X-ray imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of reducing a burden on an examiner and shortening a time required for an examination.SOLUTION: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray tube 5 for irradiating a subject M with an X-ray; an X-ray detector 7 for detecting an X-ray transmitting the subject M; an operation part 19 disposed at a position where the height changes with the height of at least one of the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 constituting an imaging system for receiving an input operation by an examiner S; an optical camera 21 for acquiring information on the physique of the examiner S; and a height control part 45 for controlling the height of the operation part 19 so that the height becomes a height F1 suitable for the input operation by the examiner S on the basis of the information on the physique.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus.

[0002] A known conventional X-ray imaging device is an elevating type imaging device that includes a tabletop on which a subject is placed, a base that supports the tabletop, and an elevation drive unit that raises and lowers the base. In such an imaging device, a console that accepts input operations related to driving the tabletop or the imaging system is provided on the device body. The console is disposed on the front of the tabletop or the base, and mainly accepts input operations for adjusting the X-ray imaging range (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] For example, when performing procedures such as puncture or endoscopic examination using an X-ray imaging device, the surgeon must perform various operations near the subject. That is, the surgeon performs procedures such as puncture on the subject placed on the tabletop while adjusting the X-ray imaging range using a console. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-23545 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.

[0006] In conventional X-ray imaging devices, the position of the control console moves together with the tabletop or base. Therefore, there is a concern that operating the device body may result in the console moving to a position that is difficult for the surgeon to operate, increasing the surgeon's burden. A specific example is the process of adjusting the tabletop to an appropriate height by operating the control console after placing the subject on the tabletop. In this case, to make it easier for the subject to be placed on the tabletop, the control console moves to a lower position together with the tabletop at the time the subject is placed on the tabletop. Therefore, to adjust the tabletop to the appropriate height, the surgeon must bend down or stretch their arms out toward the low-positioned control console. These actions place a heavy burden on the surgeon and can also cause the procedure to take longer.

[0007] In conventional X-ray imaging devices, another configuration for adjusting the height of a console mounted on the device body involves remotely controlling the console. Remote control allows the surgeon to avoid performing burdensome tasks. However, with remote control, the operator must communicate with the surgeon and visually monitor the surgeon and console from a distance to raise or lower the console to a height appropriate for the surgeon. This method makes it difficult for the operator to accurately determine the appropriate height for the surgeon. As a result, the operator must frequently fine-tune the console height, which increases the burden on the operator and the surgeon. Furthermore, there is also the concern that the examination time may increase.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus that can reduce the burden on the operator and shorten the time required for an examination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration. That is, one aspect of the present invention relates to an X-ray imaging device that includes an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject with X-rays, an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject, an operation unit that is arranged at a position whose height changes with the height of at least one of the imaging systems consisting of the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector and that accepts input operations by an operator, a physique information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding the physique of the operator, and a height control unit that controls the height of the operation unit to a height suitable for the input operations by the operator based on the information regarding the physique. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The X-ray imaging device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an operation unit that accepts input operations by an operator, a physique information acquisition unit that acquires information about the operator's physique, and a height control unit. The height control unit controls the height of the operation unit to a height suitable for input operations by the operator, based on the information about the operator's physique acquired by the physique information acquisition unit.

[0011] That is, when the physique information acquisition unit acquires information about the surgeon's physique, the height of the operation unit is automatically controlled so that it is at a height suitable for the surgeon's input operations. Therefore, even if the operation console is moved to a position that is difficult for the surgeon to operate due to the operation of placing the subject on the X-ray imaging device, the physique information acquisition unit and the height control unit automatically move the operation unit to an appropriate height. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the surgeon's burden increases due to the operation unit being moved to a position that is difficult for the surgeon to operate. It also makes it possible to prevent the time required to perform treatment on the subject from becoming longer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view illustrating the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the process of step S1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S2 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S3 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S5 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S5 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S6 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S104 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S106 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a right side view illustrating the process of step S107 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which the angle of the tabletop is changed in the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which the height of the operation unit is controlled in the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a physique information acquisition unit according to a modified example. [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a configuration of an input device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First embodiment

[0013] An X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0014] <Explanation of overall configuration> As shown in Fig. 1, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment includes an apparatus main body 10 and an input device 11. The apparatus main body 10 is disposed in an imaging room R1, and the input device 11 is disposed in an operation room R2. An operator S, for example a doctor, enters the imaging room R1 together with a subject M, who is the subject of X-ray imaging, and performs various tasks. An operator C, for example a radiological technologist, enters the operation room R2 and operates the input device 11.

[0015] The apparatus main body 10 includes a tabletop 3, an X-ray tube 5, an X-ray detector 7, and a support column 9. The tabletop 3 is used to place a subject M, who is the subject of X-ray imaging. The subject M is placed on a placement surface 3a located at the upper end of the tabletop 3. The tabletop 3 is supported by a base 4 located on the floor of the imaging room R1 and is configured to be rotatable around an axis in the short direction of the tabletop 3. The base 4 is configured to be movable up and down, and the height of the tabletop 3 is adjusted by moving the base 4 up and down. Note that FIG. 1 shows the tabletop 3 in a horizontal position. In FIG. 1 and other figures, the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 3 is defined as the x-direction, and the short direction of the tabletop 3 is defined as the y-direction. The direction perpendicular to the placement surface 3a of the tabletop 3 is defined as the z-direction.

[0016] An X-ray tube 5 is disposed above the tabletop 3. The X-ray tube 5 irradiates the subject M with X-rays. An X-ray detector 7 is disposed inside the tabletop 3 facing the X-ray tube 5. That is, when the tabletop 3 moves up and down, the X-ray detector 7 moves up and down integrally with the tabletop 3. The X-ray detector 7 detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 5 and outputs an X-ray detection signal. The X-ray detector 7 is disposed opposite the X-ray tube 5 across the tabletop 3. Examples of the X-ray detector 7 include a flat panel detector or an image intensifier.

