JP2011125544A - Interlocking device for radiographic apparatuses and radiographic system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply and precisely perform long radiography while putting a radiographic apparatus having no interlocking mechanism built therein to practical use. <P>SOLUTION: An X-ray source 11 is rotated around an X axis to alter an irradiation direction in an up and down direction (Z-axis direction) and an FPD 12 can be allowed to rise and fall in the up and down direction by a motor. Buttons 30a and 30b for raising and lowering the FPD 12 are provided at a vertical stand 24. This interlocking device 35 has the projection unit 31 mounted on the X-ray source 11 to emit a laser beam, the light receiving unit 32 mounted on the FPD 12 to detect the laser beam, and the actuator unit 33 mounted on the vertical stand 24 to operate the rising button 30a and the falling button 30b. An interlocking control unit 34 drives the actuator unit 33 on the basis of a change in the detection position of the laser beam detected by the light receiving unit 32 by the rotation of the X-ray source 11 to raise and lower the FPD 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an interlocking device that is used in a radiation imaging apparatus including a radiation detector and a radiation source, and makes one movement of the radiation detector and the radiation source follow the other movement, and a radiation imaging system including the interlocking apparatus. Is.

  In the medical field, as a radiation detector, a flat panel detector (FPD) that outputs a photographed image as digital data is used to photograph a long region such as the entire spine or all the lower limbs of a patient (subject). A radiation imaging apparatus that performs imaging is known (see Patent Document 1). Since a standard FPD has a detection area size of about 17 inches and is not a size that can capture a long area at a time, a radiation imaging apparatus that uses the FPD moves the FPD in the direction of the body axis of the subject. Then, by shooting a plurality of times while shifting the shooting position, the entire long area is shot. A plurality of images output at each photographing position are pasted together by image composition processing to generate a long image.

  In a standing imaging apparatus that photographs a subject in a standing posture, for example, an FPD is attached to a standing stand provided with an elevating mechanism, and a radiation source is attached to an extendable arm suspended from the ceiling. The height of the FPD and the radiation source is adjusted by a lifting mechanism and a telescopic arm. The FPD lifting mechanism is generally motorized by motor drive, and the height of the FPD can be adjusted by operating the operation buttons. In long imaging, for example, after adjusting the height of the FPD, the height of the radiation source is adjusted while visually confirming the height to align the relative positions of the two. In long imaging, this alignment operation is repeated for each imaging position, but the height of the FPD and radiation source must be adjusted individually at each imaging position, so that the operation takes time and effort, There is a problem that high-precision alignment cannot be performed because of visual confirmation.

  As a radiographic apparatus that solves the problems of such existing radiographic apparatuses, a radiographic apparatus that incorporates an interlocking mechanism that interlocks the movement of the FPD and the movement of the radiation source so that the radiation source follows the movement of the FPD. Is known (see Patent Document 1). The interlocking mechanism includes a position sensor such as a potentiometer that detects the position of the FPD, and a control unit that moves the radiation source to a position corresponding to the height of the FPD based on the position of the FPD detected by the position sensor. If such a radiation imaging apparatus is used, the radiation source automatically moves to an appropriate height corresponding to the height of the FPD in conjunction with the movement of the FPD, so that the alignment accuracy of the relative position between the FPD and the radiation source is improved. It's expensive and takes no time and effort.

  Further, Patent Document 2 includes an acceleration sensor for detecting the posture and position of the FPD and the radiation source, and whether or not the relative position between the FPD and the radiation source is in an appropriate state based on a signal from the acceleration sensor. A radiation imaging apparatus having a function for displaying the above is described. With such a display function, the relative positions of the FPD and the radiation source can be accurately aligned.

JP 2005-270277 A JP 2000-023955 A

  Although radiation imaging apparatuses with a built-in interlocking mechanism as described in Patent Document 1 are becoming widespread, there are many medical facilities that use existing radiation imaging apparatuses without a built-in interlocking mechanism. It is. Switching an existing radiation imaging apparatus to a radiation imaging apparatus with a built-in interlocking mechanism has a large economic burden, so we would like to use the existing radiation imaging apparatus to solve the problems of the existing radiation imaging apparatus described above. There are many requests.

  As a method of utilizing the existing radiation imaging apparatus, it is conceivable to add a display function relating to the relative position between the FPD and the radiation source described in Patent Document 2 to the existing radiation imaging apparatus. In this way, the alignment accuracy is improved, but the FPD and the radiation source are not interlocked. Therefore, the height adjustment must be performed individually, and the complexity of the alignment operation cannot be eliminated. For this reason, it is insufficient as a solution to the above-mentioned problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and an object of the present invention is to make it possible to perform long imaging simply and accurately by utilizing a radiographic apparatus that does not have a built-in interlocking mechanism.

  The interlocking device for radiography according to the present invention includes a radiation source for irradiating radiation, a radiation detector for detecting radiation irradiated on the other, and each of the first and second devices provided movably, The interlocking device is used in a radiographic apparatus having a driving unit for moving the first device and a first operation unit for turning on / off the driving unit, and interlocks the first device with the second device. A relative position detecting means for detecting a change in relative position with respect to the first device when the second device is moved; and a detachably attached to the first operating portion to operate the first operating portion. Based on the change of the relative position and the actuating unit that operates the driving means, the actuating unit is controlled so that the first device follows the direction corresponding to the moving direction of the second device. Characterized in that a control means.

  The actuate unit is attached so as to cover the first operation part, and includes a second operation part for manually operating the first operation part in a state where the actuate unit is attached. Is preferred.

  It is preferable that the actuate unit includes a third operation unit that switches on / off of the interlock function by the control means.

  The relative position detection means includes a laser light source that is detachably attached to one of the first device and the second device and emits laser light, and a light receiving region that is detachably attached to the other device and receives the laser light, The light receiving element array preferably outputs a detection signal corresponding to the light receiving position in the light receiving region to the control means.

  It is preferable that the relative position detection unit includes a fourth operation unit for setting a reference position as a reference for detecting a change in the relative position.

  The actuate unit has a contact portion that contacts the first operation portion and moves the first operation portion. It is preferable that the contact portion can be adjusted in position according to the position of the first operation portion. In addition, a plurality of the contact portions may be provided at different positions, and a contact portion to be used may be selected according to the position of the first operation portion among the plurality of contact portions.

  The control means turns the actuating unit on and off the first operating part, and the normal driving for continuously operating the driving means by continuously turning on the first operating part. Accordingly, it is preferable that the driving means can be operated in two operation modes of inching driving in which the driving means is operated intermittently.

  The control means determines a distance from a current position of the first device to a target position corresponding to a destination of the second device based on a change in the relative position, and the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. Further, it is preferable that the actuate unit is inching driven.

  Preferably, the control means starts the operation of the actuating unit by normal driving and switches to inching driving while the first device is moving.

  It is preferable that a warning unit is provided to warn when the first device is stopped even though the first operation unit is turned on by the actuating unit. It is preferable to provide warning means for warning when the change in the relative position is not measurable.

  For example, the first device is the radiation detector and the second device is the radiation source. The radiation detector is linearly movable in a posture in which a radiation incident surface faces the radiation source, the radiation source is rotatable around a focal point that emits radiation, and the radiation source is rotationally moved. It is preferable that the radiation detector linearly moves in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the radiation source rotates and moves in conjunction with.

  The radiation imaging system of the present invention includes a radiation source for irradiating radiation, a radiation detector for detecting radiation irradiated to the other, and a first and a second device, each of which is movably provided, and a first A radiation imaging system comprising: a radiation imaging apparatus having a driving means for moving the device; a first operation unit for turning on / off the driving means; and an interlocking device for interlocking the first device with the second device. The interlock device is detachably attached to the first operation unit and relative position detection means for detecting a change in relative position with respect to the first device when the second device moves. An actuating unit that operates the driving means by operating one operation unit, and the first device follows a direction corresponding to the moving direction of the second device based on a change in the relative position. Characterized in that a control means for controlling the serial actuating unit.

