X-ray imaging apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus having a configuration in which a console and an imaging station are connected by wireless communication, and having both security and usability. This X-ray imaging device is provided with two sets of transmission / reception units that transmit / receive by means of wireless signals in the vicinity of each of the transmission / reception units on the console and on the imaging station. The console control unit sends an operation instruction received by the operation unit to the photographing table control unit through wireless communication between the console transceiver unit and the main body transceiver unit. One of the two sets of transmission / reception units performs communication according to a preset first communication specification. The other group is communicated by a preset second communication specification.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus that irradiates a subject with radiation to acquire an image. BACKGROUND

[0002] The X-ray imaging apparatus is used for X-ray examination of the entire body, starting with the digestive tract, by capturing and displaying a fluoroscopic image or an X-ray still image in real time. In the case of fluoroscopy or radiography using the X-ray imaging apparatus, the operator drives the mechanism of each part of the table or the X-ray tube device, etc. of the radiography table by operating the operation section, and irradiates X-rays from the X-ray tube device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus that connects the control device of the operation table and the radiography table by wireless communication. The apparatus is configured to be urgently stopped in the case where a failure occurs in the wireless communication between the radiography section and the operation table, or in the case where a failure occurs in the operation of the operation table.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-153641

[0005] In X-ray examination, there are often cases where a delay occurs or the wireless communication is blocked by an obstacle due to interference of the wireless communication. However, in the case where this phenomenon occurs, the operation of the apparatus is immediately stopped for safety, which can result in a decrease in the usability of the apparatus.

[0006] In the case where the radiography method in which the radiography range is set in advance, such as long-time radiography or tomographic imaging, is immediately stopped in the case where an unexpected interruption occurs in the wireless communication, the image reconstruction cannot be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to start radiography again from the beginning, which can result in ineffective radiation to the subject. SUMMARY

[0007] An object of the present application is to provide an apparatus that is configured to connect an operation table and a radiography table by wireless communication, while securing safety and usability.

[0008] To achieve the above object, an X-ray imaging apparatus of the present application has an imaging station and an operation station. The imaging station has a tabletop, an X-ray tube device that irradiates an X-ray to a subject mounted on the tabletop, an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray transmitted through the subject, a drive section that moves the tabletop and the X-ray tube device, an imaging station control section that controls the drive section and the X-ray tube device, and an imaging station transceiver section that transmits and receives a wireless signal with the operation station. The operation station has an operation section that receives an operation from an operator, an operation station transceiver section that transmits and receives a wireless signal with the imaging station transceiver section, and an operation station control section that controls the operation station transceiver section. The operation station control section instructs the imaging station control section of the operation received by the operation section through wireless communication between the operation station transceiver section and the imaging station transceiver section. The operation station transceiver section includes a first transceiver section and a second transceiver section, and the imaging station transceiver section includes a third transceiver section and a fourth transceiver section. The operation station control section and the imaging station transceiver section are configured to communicate through a first communication specification set in advance using the first transceiver section and the third transceiver section, and to communicate through a second communication specification set in advance via the second transceiver section and the fourth transceiver section.

[0009] Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present application, the apparatus can be configured to connect the operation station and the imaging station through wireless communication, and can have both safety and usability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 of the present embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the imaging station 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1 and a block diagram of the operation station 100 in close proximity.

[0013] Figure 3 (a) of is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the transceiver sections 110, 120, 210, 220 of Embodiment 1, and (b) is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the transceiver sections 130, 250 of Embodiment 1.

[0014] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the time interval of the first signal and the second signal of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of Embodiment 2.

[0017] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 3.

