JP6842281B2 - X-ray system and operation panel - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an inspection device using X-rays such as an X-ray imaging system, and more particularly to a technique for improving the operability of an operation switch or the like.

In an X-ray imaging system that irradiates a subject with X-rays and detects the transmitted X-rays to inspect the inside of the subject, the main body of the device including the X-ray generator is usually placed in an X-ray shielded examination room. The console for operating the main body is placed in the operation room adjacent to the examination room. The operator who operates the X-ray imaging system operates the console or operation panel, sets the imaging conditions according to the subject, and the posture of the subject through the window provided between the examination room and the operation room. Operate the X-ray exposure switch while checking the condition. At that time, X-ray irradiation is performed at an appropriate timing while giving instructions to the subject to hold his / her breath or change his / her posture through a microphone or the like placed in the operation room.

For this reason, a stick-shaped X-ray exposure switch is used in addition to the operation switches and buttons fixed to the console, and the operator holds the stick while keeping an eye on the subject. You can operate the push buttons provided on the ends.

When irradiating X-rays, it is usually necessary to rotate the rotor of the X-ray tube, which is an X-ray generator, until it reaches a predetermined number of revolutions to prepare it. A two-stage push switch is used that realizes the operation of preparing the tube (half-press) and the operation of performing irradiation after the preparation is complete (full-press) in two steps (Patent Document 1, Patent). Document 2: FIG. 5).

On the other hand, as for the operation console, an arrangement in consideration of operability and visibility by the operator, a layout of operation buttons in consideration of the frequency of use of the operation buttons, and the like have been proposed (Patent Document 3).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-97088 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-272132 JP-A-2002-315744

When not in use, the stick-shaped X-ray exposure switch is housed in a hook or pocket-shaped support member provided on the wall surface of the wall facing the operation console or the examination room, and performs X-ray irradiation. When used, it is picked up from such a support member. Therefore, the operator's hand holding the X-ray exposure switch is occupied at the time of use, and other work such as writing and operating other operation buttons on the operation desk must be performed with one hand (usually a hand other than the dominant hand). There are restrictions. In addition, although it is a short time, during the work of picking up the X-ray exposure switch from the support member, the operator's attention is caught in the work, and there is a possibility that the subject or the situation change in the examination room may be overlooked.

Also, regarding the operation of the console, the operation buttons are provided facing the operation surface, and by devising the layout, for example, the buttons that frequently adjust the tube voltage, tube current, etc. according to the subject are operability to some extent. However, it is essential to visually check the position of each button or switch and operate it one by one.

Therefore, the present invention provides an X-ray imaging system capable of improving the operability of the operation switches of the X-ray imaging system including the X-ray exposure switch and performing reliable operation in a short time to prevent erroneous operation. Make it an issue.

In order to solve the above problems, in the X-ray imaging system of the present invention, an X-ray exposure switch operator is arranged on a side surface different from the main operation surface on which the operation buttons of the operation panel are arranged. The X-ray exposure switch is, for example, a two-stage switch installed on the upper side surface of the operation panel, and has a structure in which the operation surface of the operation switch and the upper side surface of the operation panel have a predetermined relationship according to the operation stage. Have.

That is, the X-ray imaging system of the present invention includes an X-ray generator that generates X-rays, a control unit that controls the X-ray generator, and a plurality of operating tools that operate the X-ray generator. An X-ray imaging system having a panel and driving the X-ray generator by a signal from the operation panel, wherein the operation panel has a main operation surface and a side surface surrounding the main operation surface. The plurality of operating tools include an X-ray exposure switch, and the X-ray exposure switch is arranged so as to project from the side surface.
Further, the operation panel of the present invention is an operation panel that sends a control signal to an X-ray generator that generates X-rays and controls the operation of the X-ray generator, and is an operation panel that controls a main operation surface and the periphery of the main operation surface. The plurality of operating tools include an X-ray exposure switch, and the X-ray exposure switch is arranged so as to project from the side surface.

According to the present invention, since the X-ray exposure switch is arranged so as to project from the side surface, it can be operated by blind touch, and the operator does not need to pick up the stick-shaped switch. You can perform the preparation status for X-ray exposure and the operation of irradiation without taking your eyes off the laboratory.

Diagram showing the overall configuration of the X-ray imaging system (A) to (c) are diagrams showing the mounting method of the operation panel. Functional block diagram of the X-ray imaging system It is a figure which shows five sides of the operation panel, (a) is a front view, (b) is a top view, (c) is a right side view, (d) is a left side view, and (e) is a bottom view. The figure which shows the usage state of the operation panel. (A) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the two-stage switch operation of the X-ray exposure switch. In the figure which shows the internal structure of the X-ray exposure switch, (a)-(c) correspond to (a)-(c) of FIG. 6, respectively. The figure which shows an example of arrangement of a dial type operation part. The figure which shows another example of arrangement of a dial type operation part. Sequence diagram of control of operation panel and main body. The figure which shows the control flow on the operation panel side. The figure which shows the control flow on the operation panel side. The figure which shows the control flow of the main body side.

