X-ray Tube Charging System

Abstract

The present invention provides an X-ray tube charging system. When using an X-ray fluoroscopy device for non-destructive inspection, unlike the case where charging is based on the number of X-ray fluoroscopy times, a fair charge can be made even when the time spent on one X-ray fluoroscopy differs among users. The X-ray tube charging system (100) is an X-ray tube charging system for an X-ray fluoroscopy device (10) for non-destructive inspection that uses an X-ray tube (200) to perform X-ray fluoroscopy on an object (300), and includes: a fluoroscopy time detection unit (41) for detecting the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed using the X-ray tube; and a charge amount calculation unit (73) for calculating a charge amount related to the use of the X-ray tube based on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed detected by the fluoroscopy time detection unit (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an X-ray tube charging system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a charging system for X-ray imaging equipment (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a management system (charging system) for medical digital X-ray imaging devices. In the management system, the medical digital X-ray imaging device adds a photography counter together with image photography and sends the photography counter information to a server device. The server device calculates the charging according to the received photography counter information.

[0004] [Prior art literature]

[0005] [Patent Document]

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-97634 Summary of the invention

[0007] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0008] As described above, in the management system described in Patent Document 1, the number of imaging counters (i.e., the number of X-ray imaging) is charged. However, in an X-ray fluoroscopy device, the time taken for one X-ray imaging (X-ray fluoroscopy) varies from user to user. Therefore, there is a problem that the charging is not fair when charging only for the number of X-ray imaging. Furthermore, X-ray fluoroscopy refers to dynamic image photography that continuously photographs an object with a smaller amount of X-rays than normal X-ray photography.

[0009] The present invention is made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray tube charging system that can charge fairly even if the time required for one X-ray fluoroscopy differs among users when using an X-ray fluoroscopy device.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an X-ray tube charging system according to one aspect of the present invention is an X-ray tube charging system of an X-ray fluoroscopy device for non-destructive inspection of an object using an X-ray tube, and includes: a fluoroscopy time detection unit for detecting the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed using the X-ray tube; and a charging amount calculation unit for calculating the charging amount related to the use of the X-ray tube based on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed detected by the fluoroscopy time detection unit.

[0012] [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, as described above, a charge amount calculation unit is provided to calculate a charge amount related to the use of an X-ray tube based on the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy detected by the fluoroscopy time detection unit. Thus, since it is possible to charge for the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy, it is possible to provide an X-ray tube charging system that can charge fairly even when the time taken for one X-ray fluoroscopy differs among users, unlike the case where charging is charged for the number of X-ray fluoroscopy when using an X-ray fluoroscopy device for non-destructive inspection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of the X-ray tube charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the device perspective time database of the server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the X-ray tube fluoroscopy time database of the server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram for explaining calculation of the charge amount in the X-ray tube charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram for explaining calculation of the total usage time of the X-ray tube in the X-ray tube charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the display of the charge amount in the X-ray tube charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram for explaining a first example of prohibition of X-ray fluoroscopy by the X-ray fluoroscopy device of the X-ray tube charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram for explaining a second example of prohibiting X-ray fluoroscopy of the X-ray fluoroscopy device of the X-ray tube charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the transmission of payment completion information in the X-ray tube charging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of an X-ray tube charging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a first graph for explaining the averaging of the usage status of a plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices in the X-ray tube charging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.12 This is a second graph for explaining the averaging of the usage status of a plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices in the X-ray tube charging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram for explaining a display proposal for averaging the utilization status of the X-ray tube charging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the display of the future estimated billing amount in the X-ray tube billing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0029] 10: X-ray fluoroscopy device

[0030] 11: X-ray fluoroscopy device body

[0031] 11a: X-ray detection unit

[0032] 12: Control device

[0033] 12a, 20a: Ministry of Communications

[0034] 12b, 20b, 80: Display unit

[0035] 12c, 20c: Storage unit

[0036] 12d, 20d: Control unit (display control unit)

[0037] 20, 520: Server device

[0038] 20d: Control unit (display control unit)

[0039] 31: Device ID (identification information of X-ray fluoroscopy device)

[0040] 32: X-ray tube ID (X-ray tube identification information)

[0041] 33: Customer ID

[0042] 41: Perspective Time Detection Department

[0043] 42: Perspective Time Transmission Department

[0044] 43: Perspective Prohibition Department

[0045] 51: Information related to the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy (fluoroscopy time information)

[0046] 52: Unpaid information

[0047] 53: Payment completion information

[0048] 61: Installation with perspective time database

[0049] 62: X-ray tube fluoroscopy time database

[0050] 71: Perspective time receiving unit

[0051] 72: Perspective Time Preservation Department

[0052] 73, 573: Charge amount calculation department

[0053] 74: Perspective time accumulation

[0054] 100, 500: X-ray tube charging system

[0055] 200: X-ray tube

[0056] 300: Subject

[0057] 400: Network

[0058] 520d: Control unit

[0059] 575: Utilization Analysis Department

[0060] 590: Distribution

[0061] 591: Peak

[0062] I, J: Installation DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

[0064] (First Embodiment)

[0065] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The configuration of an X-ray tube charging system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0066] (Structure of X-ray tube charging system)

[0067] like Figure 1As shown, the X-ray tube charging system 100 is an X-ray tube charging system (management system) of an X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 for non-destructive inspection that uses an X-ray tube 200 to perform X-ray fluoroscopy on an object 300. The X-ray tube 200 loaned from a loan source is mounted on the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. The X-ray tube charging system 100 is configured to calculate a charge amount related to the use of the X-ray tube 200 that is a loaned item in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10.

[0068] The X-ray tube charging system 100 includes an X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 and a server device 20. The X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is a device that performs X-ray fluoroscopy on an inanimate object 300. X-ray fluoroscopy is a dynamic image photography that continuously photographs the object 300 with a smaller amount of X-rays than normal X-ray photography. The object 300 may be, for example, a circuit board, an electronic component, etc. The X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is configured to image the inside of the object 300 using X-ray fluoroscopy, thereby enabling non-destructive inspection of the object 300.

