X-ray tube holding device and x-ray diagnostic system

Abstract

An X-ray tube holding device of an embodiment is provided with: an X-ray tube; and an operation display portion that holds the X-ray tube so as to be rotatable, in which an first angle display portion that displays a photographing angle corresponding to a first photographing mode and a second angle display portion that displays a photographing angle corresponding to a second photographing mode different from the first photographing mode are arranged.

Description

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application 2020-168669 (filed on October 5, 2020), from which it enjoys priority. This application incorporates the entire contents of that application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings relate to X-ray tube holding devices and X-ray diagnostic systems. Background Technology

[0003] An X-ray diagnostic system, also known as an X-ray imaging device, is a medical imaging diagnostic device that irradiates a subject with X-rays, detects the transmitted X-rays with an X-ray detector, and thus obtains an image signal of the subject. The image signal is then processed by an image processing unit, thereby displaying the X-ray image on a display unit. A typical X-ray diagnostic system is configured to include at least: an X-ray tube holding device for holding the X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector).

[0004] X-ray diagnostic systems can take images of the subject using multiple imaging methods. For example, they can take images of the subject in a supine position or in a standing position.

[0005] When performing a supine imaging procedure, a supine imaging table equipped with an X-ray detector (e.g., an examination bed equipped with an X-ray detector) is used. During supine imaging, X-rays are irradiated from an X-ray tube held by an X-ray tube holder toward the subject lying horizontally on the supine imaging table in a generally vertically downward direction.

[0006] On the other hand, when performing standing imaging, a standing imaging table equipped with an X-ray detector is used. In standing imaging, X-rays are irradiated in a generally horizontal direction from an X-ray tube held by an X-ray tube holder toward the subject who is standing along the standing imaging table.

[0007] Thus, the direction of X-ray exposure differs by approximately 90 degrees between supine and standing positions. Therefore, users such as X-ray technicians can use a handle that rotates integrally with the X-ray tube to rotate the X-ray tube, which is held by the X-ray tube holder, around a predetermined axis of rotation, thereby rotating the direction of X-ray exposure by approximately 90 degrees between supine and standing positions.

[0008] To confirm that the X-ray irradiation direction is in the desired direction, an angle display is provided in the X-ray tube holding device. In particular, in low-cost and widely available X-ray tube holding devices, there are devices that use a disc with angle graduations as the angle display.

[0009] In this type of angle display unit, the same disc with angle scale is used for both supine and standing X-ray imaging, making it difficult to intuitively grasp the direction of X-ray irradiation. Summary of the Invention

[0010] One of the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings is that, in the case of X-ray imaging in either a supine or standing position, the imaging angle can be easily determined. However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems. Technical problems corresponding to the effects of the various structures shown in the embodiments described below can also be identified as other technical problems.

[0011] The X-ray tube holding device of the embodiment includes: an X-ray tube; and an operation display unit that holds the X-ray tube so that it can rotate. The operation display unit is provided with: a first angle display unit that displays an imaging angle corresponding to a first imaging mode; and a second angle display unit that displays an imaging angle corresponding to a second imaging mode different from the first imaging mode.

[0012] According to the embodiment of the X-ray tube holding device, when performing X-ray imaging in either supine or standing position, the imaging angle can be easily determined. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is an external view showing a structural example of the X-ray diagnostic system according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the X-ray tube holding device and operation display unit according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the operation display unit and the disc with angle scale in the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a conventional operation display unit and a disc with angular scales.

[0017] Figure 5 The first figure illustrates the effect of the X-ray tube holding device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 The second figure illustrates the effect of the X-ray tube holding device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a functional structure example of the X-ray diagnostic system according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray tube holding device in the second embodiment and its variations.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the effects of the X-ray tube holding device in the second embodiment and its variations.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray tube holding device in the third embodiment and its variations.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of the X-ray tube holding device in the third embodiment and its variations.

[0024] Figure 12 This is an external view showing a structural example of a ground-based X-ray tube holding device. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, the implementation of the X-ray tube holding device and the X-ray diagnostic system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] (First Embodiment)

[0027] Figure 1 This is an external view showing a structural example of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 according to the first embodiment. The X-ray diagnostic system 1 includes, for example, an X-ray tube holding device 10, a supine imaging table 20, and a standing imaging table 30.