[0018] Explanation of symbols:

[0019] 1 - X-ray imaging apparatus, 2 - examination room, 3 - operation room, 4 - X-ray shielding plate, 5 - subject, 100 - operation table, 101 - antenna, 102 - antenna, 103 - operation section, 104 - operation table control circuit, 105 - battery, 106 - wheel, 110 - operation table transceiver section, 111 - transceiver circuit, 112 - transceiver circuit, 113 - substrate, 114 - substrate, 115 - transceiver circuit, 116 - substrate, 120 - operation table transceiver section, 130 - operation table transceiver section, 200 - imaging table, 201 - antenna, 202 - antenna, 203 - imaging table control circuit, 204 - X-ray tube device, 205 - X-ray detector (FPD), 206 - drive circuit, 207 - bed plate, 208 - drive mechanism, 209 - drive mechanism, 210 - imaging table transceiver section, 211 - transceiver circuit, 212 - transceiver circuit, 213 - substrate, 214 - substrate, 215 - transceiver circuit, 216 - substrate, 220 - imaging table transceiver section, 230 - stand, 240 - C-arm, 250 - imaging table transceiver section, 300 - X-ray high voltage device, 301 - control circuit, 302 - voltage generating device, 400 - remote operation table, 401 - operation section, 402 - control circuit, 403 - cable, 404 - cable, 500 - image processing device, 501 - memory, 502 - arithmetic circuit, 550 - drive mechanism, 600 - display device, tl - reception interval of first signal, t2 - reception interval of second signal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present application will be described using the drawings.

[0021] Embodiment 1

[0022] The X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0023] The X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1 has two sets of transceiver sections on the X-ray imaging table side and the operation table side, respectively, and in the case of a specific imaging method in which imaging takes a long time such as long-time imaging or tomography, confirmation signals are transmitted and received in different communication specifications from the two sets of transceiver sections before imaging is started, and the communication states are confirmed. A communication specification with excellent stability is selected, and in accordance with the selected communication specification, signals required for imaging are transmitted and received and imaging is performed. Hereinafter, specific description will be given.

[0024] First, the structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1 will be described using the drawings. Figure 1is a block diagram showing the overall structure of the X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the side surface shape and internal structure near the approach operation table 100 and a perspective view of the imaging table 200. Figure 3 (a) and (b) of are diagrams showing the transceiver formed on the substrate. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 1.

[0025] The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is configured to have the imaging table 200, the approach operation table 100 which is movable, the X-ray high voltage apparatus 300, the remote operation table 400, and the image processing apparatus 500. The imaging table 200, the approach operation table 100, and the X-ray high voltage apparatus 300 are disposed in the examination room 2. The remote operation table 400 and the image processing apparatus 500 are disposed in the operation room 3 which is shielded from the examination room 2 by the X-ray shielding plate 4. The remote operation table 400 is fixedly disposed in the operation room 3. The approach operation table 100 is movable within the examination room 2.

[0026] The imaging table 200 is configured to have a bed plate 207, an X-ray tube apparatus 204 which irradiates an X-ray to a subject 5 mounted on the bed plate 207, an X-ray detector 205 which detects the X-ray transmitted through the subject 5, a drive mechanism 208, 209, and the like which relatively moves the bed plate 207 and the X-ray tube apparatus 204, a drive circuit 206 which drives the drive mechanism 208, 209, and the like, and an imaging table control circuit 203 which controls the drive circuit 206 and the X-ray tube apparatus 204.

[0027] Here, the X-ray tube apparatus 204 and the X-ray detector 205 are disposed in opposition by a C-type arm 240. The C-type arm 240 is supported by the drive mechanism 209 so as to be rotatable and the like. Here, as the X-ray detector 205, an FPD (flat panel detector) is used. Hereinafter, the X-ray detector 205 will be referred to as the FPD 205.

[0028] Further, a stand 230 which supports the drive mechanism 208, 209, and the like is provided on the imaging table 200. On the upper portion of the stand 230, an imaging table transceiver 210, 220 which is an imaging table transceiver for receiving a wireless signal from the approach operation table 100 is provided.

[0029] The control circuit 203 is disposed in the inside of the stand 230. The X-ray tube apparatus 204, the FPD 205, and the drive mechanism 550, and the like are controlled.

[0030] The X-ray high voltage device 300 has a control circuit 301 and a high voltage generating device 302. The high voltage generating device 302 supplies a tube voltage / tube current to the X-ray tube device 204 under the control of the control circuit 301, and causes the X-ray tube device 204 to emit X-rays. The control circuit 301 is connected to the control circuit 203 of the photographing table 200.