[0017] The support pillar 9 extends in a direction intersecting with the tabletop 3. The lower end of the support pillar 9 is connected to the tabletop 3 via a connection part 13. The support pillar 9 is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 3, guided by a guide rail (not shown) provided on the tabletop 3. The support pillar 9 may be directly connected to the tabletop 3, or may be indirectly connected by a member other than the connection part 13.

[0018] A first end of a branch 15 extending in the short-side direction of the tabletop 3 is attached to the upper end of the support 9. The branch 15 is configured to be able to move up and down along the support 9, and an X-ray tube 5 is connected to a second end of the branch 15. The X-ray tube 5 is guided by a guide (not shown) provided on the branch 15 and is able to move in the short-side direction of the tabletop 3. In other words, the X-ray tube 5 is able to move in each of the x-direction, y-direction, and z-direction in accordance with the movement of the support 9 and the branch 15.

[0019] The connection part 13 is connected to the support column 9 and also to the X-ray detector 7. The connection part 13 is guided by guide rails built into the tabletop 3 and the support column 9, and is capable of moving in the short direction of the tabletop 3 in synchronization with the X-ray tube 5.

[0020] That is, the imaging system consisting of the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 is connected via the tabletop 3, the support 9, the connection part 13 and the branch part 15, and is configured to be able to move synchronously in both the x and y directions.

[0021] A collimator 17 is provided below the X-ray tube 5. The collimator 17 limits the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 5 to a predetermined shape. An example of the predetermined shape is a pyramidal cone.

[0022] The input device 11 is used to input instructions from the operator C. Examples of the input device 11 include a keyboard input panel, a touch input panel, a push button switch, a changeover switch, etc. Examples of information input by the input device 11 include the SID value (SID: Source to Image Distance), which is the distance from the X-ray tube 5 to the X-ray detector 7, the tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation start time when X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray tube 5. The operator C inputs various instructions to the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 by appropriately operating the input device 11 while checking the subject M, the apparatus main body 10, etc. through the window Wd from the operation room R2.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the X-ray imaging device 1 includes an operation unit 19, an optical camera 21, a sensor 22, a tabletop drive unit 23, an X-ray tube drive unit 25, a detector drive unit 27, a control unit 29, a display unit 31, and a memory unit 33.

[0024] The operation unit 19 is configured to accept input operations from the surgeon S regarding the driving of the tabletop 3 and the imaging system. In other words, the position and angle of the tabletop 3 and the position and angle of the imaging system are adjusted by the operation unit 19 accepting the input operations. By appropriately changing the position and angle of the tabletop 3 or the imaging system, the range of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 5 can be adjusted. In other words, the surgeon S who is in the radiography room R1 adjusts the range of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 5 by appropriately operating the operation unit 19. Examples of the operation unit 19 include a touch input panel, a push button switch, a changeover switch, etc.

[0025] The operation unit 19 is disposed at a position where its height changes with the height of at least one of the imaging systems. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 19 is disposed on the front surface of the tabletop 3. The X-ray detector 7 is disposed inside the tabletop 3, and the height of the X-ray detector 7 changes along with the height of the tabletop 3. That is, in the first embodiment, the height of the operation unit 19 changes with the height of the X-ray detector 7.

[0026] The optical camera 21 captures an optical image of the surgeon S. An example of the optical camera 21 is a digital camera with a built-in CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor. The sensor 22 detects that the surgeon S is moving within the imaging range of the optical camera 21. The X-ray imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment is configured so that when the sensor 22 detects the surgeon S, the optical camera 21 is activated to capture an optical image of the surgeon S. An example of the sensor 22 is an infrared sensor or a temperature sensor.

[0027] In the first embodiment, the optical camera 21 and the sensor 22 are disposed in front of the collimator 17. That is, the X-ray imaging device 1 according to the first embodiment is configured so that the optical camera 21 can capture an optical image of the surgeon S when the surgeon S approaches the front side of the device main body 10. The optical image of the surgeon S is used to obtain information about an optimum value F1 for the height of the operation unit 19. The optimum value F1 corresponds to the height of the operation unit 19 that is suitable for input operations using the operation unit 19 by the surgeon S.

[0028] Each of the tabletop driving unit 23, the X-ray tube driving unit 25, and the detector driving unit 27 includes a driving member, for example, a motor. The tabletop driving unit 23 is provided on the base 4, for example. The tabletop driving unit 23 moves the tabletop 3 in each of the x-, y-, and z-directions. The tabletop driving unit 23 also rotates the tabletop 3 around an axis in the y-direction, thereby changing the angle of the tabletop 3 relative to the horizontal plane.

[0029] The X-ray tube driver 25 is provided, for example, on the support column 9 and the branch 15. The X-ray tube driver 25 drives the X-ray tube 5 in each of the x, y, and z directions. The X-ray tube driver 25 also rotates the X-ray tube 5 around an axis in the x direction and an axis in the y direction. The rotation of the X-ray tube 5 changes the angle of X-ray irradiation with respect to the mounting surface 3a. The detector driver 27 is provided, for example, inside the top board 3 or on the connection part 13. The detector driver 27 drives the X-ray detector 7 in each of the x, y, and z directions.

[0030] The control unit 29 includes, for example, an information processing unit such as a central processing unit (CPU). The control unit 23 comprehensively controls the operations of the components constituting the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 based on input operations received by the input device 11 or the operation unit 19. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the control unit 29 is built into the input device 11. The location where the control unit 29 is disposed in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is not limited to the input device 11 and may be changed as appropriate.

[0031] The control unit 29 includes an X-ray irradiation control unit 35, an image processing unit 37, a tabletop drive control unit 39, an imaging system drive control unit 41, a height calculation unit 43, a height control unit 45, and a SID setting unit 47.

[0032] The X-ray irradiation control unit 35 controls various operations for irradiating X-rays by the X-ray tube 5. That is, the X-ray irradiation control unit 35 controls the dose of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 5, the timing of X-ray irradiation, and the like, by controlling the tube voltage and tube current applied to the X-ray tube 5.

