302790A patent/ES2255793B1/en not_active Withdrawn - After Issue
- 2003-11-27 CA CA002451257A patent/CA2451257A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-11-28 CN CNA200310118848A patent/CN1505454A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ES2255793A1 (en) | 2006-07-01 |
| DE10255955B3 (en) | 2004-08-26 |
| ES2255793B1 (en) | 2007-07-16 |
| CN1505454A (en) | 2004-06-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |