X-ray fluoroscopy device

Abstract

The present invention provides an X-ray fluoroscopy device capable of suppressing an increase in the number of memory switches and automatically positioning the device to a greater number of rotational positions. The X-ray fluoroscopy device comprises: a C-arm that supports an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector so that the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector face each other, the C-arm being rotatable about two orthogonal axes; a rotational position storage unit that stores rotational position information of the C-arm in correspondence with a specific memory switch; and a touch panel that displays the rotational position information stored corresponding to a specific memory switch upon selection of the memory switch. The rotational position storage unit is configured to store a plurality of rotational position information for each memory switch, and the touch panel is configured to display a specific rotational position information from the plurality of rotational position information stored corresponding to the memory switch in a predetermined display manner upon operation of the memory switch in a predetermined operation manner.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus that performs X-ray photography from multiple directions by rotating the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector in the direction of and around the body axis of a subject while supporting the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector facing each other. Background Art

[0002] In medical settings, for example, when performing catheter-based surgery or examinations of circulatory organs, such as the cardiovascular system, an X-ray fluoroscopy device is indispensable. During these procedures, X-rays are irradiated from arbitrary directions onto the subject's circulatory organs to perform fluoroscopy. The operator performs the procedure by appropriately manipulating the catheter while referring to the X-ray image data acquired through fluoroscopy.

[0003] The X-ray fluoroscopy device includes a top plate for placing the subject, an imaging system including an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector, and a C-arm (C-arm) that supports the imaging system. The X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are arranged at one end and the other end of the C-arm, and the C-arm is configured in a manner that the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are arranged facing each other with the subject in between. The C-arm is configured to be able to rotate in the body axis direction of the subject and around the body axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the "rotation direction") at a predetermined rotation angle. By rotating the C-arm to an arbitrary rotation position (arbitrary rotation direction and rotation angle), X-ray photography of the subject's area of interest can be performed from multiple directions.

[0004] Some conventional X-ray fluoroscopy devices have a function (automatic positioning function) that associates a predetermined rotational position with a memory switch, stores the position, and moves the C-arm to the stored rotational position at a desired timing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Conventional X-ray fluoroscopy devices with an automatic positioning function include an operating console equipped with a storage execution switch, a rotation execution switch, and a plurality of memory switches.

[0005] As an example of storing the rotational position associated with a memory switch, with the C-arm moved to a predetermined rotational position, press the first memory switch and then operate the store execution switch. By operating the store execution switch, the C-arm's rotational position information at the current point in time is associated with the first memory switch and stored. The same operation is performed for the second and subsequent memory switches. This allows multiple memory switches to be associated with different rotational position information and stored long-term.

[0006] To move the C-arm to a desired rotational position, simply select and press the memory switch associated with that rotational position, then operate the rotation execution switch. This automatically moves the C-arm to that position. This automatic positioning function allows the C-arm to quickly rotate to multiple rotational positions corresponding to the number of memory switches.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2007 / 091295 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] However, in the case of the conventional example having such a structure, there are the following problems.

[0012] In recent years, there has been a trend toward moving the C-arm to a greater number of rotational positions during surgery, allowing X-rays to be irradiated and X-ray images to be acquired from a greater number of rotational positions. Furthermore, there has been a trend toward performing surgery on a greater number of subjects using X-ray fluoroscopy equipment. Consequently, the number of rotational positions that must be stored has become enormous.

[0013] Conventional X-ray fluoroscopy devices require a number of memory switches corresponding to the number of rotational positions to be stored. Therefore, when the number of rotational positions to be stored is large, the number of memory switches also becomes large. However, due to the limited area of the operating panel, it is difficult to configure a large number of memory switches on the operating panel. Alternatively, a structure in which each memory switch is smaller than the other can be configured on the operating panel. However, considering the operability of the memory switches, the memory switches must be larger than a certain size. Therefore, miniaturizing the memory switches is also limited.

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus that can suppress an increase in the number of memory switches and can automatically position the apparatus to a greater number of rotational positions.

[0015] Solutions for solving problems

[0016] The present invention adopts the following structure to achieve such an object.

[0017] That is, the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus of the present invention comprises: an X-ray tube for irradiating an object with X-rays; an X-ray detector disposed opposite to the X-ray tube and detecting the X-rays that have passed through the object; a support mechanism for supporting the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector so as to face each other, the support mechanism being rotatable about each of two orthogonal axes; a rotational position detection unit for detecting information on the rotational direction and rotational angle of the support mechanism about each axis as rotational position information; a plurality of memory switches; a rotational position storage unit for storing the rotational position information in correspondence with a certain one of the memory switches; and a rotational position information display unit. It displays the rotation position information stored corresponding to the selected memory switch by selecting the memory switch; and a rotation indication unit rotates the support mechanism to the rotation direction and the rotation angle corresponding to the rotation position information displayed on the rotation position information display unit, wherein the rotation position storage unit is configured to store a plurality of the rotation position information respectively for the memory switch, and the rotation position information display unit is configured to display a certain rotation position information among the plurality of the rotation position information stored corresponding to the memory switch in a prescribed display manner by operating the memory switch in a prescribed operation manner.

[0018] This structure includes a rotational position information display unit, multiple memory switches, a rotational position storage unit, and a rotation indication unit. The rotational position storage unit is configured to store the rotational position information of the support mechanism in correspondence with a specific memory switch, and to store multiple rotational position information for each memory switch. In other words, the structure is configured to store multiple rotational positions for each memory switch. This reduces the number of memory switches installed in the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus and allows more rotational position information to be stored for each memory switch.

[0019] The rotational position information display unit displays the rotational position information stored corresponding to a selected memory switch by selecting the memory switch. Furthermore, the rotational position information display unit is configured to display a specific rotational position information from a plurality of rotational position information stored corresponding to the memory switch in a predetermined display format by operating the memory switch in a predetermined manner. In other words, in a configuration in which multiple rotational positions are stored corresponding to a single memory switch, information on each rotational position can be selectively read and displayed based on the memory switch operation method.

[0020] Furthermore, by operating the rotation instruction unit, the support mechanism can be rotated in the rotation direction and at the rotation angle corresponding to the rotation position information displayed on the rotation position information display unit. Thus, in a configuration in which a plurality of rotation positions are stored corresponding to a single memory switch, it is possible to select one of the plurality of stored rotation positions and rotate the support mechanism toward that rotation position.

[0021] Furthermore, in the above invention, preferably, each of the memory switches is arranged at a position corresponding to the rotation direction stored in association with the memory switch, with reference to a reference area indicating the position of the subject.

[0022] [Action / Effect] According to the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus of the present invention, the positions at which the memory switches are arranged with reference to the reference region are determined to correspond to the directions of the rotational positions stored corresponding to the memory switches.

[0023] With this structure, the operator can intuitively determine the direction of the rotational position stored in correspondence with the memory switch relative to the reference area based on the position of the memory switch. This shortens the time required for automatic positioning and reliably prevents errors during the automatic positioning operation.

[0024] The present invention can adopt the following configuration to achieve such an object.

[0025] That is, the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus of the present invention comprises: an X-ray tube for irradiating an object with X-rays; an X-ray detector arranged opposite to the X-ray tube for detecting the X-rays that have passed through the object; a support mechanism for supporting the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector so as to face each other, the support mechanism being rotatable about each of two orthogonal axes; a rotation position detection unit for detecting information on the rotation direction and rotation angle of the support mechanism about each axis as rotation position information; a plurality of memory switches; a rotation position storage unit for storing the rotation position information and a certain the rotation position information is stored corresponding to the memory switch; a rotation position information display unit, which displays the rotation position information stored corresponding to the selected memory switch by selecting a certain memory switch; a rotation indication unit, which rotates the support mechanism to the rotation direction and the rotation angle corresponding to the rotation position information displayed on the rotation position information display unit; and a rotation position information deletion unit, which deletes the rotation position information stored corresponding to each memory switch by being triggered by an operation indicating a predetermined specific process in a series of examination processes for the subject.

[0026] [Function / Effect] The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to the present invention comprises a rotation position information display unit, a plurality of memory switches, a rotation position storage unit, a rotation instruction unit, and a rotation position information deletion unit. The rotation position storage unit stores the rotation position information of the support mechanism in correspondence with a certain memory switch. The rotation position information display unit displays the rotation position information stored in correspondence with the selected memory switch by selecting a certain memory switch. Furthermore, by operating the rotation instruction unit, the support mechanism is rotated in the rotation direction and rotation angle corresponding to the rotation position information displayed on the rotation position information display unit. By performing an automatic positioning operation using such a structure, after the rotation position information of the support mechanism is stored in correspondence with the memory switch, the support mechanism can be moved again to the rotation position during surgery on the subject to reproduce the conditions for X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0027] Furthermore, when an operation is performed to instruct a predetermined specific step in a series of examinations of the subject, the rotational position information deleting unit, triggered by this operation, deletes the rotational position information stored corresponding to each memory switch. With this configuration, the rotational position information stored corresponding to each memory switch is automatically deleted upon completion of the series of examinations of the subject. In other words, the rotational position information stored corresponding to the memory switch during the examination of the subject is stored only for the duration of the examination of that subject.

[0028] In this way, even when a large number of rotational positions need to be stored due to examinations on a large number of subjects, the rotational position information is deleted each time the examination of a subject is completed. This eliminates the need to continuously store all the rotational position information related to each subject, each associated with a separate memory switch. In other words, the number of memory switches is limited to the number of rotational positions required to be stored for the examination of a single subject. This reduces the number of memory switches installed in the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus, allowing examinations using automatic positioning to be performed appropriately on a large number of subjects.

[0029] In addition, in the above invention, it is preferred that a storage mode transition indication unit is further provided, and the storage mode transition indication unit is used to transition to a storage mode in which the rotation position storage unit stores the rotation position information for the memory switch, and the rotation position storage unit is constructed as follows: in the state of transitioning to the storage mode, by operating a certain memory switch, the rotation position storage unit will store the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the support mechanism at the time point when the operation is performed as the rotation position information in correspondence with the memory switch.