[0031] The approach console 100 has an operation section 103 that receives an operation from an operator, a console control circuit 104, console transceiving sections 110, 120 that transmit an operation received by the operation section 103 as a wireless signal, a battery 105, and wheels 106. Since the approach console 100 has the wheels 106, it is possible to move within the examination room 2.

[0032] Further, the image processing device 500 has a control / computing circuit 502 that processes a detection signal of the FPD 205 to generate a fluoroscopic image and a still image, and a memory 501 that stores the generated images.

[0033] The control circuit 402 of the remote console 400 is connected to the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage device 300 and the control / computing circuit 502 of the image processing device 500 via a cable 403. The control / computing circuit 502 of the image processing device 500 is connected to the FPD 205 of the photographing table 200 via a cable 404.

[0034] Since the configuration is as described above, the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage device 300 is input with a signal from the approach console 100 and a signal from the remote console 400, which are received from the photographing table transceiving sections 210, 220 of the photographing table 200. Therefore, in a case where a signal indicating a start of photographing is received from either one of the approach console 100 and the remote console 400, the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage device 300 is able to supply a tube current / tube voltage to the X-ray tube device 204 to emit X-rays. Further, an instruction of a lifting movement of the bed plate 207 and the like received by the operation section 401 of the remote console 400 is transmitted to the control circuit 203 of the photographing table 200 via the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage device 300. Therefore, the control circuit 203 of the photographing table 200 is able to perform a lifting movement of the bed plate 207 and the like by causing the driving circuit 206 to operate in a case where a signal indicating the lifting movement of the bed plate 207 and the like is received from either one of the approach console 100 and the remote console 400.

[0035] The console transceiving sections 110, 120 are respectively Figure 3(a) shows a structure in which the antennas 101, 102 and the transceiver circuits 111, 112 are mounted on the substrates 113, 114, respectively. The transceiver circuits 111, 112 convert the signals (digital signals) received from the control circuit 104 into transmission signals and output to the antennas 101, 102, which transmit as wireless signals. Also, the transceiver circuits 111, 112 convert the wireless signals received by the antennas 101, 102 into reception signals (digital signals) and output to the control circuit 104.

[0036] Similarly, the camera station transceiver units 210, 220 are configured to perform wireless communication by the first communication specification, and the operator station transceiver units 110, 120 are configured to perform wireless communication by the second communication specification. Figure 3 (a) shows a structure in which the antennas 201, 202 and the transceiver circuits 211, 212 are mounted on the substrates 213, 214, respectively. The transceiver circuits 211, 212 convert the wireless signals received by the antennas 201, 202 into reception signals (digital signals) and output to the control circuit 203. The transceiver circuits 211, 212 convert the signals (digital signals) received from the control circuit 203 into transmission signals and output to the antennas 201, 202, which transmit as wireless signals.

[0037] Thus, the operator station transceiver units 110, 120 and the camera station transceiver units 210, 220 have transmission and reception functions for establishing a wireless communication protocol.

[0038] Here, the operator station transceiver units 110 and the camera station transceiver units 210 are configured to perform wireless communication by the first communication specification. On the other hand, the operator station transceiver units 120 and the camera station transceiver units 220 are configured to perform wireless communication by the second communication specification.

[0039] The first communication specification and the second communication specification referred to herein mean a communication method in which at least one of the frequency band of the transmission signal and the size of the energy transmitted is different. For example, the first communication specification is a specification in which communication is performed by a frequency band of 5 GHz, and the second communication specification is a specification in which communication is performed by a frequency band of 2.4 GHz. Also, for example, the first communication specification is a specification in which communication is performed by 5G (5th generation mobile communication system), and the second communication specification is a specification in which communication is performed by 4G (4th generation mobile communication system). Also, for example, the first communication specification is a specification in which communication is performed by 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, and the second communication specification is a specification in which communication is performed by 920 MHz. Also, for example, the first communication specification is a specification in which communication is performed by an output of more than 10 mW and 100 mW or less according to Category 1 of Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the second communication specification is a specification in which communication is performed by an output of more than 1 mW and 2.5 mW or less according to Category 2.