  According to the present invention, the relative position is detected when the other second device is moved by using the actuating unit that operates the first operation unit of the driving unit of the first device that is one of the radiation source and the radiation detector. Since the change of the relative position between the first device and the second device is detected by the means and the drive means is operated by controlling the actuating unit, a radiographic system that does not have a built-in interlocking mechanism is utilized. Therefore, it is possible to carry out long photographing simply and accurately.

1 is a perspective view of an X-ray imaging system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of an interlocking | linkage apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of a light-receiving unit. It is a perspective view of an actuate unit. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of an actuate unit. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of a spacer. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of a cooperation apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of an interlocking | linkage apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of long imaging | photography. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of the attachment of an actuate unit. It is explanatory drawing of the actuate unit of 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the actuate unit of FIG. 11. It is explanatory drawing of the actuate unit of 3rd Embodiment. It is a chart which shows the speed transition of the movement period of FPD. It is explanatory drawing of an inching drive. It is a flowchart of a 4th embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the drive method of the actuate unit of 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart of a 5th embodiment.

“First Embodiment”
1 and 2, an X-ray imaging system 10 includes an X-ray source 11 that irradiates X-rays, and a flat that generates image data by detecting X-rays irradiated from the X-ray source 11 and transmitted through the subject H. A panel-type detector (FPD) 12, an imaging control device 13 that controls imaging operations of the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12, and input of imaging instructions and imaging conditions (tube voltage, tube current, An X-ray imaging apparatus including a console 14 for setting an exposure time and the like.

  The imaging control device 13 synchronizes the operation timings of the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12 based on imaging conditions (tube voltage, tube current, exposure time, etc.) received from the console 14 and imaging instructions. Give the operation commander. The image data output by the FPD 12 is output to the console 14 via the imaging control device 13. The console 14 includes a personal computer and a workstation, and performs image processing on the received image data and outputs the image data to a data storage device such as a monitor or an image server.

  The X-ray source 11 is attached to the front of the substantially cylindrical X-ray tube 16 that generates X-rays by a high voltage from a high-voltage generator (not shown), and the X-ray tube 16 It comprises a collimator (X-ray movable diaphragm) 17 for restricting the generated X-ray irradiation field to a rectangular shape. The collimator 17 has a box shape with an opening formed on the front surface, and a plurality of movable collimator leaves (X-ray shielding blades) are provided inside. The size of the irradiation field is adjusted by moving the collimator leaf.

  The X-ray source 11 is held in a state of being suspended from the ceiling by a ceiling traveling device. The ceiling traveling apparatus has an X-ray source 11 attached to a lower end portion thereof, an extendable arm 18 that moves the X-ray source 11 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) without changing the irradiation direction, and an upper end portion of the extendable arm 18. Are attached to a carriage 19 and rails 21 and 22 extending in a horizontal direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the Z-axis direction. The rail 21 extends in the Y-axis direction and holds the carriage 18 so as to be able to travel in the Y-axis direction. The rail 22 extends in the X-axis direction orthogonal to the Y-axis, and holds the rail 21 so that it can run in the X-axis direction. With such a ceiling traveling device, the X-ray source 11 is held movably in the X, Y, and Z axial directions.

  At the lower end of the telescopic arm 18, the X-ray source 11 is rotated about the X axis around the focal point F (see FIG. 2) that generates the X-ray of the X-ray source 11, and the X-ray source 11 is rotated. A swing mechanism 23 for swinging the head is provided. In the X-ray source 11, the X-ray irradiation direction changes in the vertical direction by rotational movement (swing motion) around the X axis. The movement of the X, Y, and Z axes of the X-ray source 11 and the swinging motion are all performed manually. The height adjustment of the X-ray source 11 according to the height of the subject H and the imaging region is performed by the expansion and contraction of the extendable arm 18. The X-ray source 11 moves up and down along the body axis direction of the subject H in the standing posture by the expansion and contraction of the extendable arm 18 in a posture in which the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 is kept constant.

  In this example, long imaging for imaging a long region such as the entire spine and all lower limbs of the subject H does not change the height of the X-ray source 11, and the X-ray source is focused on the focal point where X-rays are irradiated. This is performed by a swinging method in which the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 is adjusted to a plurality of imaging positions having different heights by rotating and moving 11 (swinging motion).

  The FPD 12 has a matrix substrate in which a plurality of pixels each composed of a thin film transistor (TFT) and an X-ray detection element are two-dimensionally arranged. In the FPD 12, the X-ray detection element accumulates charges corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays when the TFT is turned off, and the accumulated charges are read when the TFT is turned on. The read charge is converted into a voltage signal by an integration amplifier, and digital image data is generated by A / D conversion of the voltage signal.

  The FPD 12 is attached to the standing stand 24. The standing stand 24 is installed on the floor, and holds the FPD 12 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) with the X-ray incident surface directed in the horizontal direction. The standing stand 24 includes a pedestal 26 and a support column 27 that is erected in the vertical direction from the pedestal 26 and to which the FPD 12 is attached. In the column 27, there are provided an elevating mechanism 28 (see FIG. 2) that is made of a pulley and a conveyor belt and moves the FPD 12 in the vertical direction, and a motor 29 (see FIG. 2) that drives the elevating mechanism 28. The FPD 12 is lifted and lowered along the body axis direction of the subject H in the standing posture by the lifting mechanism 28. Thereby, in the height adjustment of the FPD 12 according to the height of the subject H and in the long photographing for photographing a long region such as the whole spine and all the lower limbs of the subject H, the photographing position of the FPD 12 is moved.

  A groove 27 a is formed on the front surface of the support column 27 to guide the lifting and lowering of a connecting member that connects the back surface of the FPD 12 and the lifting mechanism 28 in the support column 27. An operation unit 30 for turning on / off the motor 29 by manual operation is provided on a side surface of the support column 27. The operation unit 30 includes two buttons, an up button 30a for inputting an operation signal for rotating the motor 29 forward to raise the FPD 12, and a down button 30b for inputting an operation signal for rotating the motor 29 reverse and lowering the FPD 12. . While the ascending button 30a and the descending button 30b are both pressed from the initial position to the pushed-in position, the motor 29 is turned on, and when the pressure is released, the motor 29 is returned to the initial position by the spring bias and the motor 29 is turned off. .

  The interlocking device 35 of the present invention is attached to the X-ray source 11, a light projecting unit 31 that emits directional laser light, and a light receiving unit 32 that is attached to the FPD 12 and receives the laser light from the light projecting unit 31. The actuator unit 33 is attached to the operation unit 30 and operates the ascending button 28a and the descending button 28b, and the interlock control unit 34 controls each unit 31, 32, 33.

  The interlocking device 35 of the present invention, like the above-described X-ray imaging device, does not include an interlocking mechanism that interlocks the swinging operation (rotational movement) of the X-ray source 11 and the raising / lowering operation (linear movement) of the FPD 12. By attaching to the imaging apparatus, an interlocking function for causing the FPD 12 to follow the direction corresponding to the direction in which the X-ray source 11 rotates and moves is added.