An embodiment of the X-ray imaging system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[overall structure]
First, the overall configuration of the X-ray imaging system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray imaging system of the present embodiment is roughly divided into an X-ray imaging system main body (hereinafter, simply referred to as a main body) 10 installed in the examination room and an operation room adjacent to the examination room. The installed operation panel 20 is composed of a cable for electrically connecting the main body 10 and the operation panel 20 (not shown) or a communication means (not shown) for wirelessly connecting the main body 10 and the operation panel 20, although not shown. The examination room and the operation room are separated by walls and doors made of a material that shields X-rays, and all or part of the walls and doors are made of a material that blocks X-rays and transmits visible light. It functions as a window for viewing the examination room from the operation room side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel 20 is attached to a stand 25 installed in the operation room (a), or is attached to a wall 50 near a place where the operator can easily observe the examination room (b). Further, instead of fixing at these positions, it may be installed on a table or the like (c).

The main body 10 mainly includes an X-ray generator 13 that generates X-rays, an X-ray detector 15 that is arranged so as to face the X-ray generator 13, a control unit 17, and a power supply 19. The X-ray generator 13 is movable for controlling the X-ray tube device 131, the high voltage generator 133 that supplies a high voltage to the X-ray tube device, and the irradiation direction and range of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube device. It has a squeeze 135. Further, the main body 10 is provided with an X-ray tube holding device 16 and the like provided with a mechanism for changing the position and angle of the X-ray tube device. The X-ray detector 15 is composed of a film, an X-ray plane detector, or the like, and is fixed to the photographing table 18. When the X-ray detector 15 is a digital X-ray plane detector, it is connected to an image processing device (not shown) or the like.
Note that FIG. 1 shows an X-ray imaging system that photographs in a standing position, but there is also a device that photographs in a recumbent position, in which case a bed or the like on which the subject lies is further provided, and an X-ray tube device or an X-ray tube device or the like. The mechanism that supports the X-ray detector is different.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 17 includes a central control device 171 and a storage device 173, and the central control device 171 inputs a signal transmitted by the operation of the operation panel 20 and sends a control signal to the X-ray generator 13. send. Further, a control signal corresponding to the state of the X-ray generator 13 is sent to the CPU 201 (also referred to as a processing unit) on the operation panel side, thereby locking or unlocking the operation of the switches and buttons provided on the operation panel 20. The main body 10 may be provided with an operation unit 14 for operating an X-ray generator or the like on the main body side, in addition to the operation panel 20 arranged on the operation room side.

The operation panel 20 mainly contains electronic components such as switches for setting shooting conditions and controlling the operation of the X-ray generator, and the operation surface of the operation panel 20 operates electronic components such as switches. It is equipped with operating tools such as push buttons, dials, and touch panels. Further, the operation panel 20 is provided with a display panel for displaying the state of the X-ray generator, set conditions, and the like, and a display unit such as an LED.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel 20 operates the CPU 201 and the CPU 201, which function as a processing unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the central control device 171 of the main body 10 and performs overall processing of the operation panel. Memory (storage device) 203 with a built-in program, LED display unit 205, operation tools 207 such as operation switches and buttons, and power switch 209 for directly turning on / off the power supply 19 of the main body. It includes switch input / output ports (I / O) 204 and 206 connected to the operating tool 207, and a main body I / O 208 connected to the main body. The CPU 201, the memory 203, the I / O 204, 206, and 208 are connected by a bus. Further, RIS (Remote Instrument Service) for connecting the operation panel 20 to the network may be provided. This RIS is connected to the CPU 201.
Although not shown in the figure, electric power from the power source 19 is supplied to each element constituting the main body 10 and the operation panel 20.

Next, the details of the operation panel 20 and the operation tool will be described.

[Shape of operation panel]
First, the overall shape of the operation panel 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 (five views).

As shown in the front view (a) of FIG. 4, the operation panel 20 is operated by a main operation surface (hereinafter, simply referred to as an operation surface) 20A provided with various operation switches, and a back surface 20B facing the operation surface 20A. It has a side surface connecting the outer periphery of the surface 20A and the back surface 20B, and has a panel-like appearance in which the distance between the operation surface and the back surface (size in the depth direction) is small with respect to the width of the operation surface 20A. The size is not limited, but the width is about 20 to 40 cm, the depth is about several cm to 10 cm, and the operator can easily carry it with both hands.