[0040] Hereinafter, the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described using the flowchart of Fig. 10. Figure 4

[0041] In addition, at least one of the functions of the control circuit 104 of the approach operation table 100 and the control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200 can be implemented by software. In this case, the control circuit 104 and / or the control circuit 203 are constituted by a computer or the like provided with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a memory, and the CPU implements the functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory. Also, a part or all of at least one of the control circuit 104 of the approach operation table 100 and the control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200 can be constituted by hardware. For example, a custom IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a programmable IC such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is used, and a circuit design is performed to implement the functions of the respective parts.

[0042] <Steps S11, S12>

[0043] When the operator operates the operation section 103 of the approach operation table 100 and receives an imaging instruction based on a pre-set type of imaging method (for example, long-time imaging or tomography) (step S11), the control circuit 104 proceeds to step S12. Before transmitting an instruction to start imaging to the imaging table 200, the control circuit 104 transmits a first confirmation signal of a first communication specification from the operation table transceiver section 110 and a second confirmation signal of a second communication specification from the second transceiver section (step S12).

[0044] For example, the control circuit 104 outputs a pre-set first confirmation signal to the operation table transceiver section 110, and instructs to transmit the signal in 4G (4th generation mobile communication system). The transceiver circuit 111 of the operation table transceiver section 110 generates a transmission signal for transmitting the first confirmation signal in 4G, and outputs to the antenna 101 to transmit. Also, the control circuit 104 outputs a pre-set second confirmation signal to the operation table transceiver section 120, and instructs to transmit the signal in 5G (5th generation mobile communication system). The transceiver circuit 112 of the operation table transceiver section 120 generates a transmission signal for transmitting the second confirmation signal in 5G, and transmits from the antenna 102.

[0045] ​Also, as the kind of the photographing method set in advance, it is preferable that the photographing method in which the radio wave state is confirmed in advance, and it can be long-time imaging or tomography as a specific photographing method in which the photographing time is long, and the like.

[0046] <Step S13>

[0047] The antenna 201 of the photographing station transceiver 210 of the photographing station 200 receives the first confirmation signal transmitted from the antenna 101 of the operation station transceiver 110, and the transceiver circuit 211 converts it into a reception signal and outputs it to the control circuit 203. Similarly, the antenna 202 of the photographing station transceiver 220 receives the second confirmation signal transmitted from the antenna 102 of the operation station transceiver 120, and the transceiver circuit 212 converts it into a reception signal and outputs it to the control circuit 203.

[0048] The control circuit 203 of the photographing station 200 compares the stability of the reception result of the first confirmation signal received and output by the photographing station transceiver 210 with the reception result of the second confirmation signal received and output by the photographing station transceiver 220, and determines which one is superior in stability. Specifically, the stability of the reception result of the first confirmation signal and the reception result of the second confirmation signal is determined by comparing the response time.

[0049] The control circuit 203 of the photographing station 200 selects the communication specification (the first communication specification or the second communication specification) superior in stability, and transmits the selection result to the operation station and transmits it to the operation station transceiver 110 or 120 through wireless communication via the photographing station transceiver 210 or 220.

[0050] The operation station transceivers 110 and 120 receive the transmitted selection result and output it to the control circuit 104.

[0051] The control circuit 104 of the operation station 100 sets the antenna to use the communication specification indicated by the received selection result among the first communication specification and the second communication specification. Specifically, for example, in the case where the selection result selects the first communication specification, the control circuit 104 of the operation station 100 outputs a series of signals for performing imaging to the operation station transceiver 110 and transmits it to the photographing station 200 through the wireless signal of the first communication specification (for example, 4G). The photographing station 200 receives the wireless signal of the first communication specification (for example, 4G) through the photographing station transceiver 210 and outputs it to the control circuit 203 of the photographing station 200. Thus, the control circuit 203 of the photographing station 200 performs imaging.

[0052] Also, in a case where the selection result selects the second communication specification, the control circuit 104 of the approach console 100 outputs a series of signals for performing imaging to the console transceiver 120 and transmits a wireless signal of the second communication specification (for example, 5G) to the photographic console 200. The photographic console 200 receives the wireless signal of the second communication specification (for example, 5G) through the photographic console transceiver 220 and outputs to the control circuit 203 of the photographic console 200. Thus, the control circuit 203 of the photographic console 200 performs imaging.