[0028] X-ray tube holding device 10 includes ceiling-mounted X-ray tube holding device 10 and ground-mounted X-ray tube holding device 10 (see reference). Figure 12 These two types, but Figure 1 An example of the appearance of the ceiling-mounted X-ray tube holder 10 is shown. The ceiling-mounted X-ray tube holder 10 has a ceiling rail 200, which allows the position of the held X-ray tube to move in parallel along the ceiling rail 200 in two orthogonal directions. A more specific structure of the X-ray tube holder 10 will be described later.

[0029] The supine imaging table 20 is configured as an examination bed that allows a patient to lie horizontally on the ceiling in a supine position for imaging. An X-ray detector is installed under the ceiling of the supine imaging table 20. An X-ray tube 12 (see reference 10) is held by the X-ray tube holding device 10. Figure 2After the patient is irradiated by an X-ray transmission plate, the X-ray is detected by an X-ray detector. The X-ray detector is, for example, an FPD.

[0030] On the other hand, the standing imaging table 30 is a device for taking pictures of patients in a standing position. An X-ray detector, such as an FPD, is also installed on the standing imaging table 30.

[0031] Figure 1 The X-ray tube holding device 10, the supine imaging table 20, and the standing imaging table 30 shown are, for example, arranged in an examination room within a medical facility. Furthermore, for example, an image generator 400, which functions as a control console, is arranged in a control room adjacent to the examination room (see [reference]). Figure 7 Image generator 400 may also be included in the structure of X-ray diagnostic system 1.

[0032] The image generator 400 generates X-ray images based on signals output from the X-ray detectors of the supine imaging stage 20 and the standing imaging stage 30.

[0033] The X-ray tube holding device 10 of the first embodiment will be described in detail below. Figure 2 It is Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure and enlarged view of the ceiling-mounted X-ray tube holding device 10. Figure 2 Figure (a) is an example of the appearance of the ceiling-mounted X-ray tube holding device 10 excluding the ceiling guide rail 200. Additionally, Figure 2 (b) is to Figure 2 The structure of the X-ray tube holding device 10 shown in (a), which is enlarged by the ellipse surrounded by the dashed line, is the operation display unit 100.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown in (a), the X-ray tube holding device 10 includes a support 11, an X-ray tube 12, an X-ray movable aperture 13, and an operation display 100. The support 11 is configured to extend and retract in the vertical direction. The upper end of the support 11 is fixed to a carriage that moves along the ceiling guide rail 200 in the horizontal and vertical directions. Here, taking the top plate of the supine imaging stage 20 as a reference, for example, if the long side direction of the top plate is defined as the Z direction, the short side direction of the top plate is defined as the X direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Z and X directions is defined as the Y direction, the vertical direction corresponds to the Y direction, the horizontal direction corresponds to the Z direction, and the vertical direction corresponds to the X direction.

[0035] Starting from the lower end of the support portion 11, a horizontal axis extends, for example, in the front-back direction (i.e., the direction of the short side of the top plate), and an X-ray tube 12, an X-ray movable aperture 13, and an operation display portion 100 are integrally fixed at the end of the horizontal axis.

[0036] X-ray tube 12 generates X-rays by applying an X-ray high-voltage power supply (not shown). X-ray movable aperture 13 has multiple movable aperture plates, which limit the irradiation range of the X-rays generated by X-ray tube 12 by moving each movable aperture plate.

[0037] The operation display unit 100 keeps the X-ray tube 12 rotatable. More specifically, the operation display unit 100 moves the X-ray tube 12 and the X-ray movable aperture 13 (hereinafter, the X-ray tube 12 and the X-ray movable aperture 13 are sometimes collectively referred to as the X-ray tube 12, etc.) in parallel as a whole, and moves the X-ray tube 12, etc. in rotation as a whole.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown in (b), the operation display unit 100 has a generally rectangular housing 130 and a generally elliptical operating handle 140. Multiple operation buttons are arranged at both ends of the housing 130. Users such as X-ray technicians can move the X-ray tube 12 or the like in parallel or by rotating the operating handle 140 while pressing the respective operation buttons.

