JP2006239070A - Radiographic apparatus for visiting car - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic apparatus for a visiting car which reduces electric power consumption and simplifies device constitution. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus is so constituted that a selector switch S electrically connects a battery 21 and a dose meter 18 when an operation command of photography preparation from a controller 22 based on an input operation from a photography preparation switch 24 is outputted, and otherwise they are electrically shut off. Since the apparatus is so constituted, power consumption can be reduced in the amount during shutoff time. Since it is not necessary to add a new battery 21 for exclusive use for the dose meter 18, device constitution can be simplified. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a round trip X-ray imaging apparatus that performs a round trip of X-ray imaging at an arbitrary place by a traveling carriage configured to be able to travel.

This type of round-trip X-ray imaging apparatus is equipped with a traveling cart equipped with parts (for example, an X-ray generator, an X-ray tube, an X-ray detection unit, and an image processing unit) that perform various processes for X-ray imaging. Then, the traveling carriage is moved to the top plate on which the subject is placed, and a round of X-ray imaging is performed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Since the traveling cart can travel to an arbitrary place, a storage battery is mounted on the traveling cart to supply electric power to drive the portions that perform the various processes described above. A part that performs various processes is driven by the supply of electric power from the storage battery to perform various processes for X-ray imaging.
JP-A-11-188025 (page 2-4, FIGS. 1 and 5)

  However, for example, when a dosimeter that measures the dose of X-rays is mounted on a traveling carriage, the drive time for driving other parts is shortened by the amount of power consumed by the dosimeter. Although it is conceivable to supply the power of the dosimeter with a storage battery dedicated to the dosimeter, the circuit and the device configuration relating to the storage battery become more complicated as the storage battery is mounted. In addition, if the operator operating the power supply operates so that power is supplied to the dosimeter only when necessary, the operator will perform operations other than operations related to radiography, increasing the burden, resulting in doses due to incorrect operation of the dosimeter power operation. May cause measurement errors. As represented by this dosimeter etc., if a part that manages the processing for X-ray imaging is newly added, the driving time will be shortened by the amount of power consumed by it, or only for the installation of a dedicated storage battery etc. The device configuration becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus for round visits that reduces power consumption and simplifies the apparatus configuration.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a power supply means for supplying power for X-ray imaging to a traveling carriage configured to be able to travel, and driving by the power from the power supply means, and X-rays An X-ray imaging apparatus for round-trips that includes X-ray round-trips at an arbitrary place by the traveling carriage, and performs operations related to X-rays by input. An input operation unit is provided, and the imaging drive unit is configured by a first imaging drive unit and a second imaging drive unit, and the power supply unit and the first imaging drive unit are always electrically connected. In addition, the power supply unit and the second imaging drive unit are configured to be electrically connected at a timing based on an input operation from the input operation unit, and to be electrically disconnected at other times. That features It is intended to.

  [Operation / Effect] According to the first aspect of the present invention, the imaging drive means for performing various processes for X-ray imaging is constituted by the first imaging drive section and the second imaging drive section. Of the parts that perform various processes for X-ray imaging, the part that is always necessary is assigned to the first imaging drive unit, and the part that is necessary only at the timing based on the input operation from the input operation means is the first. 2 Assign to the shooting drive unit. Since the power supply means and the first imaging drive unit are always electrically connected, the first imaging drive, which is a part that is necessary at all times, among the parts that perform various processes for X-ray imaging. The part is always driven. On the other hand, since the power supply means and the second photographing drive unit are electrically connected at the timing based on the input operation means and are electrically disconnected at other times, the second photographing is performed. The power consumed by the drive unit is only at the timing based on the input operation from the input operation means, and the power consumed can be reduced by the amount of time of disconnection. In addition, since it is not necessary to newly add a power supply unit dedicated to the second imaging drive unit, it can be simplified without complicating the apparatus configuration due to the addition.

  An example of the second imaging drive unit is a dosimeter that measures the dose of X-rays (the invention according to claim 2). Therefore, the power supply means and the dosimeter are electrically connected at the timing based on the input operation from the input operation means, and are electrically disconnected at other times. As a result, it is possible to reduce the power consumed by the dosimeter by the amount of time during which it is disconnected. Moreover, since it is not necessary to newly add a power supply means dedicated to the dosimeter, the apparatus configuration can be simplified.