[0030] [Function / Effect] According to the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus of the present invention, by operating a certain memory switch, the rotational position storage unit stores the rotational direction and rotational angle of the support mechanism at the time when the operation was performed as rotational position information in correspondence with the memory switch. Therefore, by operating the memory switch at the time when it is determined that the support mechanism has rotated to an appropriate rotational position to be stored, the rotational position information can be stored. As a specific example, by operating the memory switch at the time when it is determined that a suitable X-ray image has been acquired during X-ray fluoroscopy, the rotational position information of the support mechanism at the time the X-ray image was acquired is automatically stored. In other words, the rotational position information corresponding to the imaging conditions of the X-ray image can be quickly and accurately stored, so that the rotational position of the support mechanism required for acquiring the X-ray image can be easily and accurately reproduced later.

[0031] In the above invention, it is preferable that the device further comprises a selection memory switch display unit for displaying the memory switch most recently operated by the operator among the plurality of memory switches in a manner different from that of the other memory switches.

[0032] [Function / Effect] The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to the present invention uses a selection memory switch display mechanism to display the most recently operated memory switch by the operator in a manner distinct from other memory switches. This configuration allows the operator to reliably identify the most recently operated memory switch among multiple memory switches, i.e., the memory switch currently selected for automatic positioning. This prevents erroneous operation during automatic positioning and further reduces the time required for operation.

[0033] Effects of the Invention

[0034] According to the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus of the present invention, in a first embodiment, the rotational position storage unit is configured to store the rotational position information of the support mechanism in association with a specific memory switch, and to store multiple pieces of rotational position information for each memory switch. In other words, the unit is configured to store multiple rotational positions for each memory switch. This reduces the number of memory switches provided in the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus and enables storage of more rotational position information for each memory switch.

[0035] In the second embodiment, the rotational position storage unit stores the rotational position information of the support mechanism in correspondence with a certain memory switch. Furthermore, when an operation is performed to instruct a predetermined specific process in a series of examination processes for the subject, the rotational position information deletion unit uses the operation as a trigger to delete the rotational position information stored in correspondence with each memory switch. Therefore, even in the case where a large number of rotational positions need to be stored due to the examination of a large number of subjects, the rotational position information is deleted each time the examination of the subject is completed. Therefore, there is no need to continuously store the rotational position information related to all subjects in correspondence with each memory switch. Therefore, the number of memory switches provided in the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus can be reduced, and a large number of subjects can be automatically positioned in more rotational positions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is a front view illustrating the overall structure of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a right side view illustrating the overall structure of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram illustrating an outline of an X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the rotation direction of the C-arm involved in the embodiment.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a perspective view schematically showing an input unit according to the embodiment.

[0041] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a display screen in the initial mode of the touch panel according to the embodiment.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the main parts of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0043] Figure 8 This is a table showing the correspondence between the memory switches and the memories involved in the embodiment, and information on the rotational positions pre-registered in the memories.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the procedures of various operations in the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0045] Figure 9 (a) is a flowchart of the automatic positioning operation in the initial mode, Figure 9(b) is a flowchart of an operation of registering information of a rotational position for the first memory switch group in a registration mode, Figure 9 (c) is a flowchart of an operation of registering information of a rotation position for the second memory switch group in the edit mode.

[0046] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing a display screen of the touch panel in step S3 according to the embodiment.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the main parts of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus in step S3 according to the embodiment.

[0048] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing a display screen of the touch panel in step P1 according to the embodiment.

[0049] Figure 13 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the main parts of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus in step P2 according to the embodiment.

[0050] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing a display screen of the touch panel in step P2 according to the embodiment.

[0051] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing a display screen of the touch panel in step P5 according to the embodiment.

[0052] Figure 16 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the main parts of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus in step P5 according to the embodiment.

[0053] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the touch panel when the manual registration mode is selected in step P4 according to the embodiment.

[0054] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing a display screen of the touch panel in step T1 according to the embodiment.

[0055] Figure 19 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the main parts of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus in step T3 according to the embodiment.

[0056] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing a display screen of the touch panel in step T3 according to the embodiment.

[0057] Figure 21 This is a functional block diagram showing a control mechanism of a position information deleting unit according to the embodiment.

[0058] Figure 22 It is a plan view showing the structure of a workbench according to a conventional example.

[0059] Figure 23 This is a plan view showing problems of a workbench according to a conventional example.

[0060] Figure 24 It is a plan view showing the structure of a workbench according to a modified example.

[0061] Figure 25 It is a top view showing the operation table in step S3 according to the modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] <Overall Structure Description>

[0064] Regarding the X-ray fluoroscopy device 1 according to the embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an X-ray tube 5 and an X-ray detector 7 are arranged facing each other across a top plate 3 for placing a subject M in a supine position. The X-ray tube 5 irradiates the subject M with X-rays. The X-ray detector 7 detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 5 and transmitted through the subject M, converts them into electrical signals, and outputs them as X-ray detection signals. An example of the X-ray detector 7 is an FPD (Flat Panel Detector).

[0065] The X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 are respectively provided on the C-arm 9. The C-arm 9 is curved in a generally C-shape. The X-ray tube 5 is provided on one end side of the C-arm 9, and the X-ray detector 7 is provided on the other end side of the C-arm 9. The C-arm 9 is held by the arm holding member 11 and is configured to move in a manner that slides along the circular arc path of the C-arm 9 indicated by the reference numeral RA. The C-arm 9 rotates around an axis that is orthogonal to the body axis of the subject M (hereinafter also referred to as "in the body axis direction") by sliding in the direction indicated by the reference numeral RA.

[0066] The arm holding member 11 is mounted on a side surface of the support column 13 and is rotatable about a horizontal axis RB (hereinafter referred to as "the body axis") parallel to the x-direction (the longitudinal direction of the top plate 3). The C-arm 9, held by the arm holding member 11, rotates about the body axis of the subject M as the arm holding member 11 rotates.

[0067] As described above, in the embodiment, the C-arm 9 independently rotates about two orthogonal axes (e.g., the body axis and the direction around the body axis of the subject M). Hereinafter, the body axis and the direction around the body axis of the subject M will be referred to as "rotation directions." The C-arm 9 is configured to rotate freely about two orthogonal axes along the arcuate paths RA and RB, respectively, thereby enabling X-ray exposure to the subject M from any direction. The C-arm 9 serves as the support mechanism in the present invention.

[0068] In addition, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the state in which the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 are positioned in a vertical direction relative to the subject M is defined as the initial state of the C-arm 9. Furthermore, the rotational position of the C-arm 9 in this initial state is defined as the initial position of the C-arm 9. When the C-arm 9 is in the initial position, the rotation angles of the C-arm in the body axis direction and around the body axis are both defined as 0°.

[0069] The support column 13 is supported by a support base 15 installed on the ground and is configured to be horizontally movable in the y-direction (the short-side direction of the top plate 3). As the support column 13 moves horizontally, the arm support member 11 and the C-arm 9 supported by the support column 13 move in the y-direction. A collimator 17 is provided below the X-ray tube 5 and is used to confine the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 5 into a predetermined shape. An example of the confined shape of the X-rays is a pyramid.

[0070] Next, the rotation mechanism of the C-arm 9 will be described. Rotation of the C-arm 9 in the body axis direction of the subject M is achieved by a drive mechanism within the arm holding member 11. A portion of a transmission belt 19, whose ends are fixed to the C-arm 9, is housed within the arm holding member 11. The transmission belt 19 is stretched over a drive roller 23 via a guide roller 21.

[0071] A drive motor M1 and a rotary encoder R1 are attached to the inside of the arm holding member 11. The drive motor M1 rotates the drive roller 23. The rotary encoder R1 detects the rotation direction and amount of the drive motor M1. The C-arm 9 is configured to rotate in the body axis direction of the subject M via the transmission belt 19 by the rotation of the rotary motor M1. In addition, for the sake of convenience, Figure 1 In the figure, the driving motor M1 and the rotary encoder R1 are shown outside the arm holding member 11 .

[0072] The rotation of the C-arm 9 about the body axis of the subject M is achieved by rotating the arm support member 11 about the horizontal axis RB, that is, about the body axis of the subject M. The base of the arm support member 11, that is, the end of the arm support member 11 on the side opposite to the side holding the C-arm 9, is rotatably supported on the side surface of the support column 13, and a gear 25 is fixed near this support surface.

[0073] The gear 25 meshes with a pinion 27, which is attached to the output shaft of a drive motor M2 provided within the support column 13. The C-arm 9 rotates about the body axis of the subject M together with the arm holding member 11 due to the rotation of the drive motor M2. The rotation direction and amount of the drive motor M2 are detected by a rotary encoder R2.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 further includes an X-ray irradiation control unit 29, an image generator 30, an image display unit 31, a motor controller MD1, a motor controller MD2, a rotational position detector 33, a main controller 35, a storage unit 37, and an operation console 39. The X-ray irradiation control unit 29 is configured to output a high voltage to the X-ray tube 5. Based on the high voltage output provided by the X-ray irradiation control unit 29, the X-ray tube 5 controls the amount of X-rays irradiated and the timing of the X-ray irradiation.

[0075] The image generator 30 is provided after the X-ray detector 7 and generates an X-ray image based on the X-ray detection signal output from the X-ray detector 7. The image display 31 is provided after the image generator 30 and displays the X-ray image generated by the image generator 30. An example of the image display 31 is a liquid crystal monitor. Examples of a structure in which the image display 31 is provided include a structure suspended from a ceiling or a structure mounted on a mobile carriage.

[0076] The motor control unit MD1 is provided upstream of the drive motor M1 and controls the rotation direction and amount of the drive motor M1. The motor control unit MD2 is provided upstream of the drive motor M2 and controls the rotation direction and amount of the drive motor M2.