  The light projecting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32 detect changes in the relative positional relationship (relative position) between the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12, specifically, changes in the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 with respect to the FPD 12. The detection means is configured. Since the light projecting unit 31 is attached to the X-ray source 11, the irradiation direction of the laser light changes as the X-ray source 11 rotates. Since the laser light has directivity, if the height of the X-ray source 11 does not change, the change in the irradiation direction of the laser light is a signal indicating the change in the X-ray irradiation direction due to the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11. Become. In the light receiving unit 32, the change in the laser light irradiation direction appears as a change in the light receiving position of the laser light. The light receiving unit 32 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the light receiving position. A change in the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 with respect to the FPD 12 is detected by this detection signal.

  The light projecting unit 31 includes a laser light source 36 and an attachment 37 for attaching the laser light source 36 to the collimator 17. The attachment 37 includes a base portion 37a that comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the collimator 17, a holding portion 37b that is provided on the upper surface of the base portion 37a and holds the laser light source 36, and a fixed belt 37c.

  The base portion 37a has an L-shape in which the contact portion has two orthogonal contact surfaces so as to come into contact with two outer peripheral surfaces (a side surface and a lower surface) that are substantially orthogonal to the collimator 17. Since the base 37 part a comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the collimator 17 at the two contact surfaces, displacement of the mounting position of the light projecting unit 31 is prevented and the mounting posture is stabilized. Of course, you may comprise the contact part of the base part 37a so that a front surface or a back surface may be added to a side surface and a lower surface, and three orthogonal surfaces may be contacted. In this way, the positional deviation of the light projecting unit 31 is prevented in all the X, Y, and Z axial directions. Moreover, when a contact part is a curved surface, you may form a contact surface according to the shape.

  An elastic sheet such as rubber is detachably attached to the contact portion of the base portion 37a in order to improve the adhesion with the outer peripheral surface of the collimator 17 and stabilize the mounting posture of the light projecting unit 31. Since the elastic sheet is detachable, it can be replaced in accordance with the outer peripheral shape of the collimator 17 which varies depending on the model.

  The holding portion 37b includes an upper plate to which the laser light source 36 is attached and a lower plate on which the upper plate is slidably fitted in the X-axis direction. By sliding the upper plate relative to the lower plate, the position of the laser light source 36 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) is adjusted. The laser light source 36 is attached to the upper plate so as to be rotatable about the Z axis. By these adjusting mechanisms, the position and orientation of the laser light source 36 in the horizontal direction are adjusted so that the irradiation direction of the laser light faces the light receiving unit 32. The horizontal position can be adjusted by changing the thickness of the elastic sheet.

  The light projecting unit 31 and the interlocking control unit 34 are communicably connected via a cable. Through the cable, an operation signal is transmitted from the base portion 37a to the interlocking control unit 34, and from the interlocking control unit 34 to the laser light source 36. Power is supplied.

  The base portion 37a is provided with a reference position setting button 39 and an interlock button 38. The reference position setting button 39 is an operation button for setting a reference position P0 that serves as a reference when detecting a change in the relative position of the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12. When the reference position setting button 39 is pressed in a state in which laser light is emitted from the light projecting unit 31 toward the light receiving unit 32, the light receiving position at which the light receiving unit 32 receives the laser light at that time is set as the reference position P0. Is set. The interlock button 38 is an operation unit that switches between enabling (on) and disabling (off) the interlocking function of the rotational movement (swinging motion) of the X-ray source 11 and the lifting / lowering motion of the FPD 12 by the interlocking device. .

  The fixing belt 37 c is an endless belt made of, for example, rubber, and fixes the light projecting unit 31 to the collimator 17. In a state where the light projecting unit 31 is pressed against a desired position of the case of the collimator 17, the fixing belt 27 c is wound around the outer periphery of the collimator 17, and the light projecting unit 31 is fixed to the collimator 17. Since the fixing belt 37c is made of rubber, even if the size of the outer periphery of the collimator 17 changes depending on the model, some adjustment is possible. When the fixing belt 37c is removed, the light projecting unit 31 is detached from the collimator 17.

  Further, since the light projecting unit 31 is fixed by the fixing belt 37c, in order to fix the light projecting unit 31, no modification such as drilling the collimator 17 is necessary. In medical devices, there are cases where regulations such as drilling are regulated by laws and regulations for the purpose of ensuring safety. If an attachment like this example is used, there is no risk of violating laws and regulations.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the light receiving unit 32 is a light receiving element array in which a plurality of light receiving elements 41 that receive the laser light from the light projecting unit 31 and output a signal corresponding to the light intensity are arranged in a line. 42 and a case 43 for accommodating the light receiving element array 42, a circuit board and the like. The light receiving unit 32 has a posture in which the longitudinal direction of the light receiving element array 42 is aligned with the vertical direction of the FPD 12 outside the range of the horizontal end of the FPD 12, specifically, the irradiation field 12 a irradiated with X-rays. It is attached.

  If the light receiving unit 32 and the irradiation field 12a are close to each other, the light receiving region of the light receiving unit 32 may be hidden behind the shadow of the subject standing in front of the FPD 12. In addition, a partition may be arranged between the FPD 12 and the subject to prevent interference with the subject when the FPD 12 moves up and down. For this reason, the light receiving unit 32 is disposed with a space between the light receiving region 32 and the end of the irradiation field 12a so that the light receiving region is not hidden by the subject or the shadow of the screen. When the positions of the laser light source 36 and the light receiving unit 32 are shifted in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction), the laser light source 36 is made so that the laser light is incident on the light receiving region of the light receiving unit 32 by the adjusting mechanism of the laser light source 36. The irradiation direction is tilted.

  The light receiving region of the light receiving element array 42 has substantially the same length as the vertical length of the irradiation field 12a of the FPD 12. Since the light receiving element array 42 is for detecting a change in the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 by receiving the laser beam from the laser light source 36, the length of the light receiving region is the same as that of the irradiation field 12a. It does not have to be. The longer the light receiving area, the larger the amount of change that can be detected. Therefore, the light receiving area may be longer than the length of the FPD 12 in the vertical direction.

  The light receiving element array 42 has a plurality of rows (three in this example) of the light receiving elements 41, and the width of the light receiving region in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). In comparison, it is easier to adjust the laser light source 36 in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

  Next to the light receiving element array 42, an indicator 44 for displaying a light receiving position where the light receiving element array 42 receives laser light is provided. The indicator 44 is an array of a plurality of LEDs 46 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the light receiving element array 42, and the LED 44 corresponding to the height of the light receiving position is turned on. The light receiving position of the laser beam can be visually recognized by the indicator 46.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the case 43 of the light receiving unit 32 is in contact with two orthogonal outer peripheral surfaces (front surface and side surface) of the FPD 12 in the same manner as the base portion 37a of the light projecting unit 31. The contact portion is L-shaped with two contact surfaces. Thereby, the position shift of the mounting position of the light receiving unit 32 is prevented, and the mounting posture is stabilized. Further, as described with respect to the light projecting unit 31, the contact portion of the case 43 may be in contact with the three outer peripheral surfaces orthogonal to the FPD 12, or may be formed as a curved surface.

  In addition, an elastic sheet 47 is detachably attached to the contact portion of the case 43 of the light receiving unit 32 for the purpose of stabilizing the mounting posture in the same manner as the base portion 37a of the light projecting unit 31. Since the elastic sheet 47 is detachable, it can be replaced according to the outer peripheral shape of the FPD 12 which differs depending on the model. It is also possible to incline the direction of the light receiving surface of the light receiving unit 32 toward the irradiation direction of the laser light source 36 by forming the elastic sheet 47. The fixed belt 48 is an annular endless belt made of rubber like the fixed belt 37c of the light projecting unit 31. With the light receiving unit 32 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the FPD 12, a fixing band 48 is wound around the outer periphery of the FPD 12 to fix the light receiving unit 32.