The operation surface 20A is a rectangle with rounded corners, and each side has a gently curved shape continuous from the rounded corners. Therefore, the side surface connecting the operation surface 20A and the outer circumference of the back surface 20B has a curved surface along the outer circumference of the operation surface 20A, and as shown in FIGS. 4B to 4E, the operation surface 20A to the back surface 20B It has a gentle curved surface toward. This curved surface shape is such that when the operator puts his / her hand on the upper part of the operation panel, the hand naturally follows the shape, and the operability of the operation tool described later can be improved.

In the present specification, the term "side surface" is a concept recalled corresponding to the side view of the operation panel 20, and has nothing to do with the presence or absence of a member that actually constitutes the side surface. For example, when the exterior (case) of the operation panel of the present embodiment is composed of a plate member formed of plastic, metal, or the like, a member including an operation surface 20A curved on the back surface side and a flat member, or an operation surface. It is conceivable to join a flat member to be formed, a member including a back surface 20B curved toward the operation surface, or two members curved together. In such a case, the surface appearing in the side view is also referred to as a side surface. When the operation panel 20 is installed on the wall surface with the operation surface 20A as the front surface, the upper side surface is referred to as the upper side surface 20C and the lower side surface is referred to as the lower side surface 20D. The side surface is called the right side surface 20E, and the left side surface is called the left side surface 20F.

When the operation panel 20 is installed on a wall or a stand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the operator's hand is placed on the upper surface of the operation panel 20, the tip of the hand (fingertip) is the back surface 20B of the operation panel 20 and the wall. It is preferable that there is a gap W that can enter between the 50 and the 50 in terms of improving operability. Such a gap may be realized by adjusting the size of the fixture 27 for fixing the operation panel to the wall or the like, or a convex portion for securing the gap may be provided on the back surface 20B. The fixing portion 27 may be provided with a mechanism for adjusting the angle of the operation panel 20 or the like.

[Operator]
Next, the operating tools provided on the operation panel 20 will be described.

The operating tools include buttons 31, 32 for turning on / off the power, a group of parts designation buttons 33 for setting the imaging region, dials (dial operating instruments) 34, 35, 36 for setting imaging conditions, and X-rays. The exposure switch 37 is included. In addition, known orthoses can be appropriately provided depending on the type of X-ray apparatus. Among these operating tools, the operating tools 33 other than the X-ray exposure switch 37 are attached to the operating surface 22A.

Among these operating tools, the operating tools arranged around the operating surface (side surface) of the operating panel 20 will be described in detail. In the X-ray imaging system of the present embodiment, the operating tools arranged on the side surface are an X-ray exposure switch and a dial-type operating tool.

<X-ray exposure switch>
The X-ray exposure switch 37 is a so-called two-stage switch including a first switch and a second switch arranged in two stages in the operation direction. The operation of the first switch (operation of the first stage) starts the preparation state of the X-ray tube device, and the operation of the second switch (operation of the second stage) executes the X-ray exposure. The X-ray exposure switch 37 is attached to the upper side surface 20C of the operation panel 20, and as schematically shown in FIG. 6, the upper surface 37A of the switch protrudes from the upper side surface 20C of the operation panel 20 during non-operation (a). At the time (b) when the first switch is operated by pushing down the switch upper surface 37A, the switch upper surface 37A and the upper side surface 20C of the operation panel 20 are on the same surface, and the switch upper surface 37A is further pushed down to the second. At the time when the switch is operated (c), the upper surface 37A of the X-ray exposure switch is recessed inward from the upper side surface 20C of the operation panel 20.

The structure of the X-ray exposure switch 37 that operates as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 7, taking as an example a case where the first and second switches are switches that are operated by mechanical operation. 7 (a) to 7 (c) correspond to the states of FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (c), respectively.

As shown in FIG. 7, the X-ray exposure switch 37 includes a cover member 370, a first substrate 371 on which the first switch SW1 is mounted, a second substrate 372 on which the second switch SW2 is mounted, and a second substrate. A pair of elastic members (elastic support portions) 373 that elastically support the first substrate 371 with respect to the substrate 372 are provided. The second substrate 372 is fixed to the structure constituting the operation panel 22 by a fixture (not shown) in the operation panel 20. The first board 371 and the second board 372 connect the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 to the electronic circuit board built in the operation panel 20, respectively.