[0053] By performing imaging, the photographic console transceiver 210 or 220 receives the X-ray irradiation conditions, conditions related to image processing, operation conditions, information of the position or orientation of the bed plate 207, and the like from the approach console 100. The drive circuit 206 drives the bed plate 207 in accordance with the information of the position or orientation of the bed plate 207 received from the approach console 100. Also, the X-ray tube device 204 irradiates X-rays in accordance with the X-ray irradiation conditions received from the approach console 100. The X-rays that have passed through the subject 5 are detected by the FPD 205. The detection signal of the FPD 205 is transmitted to the control / computing circuit 502 of the image processing device 500 via the cable 404. The control / computing circuit 502 receives the conditions related to image processing received from the approach console 100 via the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage device 300 from the control circuit 203 of the photographic console 200 and processes the detection signal of the FPD 205 in accordance with the conditions to generate an X-ray image. The generated image is stored in the storage 501 and displayed on the display device 600.

[0054] In addition, the operator can also set various photographic conditions and the like by operating the operation section 401 of the remote console 400. In this case, the photographic conditions and the like are set in the X-ray high voltage device 300 and the photographic console 200 from the remote console 400 via the cable 403.

[0055] As described above, in the X-ray imaging device 1 of Embodiment 1, the operator can perform imaging by operating the approach console 100 and transmitting a signal from the approach console 100 to the photographic console 200 by wireless communication.

[0056] In a case where the photographic method needs to set a photographic range in advance and perform imaging without stopping a series of photographic operations, such as long-time imaging or tomography, the first and second confirmation signals are transmitted in advance from the two sets of console transceivers 110 and 120, and a communication specification of a stable communication state is selected. Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility of interrupting imaging due to the communication state of wireless communication becoming unstable in the middle. Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility of ineffective radiation of the subject 5 due to imaging interruption and re-imaging caused by the communication state of wireless communication becoming unstable during imaging.

[0057] Therefore, the apparatus can be a structure that connects the operation table and the photographing table by wireless communication, while securing safety and usability.

[0058] In addition, the operation table transceiver 110, 120 is a structure in which the antennas 101, 102 are mounted on different substrates 113, 114, as shown in (a), but can be a structure in which the antennas 101, 102 are mounted on one substrate 116, as shown in (b). Figure 3 Figure 3 (b). In this case, the transceiver circuit 115 can be configured to be common to the antennas 101, 102, and one transceiver circuit 115 transmits a transmission signal to each of the antennas 101 and 102.

[0059] Similarly, with respect to the photographing table transceiver 210, 220, as shown in (a), the antennas 201, 202 can be mounted on different substrates 213, 214, but as shown in (b), the photographing table transceiver 250 can be configured in a structure in which the antennas 201, 202 are mounted on one substrate 216. Figure 3 (b). In this case, the transceiver circuit 215 can be configured to be common to the antennas 201, 202, and one transceiver circuit 215 receives a signal from each of the antennas 101 and 102 to generate a reception signal.

[0060] Embodiment 2

[0061] The X-ray photographing apparatus of Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0062] The X-ray photographing apparatus of Embodiment 2 is almost the same as the X-ray photographing apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1, but the operation table transceiver 110 and the operation table transceiver 120 are configured to transmit different kinds of signals from the two sets of operation table transceivers 110, 120 close to the operation table 100.

[0063] Hereinafter, the flow of FIG. 2 will be described. Figure 5

[0064] <Step S21>

[0065] In a case where the operator operates the operation section 103 close to the operation table 100 to input a photographing method or photographing conditions to instruct the start of photographing, the control circuit 104 receives the instruction.

[0066] <Step S21>

[0067] The control circuit close to the operation table 100 divides the plurality of signals that need to be transmitted to the photographing table 200 to perform photographing into a first signal that is periodically transmitted at a first frequency and a second signal that is periodically transmitted at a second frequency lower than the first frequency (see FIG. 2). Figure 6 ​​). The console transceiver 110 transmits the first signal at the first frequency, and the console transceiver 120 transmits the second signal at the second frequency.