[0077] The rotational position detector 33 detects the rotational position of the C-arm 9 based on the rotational direction and amount of the drive motor M1 detected by the rotary encoder R1, and the rotational direction and amount of the drive motor M2 detected by the rotary encoder R2. The rotational position of the C-arm 9 is determined based on the rotational direction and rotational angle of the C-arm 9.

[0078] The rotation direction of the C-arm 9 is shown as follows. Figure 4 As shown, the direction of the body axis of the subject M toward the head side is hereinafter referred to as "CRA" (Cranial), and the direction toward the foot side is hereinafter referred to as "CAU" (Caudal). Furthermore, the rotational direction toward the left side when viewed from the head side about the body axis of the subject M is hereinafter referred to as "LAO" (Left Anterior Oblique), and the rotational direction toward the right side when viewed from the head side is hereinafter referred to as "RAO" (Right Anterior Oblique).

[0079] The rotation direction of the C-arm 9 is represented by a combination of the rotation direction of the C-arm 9 in the direction of the body axis of the subject M (CRA or CAU) and the rotation direction of the C-arm 9 in the direction around the body axis of the subject M (LAO or RAO). Furthermore, the rotation angle of the C-arm 9 is represented by a combination of the rotation angle of the C-arm 9 in the direction of the body axis of the subject M and the rotation angle of the C-arm 9 in the direction around the body axis of the subject M.

[0080] The rotational position detection unit 33 calculates information about the direction and angle of rotation of the C-arm 9 about the body axis of the subject M based on information about the rotational direction and amount of rotation of the drive motor M1 transmitted by the rotary encoder R1. Furthermore, the rotational position detection unit 33 detects information about the direction and angle of rotation of the C-arm 9 about the body axis of the subject M based on information about the rotational direction and amount of rotation of the drive motor M2 transmitted by the rotary encoder R2. Furthermore, the rotational direction and angle of rotation of the C-arm 9 are calculated based on this information.

[0081] The main control unit 35 includes an information processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU). The main control unit 35 centrally controls various components of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1, such as the motor control unit MD1, the motor control unit MD2, the X-ray irradiation control unit 29, the image generator 30, and the image display unit 31.

[0082] The storage unit 37 stores various information, such as information related to X-ray imaging conditions such as tube voltage and tube current, various X-ray images generated by the image generating unit 30, information related to image processing performed by the image generating unit 30, and information related to the rotation position of the C-arm 9.

[0083] The console 39 is used to input the operator's instructions regarding the operation of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1. The main control unit 35 performs overall control according to the instructions input by the operator to the console 39. Examples of the console 39 include a keyboard input panel, a touch input panel, a mouse, a dial, a toggle switch, a push-button switch, and the like.

[0084] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, the console 39 is attached to the side of the table 3. In this case, the operator operates the console 39 while standing near the table 3. By attaching the console 39 to the table 3, the operator can perform various operations on the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 while performing a catheter procedure or other surgery or examination on the subject M.

[0085] Furthermore, the operating table 39 is not limited to being attached to the side of the top plate 3, and may be provided on the upper surface of a movable carriage. Furthermore, the operating table 39 is not limited to being provided on the side of the long side of the top plate 3, and may be provided on the side of the short side of the top plate 3.

[0086] Next, the main operating equipment provided on the operating table 39 will be described. Figure 5 As shown, the operation console 39 includes an arm operation lever 41 , a touch panel 43 , a rotation instruction switch 45 , and an end instruction switch 47 .

[0087] The arm operating lever 41 is configured to be tiltable forward, backward, left, and right to adjust the rotational position of the C-arm 9. For example, the operator grasps the arm operating lever 41 and tilts it forward, thereby rotating the C-arm 9 in the LAO direction. The rotation angle of the C-arm 9 changes depending on the angle or the time of tilting the arm operating lever 41. In addition, the operator grasps the arm operating lever 41 and tilts it to the left, thereby rotating the C-arm 9 in the CRA direction. By using the arm operating lever 41, the operator can manually make fine adjustments to the rotational position of the C-arm 9.

[0088] The touch panel 43 is used to perform operations for storing the rotational position of the C-arm 9. A large number of icon-type switches are displayed on the touch panel 43. Furthermore, the displayed icon-type switches are changed by switching between various modes, such as the initial mode, registration mode, and edit mode. The structure and various modes of the touch panel 43 are described below. The touch panel 43 corresponds to the rotational position information display unit in the present invention.

[0089] The rotation instruction switch 45 is a push-button switch used to move the C-arm 9 to a predetermined rotational position. Specifically, by pressing the rotation instruction switch 45 while a specific rotational position stored on the touch panel 43 is selected, the C-arm 9 rotates toward that specific rotational position. The rotation instruction switch 45 corresponds to the rotation instruction unit of the present invention.

[0090] The end instruction switch 47 is a push-button switch that is operated when a predetermined procedure on the subject M is completed. By the operator pressing the end instruction switch 47, the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 can perform operations related to the next procedure or the end of the procedure. Furthermore, in this embodiment, by pressing the end instruction switch 47, the operator deletes the rotational position information stored corresponding to each memory switch 57 constituting the second memory switch group M2, described later.

[0091] While only four operating devices related to adjusting the rotational position of the C-arm 9 are described here, the operating devices provided on the console 39 are not limited to these four. Specifically, operating devices related to the operation of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1, such as a switch for switching the main power on / off, a switch for setting X-ray imaging conditions, a switch for adjusting the position of the table 3, or an emergency stop switch, may also be provided as appropriate.

[0092] Next, the structure of the touch panel 43 will be described in detail. Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing the touch panel 43 in the initial mode. The initial mode is a mode of the touch panel 43 in an initial state, and is a mode in which an automatic positioning operation is performed to automatically rotate the C-arm 9 to a predetermined rotation position.

[0093] <Structure of Initial Mode>

[0094] In the initial mode, the touch panel 43 includes a first memory switch group M1, a second memory switch group M2, a registration change switch 49, and an edit change switch 51. In this embodiment, each switch is an icon displayed on the touch panel 43.

[0095] The first memory switch group M1 includes a central switch 53 and a plurality of memory switches 55. The central switch 53 is located in the center of the first memory switch group M1 and displays a human figure similar to the subject M in a supine position. The memory switches 55 are arranged around the central switch 53. In this embodiment, Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first memory switch group M1 includes eight memory switches 55a to 55h. The number of memory switches 55 is not limited to eight and can be changed as appropriate.

[0096] The first memory switch group M1 is configured such that each switch corresponds to information of a plurality of rotational positions. In this embodiment, each memory switch 55 is configured to correspond to information of three rotational positions. Specifically, Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the storage unit 37 includes a rotational position storage unit 61 . The rotational position storage unit 61 stores predetermined rotational position information in association with the memory switch 55 .

[0097] The rotational position storage unit 61 includes a plurality of first memories 63, second memories 64, and third memories 65 corresponding to the respective memory switches 55. Hereinafter, the first memories 63, second memories 64, and third memories 65 will be collectively referred to as memories 63 to 65. Each memory 63 to 65 can store one rotational position information of the C-arm 9.

[0098] Specifically, if Figure 7As shown, each memory switch 55 corresponds to a total of three memories 63 to 65. Therefore, the rotational position storage unit 61 can store three types of rotational position information corresponding to each memory switch 55.

[0099] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, memories 63 to 65 corresponding to memory switch 55a are designated as memories 63a to 65a by adding reference numeral a to distinguish them from other memories 63 to 65. Similarly, memories 63 to 65 corresponding to memory switch 55n are designated as memories 63 to 65 by adding reference numeral n to distinguish them from other memories 63 to 65.

[0100] The information of the rotation position stored in advance corresponding to each memory switch 55a-55h is as follows: Figure 8 That is, the memory switch 55a stores the C arm 9 from Figure 1 The initial position shown is rotated in the CRA direction and the LAO direction.

[0101] First, the first memory 63a stores information about the position of the C-arm 9 after it has rotated 30° from the initial position to the LAO direction and 30° to the CRA direction (information about the rotation position F1). The second memory 64a stores information about the position of the C-arm 9 after it has rotated 20° from the initial position to the LAO direction and 40° to the CRA direction as the rotation position F2. The third memory 65a stores information about the position of the C-arm 9 after it has rotated 50° from the initial position to the LAO direction and 10° to the CRA direction as the rotation position F2.

[0102] Each of the first to third memories 63b to 65b stores information on rotational positions F4 to F6, corresponding to the memory switch 55b. These positions correspond to the C-arm 9 when it is rotated from its initial position toward the LAO direction. Each of the first to third memories 63c to 65c stores information on rotational positions F7 to F9, corresponding to the memory switch 55c. These positions correspond to the C-arm 9 when it is rotated from its initial position toward the LAO and CAU directions.

[0103] Likewise, information on the rotation positions F10 to F21 corresponding to the memory switches 55d to 55h is stored in advance. Figure 8 As shown, it is assumed that the rotational position information is not registered in the third memory 65g corresponding to the memory switch 55g, and the second memory 64 and the third memory 65h corresponding to the memory switch 55h.

[0104] The rotation position storage unit 61 further includes a memory 66. The memory 66 corresponds to the center switch 53 and stores information on the initial position of the C-arm 9 as the rotation position F0. Specifically, the center switch 53 is used to return the C-arm 9 to its initial position.

[0105] The position of each memory switch 55 with respect to the center switch 53 is determined by the rotational position stored corresponding to the memory switch 55. For example, the rotational position of the C-arm 9 from the initial position to the CRA direction and the LAO direction is stored corresponding to the memory switch 55a.

[0106] like Figure 4 As shown, with the position of the subject M as the reference, the CRA direction is the left direction, and the LAO direction is the upward direction. Therefore, the memory switch 55a, which stores the rotational position information for the CRA and LAO directions, is located on the upper left side relative to the center switch 53. Similarly, the positions of the memory switches 55b-55h are determined based on the corresponding stored rotational positions. The position where the center switch 53 is located corresponds to the reference area in the present invention.