[0039] For example, the X-ray tube 12 can be moved parallel to the front-back direction by operating button B1, parallel to the left-right direction by operating button B2, and parallel to the top-bottom direction by operating button B3. Furthermore, the X-ray tube 12 can be moved parallel to the front-back, left-right, and top-bottom directions by operating button B6. Moreover, the X-ray tube 12 can be rotated about the axis of the support 11 by operating button B4, and rotated about the horizontal axis by operating button B5.

[0040] On the other hand, the housing 130 houses the disc 115 with angular markings. Figure 3 (a) is with Figure 2 The same diagram as (b), Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing an example of a disc 115 with angular scale housed in the housing 130.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), two circles with different radii are drawn on a disk 115 with angular scales. Along the circumference of each of the two circles, there are outer circumferential scales 112 (first angular scale) and inner circumferential scales 122 (second angular scale).

[0042] On the outer circumferential scale 112, a reference position below the vertical is marked with an angle "0" indicating zero degrees, and in the opposite position (above the vertical) are numbers indicating angles from 0° to 180° in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0043] On the other hand, the inner circumferential scale 122 is marked with a scale that is 90° off relative to the outer circumferential scale 112. Specifically, the inner circumferential scale 122 is marked at a position corresponding to 0° of the outer circumferential scale 112 (the position below the vertical), and the inner circumferential scale 122 is also marked at a position corresponding to 180° of the outer circumferential scale 112 (the position above the vertical).

[0044] Additionally, the inner circumferential scale 122 is marked at a position corresponding to 90° to the left of the outer circumferential scale 112 (horizontal left position), and similarly, the inner circumferential scale 122 is also marked at a position corresponding to 90° to the right of the outer circumferential scale 112 (horizontal right position).

[0045] The disc 115 with angle scale is supported so that it does not rotate even when the shooting angle changes, that is, even when the X-ray tube 12 and the like rotate together with the housing 130 and the operating handle 140 about the horizontal axis.

[0046] For example, a counterweight 117 is placed vertically below the angled disk 115. This counterweight 117 is then connected to the lower end of the angled disk 115. Based on this, the angled disk 115 is supported so that it can rotate freely around a rotation center 116. With this structure, even if the X-ray tube 12 or the like rotates around a horizontal axis, the angled disk 115 itself can remain stationary.

[0047] On the other hand, a first window 111 and a second window 121 are formed on the housing 130 for visually confirming a portion of the disc 115 with angular scales from the outside.

[0048] The first window 111 is formed as part of the outer peripheral scale 112 of the disc 115 with angle graduations, which can be visually confirmed. The first angle display unit 110 is constituted by the first window 111 and the outer peripheral scale 112. As will be described later, the first angle display unit 110 is mainly used to confirm the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction during supine imaging.

[0049] On the other hand, the second window 121 is formed as part of the inner circumferential scale 122 of the disc 115 with angle graduations, which can be visually confirmed. The second angle display unit 120 is constituted by the second window 121 and the inner circumferential scale 122. The second angle display unit 120 is mainly used to confirm the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction during standing imaging.

[0050] Furthermore, the circumferential center of the first window 111 and the circumferential center of the second window 121 are set at a position 180 degrees apart from the center of the disc 115 with angular scale.

[0051] Hereinafter, the effects of the first angle display unit 110 and the second angle display unit 120 of the X-ray tube holding apparatus 10 of the first embodiment will be explained. However, before that, as a comparative example with the first embodiment, the operation display unit 100 of a conventional X-ray tube holding apparatus will be briefly explained.

[0052] Figure 4 Figure (a) is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a conventional operation display unit 100. Figure 4 (b) refers to the circular disk 115 with angle scale built into the conventional operation display unit 100. For example... Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 As shown in (b), in the conventional disc 115 with angular scale, there is no inner circumferential scale, but only an outer circumferential scale 112. In addition, in the conventional operation display unit 100 housing 130, only a first window 111 is provided for visually confirming the outer circumferential scale 112.