  According to the round-trip X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention, the power supply means and the second imaging drive unit are electrically connected at the timing based on the input operation from the input operation means, and otherwise Since it is configured so as to be electrically disconnected, it is possible to reduce the power consumed for the time of disconnection. Further, since it is not necessary to newly add a power supply unit dedicated to the second imaging drive unit, the apparatus configuration can be simplified.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram and a block diagram of an X-ray imaging apparatus for round trips according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram regarding wiring for power supply.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the round-trip X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a traveling cart 1 configured to be able to travel. The traveling carriage 1 includes a base 11 configured to be able to mount a storage battery 21 and the like, which will be described later, and a pair of left and right front wheels 12 and rear wheels 13. On the front wheel 12 side of the base 11, a support column 14 that can turn around a vertical axis is erected, and a telescopic arm 15 that can expand and contract in one direction in a horizontal plane is supported on the support column 14. . An X-ray tube 16 that irradiates the subject M with X-rays is disposed on the distal end side of the telescopic arm 15. Further, on the irradiation side of the X-ray tube 16, a collimator 17 for setting an X-ray irradiation field and a dosimeter 18 for measuring the irradiated X-ray dose are arranged. The dosimeter 18 corresponds to the second imaging drive unit in this invention.

  The front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 13 are used to move the base 11, the support column 14, the telescopic arm 15, the X-ray tube 16 and the like to arbitrary places to perform an X-ray imaging round. For example, the traveling carriage 1 is moved to the top plate B on which the subject M is placed, and the position of the X-ray tube 11 is adjusted so that X-rays are irradiated to the imaging region of the subject M. A flat panel X-ray detector (hereinafter referred to as “FPD”) 19 is installed on the top plate B, and the FPD 19 and a storage battery 21 described later are electrically connected by a cable 20 drawn outside the base 11. Connected. In addition to supplying power from the storage battery 21, the cable 20 has a function of sending X-ray data detected from the FPD 19 to an image processing unit 23 described later.

  Inside the base 11, there are a storage battery 21 that supplies power for X-ray imaging, a controller 22 that performs overall control of various processes for X-ray imaging, and X-rays detected by the FPD 19. An image processing unit 23 that performs image processing based on the image processing is mounted. The FPD 19 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 15 and transmitted through the subject M, and the image processing unit 23 performs image processing based on the detected X-rays, thereby imaging the subject M. As shown in FIG. 1, the storage battery 21 is electrically connected to the storage battery 23 so as to supply power to the X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the dosimeter 18, the controller 22, and the image processing unit 23. Is configured. In addition, the storage battery 21 electrically connects the storage battery 21 and the FPD via the cable 20 so as to supply power to the FPD 19 via the cable 20. Storage battery 21 corresponds to the power supply means in this invention.

  The controller 22 includes a central processing unit (CPU). For convenience of illustration, overall control from the controller 22 to a portion (for example, the X-ray tube 16, collimator 17, dosimeter 18, FPD 19, controller 22, and image processing unit 23) that performs various processes for X-ray imaging. The illustration of the connection is omitted.

  In addition, the apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment includes an imaging preparation switch 24 that performs imaging preparation, which is an operation related to X-ray imaging, by an input by pressing an operator. The shooting preparation switch 24 is configured to output an operation command for shooting preparation from the controller 22 while being pressed, and to end the output of the operation command described above when released. The photographing preparation switch 24 corresponds to the input operation means in this invention.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the storage battery 21, the X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the FPD 19, the controller 22, and the image processing unit 23 are configured to be always electrically connected, and an imaging preparation switch The storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18 are electrically connected when there is an imaging preparation operation command output from the controller 22 based on the input operation from 24, and electrically disconnected otherwise. It is composed.

More specifically, the storage battery 21, the wiring W ₁ that electrically connects the X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the FPD 19, the controller 22, and the image processing unit 23, and the storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18 are electrically connected. The wiring W ₀ is branched in the middle of the wiring W ₂ connected to, and a changeover switch S is disposed between the branch point and the dosimeter 18. This change-over switch S is closed when there is an output of an operation command for preparation for imaging from the controller 22, the storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18 are electrically connected, and at other times, the change-over switch S is opened. Then, the storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18 are electrically disconnected. The X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the FPD 19, the controller 22, and the image processing unit 23 other than the dosimeter 18 correspond to the first imaging drive unit in the present invention, and the X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the dosimeter 18, the FPD 19, The controller 22 and the image processing unit 23 correspond to the imaging drive means in this invention.