[0107] The second memory switch group M2 includes a plurality of memory switches 57. In this embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the second memory switch group M2 includes three memory switches 57a to 57c. The number of memory switches 57 is not limited to three and can be changed as appropriate. The first memory switch group M1 is used for long-term storage of information on the rotational position of the C-arm 9, while the second memory switch group M2 is used for temporary storage of information on the rotational position of the C-arm 9.

[0108] The structure is such that each memory switch 57 corresponds to information of one rotational position. That is, the rotational position storage unit 61 has the same number of short-term memories 67 as the number of memory switches 57. In this embodiment, the number of memory switches 57 is three. Figure 7 As shown, the rotational position storage unit 61 includes three short-term memories 67a to 67c. The short-term memory 67a corresponds to the memory switch 57a, the short-term memory 67b corresponds to the memory switch 57b, and the short-term memory 67c corresponds to the memory switch 57c.

[0109] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the short-term memory 67a stores the position of the C-arm 9 rotated 20° in the LAO direction and 25° in the CRA direction from the initial position as the rotation position F22. It is assumed that no rotation position information is registered in the short-term memory 67b and the short-term memory 67c.

[0110] The registration change switch 49 is used to input an instruction to change the screen displayed on the touch panel 43 from the initial mode to the registration mode. When the operator presses the registration change switch 49, the display screen of the touch panel 43 changes from the initial mode for automatic positioning to the registration mode. By changing to the registration mode, it is possible to store the predetermined rotational position information in association with the first memory switch group M1.

[0111] The edit transition switch 51 is used to input an instruction to change the screen displayed on the touch panel 43 from the initial mode to the edit mode. When the operator presses the edit transition switch 51, the display screen of the touch panel 43 changes from the initial mode (for automatic positioning) to the edit mode. By changing to the edit mode, operations can be performed to store the specified rotational position information corresponding to the second memory switch group M2. The registration mode or edit mode corresponds to the storage mode in the present invention. The registration transition switch 49 or the edit transition switch 51 corresponds to the storage mode transition instruction unit in the present invention.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, the main control unit 35 includes a readout unit 69, a display control unit 71, a storage control unit 73, and a position information deletion unit 75. The readout unit 69 selects and reads the rotation position information stored in the memories 63 to 66 or the short-term memory 67 in response to the operation of the edit change switch 51, the memory switch 55, etc.

[0113] The display control unit 71 causes the touch panel 43 to display the rotational position information read by the readout unit 69, as well as additional information related to the readout rotational position information. Examples of the additional information include information identifying the memory storing the readout rotational position information and information identifying whether the rotational position information is stored in the memories 63 to 65. The display control unit 71 corresponds to the selection memory switch display mechanism in the present invention.

[0114] The storage control unit 73, triggered by the operation of the registration instruction switch 83 (described later), stores the rotational position information of the C-arm 9 in the rotational position storage unit 61. The position information deletion unit 75, triggered by a predetermined operation performed on the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1, deletes the rotational position information stored corresponding to each memory switch 57. In this embodiment, the operation that triggers the deletion of the rotational position information is the pressing of the end instruction switch 51. The position information deletion unit 75 corresponds to the rotational position information deletion unit in the present invention.

[0115] <Automatic positioning operation>

[0116] Next, the operation of automatic positioning using the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described. Figure 9 (a) shows a flowchart of the automatic positioning operation. Here, the case where the C-arm 9 is automatically rotated from the initial position to the rotation position F8 is described as an example. The rotation position F8 is the position after rotating 45 degrees in the LAO direction and 20 degrees in the CAU direction.

[0117] First, the operator activates the touch panel 43 of the console 39 and sets it to the initial mode (step S1). When the touch panel 43 is switched to the initial mode, the display control unit 71 causes the touch panel 43 to display the following Figure 6 The screen for automatic positioning is shown.

[0118] Next, the operator selects the memory switch 55 or the memory switch 57 corresponding to the information of the rotation position as the destination (step S2). When selecting the memory switch 55 corresponding to a plurality of rotation position information, the operator can intuitively select the appropriate memory switch 55 based on the positions where the memory switches 55a to 55h are arranged. For example, when the C-arm 9 is rotated from the initial position to the LAO direction and the CAU direction, the LAO direction is the upper side and the CAU direction is the right side based on the human-shaped symbol displayed on the center switch 53. That is, the operator can intuitively determine that it is appropriate to select the memory switch 55c arranged on the upper right side based on the center switch 53 in order to rotate in the LAO direction and the CAU direction.

[0119] In addition, each memory switch 57 corresponds to a piece of rotational position information, so the display control unit 71 can display the rotational position information on the touch panel in the initial mode. Figure 6 As shown, the information of the rotation position F22 registered corresponding to the memory switch 57a is displayed. Therefore, when automatic positioning is performed using the rotation position information corresponding to the memory switch 57, the operator can determine whether there is a memory switch 57 corresponding to the rotation position as the destination by viewing the screen of the touch panel 43 as the initial mode. Figure 6 As shown, by visually checking the display of the second memory switch group M2, the operator can determine that each memory switch 57a to 57c does not correspond to the information of the rotation position F8. Therefore, the operator does not select the memory switch 57, but selects the memory switch 55c.

[0120] When the operator selects the memory switch 55, he or she can read the target rotational position information from the memories 63 to 65 by operating the selected memory switch 55 in different ways (step S3). In this embodiment, the memories 63 to 65 to be read are distinguished according to the number of times the memory switch 55 is pressed.

[0121] Specifically, when the operator presses the memory switch 55 once (a first mode), the readout unit 69 reads the rotational position information stored in the first memory 63. By pressing the memory switch 55 twice (a second mode), the readout unit 69 reads the rotational position information stored in the second memory 64. By pressing the memory switch 55 three times (a third mode), the readout unit 69 reads the rotational position information stored in the third memory 65. Furthermore, if the memory switch 55 is pressed four times, the target of the readout by the readout unit 69 returns to the first memory 63, and the memory to be read out switches each time the memory switch 55 is pressed.

[0122] like Figure 8 As shown, the information of the rotation position F8 is stored in the second memory 64c corresponding to the memory switch 55c. Therefore, the operator can select the information of the rotation position F8 by pressing the memory switch 55c twice. The reading unit 69 uses the operation of pressing the memory switch 55c twice as a trigger to determine that the read object is the second memory 64c. Figure 11 As shown, the rotational position information is read out from the second memory 64 c and the information of the rotational position F8 is sent to the display control unit 71 .

[0123] The display control unit 71 causes the touch panel 43 to display the information of the rotation position F8 that has been read. At this time, the display control unit 71 causes the touch panel 43 to display not only the information of the rotation position F8, but also information indicating that the memory switch 55 that has been most recently operated is the memory switch 55c (additional information Sp), and information indicating that the object of the reading process by the reading unit 69 is the second memory 64 among the first memory 63 to the third memory 65 (additional information Qt). Under the control of the display control unit 71, the display screen of the touch panel 43 changes from Figure 6 The status shown is Figure 10 In the present invention, the "most recently operated memory switch 55" refers to the memory switch 55 that has recently been selected as the target of the automatic positioning operation, that is, the memory switch 55 that has become the target of the automatic positioning operation at the current time.

[0124] As an example of the additional information Sp, there can be cited information such as lighting, flashing, or changing the color of the selected memory switch 55. Figure 10 As shown, the additional information Sp is displayed by bolding the outline of the memory switch 55c currently selected. By displaying the additional information Sp on the touch panel 43, the operator can intuitively understand that the memory switch 55c in the first memory switch group M1 is selected.

[0125] In this embodiment, the additional information Qt includes two pieces of information: information for specifying the number of rotation positions registered for the memory switch 55; and information for specifying the memories 63 to 65 that are currently being read out. Figure 10 As shown, the additional information Qt is three circular symbols arranged side by side. The number of circular symbols indicates the number of rotational positions registered for the memory switch 55. The additional information Qt added to the memory switch 55c is three symbols. Therefore, by visually checking the additional information Qt, the operator can confirm that the number of rotational positions registered for the memory switch 55c at the current time is three.

[0126] The memory 63 to 65 currently being read is determined by the position of the black circle symbol among the three circular symbols that make up the additional information Qt. For example, if the first memory 63 is being read, the additional information Qt is ●○○. That is, the first symbol from the left is represented by a black circle, and the remaining two symbols are represented by white circles. If the second memory 64 is being read, the additional information Qt is ○●○. That is, the second symbol from the left is represented by a black circle. If the second memory 64 is being read, the additional information Qt is ○○●. That is, the third symbol from the left is represented by a black circle.

[0127] If the rotational position read and displayed on the memory switch 55 matches the current rotational position of the C-arm 9, the display control unit 71 causes the memory switch 55 to display additional information. Additional information is displayed differently from the supplemental information Sp, and can include information that causes the entire or a portion of the currently selected memory switch 55 to flash or change color. By visually checking the additional information, the operator can confirm that the C-arm 9 has reached the rotational position displayed by the selected memory switch 55. In this embodiment, the additional information is displayed by flashing the entire memory switch 55 currently selected.

[0128] Each time the operator presses the memory switch 55c, the operator visually checks the rotational position information and additional information Qt displayed on the memory switch 55c. By visually checking the rotational position information and additional information Qt, the operator identifies the memory 63c to 65c to be read and confirms the content of the read rotational position information.

[0129] By pressing the memory switch 55c twice, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 Therefore, the operator can visually understand that the information of the rotation position F8 stored in the second memory 64c among the first memory 63c, the second memory 64c and the third memory 65c has been read by visually checking the additional information Qt.

[0130] After confirming that the rotation position information read and displayed on the touch panel 43 is the target rotation position F8, the operator presses the rotation instruction switch 45 to rotate the C-arm 9 toward the target rotation position (step S4). Specifically, when the rotation instruction switch 45 is pressed while the memory switch 55c displays the rotation position F8, the additional information Sp, and the additional information Qt, the C-arm 9 rotates toward the target rotation position F8 while the rotation instruction switch 45 is pressed. When the C-arm 9 rotates and reaches the target rotation position F8, the memory switch 55c displays additional information indicating that the current position of the C-arm 9 matches the target rotation position F8. The operator visually confirms that the C-arm 9 has rotated to the target rotation position F8. After confirming that the C-arm 9 has rotated to the target rotation position, the operator controls the X-ray tube 5 to irradiate the subject M with X-rays to perform X-ray fluoroscopy or X-ray imaging.