[0068] For example, the control circuit 104 near the console 100 sets information of items (kinds) having a large amount of traffic (amount of information) such as an operation signal (X-ray photographing conditions, functions related to image processing, operation conditions, position information of the photographing table) as the first signal. Also, a periodic signal (interlock signal) that allows driving of the driving section (motor) such as the driving mechanism 208, 209 of the photographing table 200 is set as the second signal. The second signal is set as a signal having a smaller amount of information than the first signal.

[0069] Thus, the second signal can exclusively transmit an enabling signal, and thus the frequency of transmission can be increased.

[0070] <Step S23>

[0071] The antenna 201 of the photographing table transceiver 210 of the photographing table 200 receives the first signal (operation signal) transmitted from the antenna 101 of the console transceiver 110, and the transceiver circuit 211 converts it into a reception signal and outputs it to the control circuit 203. Similarly, the antenna 202 of the photographing table transceiver 220 receives the second signal (interlock signal) transmitted from the antenna 102 of the console transceiver 120, and the transceiver circuit 212 converts it into a reception signal and outputs it to the control circuit 203.

[0072] The control circuit 203 of the photographing table 200 causes the driving circuit 206 and the X-ray tube device 204 to act in accordance with the received first signal and second signal, and performs photographing.

[0073] <Steps S23 to S26>

[0074] The control circuit 203 of the photographing table 200 detects the reception interval t2 of the second signal received by the antenna 202 of the photographing table transceiver 220 during the performance of photographing, and determines whether the reception interval reaches T2 or more which is set in advance.

[0075] In the case where the reception interval t2 is less than T2, the control circuit 203 of the photographing table 200 proceeds to Step S26, and continues the operation of the photographing table.

[0076] On the other hand, in the case where the reception interval t2 is T2 or more, the control circuit 203 of the photographing table 200 proceeds to Step S25, and stops the operation of the driving circuit 206 and the X-ray tube device 204.

[0077] Thus, in the X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 2, it is detected that a communication failure has occurred by the reception interval t2 of the second signal, and in the case where a communication failure has occurred, the operation of the apparatus can be stopped, so that the apparatus can achieve both safety and operability.

[0078] The other structure and operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 2 other than the above are the same as those of Embodiment 1, so that the description is omitted.

[0079] Embodiment 3

[0080] The X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0081] The X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 3 has the same structure as that of the apparatus of Embodiment 2, but differs from the apparatus of Embodiment 2 in that the operation of the apparatus is stopped in the case where neither the first signal nor the second signal reaches.

[0082] Use Figure 7 The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0083] Steps S21 to S23

[0084] The operation of steps S21 to S23 of the X-ray imaging apparatus of Embodiment 3 is the same as that of Embodiment 2.

[0085] Steps S24 to S25

[0086] The control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200 detects the reception interval t2 of the second signal received by the antenna 202 of the imaging table transceiver section 220 during the execution of the photographing, and determines whether the reception interval reaches T2 or more which is set in advance (step S24).

[0087] In the case where the reception interval t2 is T2 or more, the control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200 proceeds to step S25, and stops the operation of the driving circuit 206 and the X-ray tube apparatus 204.

[0088] On the other hand, in the case where the reception interval t2 is less than T2, the control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200 proceeds to step S33.

[0089] Steps S31 and S32

[0090] The control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200 detects the reception interval t1 of the first signal received by the antenna 201 of the imaging table transceiver section 210 during the execution of the photographing, and determines whether the reception interval reaches T1 or more which is set in advance (step S31).

[0091] When the reception interval t1 is T1 or more, the control circuit 203 of the photographing stage 200 proceeds to step S32 and stops the operation of the drive circuit 206 and the X-ray tube device 204.

[0092] On the other hand, when the reception interval t1 is less than T1, the control circuit 203 of the photographing stage 200 proceeds to step S33.

[0093] <Step S33>

[0094] When the reception interval t1 of the first signal is T1 or more and the reception interval t2 of the second signal is T2 or more, the control circuit 203 of the photographing stage 200 continues the photographing operation of the photographing stage and returns to step S22.

[0095] Thus, even in a case where the wireless communication makes an unexpected operation due to a runaway of the firmware or a failure in the assembly of the firmware program, since two sets of transceiver (the set of transceiver 110 and 210, the set of transceiver 120 and 220) are provided, in a case where the communication of one side is delayed and the reception interval reaches a value set in advance or more, the situation can be detected and the operation of the device is stopped. Thus, the device can be provided with both safety and operability.

