CN115644899A - Operation device and X-ray imaging unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention restrains power consumption by executing correction of a threshold value at a necessary timing. The operation device (200) comprises: a contact determination section (touch-sensitive sensor control section 235) that determines whether or not the touch-sensitive sensor is contacted, based on a touch-sensitive sensor output value from the touch-sensitive sensor and a threshold value; and a correction unit (232) that corrects the threshold value, wherein the correction unit (232) starts the correction when determining that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Description

Operation device and X-ray imaging unit

The present application is a divisional application of an invention patent application having an application date of 09/08/2018, an application number of 201880055446.0, and an invention name of "operating device and X-ray photographing unit".

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an operation device and an X-ray imaging unit.

Background

Patent document 1 discloses a capacitive touch sensor. In patent document 1, a threshold value for determining whether or not the touch sensor is touched is periodically corrected.

(Prior art document)

(patent literature)

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2010-191834 "

Disclosure of Invention

(summary of the invention)

(problems to be solved by the invention)

An operation device for remotely controlling an operation target device may be provided with a touch-sensitive sensor. In such an operation device, whether or not the touch-sensitive sensor is touched is detected, and various processes are performed based on the detection result.

Wherein the sensitivity of the touch sensitive sensor varies with the various environments in which the operating device is located. Therefore, in patent document 1, a threshold value for determining whether or not the touch sensor is touched is periodically corrected.

However, if the correction is performed periodically, that is, automatically after a predetermined time and a predetermined number of days have elapsed, the amount of power consumed for the correction becomes excessive.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to perform correction of a threshold value at a necessary timing, thereby suppressing power consumption.

(means for solving the problems)

In order to solve the above problem, an operation device according to an aspect of the present invention is an operation device for remotely controlling an operation target device, including: one or more touch-sensitive sensors; a contact determination section that determines whether the touch-sensitive sensor is contacted based on touch-sensitive sensor output values from the one or more touch-sensitive sensors and a threshold value; and a correction unit that corrects the threshold value, wherein the correction unit starts the correction when determining that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

(Effect of the invention)

According to one aspect of the present invention, the threshold value is corrected at a necessary timing, whereby an effect of suppressing power consumption can be obtained.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an operation device for operating an operation target device according to embodiment 1 together with a holder and the operation target device.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the operation device according to embodiment 1.

Fig. 3 (a) to (d) show the operation of the operation device according to embodiment 1 by the operator.

Fig. 4 shows the operation device shown in fig. 2 with the front cover and the lower cover removed.

Fig. 5 shows the front side sheath and the front side electrode of the operating device shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 6 shows the rear sheath and the rear electrode of the operating device shown in fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the X-ray imaging unit shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 8 (a) shows touch sensor output values in a state where the operator does not contact the 1 st touch sensor and the 2 nd touch sensor, and (b) shows touch sensor output values in a state where the operator contacts the 1 st touch sensor and the 2 nd touch sensor.

Fig. 9 shows a processing flow of the operating device that performs correction when the temperature variation reaches a certain level or more.

Fig. 10 shows a processing flow of the operating device that performs correction when the battery voltage variation reaches a certain level or more.

Fig. 11 shows a processing flow of the operation device that performs correction when the number of operations of the operation portion reaches a certain level or more.

Fig. 12 shows a processing flow of the operating device that performs correction when the battery is replaced.

Fig. 13 shows a processing flow of the operation device for performing correction after the device power of the X-ray photographing device is turned on.

Fig. 14 shows a processing flow of the operation device that performs correction when a state where the operation device is not operated continues for a certain time.

Fig. 15 shows a processing flow of the operating means for performing correction when a constant state of the touch-sensitive sensor output value continues for a certain time.

Fig. 16 shows a flow of the process of the correction by the correction section in the operation device.

Fig. 17 shows a flow of the process of determining whether the touch sensor is touched during the touch sensor output value acquisition step of the correcting portion.

Fig. 18 shows a flow of the process of determining whether the touch sensitive sensor is touched after the touch sensitive sensor output value acquisition step of the correction portion.

Fig. 19 shows a flow of correction processing to determine whether or not the correction value calculated by the correction section is properly included.

Fig. 20 shows a processing flow of a correction modification that determines whether or not the correction value calculated by the correction section is properly included.

FIG. 21 shows a flow of the correcting portion correcting at least one of the touch sensitive sensor output values during execution of the correction.

Fig. 22 (a) shows a case where the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor output value of the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor is smaller than the threshold value, and (b) shows a case where the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor output value of the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor is larger than the threshold value.

Fig. 23 shows a flow of the correction section suspending the correction in accordance with the values of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values during execution of the correction.

Fig. 24 shows a flow of the correcting section deleting a part of the touch-sensitive sensor output values in accordance with the values of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values during execution of the correction.

Fig. 25 shows a process flow of suspending the correction if the touch-sensitive sensor is touched in the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step of the correcting section.

< description of reference >

1X-ray imaging apparatus main body

2X-ray imaging apparatus

100. Support frame

101. 231 communication unit

200. Operating device

201. 1 st switch part

202. 2 nd switch part

210. Main switch

220. Selection switch

230. Control unit

232. Correcting part

233. Battery control part (Voltage determination part)

234. Temperature sensor control unit (temperature determination unit)

235. Touch sensor control unit (touch determination unit, touch sensor output value determination unit)

236. Counter (counting part)

240. Holding detection part

241. 1 st touch-sensitive sensor (touch-sensitive sensor)

242. 2 nd touch sensitive sensor (touch sensitive sensor)

243. Battery (Power supply)

244. Temperature sensor

245. Informing part

250. Front side sleeve

250a recess

260. Rear side sleeve

270. Lower cover

280. Operation part

300 X-ray imaging unit

V1out 1 st touch sensitive sensor output value

V2out 2 nd touch sensitive sensor output value

Vout touch sensor output value

Vth threshold

Detailed Description

[ embodiment mode 1 ]

(construction of X-ray photographing Unit)

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an operation device for operating an operation target device according to the present embodiment together with a stand and the operation target device. The operation target apparatus is an X-ray imaging apparatus 2 which irradiates a patient with X-rays, detects the X-rays transmitted through the patient, and generates an X-ray image. The X-ray imaging apparatus 2 includes: an X-ray imaging apparatus body 1, and a stand 100 attached to the X-ray imaging apparatus body 1. As shown in fig. 1, the operation device 200 is held by the holder 100 so as to be attachable to and detachable from the holder 100.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the operation device of the present embodiment. The operation device 200 is a remote controller for remotely controlling the X-ray imaging apparatus 2. The operation device 200 has, as a housing: a front side sleeve 250, a rear side sleeve 260 and a lower cover 270. A main switch 210 is provided on the top surface of the substantially cylindrical operation device 200, and a selection switch 220 is provided on the upper portion of the peripheral surface of the operation device 200. The operator can operate the operation device 200 by holding the peripheral surface of the operation device 200 and pressing the main switch 210 provided on the top surface with, for example, a thumb and the select switch 220 provided on the peripheral surface with an index finger. That is, the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is operated.

The main switch 210 is a switch that operates in 2 stages, and includes a 1 st switch member 201 and a 2 nd switch member 202, and operating point positions thereof are different when the switch is not pressed by an operator. The moving distance of the 1 st switching part 201 to the operating point position is set longer than the moving distance of the 2 nd switching part 202 to the operating point position.

The operation unit 280 includes a main switch 210 and a selection switch 220 that are operated by an operator. When the main switch 210 is pressed, the operation device 200 outputs an X-ray imaging instruction to the X-ray imaging device 2, and when the selection switch 220 is pressed, the operation device 200 outputs an instruction to turn on or off the illumination of the illumination device for showing the X-ray irradiation range of the X-ray imaging device 2 to the X-ray imaging device 2.

As shown in fig. 3 (a) to (c), the main switch 210 includes the 1 st switching element 201 and the 2 nd switching element 202. The main switch 210 adopts a scheme that the 2 nd switch part 202 can be pressed only when the 1 st switch part 201 is pressed.

When the 1 st switch member 201 is pressed as shown in fig. 3c, the operation device 200 outputs information indicating that the 1 st switch member 201 is pressed to the X-ray imaging apparatus main body 1 (via the stand 100). Then, the anode target of the X-ray tube of the X-ray imaging apparatus main body 1, not shown, starts rotating. It takes a certain time for the anode target of the X-ray tube to reach a sufficient number of revolutions.

When the 2 nd switch member 202 is pressed as shown in fig. 3 (d), that is, when both the 1 st switch member 201 and the 2 nd switch member 202 are pressed to the operating point position, the operation device 200 outputs information indicating that the 2 nd switch member 202 is pressed to the X-ray imaging apparatus main body 1 (via the stand 100).