[0033] The image processing unit 37 generates an X-ray image by performing various image processing based on the X-ray detection signal output from the X-ray detector 7. The tabletop drive control unit 39 controls the operation of the tabletop drive unit 23. The imaging system drive control unit 41 comprehensively controls the operation of the X-ray tube drive unit 25 and the operation of the detector drive unit 27.

[0034] The height calculation unit 43 calculates an optimum value F1 for the height of the operation unit 19 using the optical image of the surgeon S captured by the optical camera 21. As an example of a method by which the height calculation unit 43 calculates the optimum value F1, the height calculation unit 43 identifies physique information of the surgeon S from the optical image of the surgeon S. Examples of physique information of the surgeon S include the height of the surgeon S, the height of the shoulders of the surgeon S, and the length of the arms of the surgeon S.

[0035] Generally, as the physique of the surgeon S increases, the height of the operation unit 19 corresponding to the optimum value F1 also increases. Therefore, by acquiring the physique information of the surgeon S, it is possible to calculate the optimum value F1 as the height of the operation unit 19 that is suitable for the process in which the surgeon S reaches out to the operation unit 19 and operates the operation unit 19. As a specific example, the height calculation unit 43 can calculate the optimum value F1 by multiplying the height value h1 of the surgeon S by a predetermined coefficient a1.

[0036] The height control unit 45 receives information about the optimum value F1 calculated by the height calculation unit 43. Then, the height control unit 45 controls the height of the operation unit 19 so that the height of the operation unit 19 becomes the optimum value F1. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 19 is disposed in front of the tabletop 3, and its height is changed together with the tabletop 3. Therefore, the height control unit 45 according to the first embodiment controls the tabletop drive control unit 39 to adjust the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimum value F1.

[0037] The SID setting unit 47 sets a value of SID suitable for imaging the subject M based on information input by the operator C to the input device 11. In the following description, the value of SID set by the SID setting unit 47 is referred to as a "set SID value d1."

[0038] The set SID value d1 set by the SID setting unit 47 is configured to be transmitted to the imaging system drive control unit 41. The imaging system drive control unit 41 controls the X-ray tube drive unit 25 and the detector drive unit 27 so that the distance between the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 is always the set SID value d1. In other words, when the height control unit 45 changes the height of the operation unit 19, the imaging system drive control unit 41 controls the height of the X-ray tube 5 or the height of the X-ray detector 7 so as to maintain the set SID value d1.

[0039] The display unit 31 displays various information related to the X-ray imaging device 1, various parameter information related to X-ray imaging, or X-ray images generated by the image processing unit 37. Examples of the display unit 31 include a liquid crystal monitor or a high-precision display.

[0040] The storage unit 33 writes and stores information relating to imaging of the subject M, various X-ray images generated by the image processing unit 37, information on the optimum value F1 acquired by the optical camera 21 and the height calculation unit 43, and various information relating to the operation of the X-ray imaging device 1. The stored information is read out as needed and output to the display unit 29, etc. via the main control unit 25. The storage unit 33 is configured with a storage medium, such as a non-volatile memory.

[0041] <Explanation of operation> Here, the basic operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the X-ray fluoroscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, as an example of a treatment, an endoscopic examination of a subject M while capturing X-ray images will be described.

[0042] Step S1 (Enter shooting conditions) When the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is started, first, the operator C inputs the imaging conditions. When step S1 starts, the operator C enters the operation room R2 and activates the input device 11. Then, referring to the electronic medical record of the subject M, the operator C operates the input device 11 to input the imaging conditions of the subject M. Examples of the imaging conditions input by the operator C include information such as the numerical values ​​of the tube voltage and tube current, the SID value, and the type of imaging.

[0043] The SID information input by the operator C to the input device 11 is transmitted to the SID setting unit 47 in the control unit 29. The SID setting unit 47 sets the received SID value as the set SID value d1. The information on the set SID value d1 is transmitted from the SID setting unit 47 to the imaging system drive control unit 41. The imaging system drive control unit 41 controls the X-ray tube drive unit 25 to adjust the height of the X-ray tube 5 so that the distance between the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 becomes the set SID value d1. That is, under the control of the imaging system drive control unit 41, the branch 15 moves up and down along the support 9. The height of the X-ray tube 5 is adjusted by the up and down movement of the branch 15.

[0044] Furthermore, before the subject M enters the radiography room R1, the operator C operates the input device 11 to lower the top 3 in advance. The instructions of the operator C input to the input device 11 are sent to the top drive control unit 39. The top drive control unit 39 controls the top drive unit 23, thereby lowering the top 3 as shown in FIG. 5. By lowering the top 3 in advance, the task of placing the subject M on the top 3 can be carried out smoothly.

[0045] An operation unit 19 and an X-ray detector 7 are disposed on the tabletop 3. Therefore, when the tabletop 3 is lowered, the height of the X-ray detector 7 and the height of the operation unit 19 are also lowered. That is, when the tabletop 3 is lowered in step S1, the height of the operation unit 19 is lowered to G1, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0046] Step S2 (Placing the subject) When the imaging conditions are input by the operator C, the surgeon S enters the imaging room R1 with the subject M. Then, the surgeon S places the subject M on the placement surface 3a of the top 3. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the subject M is placed on the top 3 which has been lowered to a low position in advance.

[0047] In step S2, the height of the operation unit 19 is lowered to G1. When the top board 3 is lowered to the height of the operation unit 19 of G1, it is suitable for placing the subject M on the top board 3, but is not suitable for the operator S to operate the operation unit 19. In other words, when the height of the operation unit 19 is lowered to G1, the hand Ha of the operator S in a standing position cannot reach the operation unit 19 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, it is difficult for the operator S to operate the operation unit 19 while in a standing position.

[0048] When the surgeon S tries to operate the operation unit 19 while the height of the operation unit 19 is G1, the surgeon S must, for example, bend over toward the low-positioned operation unit 19. Taking such a posture is a burden for the surgeon S.

[0049] It is also possible for operator C to operate the input device 11 to raise the tabletop 3 and raise the height of the operation unit 19 from G1. However, in this case, it is difficult for operator C, who is different from surgeon S, to determine the height at which the operation unit 19 is suitable for operating. As a result, surgeon S and operator C must repeatedly operate the input device 11 to adjust the height of the operation unit 19 while repeatedly communicating with each other. Such communication is bothersome for both operator C and surgeon S and also leads to a longer required time.

[0050] Therefore, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the height of the operation unit 19 is automatically controlled to a height appropriate for the operator S through the processes of steps S3 to S5.

[0051] Step S3 (obtaining the surgeon's physical information) When the subject M is placed on the tabletop 3, the process of step S3 begins. That is, the surgeon S moves to the front side of the tabletop 3 to perform a procedure on the subject M, as shown in Fig. 7. By moving to the front side of the tabletop 3 and approaching the subject M, the surgeon S moves into the shooting range of the optical camera 21.

[0052] The sensor 22 constantly detects the front side of the tabletop 3. When the surgeon S moves to the front side of the tabletop 3, the position of the surgeon S comes within the detection range of the sensor 22. As indicated by the symbol Se in FIG. 7, the sensor 22 detects that the surgeon S has moved into the shooting range of the optical camera 21.

[0053] The information detected by the sensor 22 is transmitted from the sensor 22 to the control unit 29. Upon receiving information that the surgeon S is present within the imaging range of the optical camera 21, the control unit 29 controls the optical camera 21. As indicated by the symbol Ph in FIG. 8, the optical camera 21 receives a control signal from the control unit 29 and captures an optical image of the surgeon S. The image of the surgeon S is reflected in the optical image of the surgeon S. In other words, the optical image of the surgeon S includes information about the surgeon S's physique. Therefore, by capturing an optical image of the surgeon S, the X-ray imaging device 1 can obtain information about the surgeon S's physique.

[0054] Step S4 (Identify the optimal value of the control) The process of step S4 starts when the optical camera 21 captures an optical image of the surgeon S. That is, the optical image data of the surgeon S is transmitted from the optical camera 21 to the height calculation unit 43.

[0055] The height calculation unit 43 calculates the optimum value F1 by analyzing the optical image of the surgeon S. In the first embodiment, the height calculation unit 43 identifies the height h1 of the surgeon S by analyzing the optical image of the surgeon S.

[0056] Generally, as the physique of the surgeon S increases, the height of the operation unit 19 corresponding to the optimum value F1 also increases. Therefore, the height calculation unit 43 calculates the optimum value F1 of the height of the operation unit 19 by multiplying the height value h1 of the surgeon S by a predetermined coefficient a1. In other words, by using an optical image of the surgeon S, the optimum value F1, which is the height of the operation unit 19 suitable for the process of the surgeon S operating the operation unit 19, is identified.

[0057] Step S5 (Adjust the height of the control panel) When the optimum value F1 of the height of the operation unit 19 is specified by the height calculation unit 43, the process of step S5 is started. That is, information regarding the optimum value F1 of the height of the operation unit 19 is transmitted from the height calculation unit 43 to the height control unit 45.

[0058] The height control unit 45 controls the operation of each unit of the device body 10 so that the height of the operation unit 19 becomes the optimum value F1. In the first embodiment, the operation unit 19 is disposed on the tabletop 3. Therefore, the height control unit 45 sends a control signal to the tabletop drive control unit 39. The tabletop drive control unit 39 controls the tabletop drive unit 23 to raise the tabletop 3. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation unit 19 rises together with the tabletop 3, and the height of the operation unit 19 becomes the optimum value F1 from G1.

[0059] By performing steps S3 to S5 in this manner, the height of the operation unit 19 is automatically adjusted to the optimum value F1 when the surgeon S moves within the shooting range of the optical camera 21. That is, the height of the operation unit 19 is automatically adjusted to the optimum value F1 while the surgeon S maintains an upright posture. Therefore, the surgeon S can adjust the height of the operation unit 19 to a position suitable for the surgeon S's physique without having to perform troublesome actions such as bending over.

[0060] Note that as the tabletop 3 rises together with the operation unit 19, the X-ray detector 7 disposed on the tabletop 3 also rises. As a result, the X-ray detector 7 approaches the X-ray tube 5, reducing the SID value. Therefore, in the first embodiment, in conjunction with the operation of adjusting the height of the operation unit 19, a process is executed to maintain the distance between the X-ray detector 7 and the X-ray tube 5 at the set SID value d1. That is, when the operation unit 19 rises from G1 to the optimal value F1, the SID setting unit 47 sends a control signal to the imaging system drive control unit 41 to maintain the distance between the X-ray detector 7 and the X-ray tube 5 at the set SID value d1.

[0061] Upon receiving the control signal, the imaging system drive control unit 41 controls the operation of the X-ray tube drive unit 25 to raise the X-ray tube 5. As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, with the height of the operation unit 19 adjusted to the optimum value F1, the distance between the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 becomes the set SID value d1. That is, in the X-ray imaging device 1, the height of the operation unit 19 is adjusted to the optimum value F1, and the distance of the imaging system is automatically adjusted to the set SID value d1.

[0062] Step S6 (Start treatment of the subject) The process of step S6 begins when the height of the operation unit 19 is adjusted to the optimum value F1. That is, as shown in Fig. 11, the surgeon S touches the operation unit 19, the height of which has been adjusted to the optimum value F1, with his / her hand Ha. The surgeon S then performs treatment on the subject M while operating the operation unit 19 with his / her hand Ha. The imaging system or the tabletop 3 is displaced in accordance with the input operation of the surgeon S accepted by the operation unit 19. That is, the position of the X-ray irradiation field is changed by the operation of the operation unit 19 by the surgeon S.