[0096] Further, in Embodiment 3, the wireless signal of the set of transceiver 110 and 210 can be reduced in frequency so that the set of transceiver 120 and 220 can be used more safely, or the energy transmitted from the antenna 102 of the transceiver 120 can be made greater than the antenna 101 of the transceiver 11, and set to a signal with high stability.

Claims

1. An X-ray imaging device, characterized in that, It has a camera table and an operating table. The imaging stage includes: a bed board; an X-ray tube device for irradiating a subject mounted on the bed board with X-rays; an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays transmitted through the subject; a drive unit for moving the bed board and the X-ray tube device; an imaging stage control unit for controlling the drive unit and the X-ray tube device; and an imaging stage transceiver unit for transmitting and receiving signals with the operating console wirelessly. The control panel includes: an operation unit for receiving operations from an operator; an operation panel transceiver unit for transmitting and receiving signals with the camera transceiver unit via wireless signals; and an operation panel control unit for controlling the operation panel transceiver unit. The operation panel control unit transmits operation instructions received by the operation unit to the camera transceiver unit via wireless communication between the operation panel transceiver unit and the camera transceiver unit. The control panel transceiver unit includes a first transceiver unit and a second transceiver unit. The camera station transceiver unit includes a third transceiver unit and a fourth transceiver unit. The control unit and the camera transceiver unit are configured to communicate using the first and third transceivers respectively, through a pre-set first communication specification, and via the second and fourth transceivers, through a pre-set second communication specification.

2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication specification and the second communication specification differ in at least one of the frequency band of the transmitted signal and the amount of energy transmitted.

3. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transceiver unit of the control panel includes a first antenna and a first transceiver circuit, and the second transceiver unit includes a second antenna and a second transceiver circuit.

4. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first transceiver circuit and the second transceiver circuit are implemented through the same circuit.

5. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the operation unit receives a photography instruction based on a preset type of photography method, the operation console control unit sends a first confirmation signal of a first communication specification from the first transceiver unit of the operation console, and a second confirmation signal of a second communication specification from the second transceiver unit, before sending a start shooting instruction to the photography console. The camera station transceiver unit receives the first confirmation signal via the third transceiver unit and the second confirmation signal via the fourth transceiver unit. The camera station control unit compares the stability of the received result based on the first confirmation signal from the third transceiver unit and the received result based on the second confirmation signal from the fourth transceiver unit, selects the communication specification with superior stability, and sends the selection result to the operation console. The transceiver unit on the control panel receives the selected result. The operator console control unit, using the communication specification indicated by the selection result in the first and second communication specifications, sends an instruction to the camera station to perform photography based on the photography method.

6. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frequency of the first communication specification is higher than the frequency of the second communication specification. When the operation unit receives a photography instruction, the operation console control unit will send various signals to the camera station to perform the photography, divided into two types: a first signal that is periodically sent at a first frequency and a second signal that is periodically sent at a second frequency lower than the first frequency. The first transceiver unit of the operation console will send the first signal at the first frequency, and the second transceiver unit will send the second signal at the second frequency. The camera station transceiver unit receives the first signal from the third transceiver unit and the second signal from the fourth transceiver unit. The camera stage control unit activates the drive unit and X-ray tube device to perform imaging according to the first signal and the second signal.

7. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, During the imaging process, the imaging stage control unit detects the reception interval of the second signal of the fourth transceiver unit. If the reception interval reaches or exceeds a preset T2, the imaging is stopped by stopping the operation of the drive unit and the X-ray tube device.

8. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, During the imaging process, the camera stage control unit detects the reception interval of the first signal of the third transceiver unit. If the reception interval reaches or exceeds a preset T1 and the reception interval of the second signal is less than T2, the operation of the drive unit and the X-ray tube device is not stopped.

9. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, During the shooting process, the camera stage control unit detects the reception interval of the first signal of the third transceiver unit. If the reception interval reaches or exceeds a preset T1, the operation of the drive unit and the X-ray tube device is stopped.

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