[0053] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the effect of the X-ray tube holding device 10 according to the first embodiment. In it, Figure 5 The orientation of the operation display unit 100 for supine shooting, and the display content of the first and second angle display units 110 and 120. Figure 6 The orientation of the operation display unit 100 when shooting from a standing position, and the display content of the first and second angle display units 110 and 120.

[0054] When taking a picture in a supine position, the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction corresponds to the angle of the outer circumferential scale 112 opposite to the mark marked on the ring of the housing, that is, the angle of the first angle display unit 110.

[0055] exist Figure 5 In the supine position imaging shown in (a), the X-ray irradiation direction is vertically downward, and the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction is read as "0°" from the first angle display unit 110. On the other hand, Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing a 30° oblique approach for X-ray imaging in a supine position, where the X-ray irradiation direction is tilted 30° downwards to the left from vertical. In this case, the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction is read as "30°" from the first angle display unit 110.

[0056] On the other hand, when taking pictures in a standing position, the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction corresponds to the angle of the inner circumferential scale 122 opposite to the mark marked on the ring of the housing, that is, the angle of the second angle display section 120.

[0057] exist Figure 6 In the standing imaging shown in (a), the X-ray irradiation direction is horizontal to the left, and the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction is read as "0°" from the second angle display unit 120. Furthermore, Figure 6 (b) is a diagram showing a 30° oblique approach in a standing position, where the X-ray irradiation direction is 30° upwards from the horizontal to the left. In this case, the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction is read as "30°" from the second angle display unit 120.

[0058] Furthermore, the angle range for oblique shooting in a supine position is generally considered to be within ±30° of the vertical center. Similarly, the angle range for oblique shooting in a standing position is also considered to be within ±30° of the horizontal center, just as in a supine position. Therefore, the widths of the first window 111 and the second window 121 are each set to a range slightly exceeding ±30° relative to the center.

[0059] The X-ray tube holding device 10 of the first embodiment has a useful effect in standing imaging compared with conventional X-ray tube holding devices, especially in oblique imaging in standing imaging.

[0060] like Figure 4As shown, in conventional X-ray tube holding devices, only the outer circumferential scale 112 is marked on the disc 115 with angle graduations, and only a first window 111 for visually confirming the outer circumferential scale 112 is provided on the housing 130. Therefore, when taking a standing X-ray, the angle that can be confirmed through the first window 111 is within a predetermined range centered on 90°. Thus, for example, when taking a standing X-ray and wanting to perform a 15-degree oblique approach, one needs to mentally perform a subtraction operation such as 90°-15°=75° or an addition operation such as 90°+15°=105° to operate the operating handle 140 to adjust the X-ray irradiation angle so that the angle scale displayed in the first window 111 becomes "75" or "105". Thus, in conventional X-ray tube holding devices 10, it is difficult to intuitively combine the oblique approach angle (e.g., 15°) and the read angle value (e.g., 75 or 105), which is inconvenient. In addition, depending on the situation, it is also possible to incorrectly set the X-ray irradiation angle.

[0061] In contrast, in the X-ray tube holding device 10 of the first embodiment, in addition to the outer circumferential scale 112, an inner circumferential scale 122 is marked on the disc 115 with angle scales. A first window 111 for visually confirming the outer circumferential scale 112 and a second window 121 for visually confirming the inner circumferential scale 122 are provided on the outer casing 130. The first angle display unit 110 is constituted by the outer circumferential scale 112 and the first window 111, and the second angle display unit 120 is constituted by the inner circumferential scale 122 and the second window 121.

[0062] As described above, when shooting in a supine position, the angle display based on the first angle display unit 110 can be read, and when shooting in a standing position, the angle display based on the second angle display unit 120 can be read. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, in the second angle display unit 120 used for standing shooting, when shooting in the horizontal direction ( Figure 6 (a) is displayed as "0" when shooting at a 30° angle. Figure 6 (b) displays the "30" mark. Similarly, in standing shots, for example, in the case of a 15° angled shot, the "15" mark is displayed on the second angle display unit 120.