Thereby, the X-ray imaging apparatus body 1 irradiates X-rays and performs X-ray imaging. The detection of whether or not the operator is holding the operation device 200 will be described later.

Fig. 4 to 6 show the internal structure of the operation device 200. Fig. 4 shows a state where the front cover 250 and the lower cover 270 of the operation device 200 are removed, fig. 5 shows the front cover 250 and the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241, and fig. 6 shows the rear cover 260 and the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242.

As shown in fig. 4 to 6, the operation device 200 includes, in an interior surrounded by a front cover 250 and a rear cover 260: a touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235 made of, for example, an IC, a 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241, a 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242, a communication portion 231 made of, for example, an IC, and a battery 243.

The 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as touch-sensitive sensors) are capacitive electrodes. A recess 250a is formed in the front cover 250 at a position where the selector switch 220 is provided. The 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 is disposed on the lower side of the concave portion 250a (opposite to the disposed direction of the main switch 210) in such a manner as to follow the inner wall of the front cover 250. The 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242 is provided along the inner wall of the rear cover 260, and is provided at a position opposed to the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 in the radial direction.

The number of touch sensors is not limited to 2, and 3 or more touch sensors may be arranged along the inner walls of the front cover 250 and the rear cover 260 in the circumferential direction.

The touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235 is electrically connected to the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242 (and to other touch-sensitive sensors if any), and detects whether the operation device 200 is held by the operator based on a change in capacitance of the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242 (and to other touch-sensitive sensors if any). The detailed method of the detection will be described later.

The communication unit 231 transmits an operation signal based on the operation of the operation unit 280 to the communication unit of the cradle 100 through wireless communication. The communication unit 231 can receive an activation signal indicating an activation state of the X-ray imaging apparatus main body 1 from the cradle 100. The wireless communication method performed by the communication unit 231 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and infrared rays.

In addition, although fig. 4 to 6 show examples in which the touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235 and the communication portion 231 are constituted by different ICs, the touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235 and the communication portion 231 may be included in the same IC.

(Block diagram of X-ray photographing Unit 300)

Fig. 7 is a functional block diagram of the structure of the X-ray imaging unit 300 according to the present embodiment. As shown in fig. 7, the X-ray imaging unit 300 includes: an X-ray imaging apparatus 2 and an operation apparatus 200. The cradle 100 has a communication section 101. The communication unit 101 on the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 side may be provided not on the stand 100 but on the X-ray imaging apparatus main body 1.

The operation device 200 includes: an operation part 280, a control part 230, a battery 243, a temperature sensor 244, a notification part 245, and at least 2 touch-sensitive sensors, namely, a 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 and a 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242.

The control unit 230 comprehensively controls the operations of the respective units of the operation device 200. The control unit 230 includes: communication unit 231, correction unit 232, battery control unit 233, temperature sensor control unit 234, touch-sensitive sensor control unit 235, and counter 236.

The communication unit 231 is a communication unit on the operation device 200 side, and performs the wireless communication with the communication unit 101 on the X-ray imaging device 2 side.

The battery control unit 233 monitors the voltage of the battery 243 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a battery voltage) to monitor the remaining amount of the battery 243. The battery 243 is a power supply and supplies power to the respective parts of the operation device 200 such as the control unit 230, the temperature sensor 244, the notification unit 245, the 1 st touch sensor 241, and the 2 nd touch sensor 242.

The temperature sensor control unit 234 controls driving of the temperature sensor 244. The temperature sensor 244 measures a temperature and outputs a measured temperature sensor value to the temperature sensor control unit 234. The temperature sensor 244 may be provided inside the front cover 250 and the rear cover 260, or may be attached to the outside of either the front cover 250 or the rear cover 260.

The touch-sensitive sensor control unit 235 controls the driving of the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242. The touch sensor control unit 235 outputs a drive signal to the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242 at predetermined time intervals. The 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242 output capacitance values to the touch sensor control unit 235 as touch sensor output values at predetermined time intervals. When a part of the body of the operator such as a finger touches the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242, the capacitance increases (or decreases).

Fig. 8 (a) shows touch sensor output values in a state where the operator does not contact the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242, and fig. 8 (b) shows touch sensor output values in a state where the operator contacts the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242.

As shown in fig. 8 (a), if the touch sensor output value Vout from the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242, which are measuring whether or not there is a contact, is a value Vl smaller than the preset threshold value Vth, the touch sensor control unit 235 determines that the operator is not in contact with the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242. As shown in fig. 8 (b), if the touch sensor output value Vout from the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242, which are measuring whether or not there is a contact, is a value Vh equal to or greater than the preset threshold value Vth, the touch sensor control unit 235 determines that the operator is in contact with the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242. The touch-sensitive sensor control section 235 compares the magnitude relationship between the touch-sensitive sensor output value Vout and the threshold value Vth for each touch-sensitive sensor, thereby determining whether or not the operator's finger or the like is in contact with the touch-sensitive sensor.

In this way, the touch sensor control unit 235 determines whether or not the operation device 200 is in a held state held by the operator, based on the touch sensor output values output from the plurality of touch sensors, and generates holding state information indicating whether or not the operation device is in the held state. That is, the touch sensor control unit 235 is also a determination unit that determines whether the operation of pressing at least one of the main switch 210 and the selection switch 220 is a normal operation intended by the operator or an erroneous operation unintended by the operator.

Specifically, when the operator holds the operation device 200 in order to operate the operation unit 280, the fingers of the operator or the like contact the region of the front cover 250 in which the 1 st touch sensor 241 is disposed and the region of the rear cover 260 in which the 2 nd touch sensor 242 is disposed, and the capacitance of the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the capacitance of the 2 nd touch sensor 242 change. When the capacitance values of both the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242 are equal to or higher than the threshold value Vth, the touch sensor control unit 235 detects that the operation device 200 is in a held state (performs holding detection).

In addition, if the operation device 200 has 3 or more touch sensors, for example, 4 touch sensors, it is detected that the operation device 200 is in a held state (held detection) when the capacitance of at least 2 touch sensors becomes equal to or more than the threshold Vth.

The touch sensor control unit 235 may monitor whether or not the constant state of the touch sensor output value from each touch sensor continues for a predetermined time or longer.

As described above, the operation unit 280 includes: a main switch 210 having a 1 st switch part 201 and a 2 nd switch part 202, and a selection switch 220. When the operator operates the main switch 210 and the selection switch 220, the operation unit 280 sends an operation signal corresponding to the operation to the control unit 230. The operation signal is a signal for operating the X-ray imaging apparatus 2.

When the control unit 230 receives the operation signal from the operation unit 280 and the grip state information acquired by the touch-sensitive sensor control unit 235 indicates a grip state (that is, when the grip detection is performed), the communication unit 231 transmits the operation signal to the communication unit 101 on the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 side. Thereby, the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 performs the operation intended by the operator.

On the other hand, even if the control unit 230 receives an operation signal from the operation unit 280, if the grip state information acquired by the touch sensor control unit 235 indicates that the X-ray imaging apparatus is not in a grip state (that is, no grip detection is performed), the communication unit 231 does not transmit the operation signal to the communication unit 101 on the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 side.

For example, the following is conceivable: when the operator removes the operation device 200 from the stand 100 and performs an operation other than X-ray imaging in a state where the operation device is put in a pocket of clothes, the operation device 200 may be erroneously operated in the pocket. In this case, one of the electrodes of the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242 is in contact with the operator via the clothing in the pocket, and thus the capacitance changes. However, since the other electrode is not in contact with the operator, the touch-sensitive sensor control unit 235 detects that the operation device 200 is not in the held state. Thus, in the above state, even if the operation unit 280 is operated, no operation signal is generated, and no X-ray is emitted from the X-ray imaging apparatus main body 1.

In addition, as another operation other than X-ray imaging, a case may be conceivable in which the operation device 200 in the pocket is in contact with a bed or the like when supporting a patient. In this case, the grip detection portion 240 does not detect that the operation device 200 is in the grip state unless the conductor is in contact with both the region where the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 is provided and the region where the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242 is provided. Therefore, when one of the electrodes of the 1 st touch sensor 241 and the 2 nd touch sensor 242 is in contact with the operator via clothing, and the other electrode is in contact with a nonconductive bed or the like, the grip detection unit 240 does not detect that the operation device 200 is in a gripped state.