[0069] The X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 includes an X-ray fluoroscopy device body 11 and a control device 12. The X-ray fluoroscopy device body 11 has an X-ray tube 200 and an X-ray detection unit 11a as loan products. The X-ray tube 200 is an electron tube that generates X-rays. The X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 200 are irradiated onto the object 300 when the object 300 is photographed. The X-ray detection unit 11a detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 200 and transmitted through the object 300. In addition, the X-ray detection unit 11a sends an electrical signal corresponding to the detected X-rays. Then, based on the electrical signal sent from the X-ray detection unit 11a, the inside of the object 300 is imaged. The X-ray detection unit 11a has, for example, a flat panel detector (Flat Panel Detector, FPD) as a detector of X-rays.

[0070] The control device 12 is, for example, a personal computer connected to the X-ray fluoroscopy device body 11 in a communicable manner. The control device 12 has a communication unit 12a, a display unit 12b, a storage unit 12c, and a control unit 12d. The communication unit 12a is a communication interface. The communication unit 12a connects the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 to the network 400 in a communicable manner. That is, the communication unit 12a connects the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 and the communication object connected to the network 400, that is, the server device 20, via the network 400 in a communicable manner. The network 400 is, for example, the Internet. The display unit 12b is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor for displaying information.

[0071] The storage unit 12c is, for example, a storage medium such as a flash memory, and is used to store information. The storage unit 12c stores a device identification (ID) 31 as identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 and an X-ray tube ID 32 as identification information of the X-ray tube 200. The device ID 31 may be, for example, a serial number of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 attached to the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 during manufacturing. Similarly, the X-ray tube ID 32 may be a serial number of the X-ray tube 200 attached to the X-ray tube 200 during manufacturing.

[0072] The control unit 12d is a control circuit including a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory for storing information. The control unit 12d functions as a fluoroscopy time detection unit 41, a fluoroscopy time transmission unit 42, and a fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43 by executing various programs (software). Figure 1 In the figure, the fluoroscopy time detection unit 41, the fluoroscopy time transmission unit 42, and the fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43 are illustrated as software functional blocks. In addition, the present invention is not limited thereto, and part or all of the fluoroscopy time detection unit 41, the fluoroscopy time transmission unit 42, and the fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43 may include a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0073] The control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time detection unit 41 performs control as follows: detecting the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 performs X-ray fluoroscopy on the object 300 using the X-ray tube 200. The detection of the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy can be performed arbitrarily, for example, by counting the time from the time when the user operates the "X-ray fluoroscopy start button" to the time when the user operates the "X-ray fluoroscopy end button". Alternatively, the detection of the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy can be performed by counting the time from the time when the tube voltage of the X-ray tube 200 reaches a predetermined value or more to the time when it reaches a predetermined value or less using a timer.

[0074] The control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 performs control such that the fluoroscopy time information 51, which is information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed, is transmitted to the server device 20 via the network 400 using the communication unit 12a. Specifically, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 performs control such that the fluoroscopy time information 51 is transmitted to the server device 20 via the network 400 using the communication unit 12a in a state corresponding to the device ID 31 and the X-ray tube ID 32 stored in the storage unit 12c. The fluoroscopy time information 51 may be transmitted at any timing, for example, each time the X-ray fluoroscopy is completed. In this case, the fluoroscopy time information 51 includes information on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed once. Alternatively, the fluoroscopy time information 51 may be transmitted periodically. In this case, the fluoroscopy time information 51 may include information on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed multiple times. In addition, the operation of the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibiting unit 43 will be described later.

[0075] The server device 20 is a computer for calculating and managing the charges related to the use of the X-ray tube 200. The server device 20 has a communication unit 20a, a display unit 20b, a storage unit 20c, and a control unit 20d. The communication unit 20a is a communication interface. The communication unit 20a connects the server device 20 to the network 400 in a manner that allows communication. That is, the communication unit 20a connects the server device 20 and the communication object connected to the network 400, that is, the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10, via the network 400 in a manner that allows communication. In addition, for ease of understanding, in Figure 1 Only one X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 connected to the server device 20 is shown, but in fact, more X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 can be connected to the server device 20. That is, the server device 20 can be connected to the X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 of multiple customers (users), and the charging amounts for each of the multiple customers can be calculated and managed.

[0076] The display unit 20b is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor, for displaying information. The storage unit 20c is, for example, a large-capacity storage medium such as a hard disk drive, for storing information. The storage unit 12c stores a device fluoroscopy time database 61 and an X-ray tube fluoroscopy time database 62. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the device fluoroscopy time database 61, the fluoroscopy time information 51 transmitted from the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is distinguished and stored for each device ID 31. In addition, the device ID 31 corresponds to the customer ID 33 which is the identification information of the customer (user). That is, in the device fluoroscopy time database 61, the fluoroscopy time information 51 transmitted from the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is distinguished and stored for each customer ID 33. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 3As shown, in the X-ray tube fluoroscopic time database 62 , the fluoroscopic time information 51 transmitted from the X-ray fluoroscopic device 10 is classified for each X-ray tube ID 32 and stored.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the control unit 20d includes a processor such as a CPU and a memory for storing information, and is a control circuit for controlling the operation of each part of the server device 20. The control unit 20d functions as a fluoroscopy time receiving unit 71, a fluoroscopy time storage unit 72, a charge amount calculation unit 73, and a fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 by executing various programs (software). Figure 1 In the figure, the fluoroscopy time receiving unit 71, the fluoroscopy time storage unit 72, the charge amount calculation unit 73, and the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 are illustrated as software functional blocks. In addition, the present invention is not limited thereto, and part or all of the fluoroscopy time receiving unit 71, the fluoroscopy time storage unit 72, the charge amount calculation unit 73, and the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 may include a dedicated hardware circuit.

[0078] The control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time receiving unit 71 performs control as follows: the fluoroscopy time information 51, which is information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed, including information on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed, is received from the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 by using the communication unit 20a via the network 400. Specifically, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time receiving unit 71 performs control as follows: the fluoroscopy time information 51 corresponding to the device ID 31 and the X-ray tube ID 32 is received from the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 by using the communication unit 20a via the network 400.