[0063] Thus, in the X-ray tube holding apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, when taking pictures in a standing position, especially when taking pictures at an angle while standing, the angle to be set is consistent with the value of the angle scale read by the second angle display unit 120. Therefore, the X-ray irradiation angle can be easily and intuitively set without having to perform subtraction or addition calculations in one's mind. In addition, it is also possible to prevent the incorrect setting of the X-ray irradiation angle.

[0064] In addition, conventional X-ray tube holding devices used mechanical, analog, angle-gradient discs for angle display, which were considered popular types of X-ray tube holding devices. These popular X-ray tube holding devices had the advantage of keeping prices low because they did not require angle sensors, electronic circuitry for digital displays, LEDs for angle displays, LCD devices, etc.

[0065] The X-ray tube holding device 10 of the first embodiment described above has the advantages mentioned above, and the X-ray irradiation angle can be set easily and intuitively.

[0066] (Second Implementation)

[0067] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating a functional structure example of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 according to the second embodiment. The X-ray diagnostic system 1 includes an X-ray tube holding device 10, a supine imaging stage 20 equipped with an X-ray detector 210, and / or a standing imaging stage 30 equipped with an X-ray detector 310. Additionally, the X-ray diagnostic system 1 may also include an image generator 400 that generates X-ray images based on signals output from the X-ray detectors 210 and 310.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the X-ray tube holding device 10 of the second embodiment includes an X-ray tube 12, a support portion 11, a drive mechanism 14, an operation display portion 100, a control portion 150, and a selection portion 160. In the above structure, the X-ray tube 12, the support portion 11, and the operation display portion 100 are the same structure as in the first embodiment described above, and their description is omitted. Furthermore, the drive mechanism 14 is a drive mechanism for moving the carriage portion along the ceiling guide rail 200 or for moving the support portion 11 in the vertical direction. The drive mechanism 14 is included not only in the second embodiment but also in the first embodiment.

[0069] On the other hand, the control unit 150 and the selection unit 160 are structures added to the first embodiment in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the second embodiment includes an illumination unit (e.g., a light source) for independently illuminating the first angle display unit 110 and the second angle display unit 120 of the operation display unit 100. Hereinafter, using... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The operation of the control unit 150 and the selection unit 160 in the second embodiment will be explained.

[0070] Figure 8 (a) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the X-ray tube holding device 10 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8In step ST100 of (a), it is determined whether the selection switch 162 provided in the selection unit 160 is set to "reclining shooting" or "standing shooting". The setting of the selection switch 162 is performed by the user, and the determination of the setting state of the selection switch 162 is performed by the control unit 150. There is no particular limitation on the placement location of the selection switch 162, but it can be placed in a specified location on the housing 130 of the operation display unit 100, for example.

[0071] With selection switch 162 set to "recumbent position shooting", proceed to step ST101, as follows. Figure 9 As illustrated in (a), the first angle display unit 110 is illuminated. On the other hand, if the selection switch 162 is not set to "reclining shooting" (i.e., if it is set to "standing shooting"), the process proceeds to step ST102, as follows: Figure 9 As illustrated in (b), the second angle display unit 120 is illuminated.

[0072] As described in the first embodiment, the first angle display unit 110 displays a portion of the outer circumferential scale 112 marked with "0"° vertically below, indicating the angle of the X-ray irradiation direction during supine imaging. Furthermore, the second angle display unit 120 displays a portion of the inner circumferential scale 122 marked with "0"° horizontally, indicating the X-ray irradiation direction during upright imaging.

[0073] In the second embodiment, during both supine and standing photography, one of the corresponding angle display units 110 and 120 is illuminated. Therefore, the user will not misread the two angle display units and can easily identify the correct one.

[0074] (A variation of the second embodiment)

[0075] In a variation of the second embodiment, the control unit 150 replaces the selection switch 162 and determines whether to perform a supine or upright imaging based on the output of the angle detection sensor 164. The angle detection sensor 164 used here does not require high angle detection accuracy; it is sufficient to detect which of the two directions—vertical downward and horizontal—the direction of X-ray irradiation is closest to. Therefore, for example, it is sufficient to detect which region the direction of X-ray irradiation falls within, defined by a 45° angle between the vertical downward and horizontal directions. Through such detection, it is possible to determine whether the imaging to be performed by the X-ray tube holding device 10 is supine or upright.