[0063] The surgeon S operates the operation unit 19 to adjust the X-ray irradiation field to an appropriate position. After confirming the position of the X-ray irradiation field, the surgeon S sends a signal to the operator C. The operator C operates the input device 11 in accordance with the signal from the surgeon S, and causes the X-ray tube 5 to irradiate the subject M with X-rays, thereby performing an X-ray imaging. The surgeon S performs an endoscopic examination on the subject M while checking the X-ray image of the subject M generated by the image processing unit 37 on the display unit 31 or the like.

[0064] As indicated by symbol T1 in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process branches depending on whether the height of the operation unit 19 has been changed during the course of treatment. As an example, as shown in FIG. 18, an operation to change the angle of the tabletop 3 may be performed during the course of treatment. Changing the angle of the tabletop 3 also moves the operation unit 19 disposed on the tabletop 3. As a result, the height of the tabletop 3 is changed from the optimum value F1 to height G3. For ease of explanation, the surgeon S performing treatment on the subject M at the front side of the tabletop 3 is omitted from FIG. 18.

[0065] When the height of the operation unit 19 is changed by, for example, changing the angle of the tabletop 3, a process related to step S5 is executed. That is, when a height sensor (not shown) detects that the height of the operation unit 19 has been changed from the optimum value F1, the height control unit 45 again controls the height of the tabletop 3. Under the control of the height control unit 45, the height of the operation unit 19 is automatically adjusted from height G3 to the optimum value F1, as shown in FIG. 19 . In this way, the height control unit 45 constantly maintains the height of the operation unit 19 at the optimum value F1. Therefore, even if an operation is performed to displace the tabletop 3 or the imaging system, the operation unit 19 is automatically adjusted to a position suitable for operation by the surgeon S. If the height of the operation unit 19 is not changed, the surgeon S continues the treatment on the subject M.

[0066] When the treatment on the subject M is completed, the surgeon S retreats from his position on the front side of the tabletop 3. In other words, the surgeon S moves out of the imaging range of the optical camera 21. The operator C confirms that the surgeon S has completed the treatment, and operates the input device 11 to lower the tabletop 3. In other words, the operator C lowers the tabletop 3 so that the height of the operation unit 19 is lowered from the optimum value F1 to a lower height G1. After lowering the tabletop 3, the surgeon S removes the subject M from the support surface 3a of the tabletop 3. Then, the surgeon S leaves the imaging room R1 together with the subject M, completing the series of operations. Second embodiment

[0067] Next, an X-ray imaging apparatus 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the same components as those in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and only different components will be described in detail.

[0068] 12 and 13, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment includes an apparatus main body 10A, an input device 11, and a control unit 29A. The apparatus main body 10A includes an operation unit 19A. The operation unit 19A includes a first operation unit 51 and a second operation unit 53. That is, in the apparatus main body 10 according to the first embodiment, the operation unit operated by the surgeon S is provided in one location, whereas in the apparatus main body 10A according to the second embodiment, the operation units are provided in multiple locations.

[0069] The first operation unit 51 is configured to receive input operations from the surgeon S regarding the driving of the tabletop 3. That is, the information received by the first operation unit 51 is sent to the tabletop drive control unit 39. The first operation unit 51 is disposed on the front surface of the tabletop 3, similar to the operation unit 19 according to the first embodiment. An X-ray detector 7 is disposed inside the tabletop 3. That is, the first operation unit 51 is disposed at a position in the imaging system where its height changes with the height of the X-ray detector 7. In other words, the height of the first operation unit 51 changes with the height of the X-ray detector 7.

[0070] The second operation unit 53 is configured to receive input operations from the surgeon S regarding the driving of the imaging system. That is, the information received by the second operation unit 53 is transmitted to the imaging system drive control unit 41. The second operation unit 53 is disposed in front of the collimator 17. The collimator 17 is disposed below the X-ray tube 5. That is, the second operation unit 53 is disposed at a position in the imaging system where its height changes with the height of the X-ray tube 5. In other words, the height of the second operation unit 53 changes with the height of the X-ray tube 5.

[0071] The control unit 29A according to the second embodiment further includes a control object selection unit 55. The control object selection unit 55 selects the object to be controlled by the height control unit 45 from the first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 53, depending on the type of imaging of the subject M.

[0072] Of the first operation unit 51 arranged on the tabletop 3 and the second operation unit 53 arranged on the collimator 17, the operation unit that is the target of input operations by the surgeon S differs depending on the type of imaging. As an example, when performing an endoscopic examination on a subject M accompanied by X-ray imaging, the surgeon S can more easily proceed with the procedure by adjusting the X-ray irradiation field using the first operation unit 51 arranged on the tabletop 3. On the other hand, when performing a puncture on a subject M accompanied by X-ray imaging, the surgeon S can more easily proceed with the procedure by adjusting the X-ray irradiation field using the second operation unit 53 arranged on the collimator 17.

[0073] Therefore, as an example, when performing an endoscopic examination on the subject M and performing X-ray imaging, the control object selection unit 55 selects the first operation unit 51 as the object to be controlled by the height control unit 45. In this case, the height control unit 45 controls the height of the first operation unit 51 in accordance with the physique of the surgeon S. In other words, the height control unit 45 controls the raising and lowering movement of the tabletop 3 so that the height of the first operation unit 51 is a height suitable for the operation by the surgeon S.

[0074] On the other hand, when performing X-ray imaging on the subject M along with the puncture procedure, the control object selection unit 55 selects the second operation unit 53 as the object to be controlled by the height control unit 45. In this case, the height control unit 45 controls the height of the second operation unit 53 in accordance with the physique of the surgeon S. In other words, the height control unit 45 controls the elevation movement of the X-ray tube 5 so that the height of the second operation unit 53 is a height suitable for operation by the surgeon S.