  The fixing belt 48 is attached to two locations, an upper end portion and a lower end portion, which are located outside the range of the irradiation field 12a of the FPD 12 (see FIG. 1). Since the fixing belt 48 is used for the attachment of the light receiving unit 32, the light receiving unit 32 is detachably attached and is modified for fixing the light receiving unit 32 (perforation processing for screwing is performed on the FPD 12). Etc.) is also unnecessary.

  The light receiving unit 32 and the interlocking control unit 34 are communicably connected via a cable. Transmission of a detection signal from the light receiving unit 32 to the interlocking control unit 34 and power supply from the interlocking control unit 34 to the light receiving unit 31 through the cable. Supply is made.

  In FIG. 1, the actuate unit 33 operates the operation unit 30 (the ascending button 30 a and the descending button 30 b) provided on the support column 27 based on a command from the interlock control unit 34 to activate the motor 29. Thereby, FPD12 can be raised / lowered without manual operation.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the actuate unit 33 includes a main body 51 and an attachment for attaching the main body 51 to the operation unit 30. In this example, the actuate unit 33 is attached to the column 27 of the standing stand 24 which is a support body on which the operation unit 30 is provided. The attachment includes a suction pad 52 that sucks to the outer peripheral surface of the column 27 using negative pressure, and an L-shaped bracket 56 that is fastened to the main body 51 at one end and to the suction pad 52 by a bolt 53 and a screw 54, respectively. , And a spacer 57 for providing a space between the main body 51 and the support column 27.

  The suction pad 52 is a pedestal for mounting the main body 51, and a screw hole into which the bolt 53 is screwed is formed in the head opposite to the suction portion. The suction pads 52 are attached at two locations above and below the operation unit 30. The bolt 53 is passed through the long hole 56 a of the L-shaped metal fitting 56 and fastened to the suction pad 52. The long hole 56a extends in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), and the fastening position of the bolt 53 can be adjusted according to the length of the interval between the pair of suction pads 52. Reference numeral 51b is a screw hole into which the screw 54 is screwed.

  Since a groove 27a is formed on the front surface of the support column 27, the groove 27a is covered when a fixing belt is hung around the support column 27. Therefore, the suction pad 52 is used as an attachment of the actuate unit 33. Instead of the suction pad 52, a clamper-shaped pedestal that sandwiches the column 27 from behind the column 27 may be used.

  The spacer 57 is detachably attached to the front surface of the main body 51 (the surface facing the operation unit 30). The spacer 57 has a frame shape, and is formed of an elastic member such as rubber in order to improve adhesion with the outer peripheral surface of the support column 27. With such an attachment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the main body 51 is attached at a position corresponding to the operation portion 30 of the support column 27. Since it is attached by the suction pad 52, the actuate unit 33 is detachable, and no modification such as drilling of the column 27 is required.

  On the side surface of the main body 51, an interlock button 58 having the same function as the light projecting unit 31 (interlock function on / off) is provided. In the state where the operation unit 30 is hidden by the main body 51 attached to the support column 27 on the back surface (the surface opposite to the front surface facing the operation unit 30) of the main body 51, the up button 30a and the down button of the operation unit 30 Manual operation buttons 59 and 60 for manually operating 30b are provided.

  The actuate unit 33 and the interlock control unit 34 are communicably connected via a cable, and an operation signal is transmitted from the actuate unit 33 to the interlock control unit 34 via the cable, and the actuate unit 33 is connected from the interlock control unit 34. Is supplied with power. In this example, the actuate unit 33 and the interlock control unit 34 are connected by a cable, but radio may be used instead of the cable. When wireless is used, a battery may be built in the main unit 51 as a power source for the actuating unit 33. The same applies to the light projecting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32 described above.

  In FIG. 5, two solenoids 61 and 62 for moving the plungers 61a and 62a back and forth in the axial direction by electromagnetic force are provided in the main body 51 as actuators for pressing the up and down buttons 30a and 30b. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, an opening 51a from which the plungers 61a and 62a protrude is formed on the front surface of the main body 51. Solenoids 61 and 62 are arranged at an interval similar to the interval between ascending button 30a and descending button 30b so that the tip portions of plungers 61a and 62a face ascending button 30a and descending button 30b. . The solenoids 61 and 62 turn on / off the ascending button 30a and the descending button 30b according to the strokes of the plungers 61a and 62a.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the solenoids 61 and 62 are turned on by the drive signal from the interlock control unit 34, the plungers 61a and 62a are in the initial position (the plunger 62a in FIG. 5B) while being turned on. It protrudes from the reference position toward the pressing position (see the plunger 61a in FIG. 5B). As a result, the tip portions of the plungers 61a and 62a come into contact with and press the ascending button 30a and the descending button 30b, and the ascending button 30a and the descending button 30b move in the direction of the column 27 against the biasing force of the spring. It is pushed and turned on.

  When the solenoids 61 and 62 are turned off by the drive signal from the interlock control unit 34, the plungers 61a and 62a return from the pressed position to the initial position. When the solenoids 61 and 62 are turned off and the plungers 61a and 62 are returned to the initial positions, the buttons 30a and 30b are also returned to the initial positions and turned off by the biasing force of the springs.

  Since the maximum stroke amount between the initial position and the pressing position of the plungers 61a and 62a is determined by the type of the solenoids 61 and 62, the solenoids 61 and 62 are provided with the distance from the initial position of the ascending button 30a and the descending button 30b to the pressing position. The one with the maximum stroke amount greater than the push-in amount is used.

  In addition, if the push-in amount of the ascending button 30a and the descending button 30b is excessive or insufficient, each button 30a, 30b may be broken or a drive signal may not be input to the motor 29. Therefore, the plungers 61a, 62a are in the pressed position. When moved, the distance between the plungers 61a and 62a and the buttons 30a and 30b is adjusted so that the pushing amount of the buttons 30a and 30b is within an appropriate range.

  This adjustment is performed by changing the thickness of the spacer 57. If the thickness of the spacer 57 is changed, the interval between the wall surfaces of the main body 51 and the support column 27 is changed, so that the intervals between the plungers 61a and 62a and the buttons 30a and 30b are also changed. Since the spacer 57 is detachably attached to the main body 51, it can be replaced with one having an appropriate thickness, and adjustment is easy. Further, by using a detachable spacer, as shown in FIG. 6, even when the thickness and size of the cover plates 30c and 30d of the operation unit 30 vary depending on the model, the main body 51 can be attached by simply replacing the spacer 57. be able to. When the cover plate 30c shown in FIG. 6A is thick, the spacer 57 is also thick, and the plane size is large like the cover plate 30d shown in FIG. 6B. In such a case, a spacer 57 having a plane size corresponding to that is used.

  FIG. 5C shows the state of the solenoid 61 when the manual operation button 59 is manually pressed. The manual operation buttons 59 and 60 are connected to the rear ends of the solenoids 61 and 62. When the manual operation buttons 59 and 60 are pressed by a manual operation, the solenoids 61 and 62 are directed toward the ascending buttons 30a and 30b. Pushed in. By this pushing, the plungers 61a and 62a come into contact with the ascending buttons 30a and 30b, and the ascending buttons 30a and 30b are turned on. The spring 63 biases the manual operation buttons 59 and 60 toward the initial position. When the manual pressing operation of the manual operation buttons 59, 60 is released, the manual operation buttons 59, 60 are returned to the initial position by the force of the spring 63, and accordingly, the solenoids 61, 62 are also returned to the initial position. The pressing operation of the up button 30a and the down button 30b is released.

  Reference numeral 64 denotes a retaining ring that prevents the solenoids 61 and 62 from dropping from the opening 51a when the solenoids 61 and 62 are moved by manual operation of the manual operation buttons 59 and 60.