Thus, the operation device 200 of the present embodiment includes at least 2 electrodes as a sensor for detecting contact with a human body, and detects that the operation device is in a held state when all of the 2 electrodes detect contact. Therefore, even if the operation unit 280 is operated in a state in which the operator does not intend, that is, in a state in which the operator does not hold the operation device 200, the operation signal is not transmitted to the X-ray imaging apparatus main body 1. This prevents X-rays from being emitted from the X-ray imaging apparatus main body 1 by an operation unintended by the operator, i.e., an erroneous operation.

The correction section 232 shown in fig. 7 performs correction of the threshold Vth for each of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensors. Based on the threshold Vth corrected by the correcting section 232 for each touch sensitive sensor, the touch sensitive sensor control section 235 detects contact or non-contact of the operator's finger or the like in accordance with each touch sensitive sensor. Each touch sensor is capacitive, and therefore, the sensitivity varies depending on the external environment. Therefore, to prevent malfunction, the correction section 232 corrects the threshold Vth for each touch sensor. In the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition preset in the operation device 200 is satisfied, the correction unit 232 corrects the threshold Vth for each touch sensor.

The notification portion 245 may be at least one of a buzzer and a light emitting element (LED), for example. When a predetermined time has elapsed after the operation device 200 is detached from the cradle 100, the control unit 230 outputs a notification instruction to the notification unit 245. The notification unit 245 performs a notification operation by at least one of sound and light in response to a notification instruction from the control unit 230. That is, the notification portion 245 causes the buzzer to sound or causes the light emitting element to emit light. Thereby, the notification unit 245 notifies the operator that the state where the operation device 200 is detached from the stand 100 has continued for a predetermined time.

As described later, if the operator's finger or the like touches the touch sensor during the calibration of the touch sensor, the calibration cannot be performed accurately. Therefore, the notification unit 245 may perform the notification operation when the correction unit 232 performs the correction. In this case, when the correction unit 232 starts performing the correction, the correction unit 232 outputs a notification instruction to the notification unit 245. Then, the notification unit 245 performs a notification operation by at least one of sound and light in response to the notification instruction from the control unit 230. That is, the notification portion 245 sounds the buzzer or causes the light emitting element to emit light. Thereby, the notification unit 245 notifies the operator of: since the correction is being performed, a finger or the like does not touch the touch-sensitive sensor.

The counter 236 performs at least one of counting the number of operations of the operation unit 280 and measuring the elapsed time after the operation unit 280 is operated.

(predetermined conditions required for correction)

Next, predetermined conditions required when the correction unit 232 starts performing the correction will be described. In addition, the correction performed by the correcting portion 232 will be described separately. The correction unit 232 preferably performs correction when at least one of the predetermined conditions shown in the following (1) to (7) is satisfied. That is, the correction unit 232 preferably starts performing the correction when at least one of the processing results of the following steps S11 to S17 is yes.

Thus, compared to the periodic correction described in patent document 1, that is, compared to the case where the correction is automatically performed after the elapse of the predetermined time and the number of days, the present invention can perform the correction as necessary, and therefore, can suppress power consumption. As a result, unnecessary battery consumption can be prevented. The grip detection can be performed correctly.

< (1) when the temperature changes to a certain degree or more

Fig. 9 shows a processing flow of the operation device 200 for performing correction when the temperature change reaches a certain level or more. In this example, the allowable range (predetermined range) of the variation amount of the temperature sensor value is preset in the temperature sensor control unit 234 with reference to the temperature sensor value corrected in the previous time. That is, the allowable upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value of the temperature sensor value are set as the specified values with reference to the temperature sensor value after the previous correction.

In the example shown in fig. 9, the temperature sensor control unit 234 monitors whether or not the variation amount of the temperature sensor value acquired from the temperature sensor 244 is equal to or larger than a predetermined range (step S11).

Then, when the temperature sensor control unit 234 determines that the amount of change in the temperature sensor value acquired from the temperature sensor 244 is equal to or larger than the predetermined range that is preset (yes in step S11), the correction unit 232 determines that the predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction of the threshold Vth for each of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensors (step S20).

The touch sensor output value acquired by the touch sensor control unit 235 from each touch sensor may have a temperature characteristic component. Therefore, the temperature sensor control unit 234 stores in advance a specified value of the amount of change in the temperature sensor value, which is a value that allows the temperature sensor value to change without causing a malfunction (erroneous detection of contact or non-contact of the operator's finger or the like with each touch-sensitive sensor) even if the temperature changes.

Then, when the temperature sensor control unit 234 determines that the amount of change in the temperature sensor value since the previous correction is not less than the predetermined range, the correction unit 232 determines that a predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction. Thus, even if the temperature changes, the correction unit 232 can correct the threshold value Vth of each touch sensor before a malfunction occurs. After the threshold value is corrected, the correcting unit 232 resets (changes) the allowable range of the temperature sensor value with reference to the temperature sensor value at the time of this correction.

< 2 > when the variation of the battery voltage reaches a certain level or more

Fig. 10 shows a processing flow of the operation device 200 for performing correction when the battery voltage variation reaches a certain level or more. In this example, an allowable variation range of the variation amount of the battery voltage (a predetermined range, a predetermined condition regarding the battery voltage) is preset in the battery control unit 233 with reference to the battery voltage after the previous correction. That is, the allowable upper limit value and the allowable lower limit value of the battery voltage are set as the specified values with reference to the battery voltage after the previous correction.

In the example shown in fig. 10, the battery control unit 233 monitors whether or not the amount of change in the battery voltage of the battery 243 is equal to or greater than a predetermined range (step S12).

Then, when the battery control unit 233 determines that the amount of change in the battery voltage of the battery 243 is equal to or larger than the predetermined range (yes in step S12), the correction unit 232 determines that the predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction of the threshold Vth for each of the plurality of touch sensitive sensors (step S20).

The touch sensor output value acquired by the touch sensor control unit 235 from each touch sensor may change with a change in the battery voltage. Also, since the battery 243 supplies power to each part, the battery voltage may be deteriorated (lowered) as the operation device 200 is used. Therefore, the battery control unit 233 stores in advance a predetermined allowable variation range of the battery voltage, which is capable of preventing malfunction even if the battery voltage is reduced.

Then, when the battery control unit 233 determines that the amount of change in the battery voltage since the previous correction is not less than the predetermined range, the correction unit 232 determines that a predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction. Thus, even if the battery voltage changes, the threshold Vth of each touch sensor can be corrected by the correction unit 232 before a malfunction occurs. After correcting the threshold value, the correcting unit 232 resets (changes) the allowable range of the battery voltage with reference to the battery voltage at the time of this correction.

(3) when the number of operations of the operation unit 280 or the number of notifications of the notification unit 245 exceeds a certain level

Fig. 11 shows a processing flow of the operation device 200 for performing the calibration when the number of operations of the operation unit 280 is equal to or more than a certain level.

In this example, the counter 236 counts the number of times the operation unit 280 is operated (the number of operations). The predetermined number of operations of the operation unit 280 is preset in the counter 236.

In the example shown in fig. 11, the counter 236 monitors whether or not the number of operations of the operation unit 280, for example, the number of times the main switch 210 or the select switch 220 is pressed is equal to or more than a predetermined number of operations (step S13).

Then, when the counter 236 determines that the number of operations of the operation unit 280, for example, the number of times the main switch 210 or the select switch 220 is pressed is equal to or more than a predetermined number of operations (yes in step S13), the correction unit 232 performs the correction of the threshold Vth for each touch sensor (step S20).

Alternatively, the counter 236 may be preset with the number of times the notification unit 245 performs a predetermined notification operation.

In this case, in step S13 of fig. 11, the counter 236 monitors whether or not the number of notification operations performed by the notification unit 245 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of notification operations (step S13).

When the counter 236 determines that the number of notification operations performed by the notification unit 245 is equal to or greater than the predetermined notification number (yes in step S13), the correction unit 232 determines that the predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction of the threshold Vth for each touch sensor (step S20).

When the operation unit 280 is operated, the control unit 230 detects the operation. Thereby, the operation of the operation part 280 lowers the battery voltage. In addition, the notification operation of the notification unit 245 also decreases the battery voltage. Therefore, the relationship between the number of operations of the operation unit 280 and the degree of decrease in the battery voltage or the relationship between the number of notification operations of the notification unit 245 and the degree of decrease in the battery voltage can be grasped in advance. Therefore, the number of operations of the operation unit 280 or the number of notification operations of the notification unit 245, which can prevent malfunction even if the battery voltage decreases in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 280 or the notification operation of the notification unit 245, can be stored in the counter 236 in advance.

Then, when the counter 236 determines that the number of operations of the operation unit 280 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of operations or that the number of notification operations of the notification unit 245 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of notification operations, the correction unit 232 determines that the predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction.