[0075] Additionally, the operation unit to be controlled by the height control unit 45 is determined in advance from the first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 53 according to the type of imaging. Information on the operation units to be controlled by the height control unit 45, which are linked to each type of imaging, is stored in the storage unit 33. When information specifying the type of imaging of the subject M is input to the input device 11, the control target selection unit 55 reads out the information on the operation units stored in the storage unit 33, and selects the operation unit to be controlled by the height control unit 45 according to the type of imaging.

[0076] <Explanation of operation> Here, the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the X-ray fluoroscope apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment. The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that a process relating to step S102 is further performed.

[0077] In the second embodiment, as an example of a procedure, an endoscopic examination is performed on a subject M while capturing an X-ray image. That is, in the second embodiment, the height of the second operation unit 53 disposed on the collimator 17 is automatically adjusted according to the physique of the surgeon S. As shown in FIG. 12, the height of the second operation unit 53 in the initial state is assumed to be the height indicated by the symbol G2.

[0078] Step S101 (input shooting conditions) When the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1A is started, first, the operator C inputs imaging conditions. The process of step S101 is common to the process of step S1 in the first embodiment. That is, when step S101 is started, the operator C enters the operation room R2 and operates the input device 11 to input imaging conditions for the subject M, such as the SID value and the tube voltage value. The SID setting unit 47 sets the SID value input by the operator C as the set SID value d1. The imaging system drive control unit 41 controls the height of the X-ray tube 5 according to the set SID value d1.

[0079] Furthermore, before the subject M enters the radiography room R1, the operator C operates the input device 11 to lower the top board 3 in advance (see FIG. 5). That is, the height of the first operation unit 51 is lowered to G1.

[0080] Step S102 (select the control target) After inputting the imaging conditions, an operation is performed to select a control target of the height control unit 45. When step S102 starts, the operator C further operates the input device 11 to input the type of imaging to be performed on the subject M. In other words, the operator C inputs information that a puncture accompanied by X-ray imaging will be performed.

[0081] The information on the imaging type input by operator C is sent to control object selection unit 55. Control object selection unit 55 reads out information stored in storage unit 33 and identifies operation unit 19A corresponding to the imaging type. When performing puncture, information that second operation unit 53 is more suitable for operation by surgeon S than first operation unit 51 is stored in advance in storage unit 33. Therefore, when information that indicates that puncture will be performed as the imaging type is input, control object selection unit 55 selects second operation unit 53 as the target for control by height control unit 45.

[0082] Information that the object selected by the control object selection unit 55 is the second operation unit 53 is transmitted to the height calculation unit 43 and the height control unit 45. The height calculation unit 43 calculates an optimum value F2 for the second operation unit 53 selected by the control object selection unit 55. The optimum value F2 corresponds to the height of the second operation unit 53 that is suitable for input operation by the surgeon S. The height control unit 45 determines the second operation unit 53 selected by the control object selection unit 55 from among the operation units 19A as the object to be controlled. That is, in accordance with the selection by the control object selection unit 55, the height control unit 45 controls the height of the second operation unit 53 to the optimum value F2 in step S106, which will be described later.

[0083] Step S103 (Placing the subject) When the object to be controlled by the height control unit 45 is selected, the process of step S103 is started. The process of step S103 is common to step S2 according to the first embodiment. That is, when step S103 is started, the surgeon S enters the imaging room R1 together with the subject M. Then, the surgeon S places the subject M on the placement surface 3a of the top 3. In step S101, the top 3 is lowered to a height such that the height of the first operation unit 51 is G1. This allows the surgeon S to more easily perform the task of placing the subject M on the top 3.

[0084] In the initial state, the collimator 17 is moved to a position where the height of the second operation unit 53 is G2. Because the height G2 is higher than the height of the surgeon S, the hand Ha of the surgeon S, who is in a standing position, cannot reach the second operation unit 53. When the surgeon S attempts to operate the second operation unit 53 in a state where the height of the second operation unit 53 is G2, the surgeon S is required to, for example, stretch his / her back or stretch his / her arms out. Taking such a posture is a burden for the surgeon S.

[0085] Therefore, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, the height of the second operation unit 53 is automatically controlled to a height appropriate for the operator S through the processes of steps S104 to S106.

[0086] Step S104 (obtaining surgeon's physical information) When the subject M is placed on the tabletop 3, the process of step S104 is started. The process of step S104 is the same as step S3 in the first embodiment. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the surgeon S moves to the front side of the tabletop 3 to perform a procedure on the subject M. By moving to the front side of the tabletop 3 and approaching the subject M, the surgeon S moves into the shooting range of the optical camera 21. For ease of explanation, the sensor 22 is not shown in FIG. 15.

[0087] When the surgeon S moves to the front side of the tabletop 3, the position of the surgeon S comes within the detection range of the sensor 22. The sensor 22 detects that the surgeon S has moved into the shooting range of the optical camera 21. The information detected by the sensor 22 is transmitted from the sensor 22 to the control unit 29. Upon receiving information that the surgeon S is present within the shooting range of the optical camera 21, the control unit 29 controls the optical camera 21. The optical camera 21 receives the control signal from the control unit 29 and captures an optical image of the surgeon S. By capturing an optical image of the surgeon S, information regarding the physique of the surgeon S is obtained.

[0088] Step S105 (Identifying the optimal value of the operation unit) When an optical image of the surgeon S is captured by the optical camera 21, the process of step S105 is started. In step S105, the optimum height value is identified for the operation unit 19A selected by the control object selection unit 55. If the type of imaging is X-ray imaging performed together with puncture, the second operation unit 53 is selected by the control object selection unit 55. Therefore, in step S105, the optimum height value F2 of the second operation unit 53 is identified.

[0089] When step S105 starts, data of the optical image of the surgeon S is transmitted from the optical camera 21 to the height calculation unit 43. The height calculation unit 43 analyzes the optical image of the surgeon S and calculates the optimum value F2 of the second operation unit 53. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the height calculation unit 43 identifies the height h1 of the surgeon S by analyzing the optical image of the surgeon S.