[0131] <Structure of Registration Mode>

[0132] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of circular symbols constituting the additional information Qt is three. Therefore, if the rotational position information serving as the destination is not displayed on the touch panel 43 even after the operator presses the memory switch 55 three times, the operator can easily and quickly grasp that the rotational position information serving as the destination is not stored in the memory switch 55.

[0133] An example of using the registration mode is when the destination rotational position information is not stored for a certain memory switch 55. In such a case, the operator switches the touch panel 43 to the registration mode and performs an operation to newly store the destination rotational position information. Here, in the registration mode, the new rotational position information is overwritten and stored for each memory switch 55.

[0134] When the new rotation position information is stored corresponding to the memory switch 55, first, the registration change switch 49 is pressed to change the touch panel 43 from the initial mode to the registration mode. By changing to the registration mode, the display control unit 71 changes the display screen of the touch panel 43 from Figure 6 The status shown is Figure 12 The status shown changes.

[0135] like Figure 12 As shown, the touch panel 43 that has transitioned to the registration mode includes a first memory switch group M1, a memory selection switch 77, a current position display unit 79, a registration setting selection switch 81, a registration instruction switch 83, and a mode return switch 85. Upon transitioning to the registration mode, the display control unit 71 displays additional information St indicating whether rotational position information is stored for each memory switch 55 corresponding to the plurality of memories 63 to 65 in the first memory switch group M1.

[0136] Similar to the additional information Qt, the additional information St is represented by three circular symbols arranged side by side. The symbol on the left indicates whether rotational position information is stored in the first memory 63. The symbol in the center indicates whether rotational position information is stored in the second memory 64. The symbol on the right indicates whether rotational position information is stored in the third memory 65. Symbols represented by black circles indicate that rotational position information is already registered in the corresponding memories 63-65. Symbols represented by white circles indicate that rotational position information is not registered in the corresponding memories 63-65.

[0137] For example, Figure 8 As shown, for memory switches 55a to 55f, rotational position information is registered in all of the first to third memories 63 to 65. Therefore, the additional information St displayed on memory switches 55a to 55f is represented by three black circular symbols (●●●). For memory switch 55g, only the third memory 65g has no rotational position information registered. Therefore, the additional information St displayed on memory switch 55g is represented by three circular symbols (●●○) with only the right ends being white. For memory switch 55h, rotational position information is registered only in the first memory 65h. Therefore, the additional information St displayed on memory switch 55h is represented by three circular symbols (●○○) with only the left ends being black.

[0138] The operator can visually check the additional information St to intuitively and comprehensively understand whether the rotational position information is stored in each of the memories 63 to 65 corresponding to the memory switches 55 a to 55 h .

[0139] The memory selection switches 77 are used to select the memories 63 to 65 in which the rotational position information is to be newly stored. The memory selection switches 77 include a memory selection switch 77a corresponding to the first memory 63, a memory selection switch 77b corresponding to the second memory 64, and a memory selection switch 77c corresponding to the third memory 65. The number of memory selection switches 77 is determined by the amount of rotational position information stored in correspondence with the memory switches 55.

[0140] The current position display unit 79 displays the current rotational position of the C-arm 9, as detected by the rotational position detection unit 33. The registration setting selection switch 81 includes a first switch 81a for switching to a state in which the current rotational position of the C-arm 9 is registered (direct registration mode), and a second switch 81b for switching to a state in which the operator's arbitrarily set rotational position is registered (manual registration mode). In the initial registration mode, the direct registration mode is selected by the first switch 81a.

[0141] <Operation in Registration Mode>

[0142] Here, an operation of registering new rotational position information in the memory switch 55 in the registration mode will be described. Figure 9 (b) shows a flowchart of the operation of registering new rotational position information in the memory switch 55. This description uses as an example the case of newly registering information on the current position of the C-arm 9, i.e., the rotational position FA, in the third memory 65a corresponding to the memory switch 55a. The rotational position FA is the position obtained by rotating the C-arm 9 25° in the LAO direction and 15° in the CRA direction from the initial position.

[0143] First, the operator presses the registration change switch 49 to change the touch panel 43 from the initial mode to the registration mode (step P1). When the touch panel 43 changes to the registration mode, the display control unit 71 causes the touch panel 43 to display the following information: Figure 12 The screen for registration mode is shown as follows.

[0144] Next, the operator selects the memory switch 55 to which the new rotational position information is to be registered (step P2). Here, the registration target is the memory switch 55a, so the operator presses the memory switch 55a. The display control unit 71, triggered by the selection and pressing of the memory switch 55, causes the touch panel 43 to display additional information for confirming the selected memory switch 55. In this embodiment, Figure 14 As shown, the additional information is indicated by bolding the outline of the selected memory switch 55 (here, the memory switch 55 a ).

[0145] In addition, when the memory switch 55 to be registered is selected, Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 5 , the reading unit 69 reads the rotation position information stored in each memory 63 to 65 corresponding to the selected memory switch 55 and sends the information to the display control unit 71. The display control unit 71 causes the memory selection switch 77 to display the rotation position information read out. As a result, Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the memory selection switch 77a is made to display the information of the rotational position F1. Similarly, the memory selection switches 77b and 77c are made to display the information of the rotational positions F2 and F3.

[0146] When the memory switch 55 is selected, the operator confirms the rotation position information displayed on each memory selection switch 77 and selects the memory to be overwritten (step P3). Since the memory to be overwritten is the third memory 65a, the memory selection switch 77c corresponding to the third memory 65a is selected and pressed. Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the display control unit 71 is triggered by the selection of the memory selection switch 77 to display additional information indicating that the selected memory selection switch 77c is a selected object. Figure 15 In FIG. 1 , similarly to the additional information Sp, the additional information is represented by having the outline of the memory selection switch 77 c be a thick line.

[0147] After selecting the memory selection switch 77, the operator uses the registration setting selection switch 81 to select either direct registration mode or manual registration mode (step P4). Since the direct registration mode, which records the rotational position of the C-arm 9 at the current time, has already been selected, the operator does not operate the registration setting selection switch 81 but instead presses the registration instruction switch 83 (step P5).

[0148] When the registration instruction switch 83 is pressed, Figure 15 As shown, the display control unit 71 causes the registration instruction switch 83 to display a message indicating that the key has been pressed, and displays the confirmation key 87. When the operator operates the key for continuing the registration (here, the key displaying "yes") among the confirmation keys 87, as shown in FIG. Figure 16 As shown, the storage control unit 73 overwrites the rotational position FA information in the third memory 65a storing the rotational position F3 information. To restore the touch panel 43 to the initial mode, the touch panel 43 transitions from the registration mode to the initial mode by pressing the mode restoration switch 85.

[0149] In direct registration mode, the current rotational position of the C-arm 9 can be registered in correspondence with the memory switch 55. That is, the operation for confirming the accurate rotational position of the C-arm 9 at the current time can be omitted, and the rotational position information can be quickly registered.

[0150] When registering the rotation position information in the manual registration mode, the second switch 81b is pressed in step P4. By pressing the second switch 81b, the display screen of the touch panel 43 is switched to Figure 17 That is, the touch panel 43 displays the set position display unit 80 and the adjustment key 86 instead of the current position display unit 79. The operator adjusts the rotational position information displayed on the set position display unit 80 to the rotational position FA by appropriately operating the adjustment key 86 and the like.

[0151] As a specific example of adjustment operation, the angle in the body axis direction (CRA / CAU direction) can be adjusted by pressing the body axis direction adjustment unit 80a, which is located on the right side of the set position display unit 80. After pressing the body axis direction adjustment unit 80a, the angle in the body axis direction can be adjusted to any desired size by appropriately operating the up or down arrow key 86, which constitutes the adjustment key. Furthermore, by pressing the body axis adjustment unit 80b, which is located on the left side of the set position display unit 80, the angle in the body axis direction (LAO / RAO direction) can be adjusted.

[0152] After adjusting so that the set position display unit 80 displays the information of the rotational position FA, the operation of step P5 is performed. Specifically, the operator presses the registration instruction switch 83 and the confirmation key 87. By pressing the key for continuing the registration, the storage control unit 73 overwrites and stores the information of the rotational position FA displayed on the set position display unit 80 in the third memory 65a.

[0153] In the manual registration mode, the C-arm 9 does not need to be actually moved to the target rotational position in advance. Therefore, if the previously registered rotational position information is known, the rotational position information can be registered more quickly by being associated with the memory switch 55 .

[0154] <Structure of Edit Mode>

[0155] During surgery on a subject M, it is sometimes necessary to repeatedly acquire X-ray images of the same site of interest from multiple different directions. For example, the surgery is performed while repeatedly reciprocating the C-arm 9 between a first rotational position Fp and a second rotational position Fs, determined for the subject M or the type of surgery.

[0156] When reciprocating the C-arm 9 between predetermined rotational positions, it is desirable to temporarily register information on the rotational positions Fp and Fs to perform automatic positioning in order to shorten the time required for the reciprocating operation. Typically, the first rotational position Fp and the second rotational position Fs are determined as rotational positions that allow for obtaining appropriate X-ray fluoroscopic images of the region of interest while performing X-ray fluoroscopy on the region of interest while moving the C-arm 9 to various rotational positions.

[0157] When a short-term registration of the rotational position is required during surgery, the operator switches touch panel 43 to edit mode and registers the corresponding rotational position Fp and rotational position Fs information in the second memory switch group M2. Here, the structure for temporarily storing new rotational position information corresponding to memory switch 57 in edit mode will be described.