Thus, even if the battery voltage decreases as the operation unit 280 is operated or the notification operation of the notification unit 245 is performed, the threshold Vth of each touch sensor can be corrected by the correction unit 232 before the malfunction occurs.

Even if the operation device 200 does not have a battery voltage sensor for detecting the battery voltage, that is, even if the battery control unit 233 does not have a function for monitoring the battery voltage, the amount of decrease in the battery voltage can be virtually predicted by the battery control unit 233 through software processing.

< (4) when the battery is replaced

Fig. 12 shows a processing flow of the operation device 200 for performing correction when the battery is replaced. A predetermined allowable variation range is preset in the battery control unit 233 with reference to the battery voltage after the previous correction.

In the example shown in fig. 12, the battery control unit 233 monitors whether or not the battery 243 is replaced (step S14). Specifically, the battery control unit 233 monitors whether or not the battery voltage rises within a predetermined range stored in advance.

When the battery control unit 233 determines that the battery 243 has been replaced (yes in step S14), that is, when the battery control unit 233 determines that the battery voltage has increased to be equal to or greater than the upper limit value of the predetermined range, the correction unit 232 determines that a predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction of the threshold Vth for each touch sensitive sensor (step S20).

When the battery 243 whose battery voltage is reduced due to degradation is replaced with another battery that is not degraded, the battery voltage increases. Therefore, the touch sensor output value acquired by the touch sensor control unit 235 from each touch sensor may change due to battery replacement.

In contrast, in particular, the upper limit value of the predetermined range of the battery voltage, which can prevent malfunction even if the battery voltage increases due to replacement of the battery, can be stored in the battery control unit 233 in advance. When the battery control unit 233 determines that the amount of change in the battery voltage is equal to or greater than the upper limit of the predetermined range, the correction unit 232 determines that a predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction of the threshold Vth for each touch sensor.

Thus, even if the battery voltage changes, the correction unit 232 can correct the threshold value Vth of each touch sensor before a malfunction occurs.

This makes it possible to perform correction at a necessary timing and to extend the battery life.

< (5) after the power of the X-ray photographing apparatus 2 is turned on

Fig. 13 shows a processing flow of the operation device 200 for performing correction after the device power of the X-ray imaging device 2 is turned on. In this example, the following scheme (predetermined conditions relating to the power supply of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2) is preset: when the apparatus power of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is turned on and the stopped X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is started, a notification signal that the apparatus power of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is turned on is sent from the communication unit 101 on the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 side to the communication unit 231 on the operation apparatus 200 side.

In the example shown in fig. 13, the communication unit 231 on the operation device 200 side intermittently monitors whether or not a notification signal that the device power of the X-ray imaging device 2 has been turned on is issued from the communication unit 101 on the X-ray imaging device 2 side at predetermined time intervals from the sleep state (step S15).

When the communication unit 231 on the operation device 200 side receives a notification signal from the communication unit 101 on the X-ray imaging device 2 side that the device power of the X-ray imaging device 2 is turned on, that is, when it is determined that the device power of the X-ray imaging device 2 is turned on (yes in step S15), the correction unit 232 determines that a predetermined condition required for performing correction is satisfied, and performs correction of the threshold Vth for each touch sensitive sensor (step S20).

The timing when the apparatus power of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is turned on is often, for example, a certain time after the apparatus power of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is turned off in the evening before the day. Therefore, while the power of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is off, the ambient temperature of the operation device 200 may change greatly, or the battery voltage of the battery 243 may change greatly. This may cause a malfunction in that the touch sensor output value acquired by the touch sensor control unit 235 from each touch sensor changes.

In contrast, according to the above-described configuration, even if the touch sensor output values acquired from the touch sensors by the touch sensor control unit 235 change after a certain time has elapsed since the apparatus power of the X-ray imaging apparatus 2 is turned off, the threshold Vth of each touch sensor can be corrected by the correction unit 232 before a malfunction occurs.

< (6) the case where the operation device 200 is not operated for a certain period of time

Fig. 14 shows a processing flow of the operation device 200 in which correction is performed when a state in which the operation device 200 is not operated continues for a certain time.

In this example, the counter 236 measures the elapsed time from when the operation unit 210 was operated last time to when it was operated next time (i.e., the time from when one of the main switch 210 and the selection switch 220 was pressed and released to when one of the main switch 210 and the selection switch 220 was pressed and released next time). The counter 236 may be set with a predetermined time from the previous operation of the operation unit 210 (that is, a predetermined time from when one of the main switch 210 and the selection switch 220 is pressed and released to when one of the main switch 210 and the selection switch 220 is pressed and released next time).

In the example shown in fig. 14, the counter 236 monitors whether or not the operation unit 280 has not been operated for a predetermined time since the operation unit 280 was operated last time (step S16). For example, the counter 236 monitors whether or not the time elapsed since one of the main switch 210 and the select switch 220 was pressed and released before is equal to or longer than a predetermined time stored in advance.

Then, when the counter 236 determines that the state where the operation unit 280 has not been operated continues for a certain period of time (yes in step S16), for example, when the counter 236 determines that: when the elapsed time from the time when one of the main switch 210 and the select switch 220 was pressed and released before the main switch 210 and the select switch 220 were not pressed and not released is equal to or longer than a predetermined time stored in advance, the correction unit 232 performs the correction of the threshold Vth for each of the plurality of touch sensors (step S20).

In the process of performing the correction by the correction unit 232, if a finger or the like touches the touch sensor, the correction cannot be performed correctly (the correction process will be described later with reference to fig. 16).

However, if the state in which the operation unit 280 is not operated continues for a predetermined time, the state in which the operator does not hold the operation device 200 continues for the predetermined time, and the state in which the operator does not touch the touch-sensitive sensor may continue for the predetermined time.

In contrast, by performing the calibration at the timing when the operator does not operate the operation unit 280 for a predetermined time, the calibration can be performed accurately. This makes it possible to perform correction at a necessary timing and to extend the battery life.

In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous correction and malfunction due to contact of a finger or the like with the touch-sensitive sensor during correction. In addition, the number of times of recalibration when the operation of the operation device 200 is incorrect can be reduced, and the battery life can be extended.

Further, if the state where the operation unit 280 is not operated continues for a predetermined time, the touch sensor control unit 235 may not perform the grip detection for a certain length of time. On the other hand, as described above, by performing the correction in a case where the operator does not operate the operation unit 280 for a predetermined time, the correction unit 232 can correct the threshold value Vth of each touch sensor before the malfunction occurs.

The state in which the operation unit 280 is not operated continues for a predetermined time period includes, for example, a case in which the operation device 200 is placed at a position other than the stand 100.

The predetermined time stored in the counter 236 may be a time defined for an elapsed time from the end of the operation unit 280 (when the pressing of one of the main switch 210 and the selection switch 220 is released), or may be an elapsed time in a state where the operation unit 280 is not operated (one of the main switch 210 and the selection switch 220 is not pressed) after the operation device 200 is started.

< (7) constant state of output value of touch sensor lasting for certain time >

Fig. 15 shows a processing flow of the operation device 200 for performing correction when a constant state of the touch-sensitive sensor output value continues for a certain time.

In this example, the touch sensor control unit 235 measures the time during which the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor falls within a predetermined range. The touch sensor control unit 235 sets a predetermined time period for a case where the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor falls within a predetermined range.

In the example shown in fig. 15, the touch sensor control unit 235 monitors whether or not the touch sensor output value of each of the plurality of touch sensors is within a predetermined range (step S17). Specifically, the touch sensor control unit 235 monitors whether or not the time during which the touch sensor output value falls within the predetermined range is equal to or longer than a predetermined time stored in advance for each touch sensor.

Then, if the touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235 determines that the state in which the touch-sensitive sensor output values of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensors are within the predetermined range continues for the predetermined time (yes at step S17), the correction portion 232 determines that the predetermined condition required for performing the correction is satisfied, and performs the correction of the threshold Vth for each touch-sensitive sensor (step S20).

When a finger or the like touches the touch-sensitive sensor while the correction unit 232 is performing the correction, the correction cannot be performed correctly (the correction process will be described later).

In this case, if the state in which the touch sensor output value of the touch sensor is within the predetermined range continues for the predetermined time, the state in which the operator does not hold the operation device 200 continues for the predetermined time, and the state in which the operator does not touch the touch sensor continues for the predetermined time.

In contrast, by performing the calibration at the timing when the operator does not operate the operation unit 280 for a predetermined time, the calibration can be performed accurately. This makes it possible to perform correction at a necessary timing and to extend the battery life.