  In this example, the solenoids 61 and 62 themselves are moved by the pressing operation of the manual operation buttons 59 and 60. However, an electrical signal that can input a drive signal to the solenoids 61 and 62 on the back of the solenoids 61 and 62 is provided. In the same manner as when a drive signal is input from the interlock control unit 34 by pressing the manual operation buttons 59 and 60 and pressing the switch without moving the solenoids 61 and 62, The plungers 61a and 62a may protrude.

  In FIG. 2, the interlock control unit 34 includes a CPU 71, a memory 72, and a warning device 73. The CPU 71 comprehensively controls the light projecting unit 31, the light receiving unit 32, and the actuate unit 33 by executing a predetermined program.

  The memory 72 includes a ROM and a RAM, stores a program executed by the CPU 71, and functions as a working memory when the CPU 71 executes the program. Further, the memory 72 stores the reference position information set by the reference position setting button 39. The warning device 73 cannot detect the light receiving position because the FPD 12 has reached the upper end and the lower end (dead end) of the movable range, the laser light from the light projecting unit 31 is out of the light receiving region of the light receiving unit 32. A message such as that. The warning device 73 includes a speaker, a display, and the like. Further, the indicator 44 of the light receiving unit 32 may be used as the warning device 73, and a message may be issued by turning on or blinking the indicator 44.

  In the operation explanatory diagram of FIG. 7 and the flowchart of FIG. 8, the main processing executed by the CPU 71 is a reference position setting process, and an interlocking process of the swinging operation of the X-ray source 11 and the lifting operation of the FPD 12. When the interlocking device 35 is activated, the interlocking function is turned off immediately after the activation, and the reference position setting process is performed in this state.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, irradiation of the X-ray source 11 by manual operation so that the laser light from the laser light source 36 enters the light receiving element array 42 in a state where the height from the floor of the FPD 12 is H0. The direction is adjusted. When the reference position setting button 39 is operated in this state, a reference position setting signal is input to the CPU 71. The detection signal output from the light receiving element array 42 has the highest light intensity at the light receiving position of the laser beam. This detection signal is input to the CPU 71.

  The CPU 71 determines the light receiving position when the reference position setting signal is input based on the detection signal from the light receiving element array 42, and sets the position to the reference position P0 (step (S) 101 in FIG. 8). . This reference position information is written in the memory 72. Assuming that the time when the reference position setting signal is input is t0, the reference position P0 and the current light receiving position P1 coincide at time t0. When an interlock start instruction is input to the CPU 71 by operating one of the interlock buttons 38, 58 (Y in S102), the CPU 71 turns on the interlock function (S103).

  As shown in FIG. 7B, when the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11 is started manually at time t1 after the reference position P0 is set, the irradiation direction of the laser light changes. P0 and light receiving position P1 are misaligned. The CPU 71 compares the light receiving position P1 with the reference position P0 based on the detection signal from the light receiving element array 42 to monitor whether the reference position P0 and the light receiving position P1 are misaligned (S104). If it is determined (Y in S104), it is determined that the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11 has started (S105). The CPU 71 starts measuring the displacement L of the light receiving position P1 from the reference position P0.

  After starting the measurement of the displacement L, the CPU 71 becomes unable to measure the displacement L, for example, when the rotation angle of the X-ray source 11 is large and the light receiving position of the laser beam deviates from the light receiving region of the light receiving element array 42. (N in S106), the warning device 73 is activated to issue a message that the displacement L cannot be measured (S113).

  When the displacement L can be measured (Y in S106), the CPU 71 sets positive (+) when the light receiving position P1 moves upward from the reference position P0, and negative (-) when it moves downward. The displacement L is counted, and the magnitude and direction of the displacement L are measured. The absolute value of the displacement L increases according to the rotation angle of the X-ray source 11 with the reference position P0 as a reference.

  When the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11 stops at time t2, the change in the displacement L also stops. The CPU 71 monitors the time during which the displacement L is a constant value by the system timer (S107), and if there is no change during a predetermined time (t3-t2) (Y in S107), X It is determined that the rotational movement of the radiation source 11 has stopped (S108). When determining that the X-ray source 11 is stopped at time t3, the CPU 71 determines the displacement L at that time as the initial displacement L0 immediately before the movement of the FPD 12 is started. The initial displacement L0 corresponds to the movement distance (H1-H0) from the current position (height H0) of the FPD 12 to the target position (height H1) where the light receiving position P1 and the reference position P0 coincide.

  Then, the CPU 71 determines that the absolute value of the initial displacement L0 is larger than “0”, that is, the reference position P0 and the light receiving position P1 do not match (S109). If the absolute value of the initial displacement L0 is “0” (N in S109), there is no need to move the FPD 12, and the process returns to S104.

  When the absolute value of the initial displacement L0 is larger than “0” (Y in S109), the CPU 71 turns on the actuate unit 33 (S110). The CPU 71 outputs an ON signal to the solenoid 61 when the initial displacement L0 is positive, and outputs an ON signal to the solenoid 62 when negative. As shown in FIG. 7C, when the solenoid 61 is turned on, the ascending button 30a is pressed and turned on. When the ascending button 30a is turned on, the motor 29 starts normal rotation and the FPD 12 starts to rise.

  When the FPD 12 rises, the reference position P0 approaches the light receiving position P1, so that the displacement L decreases from the initial displacement L0 as the FPD 12 rises. After starting to output an ON signal to the actuate unit 33 at time t3, the CPU 71 monitors whether or not the reference position P0 matches the current light receiving position P1 (S111).

  When the reference position P0 does not coincide with the current light receiving position P1 (N in S111), the CPU 71 determines whether the reference position P0 is close to the light receiving position P1 based on the change of the displacement L ( S112). If the displacement L is decreased, it is determined that the reference position P0 is approaching the light receiving position P1 (Y in S112), the output of the ON signal to the actuating unit 33 is continued, and the process returns to S110.

  If the reference position P0 is not close to the light receiving position P1 (N in S112), the CPU 71 operates the warning device 73 to issue a message (S113), turns off the actuator unit 33, and stops driving. (S114). When the reference position P0 does not approach the light receiving position P1, the following two are conceivable.

  One is a case where the displacement L does not change and the reference position P0 is not close to the light receiving position P1. In this case, the CPU 71 determines that the FPD 12 has reached the dead end (the upper end of the movable range in the case of rising). Then, the warning device 73 is operated to warn that the FPD 12 has reached the dead end, and the actuator unit 33 is turned off. The other is a case where the absolute value of the displacement L is increasing. In this case, the reference position P0 moves in a direction away from the light receiving position P1, and there is a high possibility that the actuator unit 33 is malfunctioning. For this reason, the CPU 71 issues a message to that effect and turns off the actuating unit 33 by, for example, shutting off the power supply path.

  When the displacement L decreases and the reference position P0 matches the light receiving position P1 (Y in S111), the CPU 71 determines that the FPD 12 has reached the target position and turns off the actuating unit 33 (S114). ). When the actuating unit 33 is turned off, the pressing of the ascending button 30a is released. Then, the rotation of the motor 29 stops and the rise of the FPD 12 stops. Thereby, in conjunction with the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11 by manual operation, the FPD 12 is moved from the initial height H0 to the height H1 corresponding to the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11.

  The CPU 71 monitors the input of the interlock release instruction by the operation of any of the interlock buttons 38 and 58 (S115), and the above processing steps are repeated until the interlock release instruction is input. In FIG. 7, the case where the FPD 12 moves up from the reference position P0 has been described as an example, but the same applies to the case where the FPD 12 moves down. When the interlock release instruction is input, the CPU 71 turns off the interlock function.