[0076] Figure 8(b) is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of the X-ray tube holding device 10, a variation of the second embodiment. Figure 8 In step ST200 of (b), the control unit 150 determines whether the user wants to take a "lying position" or "standing position" photo based on the detection result of the angle detection sensor 164 set in the selection unit 160.

[0077] If it is determined that a "supine position imaging" is required, proceed to step ST201, as follows: Figure 9 As illustrated in (a), the first angle display unit 110 is illuminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that "standing photography" is to be performed, step ST202 is initiated, as follows: Figure 9 As illustrated in (b), the second angle display unit 120 is illuminated.

[0078] In a variation of the second embodiment, the same effect as the second embodiment can be obtained, but user operation based on the selection switch 162 is not required.

[0079] (Third Implementation)

[0080] The functional structure of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 in the third embodiment is basically the same as... Figure 7 The functional structure of the second embodiment shown is the same. However, in the second embodiment, a light source is provided for illuminating the first angle display unit 110 and the second angle display unit 120 of the operation display unit 100 independently, while in the third embodiment, a shielding unit (e.g., a shielding plate) is used instead of a light source to shield the first angle display unit 110 and the second angle display unit 120 of the operation display unit 100 independently.

[0081] Figure 10 (a) is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the X-ray tube holding device 10 according to the third embodiment. Figure 10 In step ST300 of (a), it is determined whether the selection switch 162 provided in the selection unit 160 is set to "recumbent position imaging" or "standing position imaging". If the selection switch 162 is set to "recumbent position imaging", the process proceeds to step ST301, as follows. Figure 11 As illustrated in (a), the second angle display unit 120 is shielded using a shielding unit such as a shielding plate. On the other hand, if the selection switch 162 is not set to "lying position shooting" (i.e., if it is set to "standing position shooting"), the process proceeds to step ST302, as follows. Figure 11 As illustrated in (b), the first angle display section 110 is obscured.

[0082] (A variation of the third embodiment)

[0083] Figure 10 (b) is a flowchart illustrating an operational example of the X-ray tube holding device 10, a variation of the third embodiment. Figure 10 In step ST400 of (b), the control unit 150 determines, based on the detection result of the angle detection sensor 164 set in the selection unit 160, whether the user wants to perform "lying position shooting" or "standing position shooting".

[0084] If it is determined that "supine imaging" is required, proceed to step ST401, as follows. Figure 11 As illustrated in (a), the second angle display unit 120 is covered. On the other hand, if it is determined that "standing shooting" is to be performed, step ST402 is entered, as follows: Figure 11 As illustrated in (b), the first angle display section 110 is obscured.

[0085] In the second embodiment and its variations, one of the corresponding angle display units 110 and 120 is illuminated during both supine and standing photography. Conversely, in the third embodiment and its variations, one of the non-corresponding angle display units 110 and 120 is obscured during both supine and standing photography. As a result, in the third embodiment and its variations, the user will not misread the two angle display units and can easily identify the correct angle display unit.

[0086] Furthermore, in the second and third embodiments and their variations, a selection switch 162 and an angle detection sensor 164 are used to distinguish between supine and standing imaging, but the method for distinguishing between supine and standing imaging is not limited to this. For example, a structure in which the X-ray tube holding device 10 has an instruction acquisition unit that acquires instructions related to imaging from physicians or the like can also be used, and supine and standing imaging can be identified based on whether the imaging mode acquired by the instruction acquisition unit is supine or standing imaging.

[0087] (Ground-based X-ray tube holding device)

[0088] Thus, as the X-ray tube holding device 10, for Figure 1 The ceiling-mounted X-ray tube holder 10 shown has been described, but the X-ray tube holder 10 is not limited to the ceiling-mounted type, for example... Figure 12 The ground-based X-ray tube holding device 10 shown can also adopt the structure of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 of the embodiment. The ground-based X-ray tube holding device 10, as... Figure 12As shown, although the type of X-ray tube holder 10 is different from the type of ground-mounted X-ray tube holder 10, the X-ray tube 12, the X-ray movable aperture 13, and the operation display unit 100 are the same as the X-ray tube holder 10 of the embodiments described so far, and have the same structure and the same effect as the embodiments.