In addition, it is possible to prevent erroneous correction and malfunction due to contact of a hand or the like with the touch-sensitive sensor during correction. Further, the number of times of recalibration when the operation device 200 is not operated properly can be reduced, and the battery life can be extended.

Further, if the state in which the operation unit 280 is not operated continues for a predetermined time, the state in which the touch-sensitive sensor control unit 235 does not detect the grip may continue for a predetermined time. On the other hand, by performing the correction when the state in which the operator does not operate the operation unit 280 continues for the predetermined time as described above, the threshold Vth of each touch sensor can be corrected by the correction unit 232 before the malfunction occurs.

The state where the operation unit 280 is not operated continues for a predetermined time period, for example, a case where the operation device 200 is placed at a position other than the stand 100 is exemplified.

In addition, although affected by the resolving power of the touch-sensitive sensors, even if the operator is stationary while holding the operation device 200, a certain touch-sensitive sensor may detect a weak motion, and the touch-sensitive sensor output value of the touch-sensitive sensor may change.

(correction by the correcting section 232)

Fig. 16 shows a flow of the correction by the correction unit 232. As described above, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the correcting unit 232 starts the correction.

For example, as shown in fig. 16, if at least one of the above steps S11 to S17 is yes, the correction unit 232 starts performing correction to acquire a touch sensor output value of each touch sensor (step S21).

The correcting section 232 acquires the touch-sensitive sensor output value thereof a prescribed number of times for each touch-sensitive sensor ("yes" at step S22), and calculates, for each touch-sensitive sensor, a correction value, that is, a new threshold value, from the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquired the prescribed number of times (step S23). For example, correction section 232 acquires the touch-sensitive sensor output value 32 times for each touch-sensitive sensor, and calculates an average of its 32 touch-sensitive sensor output values for each touch-sensitive sensor. Then, for each of the plurality of touch sensitive sensors, a correction value, i.e. a new threshold value, is calculated from the average value.

Then, the correcting section 232 saves the calculated correction value, that is, the new threshold value in the touch-sensitive sensor control section 235 (step S24). This completes the correction by the correcting unit 232.

Among the steps executed by the correction unit 232, the step of acquiring the touch sensor output value a predetermined number of times (steps S21 and S22 in the above-described embodiment) is also referred to as a touch sensor output value acquisition step. Further, among the steps executed by the correction section 232, the step of calculating the correction value (step S23 in the above-described embodiment) is also referred to as a correction value calculation step. The correcting section 232 performs correction of the threshold value by performing correction processing including a touch-sensitive sensor output value acquiring step and a correction value calculating step.

As described above, the correction unit 232 may start the correction when at least one of the above steps S11 to S17 is yes. If the operation device 200 does not perform the process of step S11, the temperature sensor control unit 234 and the temperature sensor 244 may be omitted from the configuration of the operation device 200 shown in fig. 7. If the operation device 200 does not perform the processing of step S12, the battery control unit 233 can be omitted from the configuration of the operation device 200 shown in fig. 7. Note that, if the operation device 200 does not perform the processing of step S13, the counter 236 may be omitted from the configuration of the operation device 200 shown in fig. 7. If the operation device 200 does not perform the processing of step S14, the battery control unit 233 can be omitted from the configuration of the operation device 200 shown in fig. 7. If the operation device 200 does not perform the processing of step S15, the monitoring function of monitoring whether or not the notification signal for notifying that the device power of the X-ray imaging device 2 is turned on is issued from the communication unit 101 on the X-ray imaging device 2 side in the communication unit 231 of the operation device 200 shown in fig. 7 can be omitted.

As described above, the correction section 232 calculates a correction value for a certain touch-sensitive sensor using a plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired from the touch-sensitive sensor over a time series.

For example, taking the 1 st touch sensor 241 as an example, the correcting section 232 acquires 32 touch sensor output values from the 1 st touch sensor 241 at prescribed times (for example, 32 times) in the touch sensor output value acquiring step and in time series. Then, the correction section 232 calculates an average value of the touch-sensitive sensor output values from the 32 touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired in the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step in the correction value calculation step, and calculates a correction value for the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 from the average value. Then, the correction unit 232 corrects the threshold value of the 1 st touch sensor 241 using the correction value (corrects the threshold value to the calculated correction value). The other touch-sensitive sensors are also corrected one by one.

Therefore, if a finger or the like of the operator touches the touch sensor during the calibration process by the calibration unit 232 and the touch sensor output value greatly deviates, an accurate calibration value cannot be calculated.

Therefore, it is preferable to perform the following processing: it is determined whether to perform correction using the correction value calculated this time by the correction section 232, or to delete the correction value calculated this time (without changing the threshold), and so on.

(judgment of contact during calibration 1)

Fig. 17 shows a flow of processing for determining whether the touch-sensitive sensor is touched or not during the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step of the correction section 232. As shown in fig. 17, in order to calculate a correct correction value, it may be determined whether or not the touch sensor is touched while the correction unit 232 performs the correction of the touch sensor.

The processing example of the correcting unit 232 shown in fig. 17 includes steps S22a to S22f instead of step S22 shown in fig. 16, and further includes steps S23a and S25.

Although it is assumed in the description herein that the correction unit 232 executes the processing shown in fig. 17 after at least one of the steps S11 to S17 is executed, the processing of the steps S11 to S17 may be omitted when the processing of the correction unit 232 shown in fig. 17 is executed. The same applies to the processing described below with reference to fig. 18 to 25.

For example, in a case where at least one of the above-described steps S11 to S17 is yes (or in a case where the correction is started due to a prescribed timing or the like), subsequently, the correction section 232 acquires the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor (step S21).

If the correcting portion 232 has acquired the touch sensor output values a 1 st prescribed number of times (e.g., 16 times) for each touch sensor as part of the total prescribed number of times (e.g., 32 times) (yes in step S22 a), then the correcting portion 232 determines whether the difference (difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) of the touch sensor output values acquired a 1 st prescribed number of times is within a preset prescribed range, and stores the determination result (step S22 b).

Then, the correcting portion 232 continues to acquire a touch-sensitive sensor output value for each touch-sensitive sensor (step S22 c).

As a part of the total prescribed number of times (e.g., 32 times), if the correction section 232 has acquired the touch-sensitive sensor output values a 2 nd prescribed number of times (e.g., 16 times) for each touch-sensitive sensor ("yes" at step S22 d), then the correction section 232 determines whether the difference (difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) of these touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired a 2 nd prescribed number of times is within a preset prescribed range, and stores the determination result (step S22 e).

Then, the correcting unit 232 determines whether or not the touch sensor output values for each touch sensor required for calculating the correction value are acquired a total of a predetermined number of times (for example, 32 times) (step S22 f). If no in step S22f, the process returns to step S22b.

In step S22f, if the correcting section 232 determines that the touch sensor output values of the touch sensors required for the calculation of the correction value have been acquired a total of the prescribed number of times (for example, 32 times) (yes in step S22 f), then, the correction value for each touch sensor is calculated from the touch sensor output values of the touch sensors acquired in steps S21, S22a, S22d, S22f a total of the prescribed number of times (for example, 32 times) (step S23).

Then, correction portion 232 determines for each touch sensitive sensor whether or not the difference in touch sensitive sensor output values (difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) is within a prescribed range, with reference to the determination results determined in intermediate steps S22b, S22e of acquiring touch sensitive sensor output values a total of prescribed number of times (step S23a: touch sensitive sensor output value determination step).

In step S23a, when the correction unit 232 determines that the difference between the output values of the touch sensor is within the predetermined range (yes in step S23 a), the correction value calculated in step S23 is stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 (step S24). That is, the correction unit 232 corrects the threshold value to the newly calculated correction value, thereby completing the correction. This is because, when yes is obtained in step S23a, it is successfully determined that the finger or the like of the operator has not contacted the touch-sensitive sensor until the touch-sensitive sensor output value is acquired a predetermined number of times (for example, 32 times). Then, the grip detection is performed by the touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235 using the correction value calculated in step 23.

On the other hand, when the correction unit 232 determines in step S23a that the variation in the output value of the touch sensor is out of the predetermined range (no in step S23 a), the correction value calculated in step S23 is deleted and is not stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 (step S25). That is, the correction unit 232 does not perform the threshold correction, suspends the correction, and maintains the corrected value after the previous correction. This is because, when no is performed in step S23a, it is successfully determined that the operator' S finger or the like has not properly touched the touch sensor until the touch sensor output value is acquired a predetermined number of times (for example, 32 times), and a correct correction value cannot be calculated. Thus, the touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235 performs the grip detection without using the correction value calculated in step 23, but using the correction value calculated previously and already stored in itself.