The cover member 370 has a cup-like shape, and the shape and area of the upper surface thereof are larger than those of a button or the like that is normally operated with one finger, and the upper side surface 20C of the operation panel to which the X-ray exposure switch 37 is attached is attached. It is attached to the operation panel 22 in a state where it substantially coincides with the attachment opening formed in the above and is fitted in the opening with almost no gap.

Inside the cover member 370, a protrusion (rib) 375 that serves as a member that directly pushes down the first switch SW1 is formed. When the X-ray exposure switch 37 is not operated, the protrusion 375 is in contact with the first switch SW1. In that state, the lower end of the cover member 370 has a predetermined gap with respect to the first substrate 371. This gap substantially corresponds to the stroke of the pushing-down operation of the first switch SW1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A, the upper surface of the cover member 370 protrudes from the upper side surface 20C of the operation panel, and the height difference from the upper side surface 20C (FIG. 6: H). Corresponds to the stroke of the pressing operation of the first switch SW1. Specifically, H is a stroke range of a general-purpose mechanical switch and is a height difference that can be sensed when a person makes a blind touch, and is not particularly limited, but is, for example, about 2 to 5 mm. Is. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, the operator can recognize the position and state of the operation panel simply by placing his / her hand on the upper side surface of the operation panel.

As shown in FIG. 6B, when the cover member 370 is pushed down from the state where a part of the cover member 370 protrudes from the upper side surface 20C, the first switch SW1 is activated and turned ON in accordance with this operation. At this time, the force required for pushing down is only the force against the elastic means built in the first switch SW1. In this state, the upper surface of the cover member 370 is aligned with the upper side surface 20C of the operation panel (is on the same plane), and there is no step. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, when the operator operates the X-ray exposure switch 37 with the palm of his / her hand, he / she can feel that the upper side surface 20C of the panel including the cover member 370 has no step. It can be recognized that the stepwise switch operation, that is, the operation of the first switch SW1 has been performed reliably.

As described above, the second switch SW2 is connected to the first switch SW1 via the elastic member 373, and is not operated by the force when operating the first switch SW1. Therefore, when the second stage switch operation is performed following the first stage switch operation, the cover member resists the elastic force of the elastic member 373 in addition to the force required for the operation of the first switch. Push down 370 to perform the operation. When the cover member 370 is pushed down, the first substrate 371 is pushed down as shown in FIG. 7 (c). As a result, the tip of the support shaft 376 of the elastic member 373 fixed to the first substrate reaches the second switch SW2 and pushes it down. As a result, the second switch SW2 is activated and turned ON. The stroke of this pushing-down operation is almost the same as the stroke of the first pushing-down operation (corresponding to H), and can be obtained by utilizing the deformation of the palm or the base of the finger on which the first-stage switch operation is performed.

At this time, if an unbalanced force acts on the cover member 370, the first substrate 371 on which the first switch SW1 is mounted does not move in the vertical direction, so that the second switch SW2 does not operate. Here, the vertical direction is a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of FIG. 4 (b) to the lower surface of FIG. 4 (e).

The structure of the X-ray exposure switch 37 described above allows the operator to perform the first-stage operation and the second-stage operation of the switch without looking at the switch. As a result, X-ray irradiation can be performed at an appropriate timing without missing the timing of X-ray irradiation. In addition, the second-stage operation of performing X-ray exposure must be performed against a larger load than the first-stage operation, so it becomes a more "conscious" operation, and erroneous operation or operation by the operator. It is possible to prevent malfunction by someone other than the person. In particular, when the second switch SW2 is configured to operate only when the first substrate 731 pushed down by the cover member 370 moves in parallel with the vertical direction, more reliable malfunction prevention can be achieved.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the protrusion 375 formed inside the cover member 370 directly pushes down the first switch SW1, but the inside of the cover member 370 and the operation of the protrusion 375 and the first switch SW1. An elastic member such as a spring may be arranged between the surface and the surface, and the pushing force and stroke thereof may be adjusted.
Further, in FIG. 7, as an example, the two switches SW1 and SW2 are both operated by a mechanical pressing operation, but the pressing amount of the cover member 370 is detected by an optical sensor, an electrostatic sensor, or the like. It is also possible to employ a non-mechanical switch that activates the on / off of the switch. In addition, in the case of these SWs, the conscious operation by the SW2 having the mechanical elastic force is diminished. Therefore, for example, when the SW2 is pressed for a certain period of time or more, the SW2 is turned on to operate the conscious operation. You may secure it.

<Dial type operation tool>
The dial-type operating tool is an operating tool provided with a cylindrical dial, and by rotating the dial, the numerical value of a predetermined shooting condition is changed according to the amount of rotation and the rotation angle.