  Hereinafter, an operation in the case of performing long imaging with the X-ray imaging system 10 to which the interlocking device 35 is attached will be described. When performing long imaging of the entire spine and all lower limbs of the subject H, the initial height H0 of the FPD 12 is adjusted by a staff such as a radiographer according to the height and imaging region of the subject H. Done. At this time, the interlock button 58 provided on the actuate unit 33 attached to the standing stand 24 is operated, and the interlock function of the interlock device 35 is turned off. Then, the staff operates the manual operation buttons 59 and 60 of the actuate unit 33 to adjust the initial height H0 of the FPD 12. Since the manual operation buttons 59 and 60 are provided, the operation unit 30 can be manually operated even when the actuate unit 33 is attached in the same manner as when the actuate unit 33 is not attached. There is no inconvenience.

  After adjusting the initial height H0 of the FPD 12, the reference position P0 is set in a state where the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 is directed toward the FPD 12. The staff confirms the light receiving position P1 of the laser beam with the indicator 44 of the light receiving unit 32, adjusts the light receiving position P1 to the desired position, and operates the reference position setting button 39. The interlock control unit 34 sets the light receiving position P1 when the reference position setting button 39 is operated to the reference position P0.

  The reference position P0 can be set to an arbitrary position in the light receiving area of the light receiving element array 42. However, as described above, the interlock control unit 34 uses the reference position P0 as a reference in the positive (+) direction. Since the displacement L of the light receiving position P1 in both the negative and negative directions (up and down) is measured, the reference position P0 is preferably set to the center position in the vertical direction of the light receiving element array 42.

  After setting the reference position P0, the interlock button 38 provided in the light projecting unit 31 is operated to turn on the interlock function. The interlocking device 35 is provided with two interlocking buttons 38 and 58 at two locations, that is, the actuating unit 33 on the FPD 12 side and the light projecting unit 31 on the X-ray source 11 side. For this reason, the staff can turn on / off the interlocking function on either side of the FPD 12 or the X-ray source 11, thereby reducing unnecessary movement only for the on / off operation of the interlocking function, and workability. Is good. When the interlocking function is turned on, the interlocking device 35 repeats the processes of S104 to S115 shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the interlocking function is turned on, long shooting is performed according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the staff manually rotates the X-ray source 11 to direct the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 to the first imaging position. By the action of the interlocking device 35, the FPD 12 is automatically moved to a position corresponding to the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 in conjunction with the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11. When the first imaging is completed, the X-ray source 11 is rotated and moved manually, and the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 is directed to the second imaging position. In conjunction with this, the FPD 12 moves to the second photographing position. Such work is repeated to the last shooting position, and the long shooting is finished. Image data shot at each shooting position is transferred to the console 14. The console 14 combines a plurality of pieces of image data to generate a long image.

  According to the interlocking device 35, the FPD 12 automatically moves to a height that matches the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11 simply by changing the irradiation direction of the X-ray source 11. Therefore, the height of the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12 Compared to the case where the adjustment is performed separately, it is possible to easily perform long photographing. In addition, since the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12 are interlocked, the accuracy of alignment of the relative positions of the two is higher than in the case of visual confirmation.

  Further, by using an attachment such as a fixing belt or a suction pad, each of the units 31, 32, and 33 can be used without modifying the X-ray source 11, the FPD 12, and the standing stand 24 such as drilling. It can be attached detachably. For this reason, it can be mounted on an existing X-ray imaging apparatus that has already been introduced into a medical facility, and the mounting operation is also simple.

  In the above example, the suction pad 52 (FIG. 4) is used as an attachment of the actuate unit 33. However, when a fixed belt is used as in the light projecting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32, the groove 27a of the support column 27 is used. This is because it is blocked. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the operation unit 30 is provided in a portion where the groove 27a of the support column 27 is not formed, or in a place other than the support column 27, and the main body 82 of the actuating unit 81 is attached thereto. In some cases, a fixed belt 83 may be used.

  The fixing belt 83 is made of, for example, rubber, and one end is a fixed end fixed to the main body 82 by a metal fitting 84, and the other end is an open end. The fixing belt 83 is hung around the support column 27, and an open end is stopped by a buckle 86 provided on the main body 82. The buckle 86 can adjust the tightening position of the fixing belt 83.

  By adopting a structure in which the fixing belt 83 is stopped by the buckle 86, it is possible to adjust the tightening position according to the thickness of the column 27 without changing the length of the fixing belt 83. If a long fixing belt 83 is attached to the metal fitting 84 in advance, it is not necessary to replace the fixing belt 83 even if the thickness of the column 27 changes depending on the model. The configuration in which the fixing belt 83 is stopped by the buckle 86 has a wider adjustment range than the endless belts such as the fixing belts 37 c and 48 used in the light projecting unit 31 and the light receiving unit 32. In addition, you may use the structure of this example as an attachment of the light projection unit 31 and the light reception unit 32. FIG.

“Second Embodiment”
The second embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is configured so that the position of the plunger can be adjusted in the actuate unit. As shown in FIG. 11, the operation portions 91 and 92 for operating the raising / lowering motor 29 of the FPD 12 may have different arrangement intervals Pt1 and Pt2 of the ascending buttons 91a, 91b, 92a, and 92b depending on models.

  In the actuate unit 96 of the second embodiment, the front cover 97a of the main body 97 has a plurality of openings 97c exposing the plungers 61a and 62a, and the rear cover 97b has a position corresponding to the opening 97c. In addition, a plurality of openings 97d for exposing the manual operation buttons 59 and 60 are formed.

  When the actuate unit 96 is attached to the column 27 provided with the operation portion 91, the solenoids 61 and 62 and the manual operation buttons 59 and 60 are attached to the openings 97c and 97d corresponding to the positions indicated by the solid lines. In the case of, it is attached to the openings 97c and 97d corresponding to the positions indicated by the two-dot chain line. Accordingly, the positions of the plungers 61a and 62a are adjusted according to the arrangement intervals Pt1 and Pt2 of the operation units 91 and 92.

  In addition, instead of forming a plurality of openings in the actuate unit, for example, a place where two plates that are elongated and formed orthogonal to each other are movably provided, and the long holes of the two plates intersect A plunger may be disposed on the. By moving the two plates, the position of the plunger can be adjusted.

“Third Embodiment”
Further, like the actuate unit 101 of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a plurality of solenoids 103 and manual operation buttons 104 having different attachment positions are attached to the main body 102, and the solenoid 103 and manual operation buttons to be used are used. 104 may be selected.

  In this case, the interlock control unit 34 is provided with a setting button for setting the ID number of the solenoid 103 to be used, and the ID number input from the setting button is stored in the memory 72 to set the ID number. . The interlock control unit 34 outputs a drive signal to the solenoid 103 having the set ID number. The manual operation button 104 is formed of a translucent member, and a light emitting unit such as an LED is provided in the manual operation button 104. Then, the manual operation button 104 corresponding to the set ID number is turned on. Thereby, the manual operation button 104 to be used can be confirmed from the outside.

“Fourth Embodiment”
The fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 is that the drive mode of the actuator unit 33 is changed according to the magnitude of the initial displacement L0 (the displacement L immediately before the FPD 12 starts moving). Different from one embodiment. The purpose is to allow fine adjustment of the position of the FPD 12. Other parts are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 16, the difference from the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is a portion surrounded by a dotted line. Specifically, steps S201 to S203 are inserted between S110 and S111. Moreover, in the flowchart of FIG. 16, it starts from the interlocking start (S104 of FIG. 8), and the illustration of the steps S101 to S103 is omitted. Hereinafter, differences will be described.

  The operation unit 30 (the ascending button 30a and the descending button 30b) continues to input an ON signal to the motor 29 while being pressed. As shown in FIG. 14, when the output of the ON signal is started by the start of pressing of the operation unit 30, the FPD 12 accelerates from the stopped state. When the speed V0 is reached, the motor moves at a constant speed. When the pressing operation of the operation unit 30 is released, an off signal is input to the motor 29, and the motor 29 decelerates and stops.