It is also possible to omit step S22c and to collectively determine whether or not the variation in the touch sensor output value acquired in step S22b is within a predetermined range in step S23a by the correction unit 232. Further, the unused correction value may not be deleted in step S25, but may be stored.

As described above, by the correction shown in fig. 17, when the difference between the touch sensor output values acquired in the touch sensor output value acquisition steps (steps S21, S22a, S22c, S22 d) is within the predetermined range, the correction unit 232 stores the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step (step S23) in the touch sensor control unit 235 (yes in step S23a, S24). That is, the correction unit 232 changes the threshold value to the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step, thereby completing the correction.

Further, if the difference between the touch sensor output values acquired in the touch sensor output value acquisition steps (steps S21, S22a, S22c, S22 d) is out of the predetermined range, the correction unit 232 deletes the correction value calculated in the subsequent correction value calculation step (step S23) (no in step S23a, S25). That is, the correction section 232 maintains the threshold value stored in the touch-sensitive sensor control section 235, that is, the correction value after the previous correction, thereby suspending the correction.

This prevents erroneous correction due to a finger or the like contacting the touch sensor during correction. As a result, malfunction can be prevented from occurring.

Further, the number of times of recalibration when the operation device 200 is not operated correctly can be reduced, and the battery life can be extended.

Further, even in a state where the operator stably holds the operation portion 280, the touch sensor control portion 235 can detect a slight change in the output value of the touch sensor, and therefore, it is possible to determine with high accuracy whether or not a finger or the like has come into contact with the touch sensor.

Further, since the touch sensor output value is acquired during the actual calibration and whether or not the finger is in contact with the touch sensor is determined from the touch sensor output value, the determination can be made more accurately than, for example, performing the processing of step S16 (fig. 14) and step S17 (fig. 15). In addition, the unused correction value may not be deleted in step S25, but may be stored.

Fig. 18 shows a flow of processing for determining whether the touch-sensitive sensor is touched or not after the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step of the correcting section 232. As shown in fig. 18, the correction unit 232 may perform the contact determination of the touch sensor not during the touch sensor output value acquisition step but after the touch sensor output value acquisition step.

For example, in a case where at least one of the above-described steps S11 to S17 is yes (or in a case where the correction is started due to a prescribed timing or the like), subsequently, the correction section 232 acquires the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor (step S21).

If the correction portion 232 has acquired the touch sensor output value a prescribed number of times (for example, 32 times) for each touch sensor (yes in step S22), then, the correction portion 232 determines whether or not the difference (difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) of the touch sensor output values acquired a prescribed number of times is within a prescribed range for each touch sensor (step S23 a).

In step S23a, if the correcting unit 232 determines that the difference between the touch sensor output values is within the predetermined range for each touch sensor (yes in step S23 a), the correction value for each touch sensor is calculated from the touch sensor output values of each touch sensor acquired a predetermined number of times (for example, 32 times) (step S23).

On the other hand, in step S23a, when the correction unit 232 determines that the difference between the output values of the touch sensors is out of the predetermined range (no in step S23 a), the correction unit stops the correction of the touch sensors without calculating the correction value of the touch sensors.

In this way, the correction unit 232 performs the touch sensor output value determination step (step S23 a) of determining whether the difference between the plurality of touch sensor output values acquired in the touch sensor output value acquisition steps (steps S21, S22) is within or outside the predetermined range, before the correction value calculation step (step S23).

When the correction unit 232 determines in the touch sensor output value determination step (step S23 a) that the difference between the plurality of touch sensor output values acquired in the touch sensor output value acquisition steps (steps S21 and S22) is within the predetermined range, the threshold value is changed to the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step (step S23).

On the other hand, if the correction unit 232 determines in the touch sensor output value determination step (step S23 a) that the difference between the plurality of touch sensor output values acquired in the touch sensor output value acquisition steps (steps S21 and S22) is outside the predetermined range, the correction value calculation step (step S23) is not performed. That is, in this case, the correction section 232 does not calculate the correction value of the touch sensitive sensor and suspends the correction of the touch sensitive sensor.

In this way, as in the processing shown in fig. 17, erroneous correction due to contact of a finger or the like with the touch-sensitive sensor during correction can be prevented. As a result, malfunction can be prevented from occurring.

In addition, the number of times of this correction when the operation of the operation device 200 is incorrect can be reduced, and the battery life can be extended.

Fig. 25 shows a process flow of suspending the correction if the touch-sensitive sensor is touched in the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step of the correcting section 232. As shown in fig. 25, the correction portion 232 may end execution of the correction upon determining that the touch-sensitive sensor is touched during the correction.

For example, in a case where at least one of the above-described steps S11 to S17 is yes (or in a case where the correction is started due to a prescribed timing or the like), subsequently, the correcting section 232 acquires the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor (step S21).

As a part of the total prescribed number of times (e.g., 32 times), if the correction portion 232 has acquired the touch-sensitive sensor output values a 1 st prescribed number of times (e.g., 16 times) for each touch-sensitive sensor ("yes" at step S22 a), then the correction portion 232 determines whether the difference (difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) of the touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired a 1 st prescribed number of times is within a preset prescribed range (step S22 ba).

In step S22ba, if the correcting portion 232 determines that the difference between the touch sensor output values acquired a 1 st prescribed number of times (the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) is outside the preset prescribed range (no in step S22 ba), the correction of the touch sensor is suspended without calculating the correction value of the touch sensor.

On the other hand, in step S22ba, when the correction unit 232 determines that the difference between the touch sensor output values acquired the 1 st predetermined number of times (the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) is within the predetermined range (yes in step S22 ba), the processing in step S22c and step S22d is performed in this order.

In step S22d, if the correction unit 232 has acquired touch sensor output values a 2 nd prescribed number of times (e.g., 16 times) for each touch sensor as part of the total prescribed number of times (e.g., 32 times) (yes in step S22 d), then the correction unit 232 determines whether the difference (difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) of the touch sensor output values acquired a 2 nd prescribed number of times is within a preset prescribed range (step S22 ea).

In step S22d, if the correction unit 232 determines that the difference between the output values of the touch sensitive sensors acquired at the 2 nd predetermined number of times (the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) is outside the preset predetermined range, the correction of the touch sensitive sensor is terminated without calculating the correction value of the touch sensitive sensor.

On the other hand, in step S22d, when the correction unit 232 determines that the difference between the touch sensor output values acquired the 2 nd predetermined number of times (the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value) is within the preset predetermined range, the processing in steps S22f, S23, and S24 is performed in order.

In this way, by the processing shown in fig. 25, it is possible to prevent erroneous correction due to contact of a finger or the like with the touch-sensitive sensor during correction, as in the processing shown in fig. 17 and 18. As a result, malfunction can be prevented from occurring.

In addition, the number of times of recalibration when the operation of the operation device 200 is incorrect can be reduced, and the battery life can be extended.

(contact judgment in correction Process 2)

The correction unit 232 may determine whether or not the calculated correction value is appropriate as shown in fig. 19, without performing the processing shown in fig. 17 and 18. Fig. 19 shows a flow of correction processing for appropriately including the correction value calculated by the judgment correction section 232.

For example, in a case where at least one of the above-described steps S11 to S17 is yes (or in a case where the correction is started due to a prescribed timing or the like), subsequently, the correction section 232 acquires the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor (step S21). Then, the correction unit 232 performs the processing of steps S22 and S23 described with reference to fig. 16.

In step S23, the correcting section 232 calculates, for each touch sensitive sensor, a correction value from the plurality of touch sensitive sensor output values acquired a prescribed number of times.

Then, the correction portion 232 determines whether or not the difference between the correction value calculated in step S23 and the correction value calculated last time and used at present (the correction value stored in the touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235) is within a prescribed range (step S23 b).

In step S23b, if the difference between the correction value calculated in step S23 and the correction value after the previous correction (the threshold value stored in the touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235) is within the predetermined range (yes in step S23 b), the correction portion 232 estimates that the correction value calculated in step S23 is normal, and stores the correction value in the touch-sensitive sensor control portion 235 (step S24). That is, the correction unit 232 changes the threshold value to the correction value calculated in step S23, thereby completing the correction.

In step S23b, if the difference between the correction value calculated in step S23 and the correction value after the previous correction (the threshold value stored in the touch sensor control unit 235) is outside the predetermined range (no in step S23 b), the correction unit 232 estimates that a finger or the like has touched the touch sensor during the correction, deletes the correction value calculated in step S23, and does not store it in the touch sensor control unit 235 (step S25). Thus, the correction section 232 suspends the correction of the touch-sensitive sensor.