In the X-ray imaging system of the present embodiment, the dial-type operating tools are dials 34 to 36 for setting imaging conditions, for example, tube voltage, tube current, and mAs value (product of tube current and imaging time). As shown in 4, it is arranged along the side side of the operation surface 20A. The shafts of the dials 34 to 36 are attached so as to be perpendicular to the operation surface 20A and penetrate the operation surface 20A, but the dial portion (cylindrical portion) that rotates about the axis and is rotated by the operator. ) Is arranged so that a part thereof protrudes outward from the operation surface 20A when viewed from the front and is operated from the side surface (right side surface 20D in the illustrated example). The cylinder constituting this dial may have a shape in which the diameter does not change along the axial direction, but may have a shape in which the diameter decreases along the axial direction as shown in FIG. By forming the cross section into an inverted trapezoidal shape or an inverted conical shape in this way, operability when operating from the side surface 20E of the operation panel can be improved.

Here, the operation frequency of these dials 34 to 36 differs depending on the shooting mode. For example, in the short-time shooting mode (referred to as mode 1) in which you want to shoot in a short time even if the amount of current is increased and reduce the blurring of the subject as much as possible, the tube voltage, tube current, and mAs are adjusted respectively, so the three dials 34 to All 36 are operated. On the other hand, in the photographing mode (referred to as mode 2) in which the tube voltage is first determined and then the mAs is adjusted according to the imaging site and body thickness, the dial 35 for adjusting the tube current is not used. In the X-ray imaging system of the present embodiment, the dials for setting the imaging conditions with high adjustment frequency are arranged so that two dials can be operated at the same time by one operation, which saves labor when individually adjusting. A specific arrangement that enables only two dials to be operated at the same time with one operation will be described with reference to FIG.

As described above, the side surface 20E of the operation panel 20 is gently curved. The dial portions of the three dials 34 to 36 are arranged so that a part of the dial portions of the three dials 34 to 36 protrude from the side surface 20E with the same protrusion amount. With this arrangement, as shown in FIG. 8, the three dials 34 to 35 are in a relationship in which the line L in contact with the outer circumferences of the upper two dials is not in contact with the remaining dials. The distance between the dials should be approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the width of the palm or the entire four fingers. As a result, the operator can rotate the dial by putting his / her hand on the dial portion located on the side surface and moving the hand in the vertical direction. At this time, if the hand is moved up and down (along L) along the two dials 34 and 35, the hand can operate only the two dials 34 and 35 without touching the remaining one dial 36. Become.

The above description is an example of operating two dials at the same time. For example, even when operating only one of the three dials, the curved side surface 20E causes the hand in contact with the side surface of the dial. By adjusting the angle, you can operate without touching other dials. As a result, malfunction can be avoided.

As a specific arrangement that enables only two dials to be operated at the same time by one operation, in addition to the arrangement along the curved side surface as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, two dials. A modified example may be adopted in which the distance between the remaining one dial 36 is widened with respect to the distance between the dials 34 and 35, and the dial 36 is arranged at a position that cannot be touched by the operation of the dials 34 and 35. However, according to the arrangement of FIG. 8, the operability can be improved while maintaining the sense of unity of the three dials and the aesthetic appearance of the arrangement as a design.

Further, the shape of the side surface is not limited to a curved shape, and a bent shape or the like can be adopted. Two dials are arranged on one of the two surfaces sandwiching the bent corner, and the dial is arranged on the other surface. You may. In this case as well, it is possible to operate the other two dials at the same time without touching one dial, as in the case of arranging the curved side surface.

It goes without saying that each of the three dials can be operated independently, and not only when the two dials are operated at the same time as described above, but also when each is operated independently. Also in this case, for example, since the side surface 20E is curved, the operation can be performed without touching another dial by adjusting the angle of the hand in contact with the dial side surface. As a result, malfunction can be avoided.

Further, the dial-type operation tool may have not only dial operation but also dial operation and push button functions. For example, the dial 36 for adjusting mAs can change the mAs value set by dialing, and has a function of sequentially switching modes by pushing down. For example, when there are two shooting modes, mode 1 and mode 2, as described above, one push down changes the mode set before the operation (for example, mode 1) to another mode (for example, mode 2). Switch. In many cases, the conventional console is equipped with a dedicated operation tool for mode switching, but by assigning different functions corresponding to multiple different types of operations in this way, operations can be performed. The number of buttons or dials can be reduced, the layout of the operating tools can be simplified, and the operability can be improved.