[0079] The control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time storage unit 72 performs control to store the received fluoroscopy time information 51 in the storage unit 20c. Specifically, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time storage unit 72 performs control to store the received fluoroscopy time information 51 in the device fluoroscopy time database 61 of the storage unit 20c in a manner distinguished for each device ID 31 based on the device ID 31 corresponding to the fluoroscopy time information 51. Similarly, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time storage unit 72 performs control to store the received fluoroscopy time information 51 in the X-ray tube fluoroscopy time database 62 of the storage unit 20c in a manner distinguished for each X-ray tube ID 32 based on the X-ray tube ID 32 corresponding to the fluoroscopy time information 51.

[0080] Here, in the first embodiment, the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 performs the following control: the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy using the X-ray tube 200 in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is acquired from the fluoroscopy time information 51. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 performs control to calculate the charge amount (collection fee) related to the use of the X-ray tube 200 based on the acquired time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0081] First, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 performs control to accumulate the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the charge amount calculation period, i.e., the prescribed period. The prescribed period may be any period, for example, a period of one month. In the above case, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 performs control to accumulate the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy in units of one month. That is, the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy between the months in which the charge amount is required to be collected, i.e., the charge amount collection months, from January to December may be accumulated.

[0082] At this time, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 performs control such that the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy in the prescribed period is accumulated in correspondence with the device ID 31. That is, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 performs control such that the fluoroscopy time information 51 corresponding to the prescribed period is extracted from the fluoroscopy time information 51 corresponding to the specific device ID 31 stored in the device fluoroscopy time database 61, and the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy in the prescribed period is accumulated based on the extracted fluoroscopy time information 51.

[0083] Then, the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 calculates the specific X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 (in Figure 4 In other words, the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 calculates the charge amount of the specific user (in Figure 4 The calculation of the charge amount based on the time during which the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed can be performed arbitrarily, but Figure 4 An example is shown in which the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy is multiplied by a predetermined unit fee. In addition, a lower limit value, an upper limit value, etc. may be set for the charge amount.

[0084] For example, when the charge amount calculated based on the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy is below the lower limit, the predetermined lower limit may be set as the charge amount to be charged to the user regardless of the calculated charge amount. That is, the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 may be configured to compare the charge amount calculated based on the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy with the predetermined lower limit, and when the calculated charge amount is below the lower limit, the lower limit is set as the charge amount. In addition, when the charge amount calculated based on the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy is above the upper limit, the predetermined upper limit may be set as the charge amount to be charged to the user regardless of the calculated charge amount. That is, the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 may be configured to compare the charge amount calculated based on the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy with the predetermined upper limit, and when the calculated charge amount is above the upper limit, the upper limit is set as the charge amount. As described above, the control unit 20 d as the charge calculation unit 73 calculates the charge for the predetermined period of the specific X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 10 based on the accumulated time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy in the predetermined period and the predetermined fee system.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, in the server device 20, the charge amount calculated by the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 is displayed on the display unit 80 for the user to confirm the charge amount. The display unit 80 may be, for example, the display unit 12b of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 used by the user who requests to confirm the charge amount, or the display unit of a terminal (personal computer, mobile terminal, etc.) used by the user who requests to confirm the charge amount. The control unit 12d of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 or the control unit of the terminal owned by the user performs the following control: the charge amount calculated by the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 is displayed on the display unit 80 (display unit 12b or display unit of the terminal). The control unit 12d of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 or the control unit of the terminal owned by the user is an example of the "display control unit" in the claims.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 may calculate the charge amount for the prescribed period of the specific X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 based on the accumulated time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the prescribed period, using a different charge system for each device ID 31 of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. As an example, when there are an upper model and a general model in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10, the upper model is preset so that the charge amount per hour is higher than that of the lower model. By registering whether it is an upper model or a general model on the server device 20 side for each device ID 31, the charge amount under the different charge system for each device ID 31 can be calculated. Similarly, the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 may calculate the charge amount for the prescribed period of the specific X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 based on the accumulated time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the prescribed period, using a different charge system for each X-ray tube ID 32. Similarly, both the device ID 31 and the X-ray tube ID 32 of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 may be used, and a charge system corresponding to the combination of these IDs may be used.

[0087] The control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 may be configured to transmit information (fluoroscopy time information 51) related to the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy to the server device 20 in a state corresponding to the fluoroscopy mode. The control unit 20d as the charge amount calculating unit 73 may calculate the charge amount for a specified period of the specific X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 based on the accumulated time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within a specified period, using a different fee system for each fluoroscopy mode. As an example, there are a high-quality mode and a low-quality mode in the fluoroscopy mode, and the X-ray fluoroscopy can be performed using one of the fluoroscopy modes selected based on the user operation. It is considered that the high-quality mode has a large burden on the parts (for example, filaments, etc.) of the X-ray tube 200 (the parts are consumed rapidly), and the life of the X-ray tube 200 is shortened. Therefore, the high-quality mode is preset so that the charge amount per hour is higher than that of the low-quality mode. As another example, there are a computed tomography (CT) (three-dimensional) fluoroscopy mode and a two-dimensional fluoroscopy mode in the fluoroscopy mode, and the X-ray fluoroscopy can be performed using one of the fluoroscopy modes selected based on the user operation. Similarly, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 may be configured to transmit information (fluoroscopy time information 51) related to the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy to the server device 20 in a state corresponding to the fluoroscopy condition (tube voltage (or tube current, the same below)) used in X-ray fluoroscopy. The control unit 20d as the charge amount calculating unit 73 may also use a different fee system for each tube voltage to calculate the charge amount for a specified period of the specific X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 based on the accumulated time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy in the specified period. It is considered that the higher the tube voltage, the greater the burden on the parts (such as filaments, etc.) of the X-ray tube 200 (the consumption of the parts is intense), and the life of the X-ray tube becomes shorter. Therefore, it is preset that the higher the tube voltage, the higher the charge amount per unit time is made higher than when the tube voltage is low.

[0088] Alternatively, a fee system for each customer may be determined based on the cumulative fluoroscopy time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy from the time when the X-ray tube 200 is replaced with a new one until the next time when the X-ray tube 200 is replaced with a new one due to the life of the X-ray tube 200. For example, the fee system may be determined such that when the cumulative fluoroscopy time is long, the charge per unit time is made cheaper than when the cumulative fluoroscopy time is short.