[0089] According to at least one embodiment described above, when performing X-ray imaging in either a supine or standing position, the imaging angle can be easily determined.

[0090] The foregoing has described several embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope or spirit of the invention, and are included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An X-ray tube holding device, comprising: X-ray tube; and The operation display unit keeps the X-ray tube rotatable. The operation display unit includes, side by side, a first angle display unit that displays the shooting angle corresponding to the first shooting mode; and a second angle display unit that displays the shooting angle corresponding to a second shooting mode different from the first shooting mode. The first angle display unit is constructed using a first angle scale and a first window. The second angle display section is constructed using a second angle scale and a second window.

2. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1, The shooting angle displayed in the first angle display unit differs from the shooting angle displayed in the second angle display unit by 90 degrees.

3. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, One of the first shooting method and the second shooting method is a supine shooting position, and the other is a standing shooting position.

4. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, The first angle display unit displays the shooting angle shown by the first angle display unit using an angle scale; The second angle display unit displays the shooting angle shown by the second angle display unit using an angle scale.

5. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, A counterweight is provided vertically below the angle scale in the first angle display section.

6. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, The first angle display unit and the second angle display unit are discs with angle scales.

7. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, The first angle display unit displays the shooting angle shown by the first angle display unit in an analog manner; The second angle display unit displays the shooting angle shown by the second angle display unit in an analog manner.

8. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A disc with angular markings is supported so that its rotation angle remains unchanged even if the shooting angle changes. The first angle marking and the second angle marking are marked on the disc along the circumference of two circles of different radii. The housing is for storing the disc with angular markings. The housing has: a first window that allows visual confirmation of a portion of the first angle scale; and a second window that allows visual confirmation of a portion of the second angle scale.

9. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 8, The first and second angle markings on the graduated disk are offset from each other by 90 degrees. The centers of the first window and the second window, formed in the housing, are positioned 180 degrees apart from the center of the disc with angular scale.

10. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, The first angle display unit and the second angle display unit are mechanical analog discs with angle scales.

11. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, The first angle display unit and the second angle display unit use mechanical, analog-type discs with angle scales that do not rotate even when the X-ray tube holding device rotates, and the imaging angle changes as the X-ray tube holding device rotates.

12. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The selection unit allows users to choose between the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode; and The control unit controls the display mode of at least one of the first angle display unit and the second angle display unit based on the shooting mode selected by the selection unit.

13. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 12, It also includes an illumination unit that illuminates one of the first angle display unit and the second angle display unit. The control unit controls the illumination unit so that the angle display unit of the first angle display unit and the second angle display unit corresponding to the shooting mode selected by the selection unit is illuminated.

14. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 12, It also includes a shielding part that shields one of the first angle display part and the second angle display part. The control unit controls the shielding unit so that the angle display unit of the first angle display unit and the second angle display unit that corresponds to the shooting mode not selected by the selection unit is shielded.

15. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 12, It also features a selector switch that allows users to toggle the selection. The selection unit selects the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode based on the output of the selection switch.

16. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 12, It also includes an angle detection sensor that detects the orientation of the X-ray tube. The selection unit selects the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode based on the output of the angle detection sensor.

17. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 12, It also has an instruction acquisition unit that acquires instructions on the shooting mode; The selection unit selects the first shooting mode and the second shooting mode based on the shooting mode obtained by the instruction acquisition unit.

18. The X-ray tube holding device according to claim 1 or 2, The first angle display unit displays the X-ray irradiation angle of the X-ray tube at an angle corresponding to the first shooting mode, and the second angle display unit displays the X-ray irradiation angle of the X-ray tube at an angle corresponding to the second shooting mode.

19. An X-ray diagnostic system, comprising: The X-ray tube holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 18; X-ray detector; and At least one of the standing and lying shooting tables.

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