  Next, a series of processing of the rounds of X-ray imaging performed by the apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

(Step S1) Traveling movement The operator presses a main power switch (not shown). Accordingly, the X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the FPD 19, the controller 22, and the image processing unit 23 other than the dosimeter 18 are always electrically connected to the storage battery 21 unless the main power switch is pressed again. The traveling carriage 1 is caused to travel in this connected state. Specifically, the base 11, the support column 14, the telescopic arm 15, the X-ray tube 16, and the like are moved to the top plate B on which the subject M is placed by the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 13. After adjusting the position of the X-ray tube 11 so that X-rays are irradiated to the imaging region of the subject M, the process proceeds to a series of imaging preparations in steps S2 to S6.

(Step S2) Pressing the shooting preparation switch?
The operator presses the shooting preparation switch 24. As described above, the controller 22 outputs an operation command for shooting preparation while the button is pressed.

(Step S <b> 3) Power supply to the dosimeter While the operation command for imaging preparation is output from the controller 22, the changeover switch S is closed to electrically connect the storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18. Thereby, power supply from the storage battery 21 to the dosimeter 18 is started, and driving of the dosimeter 18 is started. Since it takes some time from the start of power supply until the performance of the dosimeter 18 stabilizes, the operator keeps pressing the imaging preparation switch 24 during that time. When the performance of the dosimeter 18 is stabilized, the dose of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 16 is measured.

(Step S4) Did you release the shooting preparation switch?
If the operator keeps pressing the imaging preparation switch 24 without releasing it, the process returns to step S3 and the power supply to the dosimeter 18 is continued. As described above, when the shooting preparation switch 24 is released, the controller 22 ends the output of the shooting preparation operation command.

(Step S5) End of power supply to the dosimeter When the output of the operation command for preparing for imaging from the controller 22 is completed, and there is no output of the operation command, the changeover switch S is opened, and the storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18 are opened. And electrically disconnect. Thereby, the power supply from the storage battery 21 to the dosimeter 18 is terminated.

(Step S6) Pressing the shooting switch?
When the operator depresses a shooting switch (not shown), the process proceeds to shooting in step S7. If the shooting switch is not pressed by the operator, the process returns to step S2 to repeat a series of shooting preparations.

(Step S7) Imaging After the imaging switch is pressed, the subject M is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray tube 18 through the collimator 17. The FPD 19 detects X-rays that have passed through the subject M, and the image processing unit 23 performs image processing based on the detected X-rays. The data processed by the image processing unit 23 is stored in a storage medium (not shown) typified by a RAM (Random-Access Memory) or the like via the controller 22 or displayed on a monitor (not shown). . The subject M is imaged by these processes. In the case of taking an image of another imaging region as well, the top plate B, the X-ray tube 16 and the FPD 19 are moved continuously.

(Step S8) Traveling Movement When another shooting is performed after a series of shootings is completed, the traveling carriage 1 is driven to another place and a series of steps S2 to S8 is repeated. In the case of ending without performing another photographing, the traveling carriage 1 is caused to travel, and the operator depresses a main power switch (not shown) again. As a result, the X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the FPD 19, the controller 22, and the image processing unit 23 other than the dosimeter 18 are also electrically disconnected from the storage battery 21.

  According to the apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above, a part that performs various processes for X-ray imaging is performed by using an X-ray tube 16 other than the dosimeter 18, a collimator 17, an FPD 19, a controller 22, and an image processing unit. 23 and dosimeter 18. Of the parts responsible for various processes for X-ray imaging, the necessary parts at all times are assigned to the X-ray tube 16, collimator 17, FPD 19, controller 22, and image processing unit 23, and input operation from the imaging preparation switch 24 is performed. A necessary part is assigned to the dosimeter 18 only when an operation command for imaging preparation is output from the controller 22 based on the above. Since the storage battery 21 and the X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the FPD 19, the controller 22 and the image processing unit 23 are configured to be electrically connected at all times, of the parts that perform various processes for X-ray imaging The X-ray tube 16, the collimator 17, the FPD 19, the controller 22, and the image processing unit 23 that are always necessary parts are always driven. On the other hand, the storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18 are configured to be electrically connected when there is an operation command output for imaging preparation, and electrically disconnected at other times. The power to be used is only when there is an output of a shooting preparation operation command based on the input operation from the shooting preparation switch 24, and the power consumed for the time of disconnection can be reduced. Moreover, since it is not necessary to newly add a storage battery 21 dedicated to the dosimeter 18, it can be simplified without complicating the apparatus configuration due to the addition.

  In addition, since the operator only has to press the shooting preparation switch 24 as an operation other than the operation related to shooting, the burden can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to prevent a dose measurement error due to an erroneous operation of the power supply operation of the dosimeter 18.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as follows.