In this way, after the start of the correction process, if the difference between the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step (step 23) and the threshold value, which is the correction value after the previous correction, is within the predetermined range, the correction unit 232 changes the threshold value to the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step (step 23) (step S24).

On the other hand, if the difference between the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step (step S23) and the threshold value is outside the predetermined range, the correction unit 232 estimates that a finger or the like has touched the touch-sensitive sensor during the correction, and therefore deletes the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step (step S23) and does not change the threshold value (step S25). That is, the correction section 232 maintains the correction value after the previous correction, that is, the threshold value stored in the touch-sensitive sensor control section 235, thereby suspending the correction.

This prevents erroneous correction due to a finger or the like touching the touch sensor during correction. As a result, malfunction can be prevented from occurring.

Further, the number of times of recalibration when the operation device 200 is not operated correctly can be reduced, and the battery life can be extended. In addition, the unused correction value may not be deleted in step S25, but may be stored.

Fig. 20 shows a processing flow of a correction modification in which it is determined whether or not the correction value calculated by the correction unit 232 is properly included. As shown in fig. 20, the correction unit 232 may further determine the magnitude relationship between the calculated correction value and the currently used threshold value, and adopt the correct one of them.

As shown in fig. 20, the processing of steps S21 to S23b described with reference to fig. 19 is performed.

In step S23b, if the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step (step S23) is out of the predetermined range (no in step S23 b), the correction unit 232 further determines whether or not the correction value is smaller than the threshold value (step S23 c).

In step S23c, if the correcting unit 232 determines that the correction value calculated in step S23 is smaller than the threshold value stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 after the previous correction (no in step S23 c), it is estimated that the correction value calculated in step S23 is more accurate than the threshold value after the previous correction, and therefore the correction value calculated in step S23 is stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 (step S24). Thereby, the correction unit 232 completes the execution of the correction.

On the other hand, if the correction unit 232 determines in step S23 that the correction value calculated in step S23 is equal to or greater than the threshold value stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 after the previous correction (yes in step S23 c), it is estimated that the threshold value after the previous correction is more accurate than the correction value calculated in step S23, and therefore the correction value calculated in step S23 is deleted and is not stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 (step S25). Thereby, the correction unit 232 stops the correction.

This enables more accurate correction. This prevents erroneous correction due to correction performed in a state where a finger or the like is in contact with the touch sensor during correction, and also prevents erroneous correction due to other factors, thereby preventing malfunction of the operation device 200.

Further, since the number of times of recalibration can be reduced when the operation device 200 is not operating correctly, the influence on the battery life can be reduced. In addition, the unused correction value may not be deleted in step S25, but may be stored.

(correction of output value of touch sensor in correction Process)

During the correction, the correcting unit 232 can correct the output values of the touch sensitive sensors acquired at the same time.

Fig. 21 shows a flow of the correction unit 232 correcting at least one of the touch-sensitive sensor output values in the course of performing the correction. The correction unit 232 may perform the correction process shown in fig. 21 instead of the correction process shown in fig. 16.

As shown in fig. 21, for example, in a case where at least one of the above-described steps S11 to S17 is yes (or in a case where the correction is started due to a prescribed timing or the like), subsequently, the correction section 232 acquires the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor (step S21).

Next, the correction unit 232 determines whether or not at least one of the touch sensor output values from the touch sensors acquired simultaneously in step S21 is equal to or greater than a threshold value (step S21 a).

In step S21a, if the correction unit 232 determines that at least one of the touch sensor output values is equal to or greater than the threshold value (yes in step S21 a), it corrects the touch sensor output value of the touch sensor determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value to a value lower than the threshold value based on the values of the other touch sensor output values lower than the threshold value (step S21 b). Thereafter, the processing of steps S22 to S24 shown in fig. 16 is performed in this order.

Fig. 22 shows a case where the correcting section 232 corrects at least one of the touch-sensitive sensor output values in the course of performing the correction. In steps S21a and S21b shown in fig. 21, the correction unit 232 may correct the touch sensor output value as shown in fig. 22, for example. Fig. 22 (a) shows a case where the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor output value V1out of the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 is smaller than the threshold value, and (b) shows a case where the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor output value V2out of the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242 is larger than the threshold value.

For example, as shown in fig. 7, it is assumed that the operation device 200 has 2 touch sensors of a 1 st touch sensor 241 and a 2 nd touch sensor 242.

In step S21 shown in fig. 21, it is assumed that the touch-sensitive sensor output value obtained by the correcting section 232 from the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor 241 at a certain time during execution of the correction is the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor output value V1out shown in (a) of fig. 22, and the touch-sensitive sensor output value obtained by the correcting section 232 from the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor 242 at the same time is the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor output value V2out shown in (b) of fig. 22.

Then, the correcting section 232 refers to the threshold Vth stored in the touch-sensitive sensor control section 235 in step S21a shown in fig. 21, and determines for each touch-sensitive sensor whether or not its touch-sensitive sensor output value is equal to or greater than the threshold Vth.

Here, as shown in (a) of fig. 22, the 1 st touch-sensitive sensor output value V1out is a value Vl smaller than the threshold Vth, and as shown in (b) of fig. 22, the 2 nd touch-sensitive sensor output value V2out is a value Vh equal to or larger than the threshold Vth.

As described above, if the touch sensor output value of only one of the 2 touch sensors is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is estimated that the operator is not holding (is not holding) the operation unit 280, and that a finger or the like may accidentally come into contact with one of the 2 touch sensors.

In this case, the value Vh of the 2 nd touch sensor output value V2out is corrected to the value Vl of the 1 st touch sensor output value V1out in step S21b without restarting the correction from the beginning. Then, as shown in steps S22 to S24, the correction unit 232 continues to perform the correction and ends the correction. This can prevent re-calibration caused by contact with a finger or the like during calibration, and can extend the battery life.

In addition, if the operation device 200 has 2 or more touch sensors, for example, 4 touch sensors, and the touch sensor output value of 1 touch sensor is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the touch sensor output values of the other touch sensors are lower than the threshold value, the touch sensor output value greater than the threshold value may be corrected to the average value of the touch sensor output values lower than the threshold value.

(execution of correction is suspended during correction)

The correction portion 232 may also suspend the correction in accordance with the values of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired at the same time during the execution of the correction.

Fig. 23 shows a flow in which the correcting section 232 suspends the correction in accordance with the values of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values in the course of performing the correction. The correction unit 232 may perform the correction process shown in fig. 23 instead of the correction process shown in fig. 16.

As shown in fig. 23, for example, in a case where at least one of the above-described steps S11 to S17 is yes (or in a case where the correction is started due to a prescribed timing or the like), subsequently, the correction portion 232 acquires the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor (step S21).

Next, the correcting portion 232 determines whether or not at least one of the touch sensor output values from the touch sensors acquired simultaneously in step S21 is equal to or greater than the threshold value stored in the touch sensor control portion 235 (step S21 a).

In step S21a, when the correction unit 232 determines that at least one of the touch sensor output values is equal to or greater than the threshold value stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 (yes in step S21 a), the correction is suspended without acquiring the touch sensor output value a predetermined number of times (step S26). Thereafter, the calibration unit 232 may cause the notification unit 245 to perform a notification operation to notify that the calibration has not been completed normally.

In step S21a, if the correction unit 232 determines that at least one of the touch sensor output values is smaller than the threshold value stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 (no in step S21 a), the routine proceeds to step S22 shown in fig. 16, and the processing in steps S23 and S24 is sequentially performed, and the correction is normally ended.

By the processing shown in fig. 21, at a point in time when any one of the plurality of touch sensor output values becomes equal to or more than the threshold value, the correction unit 232 estimates that a finger or the like has touched any one of the plurality of touch sensors, and stops the subsequent acquisition of the touch sensor output value, that is, stops the execution of the correction. This can extend the battery life.

(part of the touch-sensitive sensor output values are deleted during calibration)

The correcting unit 232 may also delete some touch-sensitive sensor output values according to the values of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired at the same time during the correction.

Fig. 24 shows a flow of the correcting section 232 deleting a part of the touch-sensitive sensor output values in accordance with the values of the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values in the course of performing the correction. The correcting section 232 may perform the correction processing shown in fig. 24 instead of the correction processing shown in fig. 16.

As shown in fig. 24, for example, in a case where at least one of the above-described steps S11 to S17 is yes (or in a case where the correction is started due to a prescribed timing or the like), subsequently, the correction section 232 acquires the touch sensor output value of each touch sensor (step S21).

Next, correction unit 232 determines whether or not at least one of the touch sensor output values from the touch sensors acquired simultaneously in step S21 is equal to or greater than the threshold value stored in touch sensor control unit 235 (step S21 a).