[0158] When the new rotation position information corresponding to the memory switch 57 is overwritten and stored, first, the edit change switch 51 is pressed to change the touch panel 43 from the initial mode to the edit mode. By changing to the edit mode, the display control unit 71 changes the display screen of the touch panel 43 from Figure 6 The status shown is Figure 18 The status shown changes.

[0159] The touch panel 43 after transitioning to the edit mode includes a plurality of memory switches 57 a to 57 c constituting the second memory switch group M2 , a current position display portion 89 , and a mode return switch 91 .

[0160] By switching to edit mode, the readout unit 69 reads the rotational position information stored in the short-term memories 67a-67c corresponding to the memory switches 57a-57c. The display control unit 71 causes the corresponding memory switches 57a-57c to display the rotational position information read from the short-term memories 67a-67c. Specifically, the memory switch 57a is caused to display the rotational position F21 information.

[0161] If the rotational position information is not stored in the corresponding short-term memory 67, the display control unit 71 causes the corresponding memory switch 57 to display additional information Rp indicating that the rotational position information is not registered. In this embodiment, a graphic composed of a cross and a circle surrounding the cross is used as the additional information Rp.

[0162] like Figure 8 As shown, no rotational position information is registered in short-term memory 67b or short-term memory 67c. Therefore, display control unit 71 causes memory switches 57b and 57c to display additional information Rp. The operator can visually determine whether rotational position information is registered by visually checking the information displayed on memory switches 57a to 57c.

[0163] The current position display unit 89 displays information on the rotation position of the C-arm 9 at the current time point detected by the rotation position detection unit 33 at any time. Figure 18 As shown, the first rotation position Fp (LAO 40°, CAU 40°) is displayed on the current position display portion 89. The mode return switch 91 is a switch for inputting an instruction to return the touch panel 43 from the edit mode to the initial mode.

[0164] <Operations in Edit Mode>

[0165] Here, an operation of registering new rotational position information in the memory switch 57 in the edit mode will be described. Figure 9 (c) is a flowchart showing the operation of registering new rotational position information for memory switch 57. Here, the case where information on rotational position Fp and information on rotational position Fs (RA040°, CAU40°) are temporarily registered for memory switch 57 is described as an example. In this embodiment, it is assumed that rotational position information has not been registered for memory switches 57b and 57c. Therefore, information on rotational position Fp is registered for memory switch 57b, and information on rotational position Fp is registered for memory switch 57c.

[0166] First, the operator presses the edit switch 51 to change the touch panel 43 from the initial mode to the edit mode (step T1). When the touch panel 43 changes to the edit mode, the display control unit 71 causes the touch panel 43 to display the following Figure 18 The screen for editing mode is shown below.

[0167] Next, the operator selects the memory switch 57 to register the new rotational position information (step T2). Since the rotational position Fp displayed on the current position display unit 89 is to be registered in the short-term memory 67b corresponding to the memory switch 57b, the operator selects the memory switch 57b.

[0168] After selecting the memory switch 57, the operator presses the selected memory switch 57 (step T3). By pressing the memory switch 57, as shown in FIG. Figure 19 As shown, information on the rotational position of the C-arm 9 detected by the rotational position detector 33 is sent to the storage control unit 73. Information specifying the short-term memory 67 corresponding to the pressed memory switch 57 is also sent to the storage control unit 73.

[0169] Based on the received information, the storage control unit 73 registers the current rotational position information of the C-arm 9 in the short-term memory 67 corresponding to the pressed memory switch 57. Specifically, when the operator presses the memory switch 57b, the rotational position Fp information is stored in the short-term memory 67b. Once the rotational position Fp information is registered, the memory switch 57b is caused to display the rotational position Fp information in place of the additional information Rp.

[0170] Furthermore, when the information of the rotation position Fs is registered corresponding to the memory switch 57c, the operator presses the memory switch 57c after rotating the C-arm 9 to the rotation position Fs. Figure 20 As shown, the current position display unit 89 displays the rotational position Fs. By pressing the memory switch 57c in the edit mode, the current rotational position of the C-arm 9, i.e., the rotational position Fs, is stored in the short-term memory 67c. By storing the rotational position Fp and the rotational position Fs to be registered, the edit mode operation is terminated. By pressing the mode restore switch 91, the touch panel 43 returns from the edit mode to the initial mode.

[0171] After returning to the initial mode, the operator uses automatic positioning to alternately move the C-arm 9 to the rotational position Fp and the rotational position Fs. Specifically, with the touch panel 43 in the initial mode, the operator presses the memory switch 57b (steps S1 and S2). Pressing the memory switch 57b causes the memory switch 57b to display the additional information Sp, indicating that the memory switch 57b is selected (step S3). While the additional information Sp is displayed on the memory switch 57b, the operator presses the rotation instruction switch 45, causing the C-arm 9 to rotate to the rotational position Fp (step S4).

[0172] To rotate the C-arm 9 from the rotation position Fp to the rotation position Fs, the operator presses the memory switch 57c. Furthermore, by pressing the rotation instruction switch 45 while the additional information Sp is displayed on the memory switch 57c, the C-arm 9 rotates to the rotation position Fs. By rotating the C-arm 9 alternately between the rotation position Fp and the rotation position Fs through automatic positioning while performing X-ray fluoroscopy, the operator can perform surgery quickly and reliably by referring to the X-ray images obtained through X-ray fluoroscopy.

[0173] When the operation or examination on the subject M is completed, the operator presses the end instruction switch 47 provided on the operation console 39. Figure 21As shown, the position information deleting unit 75 is activated by pressing the end instruction switch 47. The position information deleting unit 75 deletes all the rotational position information stored corresponding to each memory switch 57. In other words, the position information deleting unit 75 deletes each piece of rotational position information stored in the short-term memories 67a to 67c.

[0174] By using the edit mode in this manner, the information on the rotational position Fp and the rotational position Fs is temporarily stored in the short-term memory 67 only while the operation on the subject M is being performed. Furthermore, unlike the registration mode, the registration instruction switch 83 and the confirmation key 87 do not need to be operated in the edit mode. In other words, the rotational position information displayed on the current position display unit 89 is stored in the short-term memory 67 by simply pressing the memory switch 57 corresponding to the short-term memory 67 that temporarily stores the rotational position information. Therefore, by using the edit mode for registering the second memory switch group M2, the process required to register the rotational position information can be shortened.

[0175] The end instruction switch 47 is a switch that must be operated to terminate the surgery on the subject M. Therefore, by performing the series of operations required to terminate the surgery on the subject M, it is possible to reliably control the deletion of information in the short-term memories 67a to 67c triggered by the operation of the end instruction switch 47. This prevents forgetting to delete the information on the rotational position Fp and rotational position Fs, which is only important during the surgery on the subject M.

[0176] When surgery on the subject M is completed, the information on the rotational position Fp and the rotational position Fs is automatically deleted. Therefore, when the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 is subsequently used on another subject N, the short-term memories 67 corresponding to the memory switches 57 are reliably in a state where no rotational position information is registered. This avoids the problem of previously registered rotational position information remaining in the short-term memories 67, causing the operator to hesitate about whether to overwrite the rotational position information in the short-term memories 67, thereby hindering surgery on a new subject N.

[0177] <Effects of the Structure of the Embodiment>

[0178] (Item 1) An X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an X-ray tube 5 for irradiating an object M with X-rays; an X-ray detector 7 disposed opposite to the X-ray tube 5 for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object M; a C-arm 9 supporting the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 so as to face each other, the C-arm 9 being rotatable about each of two orthogonal axes; a rotational position detecting unit 33 for detecting information on a rotational direction and a rotational angle of the C-arm 9 about each axis as rotational position information; a plurality of memory switches 55; and a rotational position storing unit 61 for storing the rotational position information in correspondence with a certain memory switch. for storage; a touch panel 43, which displays the rotational position information stored corresponding to the selected memory switch by selecting a certain memory switch 55; and a rotation indication switch 45, which rotates the C-arm 9 to the rotation direction and the rotation angle corresponding to the rotational position information displayed on the touch panel 43, wherein the rotational position storage unit 61 is configured to store a plurality of rotational position information respectively for the memory switch 55, and the touch panel 43 is configured to display a certain rotational position information among the plurality of rotational position information stored corresponding to the memory switch 55 in a prescribed display manner by operating the memory switch 55 in a prescribed operation manner.

[0179] use Figures 22 to 23 The effects of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 described in the first item will be described. Figure 22 FIG. 1 shows an automatic positioning console 101 used in a conventional X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus.

[0180] The console 101 includes a center switch 103 displaying a humanoid symbol and eight memory switches 105 arranged around the center switch 103. Each memory switch 105 is distinguished by being designated as a memory switch 105a through 105h. Furthermore, the console 101 includes a backup switch 107, which serves as a backup memory switch. The backup switch 107 is located at a location separate from the center switch 103.

[0181] The positional relationship between the memory switches 105a-105h and the center switch 103 is determined to correspond to the positional relationship between the rotational position of the C-arm and the subject supported by the table. Specifically, the rotational position relative to the subject in the LAO and CRA directions is associated with the memory switch 105a, located to the upper left of the center switch 103, and stored.

[0182] By determining the memory switch 105 in which the rotational position is to be stored based on its positional relationship with the subject, it is possible to intuitively understand which memory switch 105 should be selected during automatic positioning. Specifically, after the rotational position in the RAO and CRA directions is stored in the memory switch 105f, the C-arm 9 may be automatically positioned to that rotational position after a certain period of time. In this case, it is possible to intuitively understand that the information regarding the rotational position is pre-registered in the memory switch 105f, located to the lower left of the center switch 103.

[0183] In conventional X-ray fluoroscopy devices, when performing automatic positioning, one piece of rotational position information is stored corresponding to one memory switch. Therefore, when two or more rotational positions pointing in the same direction are pre-registered, it is difficult to store each rotational position in correspondence with the memory switch 105 in a manner that allows intuitive understanding.

[0184] For example, assume that information about the rotational position M1 in the LAO and CRA directions is already stored in association with the memory switch 105a. In this case, information about the new rotational position M2 in the LAO and CRA directions cannot be stored in association with the memory switch 105a. If the information about the rotational position M2 is forcibly stored in association with the memory switch 105a, at least the already stored information about the rotational position M1 will be lost.