  (1) In the above-described embodiment, an operation command for shooting preparation is output from the controller 22 while the shooting preparation switch 24 is pressed, and the operation command output is ended when released. However, an operation command for preparing for photographing may be output from the controller 22 when pressed once, and output of the operation command may be terminated when pressed again. Alternatively, the operation command output may be terminated after a predetermined time set in advance after being pressed again.

  (2) In the embodiment described above, the imaging preparation switch 24 is used as the input operation means in the present invention, and the power supply means in the present invention represented by the storage battery 21 and the second in the present invention represented by the dosimeter 18. The timing from the controller 22 based on the input operation from the shooting preparation switch 24 is used as the timing for electrically connecting the shooting drive unit, that is, the timing based on the input operation from the input operation means (shooting preparation switch 24 in the embodiment). Although it is said that there is an output of an operation command for preparation for shooting, the present invention is not limited to this.

  As the input operation means, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, a travel switch 31 for canceling travel / prohibiting travel of the travel cart 1 may be used. It is assumed that the travel of the traveling cart 1 is canceled while the travel switch 31 is being pressed, and the travel of the traveling cart 1 is prohibited when the release is released, and a transition is made to preparation for photographing. And while driving | running | working switch 31 is pressed down, the operation command of driving | running | working cancellation | release is output from the controller 22, and when it remove | releases, the output of the operation command mentioned above is complete | finished. In the same manner as in the embodiment, the controller 22 is closed when there is an output of an operation command for canceling the traveling, and the storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18 are electrically connected. It opens and the storage battery 21 and the dosimeter 18 are electrically disconnected.

  With this configuration, power can be supplied to the dosimeter 18 while the traveling carriage 1 is traveling. Moreover, since it can be shared by the travel switch 31, the operator only has to depress the travel switch 31 when the travel is released, so that the burden can be further reduced compared to the embodiment.

  Similar to the shooting preparation switch 24, the travel switch 31 may be configured such that when it is pressed once, a travel canceling operation command is output from the controller 22, and when it is pressed again, the output of the operating command is terminated. Alternatively, the operation command output may be terminated after a predetermined time set in advance after being pressed again.

  As described above, the input operation means in the present invention may be a switch typified by the above-described shooting preparation switch or travel switch, or a button or lever, or a personal computer, as long as it is normally used. A pointing device represented by a mouse, a keyboard, a joystick, a trackball, a touch panel, or the like may be used. Also, the timing based on the input operation from the input operation means (the timing for electrically connecting the power supply means and the second imaging drive unit) is not particularly limited.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, as the second photographing drive unit in the present invention, which is electrically connected to the power supply means (in the embodiment, the storage battery 21) at the timing based on the input operation from the input operation means, Although the dosimeter 18 is applied, it is not particularly limited as long as it is a part that is necessary only at the timing described above, among the parts that perform various processes for X-ray imaging. For example, in the embodiment, the image processing unit 23 in FIG. 1 is assigned to be always electrically connected to the power supply unit as the first imaging drive unit in the present invention. The second imaging drive unit may be electrically connected to the power supply means only at the timing described above. In addition, a monitor that displays an inspection request form, a photographed fluoroscopic image, and the like may be electrically connected to the power supply unit only at the timing described above as the second imaging drive unit.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the round-trip X-ray imaging apparatus detects X-rays by a flat panel X-ray detector (FPD). However, a cassette containing a film for developing X-rays. May be applied to an X-ray imaging apparatus for round visits configured to be capable of being stored.

It is a schematic block diagram and a block diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus for round trips concerning an Example. It is a schematic block diagram regarding the wiring of electric power supply. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a series of processes of the round trip of X-ray imaging by an Example apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram regarding the wiring of the electric power supply which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Traveling cart 16 ... X-ray tube 18 ... Dosimeter 19 ... Flat panel type X-ray detector (FPD)
21 ... Storage battery 22 ... Controller 24 ... Shooting preparation switch S ... Changeover switch

Claims (2)

  A power supply unit that supplies power to a traveling carriage configured to be able to travel for X-ray imaging, and an imaging drive that is driven by the power from the power supply unit and that performs various processes for X-ray imaging An X-ray imaging apparatus for rounds of X-ray imaging at an arbitrary place by the traveling carriage, comprising input operation means for performing operations related to X-ray imaging by input, and the imaging drive means The first photographing driving unit and the second photographing driving unit are configured to always connect the power supply unit and the first photographing driving unit electrically, and the power supply unit and the second photographing unit. An X-ray imaging apparatus for round visits characterized in that the drive unit is electrically connected at a timing based on an input operation from the input operation means, and is electrically disconnected at other times. . The round X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second imaging drive unit is a dosimeter that measures an X-ray dose.

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