<Other operating tools>
In addition to the X-ray exposure switch 37 and the dial-type operation units 34 to 36 described above, the configurations of the buttons 31 to 33 provided on the operation surface 20A of the operation panel 20 are the same as those of the conventional operation panel operation switch. For example, the buttons 31 and 32 for turning on / off the power are different in size and shape in order to distinguish them from the other buttons 33, and are arranged in an area different from the area where the other buttons 33 are arranged. The button group consists of a large number of buttons for setting the imaging part such as the chest, abdomen, shoulders, and upper arms, and the imaging direction such as the front, side, and axial position, and may be arranged separately for each hierarchy or category. These button groups may include a button for selecting an imaging (anatomical program) under preset imaging conditions (tube voltage, tube current, X-ray irradiation time, etc.) by designating an imaging site or the like. .. Further, an operation tool (FIGS. 4D and 39) for finely adjusting the imaging conditions according to the physique of the subject is provided on a side surface different from the side surface on which the dial type operation tool is arranged, for example, the left side surface 20F. You may.

In addition, the operation panel 20 may be provided with switches and buttons for selecting a shooting mode, buttons for setting conditions unique to the shooting mode, and the like. Characters and symbols that briefly indicate the function selected or achieved by the operation of each button are displayed on or near the operation surface of the various buttons. These configurations are the same as those of the conventional operating tools, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<Display unit>
In addition to the operation switches described above, the operation panel 20 is provided with an indicator light and a display unit 205 that indicate shooting conditions and functional states. The indicator lamps include, for example, an indicator lamp indicating the power-on state, an indicator lamp indicating that the X-ray tube device 131 is in the ready state, an indicator lamp indicating that X-ray irradiation is in progress, an indicator lamp indicating a shooting mode, and the like. An indicator light or the like indicating an error, and a low power light source such as an LED is used. Further, the indicator light may be built in a button which is an operation tool. For example, as the dial 36, the dial 36 which has both the function of adjusting the mAs value and the function of the push button for switching the mode has been described. However, a multi-color LED is built in such a dial, and the display color is displayed as the mode is switched. It may be different.

The display unit includes, in addition to the indicator lamp, a liquid crystal display that displays a numerical value adjusted by a dial. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the display unit 341 displays the tube voltage, tube current, and mAs values adjusted by the operation of the dials 34 to 36 in the vicinity of the dials 34 to 36. , 351 and 361, respectively. In the case where the X-ray tube device is a device that can be continuously adjusted, these values are values that change in conjunction with the rotation of the dial and are displayed. Further, in the case of a device in which the value can be adjusted stepwise or selectively, the value changes stepwise according to the rotation speed (rotation angle) and is displayed.

[Operation of X-ray imaging system]
Next, the operation of the X-ray system apparatus using the operation panel having such a structure and the control based on the operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13. 10 is a sequence diagram, FIGS. 11 and 12 are flows of the operation unit side CPU 201, and FIG. 13 is a flow of the central control device 171 on the main body side.

The control on the operation panel side is realized by the CPU 201 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 203 as described above, and the control on the main body side is realized by the central control device 171 reading the program stored in the storage device 173 on the main body side. It is realized by reading and executing. Here, the CPU 201 and the central control device 171 are not distinguished between upper and lower levels, but one of them may also serve as the main control unit that controls both.

First, as shown in FIG. 11, when various button groups on the operation panel are operated and shooting conditions are set (S101), an indicator lamp indicating the set shooting conditions lights up, and a value indicating the shooting conditions is set. It is displayed on the display unit 205 (FIGS. 4: 341, 351 and 361) (S102). For example, the tube voltage adjusted by the operation of the dial 34 is displayed on the display unit 341, and when one of the buttons for selecting the anatomical program is operated, a lamp such as an LED built in the button lights up. If the shooting mode is mode 1, the lamp indicating mode 1 lights up. The set shooting conditions are notified to the central control device 171 on the main body side.

The operator can confirm whether the set shooting conditions and the like are appropriate by observing the lighting of these lamps and the display on the display unit. It should be noted that the CPU 201 or the central control device 171 may determine whether or not there is a nonconformity with the set imaging portion and imaging conditions.

When the shooting conditions and the like are appropriate and the lamp indicating that the operation panel is in the normal state is turned on (S103, S104), the state is ready for X-ray irradiation (shift to B).

In this state, when the X-ray exposure switch 37 is pushed down and the first switch SW1 is turned ON (S201), the CPU 201 sends a "SW1_ON signal" to the central control device 171 on the main body side and supplies power. Input of switches other than the switch to be turned on / off is prohibited (S202). In this state, even if another operation switch (other than the power switch) is operated, the switch ON signal generated by the operation is cut off and is not input to the central control device 171.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the central control device 171 on the main body side first stores the shooting conditions received from the CPU 201 in the memory (S301). When the subsequent "SW1_ON signal" is received from the CPU 201 (S302), the start of the X-ray tube is started and the state is ready (S303). Specifically, the X-ray tube device is driven until the rotation speed of the rotating anode (rotor) of the X-ray tube and the temperature of the filament reach stable rotation speeds and temperatures. When the preparation of such an X-ray tube is completed, an "R_ON signal" is sent to the CPU 201 of the operation panel 20 (S304).