[0089] The information of the charge amount calculated by the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 in the server device 20 is sent from the server device 20 to the device including the display unit 80 used by the user (the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 used by the user, the terminal used by the user, etc.) via the network 400. The sending of the charge amount information can be performed arbitrarily, for example, by e-mail, access to a website for confirming the charge amount information, etc. In addition, the charge amount information that the user can confirm through the display unit 80 may be the charge amount information of a specified period, the charge amount information in the middle of the specified period, the charge amount information of a past specified period, etc.

[0090] Furthermore, the charge amount calculated by the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 in the server device 20 may be displayed on the display unit 20b of the server device 20. In this case, the control unit 20d of the server device 20 performs control so that the charge amount calculated by the control unit 20d as the charge amount calculation unit 73 is displayed on the display unit 20b. The control unit 20d of the server device 20 is an example of the "display control unit" in the claims.

[0091] In the first embodiment, if the X-ray tube 200 is used after not being used for a long period of time, the life of the X-ray tube 200 may be shortened. Therefore, the control unit 20d of the server device 20 performs control to confirm the use status of the X-ray tube 200 in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 based on the fluoroscopy time information 51 (information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed corresponding to the X-ray tube ID 32) stored in the storage unit 20c. Specifically, the control unit 20d performs control to determine whether the X-ray tube 200 is not used in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 for a predetermined period of time. If it is determined that the X-ray tube 200 is not used in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 20d transmits information to encourage the use of the X-ray tube 200 to the user who uses the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 through the network 400 via the communication unit 20a. In this way, it is possible to suppress the shortening of the life of the X-ray tube 200 due to the use of the X-ray tube 200 after not being used for a long period of time.

[0092] (Structure related to calculation of total usage time of X-ray tube)

[0093] In addition, in the first embodiment, if Figure 6As shown, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 performs control to calculate not only the charge amount of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 10, but also the total usage time of the X-ray tube 200 from the start of use to the present. The total usage time of the X-ray tube 200 calculated may be the total usage time of one X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 10 or the total usage time of each of a plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy apparatuses 10. This is because the X-ray tube 200, which is a loan item, may be returned from the lender and loaned to the next lender.

[0094] The control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 performs control such that, corresponding to the X-ray tube ID 32, the specific X-ray tube 200 (in Figure 6 In other words, the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 performs control to accumulate the X-ray fluoroscopy time of the specific X-ray tube 200 from the start of use to the present, based on all the fluoroscopy time information 51 corresponding to the specific X-ray tube ID 32 stored in the X-ray tube fluoroscopy time database 62.

[0095] The total usage time of the X-ray tube 200 calculated by the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 is displayed on the display unit 20b of the server device 20. The control unit 20d controls the display unit 20b to display the total usage time of the X-ray tube 200 calculated by the control unit 20d as the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 based on the operation of the server device 20 by the user of the server device 20.

[0096] (Structure related to prohibition of X-ray fluoroscopy using an X-ray fluoroscopy device)

[0097] Here, in the X-ray tube charging system 100 that calculates the charge amount and charges the charge amount to the user, if the user delays in paying the charge amount, there is a problem that the X-ray tube 200, which is a loan item, can be used in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. In addition, when the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is used to perform X-ray fluoroscopy, if the fluoroscopy time information 51 cannot be sent from the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 to the server device 20, the fluoroscopy time information 51 cannot be accurately sent, and therefore there is also a problem that the charge amount cannot be accurately calculated.

[0098] Therefore, in the first embodiment, if Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 includes a control unit 12d as a fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43 for prohibiting X-ray fluoroscopy in the above situation (see Figure 1 ).

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, when the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is performing X-ray fluoroscopy, if the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 is in a state where the fluoroscopy time information 51 cannot be transmitted, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibiting unit 43 performs control to prohibit the X-ray fluoroscopy performed by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. The control to prohibit the X-ray fluoroscopy may be, for example, control not to start the X-ray fluoroscopy when an operation for starting the X-ray fluoroscopy by the user is received.

[0100] First, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibiting unit 43 performs control to determine whether the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 is in a state where it cannot transmit the fluoroscopy time information 51. For example, when the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 10 is not connected to the network 400 via the communication unit 12a, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibiting unit 43 determines that the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 is in a state where it cannot transmit the fluoroscopy time information 51.

[0101] Furthermore, when the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 determines that the fluoroscopy time information 51 cannot be transmitted, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibiting unit 43 performs control to prohibit the X-ray fluoroscopy performed by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. Furthermore, when the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 changes to a state where the fluoroscopy time information 51 can be transmitted (for example, when the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is connected to the network 400) in the state where the X-ray fluoroscopy performed by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is prohibited, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibiting unit 43 performs control to cancel the prohibition of the X-ray fluoroscopy performed by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. That is, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibiting unit 43 performs control to permit the X-ray fluoroscopy performed by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10.

[0102] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, when the user does not pay the charge amount by the payment deadline, that is, the payment date, the control unit 12 d as the fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43 performs control to prohibit X-ray fluoroscopy by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 .

[0103] Based on the payment information sent from the server device 20, it is determined whether the user has paid the charge amount before the payment deadline, that is, the payment date. The server device 20 manages information on whether the user has paid the charge amount for the previous specified period before the payment date. Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, when the user's payment is not made before the payment date, the control unit 20d of the server device 20 performs the following control: sending unpaid information 52 to the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10, wherein the unpaid information 52 is information indicating that the user has not paid. When the user's payment is made before the payment date, the control unit 20d of the server device 20 performs the following control: sending payment completion information 53 to the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10, wherein the payment completion information 53 is information indicating that the user has completed the payment.

[0104] Furthermore, when it is determined that the unpaid information 52 is received from the server device 20, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43 performs control to prohibit the X-ray fluoroscopy performed by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. Alternatively, when it is determined that the payment completion information 53 is not received from the server device 20, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43 performs control to prohibit the X-ray fluoroscopy performed by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. Furthermore, when it is determined that the payment completion information 53 is received from the server device 20, the control unit 12d as the fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43 does not perform control to prohibit the X-ray fluoroscopy performed by the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10.