  The greater the speed V, the longer the distance required for acceleration, and the greater the inertial force. Therefore, the stopping distance from when the OFF signal is input to the motor 29 until the FPD 12 stops completely is also longer. The stop distance is an error between the target position to be originally stopped and the actual stop position. Therefore, if the actuator unit 33 is driven so that the FPD 12 can be moved by a distance shorter than the stop distance in the case of the speed V0, the error between the target position and the stop position is reduced, and the position of the FPD 12 can be finely adjusted. .

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the actuating unit 33 is turned on (S110), the interlock control unit 34 compares the absolute value of the initial displacement L0 with a predetermined value Lr (S201). When the absolute value of the displacement L0 is equal to or less than the predetermined value Lr (Y in S201), the actuator unit 33 is inching driven (inching) during the movement period in which the FPD 12 moves to the target position, and the operation unit 30 is operated. The ON operation is intermittently repeated (S203).

  On the other hand, when the displacement L is greater than the predetermined value Lr (N in S201), normal driving is performed in which an ON signal is continuously output during the movement period (S202). As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the inching drive, the pulse width W of one drive pulse during which the ON signal continues is the time until the FPD 12 accelerates from the stop state to the speed V1 (<V0). And the sum of the distance traveled by the FPD 12 from the stop state until reaching the speed V1 and the stop distance at the speed V1 is determined to be shorter than the stop distance V0 at the speed V0. Is done. By performing such inching drive, the position of the FPD 12 can be finely adjusted.

“Fifth Embodiment”
The fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 is a modification of the fourth embodiment, and the inching drive is started when the drive mode of the actuator unit 33 is started by the normal drive and the FPD 12 approaches the target position to be stopped. It is to change to. The rest is the same as in the fourth embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 18, the difference from the flowchart of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 16 is a portion surrounded by a dotted line. Specifically, steps S301 to S303 are inserted between S110 and S111 in place of S201 to 203. Hereinafter, differences will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the interlock control unit 34 starts the drive mode of the actuate unit 33 by normal driving (S301). The FPD 12 starts moving toward the target position. When the FPD 12 starts moving at time t3 in FIG. 17, the light receiving position P1 of the light receiving element array 42 changes, so that the interlock control unit 34 determines the initial displacement L0 and the current displacement based on the detection signal from the light receiving element array 42. The distance from the current position of the FPD 12 to the target position is monitored (S303). S302 in FIG. 18 is a processing step for determining whether or not the current light receiving position P1 and the reference position P0 are close to each other, similar to S112.

  When the distance to the target position is greater than the predetermined value (N in S302), the interlock control unit 34 returns to S302. When the distance to the target position becomes equal to or smaller than the predetermined value at time t4 in FIG. 17A (Y in S302), the drive mode of the actuator unit 33 is changed from the normal mode to the inching drive, and the FPD 12 The inching drive is continued until the target position is reached (time t5 in FIG. 17A). In the fifth embodiment, since the inching drive is changed when approaching the target position, the normal driving is continued without changing the error generated between the target position to be originally stopped and the actual stop position to the inching driving. The stopping distance in this case (the stopping distance in the case of the speed V0 in FIG. 14) can be made smaller, and the accuracy of the stopping position is improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, in the inching drive period, the pulse width W may be gradually reduced as W1, W2, and W3. The smaller the pulse width W, the smaller the speed V, so the stop distance is shortened and the accuracy of the stop position is further improved.

  A configuration in which the pulse width W is changed as shown in FIG. 17B may be applied to the fourth embodiment. Further, the fourth embodiment in which normal driving and inching driving are determined according to the magnitude of the initial displacement L is combined with the fifth embodiment that starts with normal driving and changes to inching driving when approaching the target position. May be.

  Alternatively, the FPD 12 may be moved backward by reversing the motor 29 by inching drive so that the error between the target position and the stop position is canceled after the FPD 12 is stopped by driving in the normal drive. The drive pulse for reversing the motor 29 has a pulse width W determined so that the FPD 12 moves backward by the amount of error. In addition, after the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11 is stopped and before the movement of the FPD 12 is started, the pulse width W of the drive pulse is determined in consideration of the initial displacement L0 and the error, and based on the pulse width W. Actuate unit 33 may be driven.

  In addition, the error between the target position and the actual stop position needs to be more accurately considered in addition to the stop distance, an error caused by a delay in signal transmission time. That is, the interlock control unit 34 determines that the reference position P0 and the light receiving position P1 coincide with each other, and then outputs a drive signal to the actuate unit 33. The actuate unit 33 receives the drive signal and starts driving. . When the actuate unit 33 operates, the operation unit 30 is operated, and an off signal is transmitted to the motor 29. The time between them is the signal transmission time, and the moving distance of the FPD 12 moving during this time becomes an error due to the delay of the signal transmission time. Accordingly, an accurate error is obtained by adding an error due to a delay in signal transmission time to the stop distance. When determining the pulse width W, it is preferable to consider an error due to such a delay in signal transmission time.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the reference position serving as a reference when detecting the change in the relative position of the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12 can be changed has been described. For example, the center of the light receiving region of the light receiving element array 42 in the vertical direction The reference position may be fixed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the movement of the FPD 12 is started after it is determined that the X-ray source 11 has stopped after starting the movement. However, since the movement direction can be known when the X-ray source 11 starts to move. The movement of the FPD 12 may be started in the direction corresponding to the movement direction of the X-ray source 11 without waiting for the determination of the stop of the X-ray source 11.

  In the above embodiment, a solenoid is used as the actuator used in the actuate unit. However, instead of the solenoid, the actuator is configured by combining a motor and a mechanical conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the motor into a linear motion. May be.

  In the above-described embodiment, the operation unit 30 has been described as an example of a triangular button, but, of course, a circular shape, a square shape, a half moon shape, or the like may be used. The operation unit 30 is not limited to a button, and may be a lever or a touch panel. In the above-described embodiment, the actuate unit 33 is described as being attached to the support column 27 of the standing stand 24, which is a support on which the operation unit 30 is provided. It changes suitably according to the place and its form in which 30 is provided. For example, if the operation unit 30 is an operation panel provided on the console 14, the actuate unit 33 is attached to a support body such as a main body of the operation panel or a column supporting the operation panel. Further, when the operation unit 30 is in the form of a remote control (can be wired or wireless), it is attached to a support body such as a wall (a wall of a shooting room or an operation room) to which a remote control body or a remote control holder is attached. The actuate unit 33 is attached. When an actuator unit is attached to a wall, a screw hole may be formed in the wall and fixed.

  In the above embodiment, the FPD 12 is linked to the rotational movement (swinging motion) of the X-ray source 11 by the interlocking device of the present invention. It can also be linked. If the height of the X-ray source 11 is changed by the extendable arm with the interlock function turned on, the light receiving position of the laser light changes, so that the FPD 12 moves up and down according to the height of the X-ray source 11. Therefore, it is possible to simply and accurately perform the long-time shooting using the linear movement method as described in Patent Document 1. In addition to long imaging, it is also convenient to adjust the height according to the location and height of the subject.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the interlocking device of the present invention is attached to the X-ray imaging apparatus that does not have the interlocking function of the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12 has been described. However, the interlocking device of the present invention may be attached to an X-ray imaging device that is not interlocked with rotational movement (swinging motion). In such an X-ray imaging apparatus, the X-ray source and the FPD are interlocked with each other for linear movement type long imaging, but not with the swing-type long imaging.