When the operation panel 22 side CPU 201 receives the "R_ON signal" (FIG. 12, S203), it turns on the preparing lamp indicating that it is in the ready state (S204). When the X-ray exposure switch 37 is further pressed down and the second switch SW2 is turned on (S205) while the preparing lamp is lit, the CPU 201 sends a "SW2_ON signal" to the central control device on the main body side. Send to 171 (S206).

When the central control device 171 on the main body side receives the "SW2_ON signal" from the CPU 201 (S305), it sends a control signal to the high voltage generator 133 connected to the X-ray tube device to supply a high voltage to the X-ray tube device. To do. As a result, X-ray irradiation is executed (S306). At this time, an "XRAY_ON" signal is sent to the operation panel 22 side.

Upon receiving the "XRAY_ON" signal, the CPU 201 on the operation panel 20 side lights an irradiation lamp (XRAY-LED) indicating that X-ray irradiation is in progress (S207, S208). At the same time, a device that generates a sound such as a buzzer may be driven. If there is no "XRAY_ON" signal from the main body side even though the "SW2_ON signal" is sent to the main body side in step S207, the irradiation lamp does not light up, so the operator can use the main body side or the operation panel. It can be determined that there is some kind of obstacle in the transmission / reception route to / from the main body. In this case, the CPU 201 turns off the SW1_ON signal and the SW2_ON signal and returns to the initial state.

The "SW2_ON signal" is the X-ray when a predetermined time elapses from the second-stage pressing operation of the X-ray exposure switch 37, that is, the X-ray irradiation time set when the shooting conditions are set, or when the pressing operation is released. When the exposure switch returns to its original position, it turns off. At this time, both the "SW1_ON signal" are turned off. On the main body side, when the "SW1_ON signal" and the "SW2_ON signal" are turned off (S307), the X-ray irradiation is stopped and the preparation state is released, and both the "R_ON signal" and the "XRAY_ON" are turned off. As a result, the CPU 201 of the operation panel 20 turns off the signal preparation lamp and the irradiation lamp, and cancels the input prohibition of each operation switch prohibited in step S106 (S209, S210). After that, it returns to the initial standby state.

On the other hand, in step S205, when only the first stage (first switch SW1) of the X-ray exposure switch 37 is pressed and the second stage is not operated, when that state elapses for a predetermined time (S211), the first switch The "SW1_ON signal" of the above is turned off, and the input prohibition of each operation switch prohibited in step S106 is released (S212). When the "SW1_ON signal" sent from the CPU 201 is turned off (S308), the central control device 171 releases the preparation state of the X-ray tube and turns off the "R_ON signal". When the ready state is released, the rotation of the rotor and the heating of the filament are also stopped (S309). When the "R_ON signal" is turned off, the CPU 201 turns off the lamp indicating the ready state. As a result, the state before the operation of the X-ray exposure switch is restored.

<Modification example>
Although one embodiment of the X-ray imaging system of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is characterized in that the operation panel for operating the main body is provided with an X-ray exposure switch that can be operated without malfunction. Various changes are possible without being limited to the form. Further, the operation switch and the display unit exemplified in the above embodiment are examples, and other operation switches and the display unit are added, and a part of the operation switches other than the blind touch switch which is the object of the invention is omitted. Is also included in the present invention.

In the above embodiment, an X-ray apparatus including an X-ray exposure switch and a dial-type operation tool has been described as an operation tool arranged on the side surface of the operation panel, but an X-ray imaging system including only one of them is also in the present invention. Included in. Examples of other modifications include the following modifications.

In the above embodiment, the two-stage X-ray exposure switch is provided on the upper side surface of the operation panel, but the position of the X-ray exposure switch is different from that of other switches, and the operator holds the palm of the hand. It may be placed in a position where it can be easily operated with the fingertips or the base of the finger. For example, depending on the shape of the operation panel, such as a part where the upper side surface and the right side surface are connected or a part where the operation surface and the side surface are connected. It can be changed as appropriate.

Further, although an example in which the operator performs the operation of the X-ray exposure switch by placing the palm on the palm is described, it goes without saying that the operation method by the operator does not limit the present invention.