[0105] (Effects of the First Embodiment)

[0106] In the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0107] In the first embodiment, as described above, the X-ray tube charging system 100 is configured to include a charge amount calculation unit 73 that calculates a charge amount related to the use of the X-ray tube 200 based on the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy detected by the fluoroscopy time detection unit 41. As a result, since it is possible to charge for the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy, it is possible to provide an X-ray tube charging system 100 that can charge fairly even when the time taken for one X-ray fluoroscopy differs from user to user, unlike the case where the number of X-ray fluoroscopy times is charged when using the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 for non-destructive inspection. That is, unlike the medical digital X-ray imaging device described in the patent document 1, the time taken for one X-ray imaging (X-ray fluoroscopy) in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 for non-destructive inspection that performs X-ray fluoroscopy of the object 300 is often different from user to user. That is, in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10, which is a non-destructive inspection device, the required fluoroscopy time varies greatly depending on the appearance shape or internal structure of the object 300, which is the observation material. However, in the first embodiment, since the time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy can be charged, it is possible to charge fairly.

[0108] In the first embodiment, as described above, the X-ray tube charging system 100 is configured to include the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 that accumulates the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the prescribed period. In addition, the charge amount calculation unit 73 is configured to calculate the charge amount for the prescribed period based on the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the prescribed period accumulated by the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74. Thus, the charge amount calculation unit 73 can easily calculate the charge amount for each prescribed period, and thus the charge amount for each prescribed period can be easily charged to the user.

[0109] In the first embodiment, as described above, the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 is configured to accumulate the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the prescribed period in correspondence with the device ID 31, which is the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10. In addition, the charge amount calculation unit 73 is configured to calculate the charge amount of the prescribed period of the specific X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 based on the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the prescribed period accumulated by the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74. Thus, the charge amount of the prescribed period can be easily calculated for each X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 by the charge amount calculation unit 73, and thus the charge amount of the prescribed period of each of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 can be easily collected.

[0110] In the first embodiment, as described above, the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit 74 is configured to accumulate the time of the X-ray fluoroscopy performed from the start of use to the present of the specific X-ray tube 200 in accordance with the X-ray tube ID 32 which is the identification information of the X-ray tube 200. In this way, the total use time of the X-ray tube 200 can be confirmed, so that the life of the X-ray tube 200 can be predicted and the replacement time of the X-ray tube 200 can be predicted. In addition, when the total use time of a plurality of X-ray tubes 200 as loan items is managed in the server device 20 as in the first embodiment, if the replacement time of each of the plurality of X-ray tubes 200 is predicted, it is possible to understand the extent to which spare parts of the X-ray tubes 200 as loan items are retained. In this way, it is possible to suppress the excessive retention of spare parts of the X-ray tubes 200 and to suppress the situation where the X-ray tubes 200 as loan items cannot be replaced quickly due to the lack of spare parts of the X-ray tubes 200.

[0111] In the first embodiment, as described above, the X-ray tube billing system 100 includes the control unit 12d which displays the billing amount calculated by the billing amount calculation unit 73 on the display unit 80. Thus, the user can visually confirm the billing amount easily and reliably.

[0112] In the first embodiment, as described above, the X-ray tube charging system 100 is configured to include the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 and the server device 20. In addition, the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is configured to include: the X-ray tube 200 for performing X-ray fluoroscopy on the object 300; and the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42, which transmits the fluoroscopy time information 51, which is information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed, to the server device 20. In addition, the server device 20 is configured to include: the fluoroscopy time receiving unit 71, which receives the fluoroscopy time information 51, which is information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed; and the charge amount calculating unit 73, which calculates the charge amount based on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed. Thus, since the charge amount can be calculated in the server device 20, unlike the case where the charge amount is calculated in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10, the charge amount can be calculated while suppressing the increase in the processing load of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10.

[0113] In the first embodiment, as described above, the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit 42 is configured to transmit the fluoroscopy time information 51, which is information on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed, to the server device 20 in a state corresponding to the device ID 31, which is identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10, and the X-ray tube ID 32, which is identification information of the X-ray tube 200. Thus, the server device 20 can identify which X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 and which X-ray tube 200 the information on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed, and thus the information on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed in the server device 20 can be easily managed.

[0114] In the first embodiment, as described above, the X-ray tube charging system 100 is configured to include the fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43, which performs control to prohibit X-ray fluoroscopy when the fluoroscopy time transmission unit 42 is in a state where the fluoroscopy time cannot be transmitted during X-ray fluoroscopy. Thus, when the fluoroscopy time transmission unit 42 of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 is in a state where the fluoroscopy time cannot be transmitted, it is possible to prevent the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 from being used to perform X-ray fluoroscopy, thereby preventing the fluoroscopy time from being transmitted even though the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the server device 20 from being unable to calculate an accurate charge amount due to the failure to transmit the fluoroscopy time.

[0115] In the first embodiment, as described above, the X-ray tube charging system 100 is configured to include the fluoroscopy prohibition unit 43, which performs control to prohibit X-ray fluoroscopy when the user has not paid the charged amount by the payment date. Thus, when the user has delayed payment of the charged amount by the payment date, it is possible to prevent the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 from being used, thereby preventing the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 from being used by the user despite the delay in the user's payment of the charged amount.

[0116] [Second embodiment]

[0117] Secondly, refer to Figure 10 to Figure 14 The second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0118] (Structure of X-ray tube charging system)

[0119] like Fig.10 As shown, the X-ray tube charging system 500 of the second embodiment includes a server device 520 instead of the server device 20 of the first embodiment.

[0120] The server device 520 has a control unit 520d instead of the control unit 20d of the first embodiment. The control unit 520d includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU and a memory for storing information, and is a control circuit that controls the operation of each part of the server device 520. The control unit 520d functions as a perspective time receiving unit 71, a perspective time storage unit 72, a charge amount calculation unit 573, a perspective time accumulation unit 74, and a usage status analysis unit 575 by executing various programs (software). That is, these are illustrated as functional blocks of software. Furthermore, this is not limited to this, and some or all of these may also include dedicated hardware circuits. In addition, the perspective time receiving unit 71, the perspective time storage unit 72, and the perspective time accumulation unit 74 are the same structures as those in the first embodiment, so their description is omitted.