  In the linear movement system, as described in JP-A-7-59764, the following problems are known. X-rays are not parallel beams but diffused beams that spread from the focal point into a cone shape. For this reason, when the height of the X-ray source is changed, the incident angle of the X-ray that passes through a predetermined position of the subject to the FPD changes, and “image shift” occurs in the thickness direction of the subject. Due to this “image shift”, the projection position of the built-in object of the subject may be reversed upside down between two images taken at adjacent photographing positions, which may cause inconvenience in the pasting of the images. In the swing method, the height of the X-ray source does not change and there is no problem of “image shift”. Therefore, by attaching the interlocking device of the present invention to the X-ray imaging device, long-swing imaging of the swing method Can be easily and accurately performed. In such an X-ray imaging apparatus, when the swing method is linked, the linear movement method linkage function is disabled.

  In the above embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus in which the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11 is performed by manual operation has been described as an example. However, the present embodiment is different from the X-ray imaging apparatus in which the rotational movement of the X-ray source 11 is performed by a motor. The interlocking device of the invention may be mounted.

  In the above embodiment, the example in which the FPD 12 follows the movement of the X-ray source 11 has been described. However, the X-ray source 11 may follow the movement of the FPD 12. In this case, the actuate unit operates an operation unit that turns on / off a driving unit that moves the X-ray source 11. Further, although the example in which the light projecting unit 31 is attached to the X-ray source 11 and the light receiving unit 32 is attached to the FPD 12 has been described, conversely, even if the light receiving unit 32 is attached to the X-ray source 11 and the light projecting unit 31 is attached to the FPD 12. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which laser light is used as the relative position detection unit has been described. For example, the relative position detection means may be constituted by an angle sensor that detects the rotation angle of the X-ray source 11 and a position sensor that detects the position of the FPD 12 such as a potentiometer. Alternatively, the height may be detected by measuring the distance from the ceiling or floor surface of each of the X-ray source 11 and the FPD 12 by a distance measuring sensor using ultrasonic waves.

  However, the angle sensor can detect the angle, but cannot detect the height, and therefore cannot be used for the linear movement method. The distance measuring sensor cannot be used for the swinging method because the angle cannot be detected. Moreover, it is difficult to mount a potentiometer without adding holes or the like to the X-ray source 11 or the FPD 12. Furthermore, when using such a sensor, it is necessary to acquire a detection signal separately from the sensor which detects each position of the X-ray source 11 and FPD12.

  On the other hand, the relative position detection means using laser light can detect both the irradiation direction and height of the X-ray source 11, and can be used for both the linear movement method and the swing method. It is. It is also easy to install. Further, only the detection signal output from the receiver needs to be acquired as the detection signal. For these reasons, a relative position detecting means using laser light is preferable.

  In the above embodiment, the standing imaging system has been described as an example. However, the present invention may be applied to a lying imaging system in which the FPD is moved in the horizontal direction with respect to the subject in the lying posture.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example of mounting on an existing X-ray imaging apparatus that has already been introduced into a medical facility has been described. However, a manufacturer that manufactures an X-ray imaging apparatus that does not have a built-in interlocking mechanism uses the interlocking apparatus of the present invention. If used, an improved X-ray imaging system to which an interlocking function is added can be easily manufactured.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

10 X-ray imaging system 11 X-ray source (radiation source)
12 FPD (radiation detector)
24 Standing Stand 23 Swing Mechanism 28 Elevating Mechanism 29 Motor (Drive Unit)
30 operation unit (first operation unit)
30a Up button 30b Down button 31 Light emitting unit 32 Light receiving unit 33, 81, 96 Actuate unit 34 Interlocking control unit 36 Laser light source 38 Reference position setting button (fourth operation unit)
39, 58 Interlock button (3rd operation part)
42 Photodetector array 59, 60, 104 Manual operation button (second operation unit)
61, 62, 103 Solenoid 61a, 62a Plunger (contact part)
71 CPU
72 Memory 73 Warning device

Claims (16)

One is a radiation source that emits radiation, and the other is a radiation detector that detects the irradiated radiation, each of which is movably provided, and a drive for moving the first device And an interlocking device for linking the first device and the second device, used in a radiation imaging apparatus having a first operation unit for turning on and off the driving means,
A relative position detecting means for detecting a change in relative position with respect to the first device when the second device is moved;
An actuating unit that is detachably attached to the first operating portion and operates the driving means by operating the first operating portion;
Radiation comprising: control means for controlling the actuating unit so that the first device follows the direction corresponding to the moving direction of the second device based on the change of the relative position. Linking device for photographic equipment.   The actuate unit is attached so as to cover the first operation part, and includes a second operation part for manually operating the first operation part in a state where the actuate unit is attached. The interlocking device for a radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1.   The radiographic apparatus interlocking device according to claim 1, wherein the actuating unit includes a third operation unit that switches on / off the interlocking function by the control unit.   The relative position detection means includes a laser light source that is detachably attached to one of the first device and the second device and emits laser light, and a light receiving region that is detachably attached to the other device and receives the laser light, 4. The radiation shadow apparatus interlocking device according to claim 1, comprising a light receiving element array that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a light receiving position in a light receiving region to the control unit. 5.   The said relative position detection means is equipped with the 4th operation part for setting the reference position used as the reference | standard for detecting the change of the said relative position, The any one of Claims 1-4 characterized by the above-mentioned. The interlocking device for the radiation imaging apparatus described.   The radiographic apparatus interlocking device according to claim 1, wherein the actuate unit has a contact portion that contacts the first operation portion and moves the first operation portion. .   The radiographic apparatus interlocking device according to claim 6, wherein the contact portion can be adjusted in position according to the position of the first operation portion.   A plurality of the contact portions are provided at different positions, and a contact portion to be used is selected according to the position of the first operation portion among the plurality of contact portions. Item 7. An interlocking device for a radiation imaging apparatus according to Item 6.   The control means turns the actuating unit on and off the first operating part, and the normal driving for continuously operating the driving means by continuously turning on the first operating part. 9. The radiographic apparatus interlocking device according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit can be operated in two operation modes of inching driving in which the driving unit is operated intermittently.   The control means determines a distance from a current position of the first device to a target position corresponding to a destination of the second device based on a change in the relative position, and the distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The radiographic apparatus interlocking device according to claim 9, wherein the actuating unit is inching-driven.   The radiographic apparatus interlocking device according to claim 10, wherein the control means starts the operation of the actuating unit by normal driving and switches to inching driving while the first device is moving.   12. A warning means for warning when the first device is stopped even though the first operation unit is turned on by the actuating unit. The interlocking device for a radiographic apparatus according to any one of the above.   The radiographic apparatus interlocking device according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit that warns when the change in the relative position cannot be measured.   The radiographic apparatus interlocking device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is the radiation detector, and the second device is the radiation source. The radiation detector is linearly movable in a posture in which a radiation incident surface faces the radiation source, and the radiation source is rotatable around a focal point that emits radiation,
The interlocking device for a radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the radiation detector linearly moves in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the radiation source rotates in conjunction with the rotational movement of the radiation source. A radiation source for irradiating radiation and a radiation detector for detecting the radiation irradiated on the other, each of which is movably provided, and driving means for moving the first device A radiation imaging system comprising: a radiation imaging apparatus having a first operation unit for turning on / off the driving means; and an interlocking device for interlocking the first device and the second device,
The interlock device is
A relative position detecting means for detecting a change in relative position with respect to the first device when the second device is moved;
An actuating unit that is detachably attached to the first operating portion and operates the driving means by operating the first operating portion;
Radiation comprising: control means for controlling the actuating unit so that the first device follows the direction corresponding to the moving direction of the second device based on the change of the relative position. Shooting system.

Images