[0090] As the physique of the surgeon S increases, the height of the second operation unit 53 corresponding to the optimum value F2 also increases. Therefore, the height calculation unit 43 calculates the optimum value F2 of the height of the second operation unit 53 by multiplying the height value h1 of the surgeon S by a predetermined coefficient a2. By using the optical image of the surgeon S in this way, the optimum value F2 of the height of the second operation unit 53 is identified.

[0091] Step S106 (Adjust the height of the operation unit) When the optimum value F2 of the second operation unit 53 is specified by the height calculation unit 43, the process of step S106 is started. That is, information regarding the optimum value F2 of the height of the second operation unit 53 is transmitted from the height calculation unit 43 to the height control unit 45.

[0092] The height control unit 45 controls the operation of each unit of the apparatus body 10 so that the height of the second operation unit 53 becomes the optimum value F2. In the second embodiment, the second operation unit 53 is disposed on the collimator 17 connected to the lower part of the X-ray tube 5. Therefore, the height control unit 45 sends a control signal to the imaging system drive control unit 41. The imaging system drive control unit 41 controls the X-ray tube drive unit 25 to lower the collimator 17 together with the X-ray tube 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16 , the second operation unit 53 rises together with the X-ray tube 5, and the height of the second operation unit 53 becomes the optimum value F2 from G2.

[0093] By performing the processes of steps S104 to S106 in this manner, when the surgeon S moves within the shooting range of the optical camera 21, the height of the second operation unit 53 is automatically adjusted to the optimum value F2. That is, the height of the second operation unit 53 is automatically adjusted to the optimum value F2 while the surgeon S maintains an upright posture. Therefore, the surgeon S can adjust the height of the second operation unit 53 to a position suitable for the surgeon S's physique without having to perform troublesome actions such as stretching his or her arms high.

[0094] The SID value decreases as the X-ray tube 5 descends together with the second operation unit 53. Therefore, the SID setting unit 47 sends a control signal to the tabletop drive control unit 39 to maintain the distance between the X-ray detector 7 and the X-ray tube 5 at the set SID value d1.

[0095] Upon receiving the control signal, the imaging system drive control unit 41 controls the operation of the top drive unit 23 to lower the top 3. As a result, with the height of the second operation unit 53 adjusted to the optimum value F2, the distance between the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 becomes the set SID value d1. That is, in the X-ray imaging device 1A, the height of the second operation unit 53 is adjusted to the optimum value F2, and the distance of the imaging system is automatically adjusted to the set SID value d1.

[0096] Step S107 (Start treatment of subject) The process of step S107 is started by adjusting the height of the second operation unit 53 to the optimum value F2. That is, as shown in Fig. 17, the surgeon S touches the second operation unit 53, the height of which has been adjusted to the optimum value F2, with his / her hand Ha. The surgeon S then performs a treatment on the subject M while operating the second operation unit 53 with his / her hand Ha. The position and angle of the imaging system are displaced in accordance with the input operation of the surgeon S accepted by the second operation unit 53. That is, the position of the X-ray irradiation field is changed by the surgeon S operating the second operation unit 53.

[0097] The surgeon S operates the second operation unit 53 to adjust the X-ray irradiation field to an appropriate position. After confirming the position of the X-ray irradiation field, the surgeon S sends a signal to the operator C. The operator C operates the input device 11 in accordance with the signal from the surgeon S, and causes the X-ray tube 5 to irradiate the subject M with X-rays, thereby performing X-ray imaging. The surgeon S performs the puncture procedure on the subject M while checking the X-ray image of the subject M generated by the image processing unit 37 on the display unit 31 or the like.

[0098] As indicated by symbol T1 in the flowchart of FIG. 14 , if the height of the operation unit 19 is changed from the optimum value F2 to height G3 during the procedure, the process of step S5 is executed. That is, when a height sensor (not shown) detects that the height of the operation unit 19 has been changed from the optimum value F1, the height control unit 45 again controls the height of the tabletop 3. Under the control of the height control unit 45, the height of the operation unit 19 is automatically adjusted from height G3 to the optimum value F2. In this way, the height control unit 45 constantly maintains the height of the operation unit 19 at the optimum value F2. Therefore, even if an operation is performed to displace the tabletop 3 or the imaging system, the operation unit 19 can be automatically adjusted to a position suitable for operation by the surgeon S. If the height of the operation unit 19 is not changed, the surgeon S continues the procedure on the subject M.

[0099] When the treatment on the subject M is completed, the surgeon S retreats from his position on the front side of the tabletop 3. In other words, the surgeon S moves out of the imaging range of the optical camera 21. The operator C confirms that the surgeon S has completed the treatment, and operates the input device 11 to lower the tabletop 3. After lowering the tabletop 3, the surgeon S removes the subject M from the support surface 3a of the tabletop 3. The series of operations is then completed when the surgeon S leaves the imaging room R1 together with the subject M.

[0100] <Effects of the configuration of the embodiment> (Item 1) The X-ray imaging device 1 of this embodiment comprises an X-ray tube 5 that irradiates X-rays onto the subject M, an X-ray detector 7 that detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject M, an operation unit 19 that is arranged at a position whose height changes with the height of at least one of the imaging systems consisting of the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7 and that accepts input operations by the surgeon S, an optical camera 21 that acquires information regarding the physique of the surgeon S, and a height control unit 45 that controls the height of the operation unit 19 to an optimal value F1, which is a height suitable for the input operation of the surgeon S, based on the information regarding the physique.

[0101] The X-ray imaging device described in paragraph 1 includes an imaging system consisting of an X-ray tube 5 and an X-ray detector 7, an operation unit 19 that accepts input operations by an operator S, an optical camera 21, and a height control unit 45. The height of the operation unit 19 changes with the height of at least one of the imaging systems.