[0121] like Fig.11 As shown, sometimes a user owns a plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10. In addition, the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 owned by a user sometimes include an X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 with a high operating rate and an X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 with a low operating rate and in an idle state. In the above case, in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 with a high operating rate, the maintenance cost increases due to the increase in consumables. In addition, in the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 with a low operating rate, there are also parts that are easily broken when occasionally used, so the maintenance cost increases. Therefore, from the perspective of reducing maintenance costs, it is ideal to average the utilization status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10.

[0122] Therefore, in the second embodiment, if Fig.11 As shown, the control unit 520d as the usage status analysis unit 575 analyzes the past usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 based on the time when the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 performed X-ray fluoroscopy. Specifically, the control unit 520d as the usage status analysis unit 575 analyzes the averaged usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 based on the time when the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 performed X-ray fluoroscopy. Fig.11 In FIG. 1 , the utilization status of two X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 (device I and device J) is illustrated as an example, but the number of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 for analyzing the utilization status may be three or more.

[0123] The control unit 520d as the utilization status analysis unit 570 obtains the specific user (in Fig.11 In the example, the user (in which the customer ID 33 is "KKKK") performs X-ray fluoroscopy during a predetermined period of time for multiple X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 owned by a specific user). In addition, the control unit 520d as the usage status analysis unit 575 analyzes the average usage status of the multiple X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 owned by the specific user during the predetermined period based on the acquired time of the multiple X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 performing X-ray fluoroscopy during the predetermined period. The predetermined period may be any period, for example, a period such as one month or three months.

[0124] The control unit 520d as the usage status analysis unit 575 is configured to analyze the usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 when the usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 is not averaged (i.e., Fig.11 In the case shown in the figure, it is detected that the utilization conditions of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 are not averaged. The detection that the utilization conditions of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 are not averaged can be performed arbitrarily, for example, by comparing the X-ray fluoroscopy times of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 during a predetermined period. For example, Fig.12 As shown, the horizontal axis is set to the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy during a predetermined period, and the vertical axis is set to the number of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10, thereby obtaining a distribution 590 indicating the relationship between the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy during a predetermined period and the number of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10. In the case where there is a deviation in the operating rates of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10, the distribution 590 includes a plurality of peaks 591. Therefore, if the separation between the peaks 591 is obtained, it can be detected based on the separation between the peaks 591 that the utilization conditions of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 are not averaged.

[0125] Furthermore, when it is detected that the usage conditions of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 are not averaged, information to promote the average usage conditions of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 may be notified to the user. The information to promote the average may be notified to the user in any manner, for example, via the network 400, or by telephone or in writing. When the notification is made via the network 400, the notification to the user may be made, for example, by Fig.13 As shown, the information promoting averaging can be notified to the user by displaying it on the display unit 80. That is, the information promoting averaging can be notified by displaying it on the display unit 12b of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 used by the user who requests confirmation of the information promoting averaging, or on the display unit of a terminal (personal computer, portable terminal, etc.) used by the user who requests confirmation of the information promoting averaging.

[0126] The control unit 520d as the charge amount calculation unit 573 includes the same structure as the charge amount calculation unit 73 of the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, the control unit 520d as the charge amount calculation unit 573 calculates the future estimated charge amount based on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed. That is, the control unit 520d as the charge amount calculation unit 573 calculates the future estimated charge amount based on the actual use performance of the X-ray tube 200. The future estimated charge amount may be, for example, the charge amount for the next month, the charge amount for the next budget setting period (the second half of the year, etc.) of the user, etc.

[0127] In addition, the control unit 520d as the charge amount calculation unit 573 calculates, for example, the future estimated charge amount of a specific X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 10 owned by the user. In addition, for example, the control unit 520d as the charge amount calculation unit 573 calculates the future estimated charge amount of a plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy apparatuses 10 owned by the user.

[0128] Furthermore, when the estimated future charge amount is calculated, the user may be notified of the calculated future charge amount. The notification of the estimated future charge amount to the user may be performed arbitrarily, for example, via the network 400 or in writing. When the notification is performed via the network 400, the notification to the user may be performed, for example, in the form of a text message such as a video or a video. Fig.14 As shown, the notification of the future estimated charge amount to the user can be performed by displaying it on the display unit 80. That is, the notification of the future estimated charge amount to the user can be performed by displaying it on the display unit 12b of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 used by the user who requests to confirm the future estimated charge amount, or on the display unit of the terminal (personal computer, portable terminal, etc.) used by the user who requests to confirm the future estimated charge amount.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above description, it is determined whether or not the utilization status of a plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 owned by a specific customer is averaged, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the utilization status (operation rate) of the X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 owned by each of a plurality of customers may be compared, the degree of averaging for each customer is determined, and the X-ray fluoroscopy device of the customer with a relatively low operation rate is notified.

[0130] (Effects of the Second Embodiment)

[0131] In the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0132] In the second embodiment, as described above, the X-ray tube charging system 500 is configured to include a charge amount calculation unit 573 that calculates the charge amount related to the use of the X-ray tube 200 based on the time of performing the X-ray fluoroscopy detected by the fluoroscopy time detection unit 41. Thus, similarly to the first embodiment, when using the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 for non-destructive inspection, unlike the case where charging is performed based on the number of X-ray fluoroscopy times, it is possible to provide an X-ray tube charging system 500 that can charge fairly even when the time taken for one X-ray fluoroscopy differs among users.

[0133] In the second embodiment, as described above, the X-ray tube charging system 500 is configured to include a usage status analysis unit 575, which analyzes the past usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 based on the time when the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 performed X-ray fluoroscopy. As a result, based on the analysis results of the past usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10, it is possible to make an operation proposal for, for example, averaging the usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 to the user (the owner of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10). As a result, the user can effectively utilize the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 owned by the user. In addition, it is possible to suppress the increase in the maintenance cost of the X-ray fluoroscopy device 10 caused by the failure to average the usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10.