In step S21a, if the correction unit 232 determines that at least one of the touch sensor output values is equal to or greater than the threshold value stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 (yes in step S21 a), the touch sensor output value equal to or greater than the threshold value is deleted (step S21 c).

Then, the processing of steps S22, S23, S24 is performed, and the correction section 232 ends the execution of the correction.

In step S21a, when the correction unit 232 determines that at least one of the touch sensor output values is not equal to or greater than the threshold value stored in the touch sensor control unit 235 (no in step S21 a), the processing in steps S22, S23, and S24 is performed, and the execution of the correction is terminated.

If the processing of step S23 is performed subsequently in the case where "yes" is performed in step S21a in the processing shown in fig. 24, the touch sensor output values of the touch sensors that have been subjected to touch sensor output value deletion are not all, and the amount of data acquired a predetermined number of times (for example, 32 times) is not reached, and the touch sensor output values of the discarded number are not obtained. For example, when the touch sensor output value is discarded once, the correction unit 232 calculates a correction value for the touch sensor from the touch sensor output value of the remaining number of times, which is the number of times obtained by subtracting the discarded number from the predetermined number of times (step S23).

This can prevent the occurrence of recalibration, and can extend the battery life.

[ example of implementation by software ]

The control module (particularly, the control unit 230) of the operation device 200 may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or may be realized by software.

When implemented by software, the operation device 200 includes a computer that executes software program commands for implementing the respective functions. The computer includes, for example: 1 or more processors, and a storage medium storing the program so as to be readable by a computer. In the computer, the object of the present invention can be achieved by the processor reading out the program from the storage medium and executing the program. As the processor, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be used. As the storage medium, a "non-transitory tangible medium", such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or the like, a Memory tape, a Memory disk, a Memory card, a semiconductor Memory, a programmable logic circuit, or the like can be used. Further, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like for expanding the program may be provided. The program may be provided to the computer through any transmission medium (a communication network, a broadcast wave, or the like) through which the program can be transmitted. In addition, an aspect of the present invention can be achieved even if the form of the program is a data signal that is embedded in a carrier wave and that is embodied by electronic transmission.

(conclusion)

The operation device of one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that: the operation device remotely controls an operation object device, and includes: one or more touch-sensitive sensors; a contact determination section that determines whether the touch-sensitive sensor is contacted based on touch-sensitive sensor output values from the one or more touch-sensitive sensors and a threshold value; and a correction unit that corrects the threshold value, wherein the correction unit starts execution of the correction when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied.

If the calibration is performed periodically as in patent document 1, that is, automatically after a predetermined time and a number of days have elapsed, various methods of use and environments of use need to be taken into consideration, and therefore the calibration needs to be performed too frequently. In contrast, according to the present invention, since the correction can be performed when necessary, power consumption can be suppressed. As a result, unnecessary battery consumption can be prevented. Further, the grip detection can be accurately performed.

In the operation device according to the present invention, the predetermined condition may be a condition defined for a power supply of at least one of the operation device and the operation target device.

The operation device of the present invention may further include: a temperature sensor; and a temperature determination unit that determines whether or not a change amount of the temperature sensor value from the temperature sensor after the previous correction is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the correction unit may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied if the temperature determination unit determines that the change amount of the temperature sensor value from the temperature sensor after the previous correction is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

The operation device of the present invention may further include: a battery; and a voltage determination unit that determines whether or not a change amount of the battery voltage from the battery after the previous correction is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and the correction unit may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied if the voltage determination unit determines that the change amount of the battery voltage from the battery after the previous correction is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

The operation device of the present invention may have: at least one of an operation unit and a notification unit; and a counting unit that counts a number of times the button is pressed or a number of times the notification operation is performed, and the correcting unit may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the counting unit determines that the number of times is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times.

In the operating device of the present invention, the voltage determination unit may determine that the amount of change in the battery voltage from the battery is equal to or greater than a predetermined value: the amount of change in the battery voltage from the battery increases to the upper limit value of the predetermined range or more due to the replacement of the battery.

The operation device of the present invention may further include an operation device side communication unit that acquires a notification that the device power supply of the operation target device has been turned on from the operation target device side communication unit when the device power supply of the operation target device is turned on, and the correction unit may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied when the operation device side communication unit acquires the notification that the device power supply has been turned on.

The operation device of the present invention may further include: an operation unit that is operated to remotely control the target device; and an elapsed time determination unit configured to determine whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since a previous operation of the operation unit, and the correction unit may determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied if the elapsed time determination unit determines that the predetermined time has elapsed.

The operation device of the present invention may further include: a touch-sensitive sensor output value determination section that determines whether or not a state in which the touch-sensitive sensor output values from the one or more touch-sensitive sensors are within a predetermined range continues for a predetermined time, and the correction section may also determine that the predetermined condition is satisfied if the touch-sensitive sensor output value determination section determines that the state in which the touch-sensitive sensor output values from the one or more touch-sensitive sensors are within the predetermined range continues for the predetermined time.

The correction unit of the operation device according to the present invention may perform the correction by executing a correction process including a touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values from the one or more touch-sensitive sensors a predetermined number of times and a correction value calculation step of calculating a correction value for correcting the threshold value for each of the touch-sensitive sensors based on the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired in the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step.

In the operation device of the present invention, after the start of the process of executing the correction, the correction unit may change the threshold value to the correction value if a difference between the plurality of touch sensor output values acquired in the touch sensor output value acquisition step is within a predetermined range, or if a difference between the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step and the threshold value as the previously corrected correction value is within a predetermined range.

The correction unit of the operation device of the present invention may delete the correction value without changing the threshold value if the difference between the plurality of touch sensor output values acquired in the touch sensor output value acquisition step is outside the predetermined range or if the difference between the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step and the threshold value is outside the predetermined range.

If the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step is outside the predetermined range and the correction value is smaller than the threshold value, the correction unit of the operation device of the present invention may change the threshold value to the correction value, but if the correction value is equal to or larger than the threshold value, the correction value may be deleted without changing the threshold value.

The correction unit of the operation device according to the present invention may perform the touch-sensitive sensor output value determination step before the correction value calculation step, wherein the touch-sensitive sensor output value determination step determines whether the difference between the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired in the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step is within the predetermined range or outside the predetermined range, the correction unit may change the threshold value to the correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step if the touch-sensitive sensor output value determination step determines that the difference between the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired in the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step is within the predetermined range, and the correction unit may not perform the correction value calculation step if the touch-sensitive sensor output value determination step determines that the difference between the plurality of touch-sensitive sensor output values acquired in the touch-sensitive sensor output value acquisition step is outside the predetermined range.

In the operation device according to the present invention, the correction unit may correct the touch sensor output value of the touch sensor determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value to a value lower than the threshold value based on the value of the other touch sensor output values lower than the threshold value, if it is determined that at least one of the touch sensor output values acquired from the one or more touch sensors is equal to or greater than the threshold value in the touch sensor output value acquisition step of acquiring the touch sensor output value.

In the operation device of the present invention, the correction unit may stop the execution of the correction if it is determined that at least one of the touch sensor output values acquired from the one or more touch sensors is equal to or greater than the threshold value in the touch sensor output value acquisition step of acquiring the touch sensor output value.

In the operation device of the present invention, the correction unit may delete at least one of the touch sensor output values obtained from the one or more touch sensors if it is determined that the at least one of the touch sensor output values obtained from the one or more touch sensors is not less than the threshold value in the touch sensor output value obtaining step of obtaining the touch sensor output value.

The X-ray imaging unit according to the present invention may include the operation target device and the operation device, and the operation target device may be an X-ray imaging device X-ray imaging unit.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the specification, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims (2)

1. An operation device that remotely controls an operation target device, the operation device comprising:

one or more touch-sensitive sensors;

a contact determination section that determines whether the touch-sensitive sensor is contacted based on touch-sensitive sensor output values from the one or more touch-sensitive sensors and a threshold value;

a correction unit that corrects the threshold value; and

a touch-sensitive sensor output value judgment section that judges whether or not a state in which the touch-sensitive sensor output values from the one or more touch-sensitive sensors are within a prescribed range continues for a prescribed time,

the correction portion starts the correction if the touch-sensitive sensor output value determination portion determines that the state in which the touch-sensitive sensor output values from the one or more touch-sensitive sensors are within the prescribed range continues for the prescribed time.

2. An X-ray photographing unit is characterized in that,

the operation device according to claim 1 is provided with the operation target device,

the operation object apparatus is an X-ray photographing apparatus.

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