[0185] Furthermore, when using a conventional configuration to overwrite the information of the rotational position M1 with the information of the rotational position M2, this overwriting operation requires a different operation than the operation of newly registering the rotational position information in the memory switch 105 where no rotational position information is registered. For example, this requires a complex operation, such as briefly pressing the memory switch 105 to register the new rotational position, while the operation of overwriting the rotational position requires a long period of pressing the memory switch 105 or simultaneously pressing the memory switch 105 and another switch. As a result, the overwriting operation may cause problems such as prolonged operation or erroneous operation.

[0186] In conventional configurations, when information on rotational position M1 is stored and information on rotational position M2 is to be registered, the information on rotational position M2 is generally stored in association with the preliminary switch 107. However, the positional relationship between the preliminary switch 107 and the center switch 103 does not reflect the positional relationship between the subject and rotational position M2.

[0187] Therefore, after registering the information of the rotational position M2, when the C-arm 9 is rotated again to the rotational position M2 by the automatic positioning operation, the operator is confused about which switch to select to read the information of the rotational position M2. As a result, the time required for the automatic positioning operation becomes longer, which may hinder the promptness of the operation.

[0188] This problem is particularly pronounced when performing surgery on a large number of subjects using automated positioning. Specifically, each time surgery is performed on a subject, a predetermined rotational position may be registered. Consequently, when surgery is performed on a large number of subjects, it may be prematurely impossible to register new rotational position information because the rotational position information has already been registered for a predetermined memory switch 105.

[0189] As a solution to the problem of premature failure to register the rotation position information in the memory switch 105, a configuration is conceivable in which multiple sets of memory switches 105a to 105h are provided.

[0190] However, in order to arrange the plurality of memory switches 105a to 105h in such a manner as to maintain the positional relationship with the center switch 103, it is necessary to Figure 23 The memory switches 105a to 105h are arranged in this manner. That is, multiple sets of memory switches 105a to 105h are arranged radially from the center switch 103. Therefore, the console 101 must be larger to accommodate all the memory switches 105. As a result, securing sufficient space for the console 101 may become difficult.

[0191] In contrast to such a conventional configuration, the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 described in the first item includes a touch panel 43, a plurality of memory switches 55, a rotational position storage unit 61, and a rotation instruction switch 45. The touch panel 43 displays the rotational position information stored corresponding to the selected memory switch 55 by selecting the memory switch 55. The rotational position storage unit 61 is configured to store the rotational position information of the C-arm 9 in association with a particular memory switch 55, and to store a plurality of rotational position information for each memory switch 55. When the memory switch 55 is operated in a predetermined manner, the touch panel 43 displays a particular piece of rotational position information from the plurality of rotational position information stored corresponding to the memory switch 55 in a predetermined display manner.

[0192] That is, the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 is configured to store a plurality of rotational positions corresponding to each memory switch 55. Therefore, the number of memory switches 55 can be reduced, and more rotational position information can be stored for a long period of time in association with the memory switches 55.

[0193] By operating the memory switch 55 disposed on the touch panel 43 in a predetermined manner, each of the plurality of rotational position information stored corresponding to one memory switch 55 is displayed in a predetermined display format. In other words, even if a plurality of rotational positions are stored corresponding to one memory switch 55, information on each rotational position can be selectively read and displayed according to the manner in which the memory switch 55 is operated.

[0194] Furthermore, by operating the rotation instruction switch 45, the C-arm 9 can be rotated in the rotation direction and at the rotation angle corresponding to the rotation position information displayed on the touch panel 43. Thus, in a configuration in which a plurality of rotation positions are stored in correspondence with a single memory switch 55, an operation can be performed to select one of the plurality of stored rotation positions and rotate the C-arm 9 toward that rotation position.

[0195] In particular, if the memory switch 55 is operated by pressing the memory switch 55 a certain number of times, the touch panel 43 sequentially displays one piece of rotational position information from the plurality of rotational position information stored corresponding to the memory switch 55, depending on the number of times the memory switch 55 is pressed. When the desired rotational position information is displayed on the touch panel 43, the operator can operate the rotation instruction switch 45 to rotate the C-arm 9 to that rotational position. In this case, the automatic positioning operation of rotating the C-arm 9 to the desired rotational position can be achieved simply by pressing each switch. This eliminates the need for complex operations such as prolonged switch pressing or simultaneous pressing of multiple switches, allowing the automatic positioning operation to be performed quickly and accurately.

[0196] (Item 2) In the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus described in Item 1, each memory switch 55 is disposed at a position corresponding to the rotation direction stored in correspondence with the memory switch 55 with reference to the reference region indicating the position of the subject M.

[0197] According to the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging device described in the second item, the positions of the memory switches 55 arranged with respect to the center switch 53 are determined to correspond to the directions of the rotational positions stored corresponding to the memory switches 55 with respect to the rotational position F0 stored corresponding to the center switch 53.

[0198] With this configuration, based on the direction in which the memory switch 55 is arranged relative to the position where the center switch 53 is arranged, the operator can intuitively understand in which direction the rotational position stored corresponding to the memory switch 55 is located relative to the initial rotational position F0 corresponding to the center switch 53. Therefore, the time required for the automatic positioning operation can be shortened, and erroneous operation during the automatic positioning operation can be reliably avoided.

[0199] For example, memory switch 55h is located to the lower right of center switch 53. Therefore, the operator can intuitively understand that memory switch 55h stores information corresponding to the rotational position of the device in the RAO and CAU directions, based on the initial rotational position F0. Consequently, the operator can quickly select the switch from among the multiple memory switches 55a to 55h that stores information corresponding to the desired rotational position. Furthermore, when registering new rotational position information, the operator can quickly select the memory switch 55 to which the corresponding rotational position information should be stored.

[0200] (Item 3) The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to the second aspect of the present embodiment comprises: an X-ray tube 5 for irradiating an object M with X-rays; an X-ray detector 7 disposed opposite to the X-ray tube 5 for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object M; a C-arm 9 supporting the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 so as to face each other, the C-arm 9 being rotatable about each of two orthogonal axes; a rotational position detection unit 33 for detecting information on the rotational direction and rotational angle of the C-arm 9 about each axis as rotational position information; a plurality of memory switches 57; and a rotational position storage unit 61. , which stores the rotation position information corresponding to a certain memory switch 57; a touch panel 43, which displays the rotation position information stored corresponding to the selected memory switch 57 by selecting a certain memory switch 57; a rotation indication switch 45, which rotates the C-arm 9 to the rotation direction and rotation angle corresponding to the rotation position information displayed on the touch panel 43; and a position information deletion unit 75, which deletes the rotation position information stored corresponding to each memory switch 57 by triggering an operation indicating a predetermined specific process in a series of examination processes for the subject M.

[0201] The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus described in the third item includes a touch panel 43, a plurality of memory switches 57, a rotational position storage unit 61, a rotation instruction switch 45, and a position information deletion unit 75. When a memory switch 57 is selected, the touch panel 43 displays the rotational position information stored corresponding to the selected memory switch 57. The rotational position storage unit 61 stores the rotational position information of the C-arm 9 in association with a memory switch 57.

[0202] When the operator selects the memory switch 57 and displays the desired rotational position information stored corresponding to the memory switch 57 on the touch panel 43, they operate the rotation instruction switch 45 to rotate the C-arm 9 to the desired rotational position. In this case, the automatic positioning operation of rotating the C-arm 9 to the desired rotational position can be achieved simply by pressing each switch. This eliminates the need for complex operations such as prolonged switch pressing or simultaneous pressing of multiple switches, allowing the automatic positioning operation to be performed accurately and quickly.

[0203] Furthermore, when an operation is performed to instruct a predetermined specific step in a series of examinations for the subject M, the position information deleting unit 75 uses this operation as a trigger to delete the rotational position information stored corresponding to each memory switch 57. With this configuration, when the series of examinations for the subject M is completed, the rotational position information stored corresponding to each memory switch 57 is automatically deleted. In other words, the storage of the rotational position information corresponding to the memory switch 57 is temporary and short-term. Specifically, the rotational position information stored corresponding to the memory switch 57 during the examination of the subject is stored only for the duration of the examination of the subject.

[0204] Therefore, at the time the examination of a new subject begins, no rotational position information stored during the examination of the previous subject remains in the memory switch 57. This avoids situations where the memory switch 57 is unable to store new rotational position information corresponding to the rotational position information stored during the previous examination, or where the user hesitates about whether to store the new rotational position information.

[0205] In this way, even when a large number of rotational positions need to be stored due to examinations of a large number of subjects, the rotational position information is deleted each time the examination of a subject is completed. Therefore, there is no need to continuously store all the rotational position information related to the subject in association with each memory switch 57. In other words, the number of memory switches 57 is limited to the number of rotational positions required to be stored for the examination of a single subject. This reduces the number of memory switches 57 provided in the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1, and allows for appropriate examinations of a large number of subjects using automatic positioning operations.

[0206] (Item 4) In addition, the X-ray fluoroscopy device described in the third item is further provided with an editing change switch 51, which is used to switch to an editing mode in which the rotation position information is stored by the rotation position storage unit 61 for the memory switch 57. The rotation position storage unit 61 is constructed as follows: when switched to the editing mode, by operating a certain memory switch 57, the rotation position storage unit 61 stores the rotation direction and rotation angle of the C-arm 9 at the time point when the operation is performed as rotation position information in correspondence with the memory switch 57.

[0207] According to the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus described in the fourth item, by operating a memory switch 57, the rotational position storage unit 61 stores the rotational direction and angle of the C-arm 9 at the time of the operation as rotational position information, in association with the memory switch 57. Therefore, by operating the memory switch 57 at the time when it is determined that a suitable X-ray image has been acquired during X-ray fluoroscopy, information on the rotational position of the C-arm 9 at the time that the X-ray image was acquired can be automatically stored. In other words, rotational position information corresponding to the imaging conditions of the X-ray image can be quickly and accurately stored, making it possible to easily and accurately reproduce the rotational position of the C-arm 9 required to acquire the X-ray image at a later time.