[0134] In the second embodiment, as described above, the usage status analysis unit 575 is configured to analyze the averaged usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 based on the time when the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 perform X-ray fluoroscopy. Thus, it is easy to detect that the usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 is not averaged, and thus it is easy to make an operation proposal for averaging the usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices 10 to the user.

[0135] In the second embodiment, as described above, the charge amount calculation unit 573 is configured to calculate the future estimated charge amount based on the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy. Thus, the user can grasp the future estimated charge amount, and thus can easily make a budget. As a result, the convenience of the X-ray tube charge system 500 can be improved compared to the case where the X-ray tube charge system only calculates the actual charge amount.

[0136] [Modifications]

[0137] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments, and includes all changes (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0138] For example, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the X-ray fluoroscopy device has a fluoroscopy time detection unit and the server device has a charge amount calculation unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as long as the charge amount can be calculated based on the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy, the server device may also have a fluoroscopy time detection unit and a charge amount calculation unit, and the X-ray fluoroscopy device may also have a fluoroscopy time detection unit and a charge amount calculation unit. In addition, in the case where the server device has a fluoroscopy time detection unit, the fluoroscopy time detection unit of the server device only needs to detect the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed in the X-ray fluoroscopy device based on the information of the start time point of the X-ray fluoroscopy and the information of the end time point of the X-ray fluoroscopy received from the X-ray fluoroscopy device. In addition, in the case where the X-ray fluoroscopy device has a charge amount calculation unit, the X-ray fluoroscopy device only needs to send the charge amount calculated by the charge amount calculation unit of the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device and store it in the server device.

[0139] In addition, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the following example is shown: in a state corresponding to the device ID (identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device) and the X-ray tube ID (identification information of the X-ray tube), the information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed is sent from the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed may not necessarily be sent from the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device in a state corresponding to the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device and the identification information of the X-ray tube.

[0140] For example, information related to the time when X-ray fluoroscopy was performed may be sent from the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device in a state corresponding only to the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device. In the above case, the X-ray tube charging system may be configured not to use the identification information of the X-ray tube at all, or the server device of the X-ray tube charging system may have information in which the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device is associated with the identification information of the X-ray tube. Thus, the X-ray tube that performed the X-ray fluoroscopy can be identified in the server device only by sending the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device from the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device.

[0141] In addition, for example, information related to the time when X-ray fluoroscopy was performed may be sent from the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device in a state corresponding only to the identification information of the X-ray tube. In the above case, the X-ray tube charging system may be configured not to use the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device at all, or the server device of the X-ray tube charging system may be configured to have information in which the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device is associated with the identification information of the X-ray tube. Thus, the X-ray fluoroscopy device that performed the X-ray fluoroscopy can be identified in the server device only by sending the identification information of the X-ray tube from the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device.

[0142] In addition, for example, information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy was performed may be sent from the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device in a state corresponding to the customer's identification information (customer ID). In the above case, the X-ray tube charging system may be configured not to use the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device and the identification information of the X-ray tube at all, or the server device of the X-ray tube charging system may have information in which the customer's identification information, the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device, and the identification information of the X-ray tube are associated. Thus, the X-ray fluoroscopy device and the X-ray tube that performed the X-ray fluoroscopy can be identified in the server device only by sending the customer's identification information from the X-ray fluoroscopy device to the server device.

[0143] In addition, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an example in which the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus has a fluoroscopy prohibiting unit is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus does not necessarily have a fluoroscopy prohibiting unit.

[0144] In addition, in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the X-ray tube charging system includes a usage status analysis unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the X-ray tube charging system does not necessarily need to include a usage status analysis unit.

[0145] [form]

[0146] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0147] (Item 1)

[0148] An X-ray tube charging system is an X-ray tube charging system of an X-ray fluoroscopy device for non-destructive inspection of an object using an X-ray tube, and comprises:

[0149] a fluoroscopy time detection unit for detecting the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy using the X-ray tube; and

[0150] The charge calculation unit calculates a charge related to the use of the X-ray tube based on the time for performing the X-ray fluoroscopy detected by the fluoroscopy time detection unit.

[0151] (Item 2)

[0152] The X-ray tube charging system according to item 1 further comprises a fluoroscopy time accumulation unit, the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit accumulates the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the first prescribed period,

[0153] The charge amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the charge amount for the first predetermined period based on the time of X-ray fluoroscopy performed within the first predetermined period accumulated by the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit.

[0154] (Item 3)

[0155] The X-ray tube charging system according to item 2, wherein the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit is configured to accumulate the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within the first prescribed period in accordance with the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device,

[0156] The charge amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the charge amount for the first predetermined period of the specific X-ray fluoroscopy device based on the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy in the first predetermined period accumulated by the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit.

[0157] (Item 4)

[0158] The X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 1 to 3 includes a fluoroscopy time accumulation unit that corresponds to the identification information of the X-ray tube and accumulates the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy of the specific X-ray tube from the start of use to the present.

[0159] (Item 5)

[0160] The X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 1 to 4 further includes a display control unit configured to display the charge amount calculated by the charge amount calculation unit on a display unit.

[0161] (Item 6)

[0162] The X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 1 to 5 comprises the X-ray fluoroscopy device and a server device,

[0163] The X-ray fluoroscopy device comprises:

[0164] The X-ray tube is used to perform X-ray fluoroscopy on the object; and

[0165] a fluoroscopy time sending unit, which sends information related to the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy to the server device,

[0166] The server device comprises:

[0167] a fluoroscopy time receiving unit that receives information related to the time at which the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed; and

[0168] The charge amount calculation unit calculates the charge amount based on the time taken to perform the X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0169] (Item 7)

[0170] According to the X-ray tube charging system of item 6, the fluoroscopy time sending unit is configured to send information related to the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy to the server device in a state corresponding to the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device and the identification information of the X-ray tube.

[0171] (Item 8)

[0172] The X-ray tube charging system according to item 7, wherein the server device determines whether the X-ray tube is not used during the second prescribed period based on information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed corresponding to the identification information of the X-ray tube,

[0173] When it is determined that the X-ray tube is not used during the second predetermined period, information for promoting the use of the X-ray tube is transmitted to the X-ray fluoroscopy device.