Further, in the above embodiment, three dials for adjusting the tube voltage, the tube current, and the mAs value are illustrated as dial-type operation units that can be operated from the side surface of the operation panel. A similar dial may be used for settings and the like.
Further, a part of the operation switches, for example, a switch for setting the imaging region, may be a touch panel.
The present invention is applicable as long as it is a device accompanied by X-ray irradiation and includes an operation panel.

10 ... Main body, 13 ... X-ray generator, 15 ... X-ray detector, 17 ... Control unit, 20 ... Operation panel, 20A ... Operation surface (main operation surface), 20C ... upper side, 20D ... right side, 34-36 ... dial type operation tool, 37 ... X-ray exposure switch, 131 ... X-ray tube device, 133 ... high voltage Generator, 135 ... Squeezing device, 171 ... Main unit side central control device, 173 ... Main unit side storage device, 201 ... Operation panel side CPU (processing unit), 203 ... Operation panel side memory (Storage device), 205 ... Display unit, 207 ... Operation tool.

Claims (10)

It has an X-ray generator that generates X-rays, a control unit that controls the X-ray generator, and an operation panel provided with a plurality of operating tools for operating the X-ray generator, from the operation panel. An X-ray imaging system that drives the X-ray generator by the signal of
The operation panel has a main operation surface and a side surface surrounding the main operation surface.
The plurality of operating tools include an X-ray exposure switch and a plurality of dial-type operating tools provided with a cylindrical dial, and the X-ray exposure switch is arranged so as to project from the upper side surface of the operation panel. And
In the plurality of dial-type operation tools, the circular upper surface of the cylinder is parallel to the main operation surface, and a part of the side surface of the cylinder is different from the side surface of the operation panel on which the X-ray exposure switch is arranged. Two of the plurality of dial-type operating tools are arranged so as to protrude from the cylinder, and the operator's hand is placed on the side surface of the protruding cylinder to move the hand in the vertical direction of the operating panel. An X-ray imaging system characterized in that it is arranged at a position where it can be operated at the same time. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 1.
The X-ray exposure switch includes a first switch and a second switch arranged in two stages in the operation direction, and when not operated, the upper surface of the X-ray exposure switch protrudes from the upper side surface of the operation panel. At the position, when the first switch is operated, the upper surface of the X-ray exposure switch and the upper side surface of the operation panel are on the same surface, and when the second switch is operated, the X-ray exposure switch An X-ray imaging system characterized in that the upper surface is recessed inward from the upper side surface of the operation panel. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 2.
An X-ray imaging system characterized in that an elastic support portion that elastically supports the first switch is further provided with respect to the second switch. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 2.
The operation panel has a processing unit that sends a control signal corresponding to the operation of the operation tool to the control unit.
The processing unit sends a control signal for preparing the X-ray generator to the control unit by operating the first switch, and irradiates X-rays from the X-ray generator by operating the second switch. An X-ray imaging system characterized in that a control signal to be caused is sent to the control unit. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 4.
The processing unit is characterized in that, by operating the first switch, the input of the operation tool other than the operation tool for turning on / off the power and the second switch among the plurality of operation tools is prohibited. X-ray system. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 1.
An X-ray imaging system characterized in that the upper side surface of the operation panel on which the X-ray exposure switch is arranged is an inclined surface or a curved surface that is inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to the main operation surface. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 1.
An X-ray imaging system, wherein the two operating tools of the dial-type operating tool are an operating tool for adjusting a tube voltage of the X-ray generator and an operating tool for adjusting a tube current. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 1.
The dial-type operating tool includes at least three operating tools, and among the at least three operating tools, the dial-type operating tool other than the two operating tools is located at a position where the operator does not operate the dial-type operating tool. An X-ray imaging system characterized by being arranged. The X-ray imaging system according to claim 1.
An X-ray imaging system characterized in that at least a part of the outer circumference of the main operation surface of the operation panel is curved, and the dial-type operation tool is arranged along the curved outer circumference. An operation panel that sends a control signal to an X-ray generator that generates X-rays and controls the operation of the X-ray generator.
The operation panel has a main operation surface and a side surface surrounding the main operation surface , and includes an X-ray exposure switch and a plurality of dial-type operation tools having a cylindrical dial.
The X-ray exposure switch is arranged so as to project from the upper side surface of the operation panel.
In the plurality of dial-type operating tools, the circular upper surface of the cylinder is parallel to the main operating surface, and a part of the side surface of the cylinder is different from the side surface of the operating panel on which the X-ray exposure switch is arranged. Two of the plurality of dial-type operating tools are arranged so as to protrude from the cylinder, and the operator's hand is placed on the side surface of the protruding cylinder to move the hand in the vertical direction of the operating panel. An operation panel characterized by being placed in a position where it can be operated at the same time.

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