[0208] (Item 5) In addition, the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus described in any one of Items 1 to 4 further includes a display control unit 71 that displays the memory switch most recently operated by the operator among the plurality of memory switches in a manner different from other memory switches.

[0209] According to the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus described in the fifth item, the display control unit 71 displays the memory switch 55 (or memory switch 57) most recently operated by the operator in a manner different from that of the other memory switches 55 (or memory switches 57). This configuration allows the operator to reliably identify the most recently operated memory switch among the plurality of memory switches. This prevents erroneous operation during the automatic positioning operation and further reduces the time required for the operation.

[0210] <Other Implementations>

[0211] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention includes the claims and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. For example, the present invention can be modified as follows.

[0212] (1) In the above embodiment, the console 39 is illustrated as including the first memory switch group M1 and the second memory switch group M2, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the console 39 may include only the first memory switch group M1 of the first memory switch group M1 and the second memory switch group M2, or may include only the second memory switch group M2 of the first memory switch group M1 and the second memory switch group M2.

[0213] (2) In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, a configuration is illustrated in which the direct registration mode and the manual registration mode are selectively used in the registration mode using the first memory switch group M1. However, a configuration in which only one of the modes is used is also possible. Furthermore, a configuration is illustrated in which only the so-called direct registration mode is used in the edit mode using the second memory switch group M2, in which the rotational position information of the C-arm 9 at the current point in time is stored by pressing the memory switch 57. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In other words, a configuration in which the manual registration mode can also be selected in the edit mode is also possible.

[0214] (3) In the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the structures of the various switches provided on the operation console 39 may be appropriately changed to icons displayed on a touch panel, dial switches, toggle switches, push-button switches, etc.

[0215] Figure 24 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a modified operation console 39. In the modified operation console 39, the center switch 53, the memory switch 55, and the memory switch 57 are all push-button switches. In other words, the modified operation console 39 does not include the touch panel 43.

[0216] The operation console 39 according to the modified example also includes a rotational position display monitor 93. By pressing the memory switch 55 or the memory switch 57, the rotational position display monitor 93 displays the rotational position information read by the readout unit 69 and various additional information added by the display control unit 71. In the operation console 39 according to the modified example, various switches such as the registration change switch 49, the edit change switch 51, the registration instruction switch 83, and the mode return switch 85 are also push-button switches.

[0217] The following describes operations performed using the operating console 39 according to the modified example. For example, when performing automatic positioning to the rotational position F12 in the initial mode, the operator presses the memory switch 55d three times. This operation causes the reader 69 to read the information about the rotational position F12 from the third memory 65d, and the display control unit 71 causes the rotational position display monitor 93 to display this rotational position information along with the additional information Qt. Furthermore, the display control unit 71 causes the memory switch 55d to display the additional information Sp.

[0218] In the modified example, the additional information Sp is information that displays the most recently selected memory switch 55d in a different color from the other memory switches 55. The operator confirms the information regarding the rotation position F12 displayed on the rotation position display monitor 93 and presses the rotation instruction switch 45. By pressing the rotation instruction switch 45, the C-arm 9 rotates to the rotation position F12.

[0219] In this manner, even in the operation console 39 that does not include the touch panel 43 , operations related to each mode can be performed using various switches and the rotation position display monitor 93 .

[0220] (4) In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the center switch 53 is configured to store only one rotational position. However, similar to the memory switch 55 , the center switch 53 may be configured to store a plurality of rotational positions.

[0221] (5) In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the operation that triggers the operation of the position information deleting unit 75 is described as pressing the end instruction switch 51 to end the operation on the subject M. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, the position information deleting unit 75 may be triggered to operate by turning on or off the main power of the X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus 1 or starting the operation on the subject M. In other words, any operation that is necessary in the series of operations for completing the operation on the subject M can be appropriately used as the trigger.

[0222] (6) In the above-described embodiment or modified example, three memories 63 to 65 are respectively corresponding to each memory switch 55a to 55h, and information on a maximum of three rotational positions can be registered. However, the maximum number of rotational positions that can be registered for each memory switch 55a to 55h is not limited to 3 and can be changed as appropriate. In other words, by appropriately changing the number of memories corresponding to the memory switch 55, the number of rotational positions that can be registered can be arbitrarily adjusted. In addition, the maximum number of rotational positions that can be registered for the memory switches 55a to 55h is not limited to the same structure. For example, the memory switch 55a can also be configured to register a maximum of two rotational position information, while the memory switch 55g can also be configured to register a maximum of four rotational position information.

[0223] (7) In the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, as a method of registering information on the rotation position of the C-arm 9 in the memory switch 57, the following example is given: Figure 10 The initial mode shown is transformed into Figure 18 After the edit mode shown in FIG. 5 , the memory switch 57 to be registered is pressed, but the operation is not limited thereto. For example, the operation may be performed by Figure 10In the initial mode shown, the memory switch 57 is pressed to register the rotational position information.

[0224] As a specific example, in the initial mode, by pressing the memory switch 57b to which the additional information Rp is added, information on the rotational position of the C-arm 9 at the time of the pressing operation is stored in association with the memory switch 57b. In the initial mode, the rotational position information can be registered with the memory switch 57, thereby further simplifying the operation of registering the rotational position with the memory switch 57.

[0225] (8) In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the additional information Qt includes information for specifying the number of rotational positions registered for the memory switch 55. However, the additional information Qt may also include information for indicating the number of memories 63 to 65 corresponding to the memory switch 55. That is, in the embodiment, the number of circular symbols constituting the additional information Qt indicates the number of rotational positions registered for the memory switch 55 at the current time. Alternatively, the number of circular symbols constituting the additional information Qt may indicate the number of memories 63 to 65 corresponding to the memory switch 55 (the upper limit of the number of rotational positions that can be registered for the memory switch 55).

[0226] Description of Reference Numerals

[0227] 1: X-ray fluoroscopy device; 3: Top plate; 5: X-ray tube; 7: X-ray detector; 9: C-arm (support mechanism); 17: Collimator; 29: X-ray irradiation control unit; 30: Image generation unit; 31: Image display unit; 33: Rotation position detection unit; 35: Main control unit; 37: Storage unit; 39: Operation console; 41: Arm operating lever; 43: Touch panel; 45: Rotation indication switch (rotation indication unit); 47: End indication switch; 49: Registration switch; 51: Edit switch; 53: Center switch; 55: Memory switch ; 57: Memory switch; 61: Rotational position storage unit; 63: First memory; 64: Second memory; 65: Third memory; 67: Short-term memory; 69: Reading unit; 71: Display control unit (memory switch display mechanism selection); 73: Storage control unit; 75: Position information deletion unit (rotational position information deletion unit); 77: Memory selection switch; 79: Current position display unit; 83: Registration indication switch; 85: Mode recovery switch; 89: Current position display unit; 91: Mode recovery switch; 93: Rotational position display monitor.

Claims

1. An X-ray fluoroscopy device comprising: An X-ray tube that irradiates an object with X-rays; an X-ray detector disposed opposite to the X-ray tube and detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject; a support mechanism that supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector so that they face each other, the support mechanism being rotatable about each of a first axis and a second axis that are orthogonal to each other; multiple memory switches; a rotational position storage unit that stores rotational position information corresponding to each of the plurality of memory switches, the rotational position information being a combination of information on a rotational direction and a rotational angle about the first axis and information on a rotational direction and a rotational angle about the second axis; a rotational position information display section that displays the rotational position information in a manner that allows identification of which memory switch of the plurality of memory switches the rotational position information is stored in correspondence with; and a rotation instruction unit that rotates the support mechanism to a position corresponding to the rotation position information stored in response to the memory switch operated by the operator, The rotation position storage unit is configured to store a plurality of pieces of rotation position information corresponding to each of the plurality of memory switches. The rotational position information display unit is configured to display, in a predetermined display format, any one of the plurality of rotational position information stored corresponding to the operated memory switch, so that the memory switch is operated in a predetermined operation format.

2. The X-ray fluoroscopy device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of memory switches is disposed at a position corresponding to the rotation direction stored in association with the memory switch, with reference to a reference region indicating the position of the subject.

3. The X-ray fluoroscopy device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The memory switch display device further includes a selection memory switch display unit configured to display the memory switch most recently operated by the operator among the plurality of memory switches in a manner different from that of the other memory switches.

4. An X-ray fluoroscopy device comprising: An X-ray tube that irradiates an object with X-rays; an X-ray detector disposed opposite to the X-ray tube and detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject; a support mechanism that supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector so that they face each other, the support mechanism being rotatable about each of two orthogonal axes; a rotational position detection unit that detects information on the rotational direction and rotational angle of the support mechanism around each axis as rotational position information; multiple memory switches; a rotational position storage unit configured to store the rotational position information in correspondence with a certain memory switch; a rotational position information display unit configured to display the rotational position information stored corresponding to a selected memory switch by selecting the memory switch; a rotation instruction unit that rotates the support mechanism in the rotation direction and the rotation angle corresponding to the rotation position information displayed on the rotation position information display unit; as well as The rotational position information deleting unit deletes the rotational position information stored corresponding to each of the memory switches, triggered by an operation instructing a predetermined specific process in a series of examination processes for the subject.

5. The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The apparatus further comprises a storage mode transition instruction unit configured to transition to a storage mode in which the rotational position storage unit stores the rotational position information for the memory switch. The rotation position storage unit is constructed as follows: when the state is switched to the storage mode, by operating a certain memory switch, the rotation position storage unit will store the rotation direction and the rotation angle of the support mechanism at the time of the operation as the rotation position information corresponding to the memory switch.

6. The X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The memory switch display device further includes a selection memory switch display unit configured to display the memory switch most recently operated by the operator among the plurality of memory switches in a manner different from that of the other memory switches.

Images