[0174] (Item 9)

[0175] An X-ray tube charging system according to Item 7 or 8, wherein the server device includes a fluoroscopy time accumulation unit, which accumulates the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy of a specific X-ray tube from the start of use to the present based on information related to the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy corresponding to the identification information of the X-ray tube.

[0176] (Item 10)

[0177] An X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein the charge amount calculation unit uses a different fee system pre-set for at least one of the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device and the identification information of the X-ray tube, and calculates the charge amount based on the time of performing the X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0178] (Item 11)

[0179] The X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 7 to 10, wherein the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit is configured to transmit information related to the time of performing the X-ray fluoroscopy to the server device in a state corresponding to at least one of the fluoroscopy mode and the fluoroscopy condition used in the X-ray fluoroscopy,

[0180] The charge amount calculation unit calculates the charge amount based on the time required to perform the X-ray fluoroscopy using a different fee system preset for at least one of a fluoroscopy mode and a fluoroscopy condition.

[0181] (Item 12)

[0182] The X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 6 to 11 further includes a fluoroscopy prohibition unit which, when performing X-ray fluoroscopy, performs control to prohibit X-ray fluoroscopy when the fluoroscopy time sending unit is unable to send the fluoroscopy time.

[0183] (Item 13)

[0184] The X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 6 to 12 further includes a fluoroscopy prohibition unit that performs control to prohibit X-ray fluoroscopy when the user has not paid the charge amount before a payment date.

[0185] (Item 14)

[0186] The X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 1 to 13 further includes a utilization status analysis unit that analyzes past utilization status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices based on the time at which the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices perform X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0187] (Item 15)

[0188] The X-ray tube charging system according to item 14, wherein the utilization status analysis unit is configured to analyze an average utilization status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices based on the time when the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices perform X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0189] (Item 16)

[0190] The X-ray tube charging system according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein the charge amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the future estimated charge amount based on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed.

Claims

1. An X-ray tube charging system, which is an X-ray tube charging system of an X-ray fluoroscopy device for non-destructive inspection of an object using an X-ray tube, characterized in that: include: a fluoroscopy time detection unit for detecting a time for performing X-ray fluoroscopy using the X-ray tube loaned from a loan source, the X-ray fluoroscopy being a dynamic image photography for continuously performing photography of the object; a storage unit for storing the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy detected by the fluoroscopy time detection unit in association with the identification information of the X-ray tube loaned from a loan source; as well as The charge calculation unit calculates a charge related to the use of the X-ray tube based on the time for performing the X-ray fluoroscopy detected by the fluoroscopy time detection unit.

2. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The invention also includes a fluoroscopy time accumulation unit, which accumulates the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy within a first predetermined period. The charge amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the charge amount for the first predetermined period based on the time of X-ray fluoroscopy performed within the first predetermined period accumulated by the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit.

3. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fluoroscopy time accumulation unit is configured to accumulate the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy in the first predetermined period according to the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device. The charge amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the charge amount for the first predetermined period of the specific X-ray fluoroscopy device based on the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy in the first predetermined period accumulated by the fluoroscopy time accumulation unit.

4. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device includes a fluoroscopy time accumulation unit that corresponds to the identification information of the X-ray tube and accumulates the time for executing X-ray fluoroscopy from the start of use of the specific X-ray tube to the present.

5. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system further includes a display control unit configured to display the charge amount calculated by the charge amount calculation unit on a display unit.

6. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: including the X-ray fluoroscopy device and the server device, The X-ray fluoroscopy device comprises: The X-ray tube is used to perform X-ray fluoroscopy on the object; and a fluoroscopy time sending unit, which sends information related to the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy to the server device, The server device comprises: a fluoroscopy time receiving unit that receives information related to the time at which the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed; and The charge amount calculation unit calculates the charge amount based on the time taken to perform the X-ray fluoroscopy.

7. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The fluoroscopy time transmitting unit is configured to transmit information on the time at which the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed to the server device in a state corresponding to the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device and the identification information of the X-ray tube.

8. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The server device determines whether the X-ray tube is not used during a second predetermined period based on information related to a time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed and corresponding to the identification information of the X-ray tube, When it is determined that the X-ray tube is not used during the second predetermined period, information for promoting the use of the X-ray tube is transmitted to the X-ray fluoroscopy device.

9. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The server device includes a fluoroscopy time accumulation unit that accumulates the time when the specific X-ray tube has been used from the start to the present, based on information related to the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed corresponding to the identification information of the X-ray tube.

10. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The charge amount calculation unit calculates the charge amount based on the time of performing X-ray fluoroscopy using a different fee system preset for at least one of the identification information of the X-ray fluoroscopy device and the identification information of the X-ray tube.

11. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fluoroscopy time transmitting unit is configured to transmit information related to the time of executing the X-ray fluoroscopy to the server device in a state where the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed in accordance with at least one of the fluoroscopy mode and the fluoroscopy condition. The charge amount calculation unit calculates the charge amount based on the time required to perform the X-ray fluoroscopy using a different fee system preset for at least one of a fluoroscopy mode and a fluoroscopy condition.

12. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The device further includes a fluoroscopy prohibiting unit configured to execute control to prohibit X-ray fluoroscopy when the fluoroscopy time transmitting unit is in a state where the fluoroscopy time cannot be transmitted during X-ray fluoroscopy.

13. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The present invention further includes a fluoroscopy prohibiting unit configured to execute control to prohibit X-ray fluoroscopy when the user has not paid the charge amount by a payment date.

14. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device further includes a usage status analysis unit that analyzes past usage status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices based on the time at which the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices performed X-ray fluoroscopy.

15. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 14, characterized in that: The utilization status analysis unit is configured to analyze an average utilization status of the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices based on the time at which the plurality of X-ray fluoroscopy devices perform X-ray fluoroscopy.

16. The X-ray tube charging system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The charge amount calculation unit is configured to calculate the future estimated charge amount based on the time when the X-ray fluoroscopy is performed.

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