[0102] The optical camera 21 acquires information relating to the physique of the surgeon S. The height control unit 45 controls the height of the operation unit 19 to an optimum value F1 based on the information relating to the physique of the surgeon S acquired by the optical camera 21. The optimum value F1 is the height of the operation unit 19 that is suitable for input operations by the surgeon S.

[0103] That is, when the optical camera 21 acquires information about the surgeon's physique, the height of the operation unit 19 is automatically controlled so that it is at a height suitable for input operations by the surgeon S. Therefore, even if the operation console 19 is moved to a position that is difficult for the surgeon S to operate by placing the subject M on the X-ray imaging device 1, the optical camera 21 and the height control unit 45 automatically move the operation unit 19 to an appropriate height F1. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the burden on the surgeon S increases due to the operation unit 19 being moved to a position that is difficult for the surgeon to operate. It is also possible to prevent the time required to perform treatment on the subject M from becoming longer.

[0104] (Item 2) The X-ray imaging device described in item 1 further includes an SID setting unit 47 that sets the value of SID, which is the distance between the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7, and an imaging system drive control unit 41 that controls the height of the X-ray tube 5 or the X-ray detector 7 so as to maintain a preset set SID value d1 by changing the height of the operation unit 19 using a height control unit 45.

[0105] The X-ray imaging device described in paragraph 2 includes an SID setting unit 47 and an imaging system drive control unit 41. The SID setting unit 47 presets the value of the SID, which is the distance between the X-ray tube 5 and the X-ray detector 7, as a set SID value d1. When the height control unit 45 changes the height of the operation unit 19, the imaging system drive control unit 41 controls the height of the X-ray tube 5 or the X-ray detector 7 so as to maintain the set SID value d1.

[0106] With this configuration, even if the height of the operation unit 19 changes together with that of one of the imaging systems, the height of the other of the imaging systems is automatically adjusted by the imaging system drive control unit 41. As a result, the distance of the imaging systems can be maintained at the set SID value d1 while adjusting the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimal value F1. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the SID value deviates from the appropriate value and the quality of the X-ray image deteriorates due to the configuration that adjusts the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimal value F1.

[0107] (Item 3) In the X-ray imaging device described in item 1, the operation unit 19A has a first operation unit 51 arranged at a position whose height changes with the height of one side of the imaging system, and a second operation unit 53 arranged at a position whose height changes with the height of the other side of the imaging system, and is equipped with a control object selection unit 55 that selects the object to be controlled by the height control unit 45 from the first operation unit 51 and the second operation unit 53 depending on the type of imaging of the subject M.

[0108] The X-ray imaging apparatus described in paragraph 3 includes a control object selection unit 55. The operation unit 19A also includes a first operation unit 51 and a second operation unit 53. The control object selection unit 55 selects the object to be controlled by the height control unit 45 from the first operation unit 51 or the second operation unit 53, depending on the type of imaging of the subject M.

[0109] The first operation unit 51 is disposed at a position where its height changes with one of the imaging systems. The second operation unit 53 is disposed at a position where its height changes with the other of the imaging systems. Depending on the type of imaging, the first operation unit 51 of the operation unit 19A may be suitable for operation by the surgeon S. On the other hand, if the type of imaging is different, the second operation unit 53 of the operation unit 19A may be suitable for operation by the surgeon S.

[0110] In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1A, even if the operation unit 19A includes a plurality of operation units, the control target selection unit 55 automatically selects the control target by the height control unit 45 by specifying the type of imaging. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the height of an operation unit in the operation unit 19A that is not suitable for operation by the surgeon S is automatically controlled. In addition, it is possible to omit the cumbersome operation of manually selecting the operation unit to be controlled by the height control unit 45 for each type of imaging, which is a cumbersome operation.

[0111] (Item 4) In addition, in the X-ray imaging device described in item 1, the physique information acquisition unit includes an optical camera 21 that captures an image of the surgeon S, and a height calculation unit 43 that calculates an optimal value F1, which is a height suitable for the input operation of the surgeon S, based on the image of the surgeon S captured by the optical camera 21.

[0112] According to the X-ray imaging device described in paragraph 4, information about the physique of the surgeon S is acquired by the optical camera 21 and the height calculation unit 43. The optical camera 21 captures an image of the surgeon S, and the height calculation unit 43 calculates the optimum value F1 using the image of the surgeon S. By capturing an image of the surgeon S, more accurate information about the physique of the surgeon S, such as the height h1 of the surgeon S or the height of the shoulders of the surgeon, can be acquired. The height calculation unit 43 calculates the optimum value F1 using the image of the surgeon S, and can therefore calculate the optimum value F1 according to the physique of each surgeon S. Therefore, even if different surgeons S perform treatments on the subject M, it is possible to more accurately identify the optimum value F1 of the operation unit 19 according to the physique of the surgeon S performing the treatment.

[0113] <Other Examples> It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention includes the claims and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. For example, the present invention can be modified as follows:

[0114] (1) In the above-described X-ray imaging device, the optical camera 21 that captures an optical image of the surgeon S is used as an example of a configuration for acquiring information about the physique of the surgeon S, but this is not limiting. As an example, an infrared camera that captures an infrared image of the surgeon S may be used. Also, various sensors, such as an infrared sensor, that detect the physique of the surgeon S by scanning the surgeon S may be used.

[0115] (2) In the above-described X-ray imaging device, the configuration for acquiring information about the physique of the surgeon S may be a configuration in which the surgeon S or the operator C inputs information about the physique of the surgeon S. An example of a configuration for inputting information about the physique of the surgeon S is a physique information input unit 61 as shown in Fig. 20. As an example, the physique information input unit 61 is disposed on the collimator 17, the support 9, the input device 11, or the like.

[0116] The physique information input unit 61 is equipped with a plurality of input buttons 61a to 61e. The input buttons 61a to 61e are provided for each predetermined height step value. The input button 61a is operated when inputting information that the height of the surgeon S is 150 cm or less. The input button 61b is operated when inputting information that the height of the surgeon S is 160 cm. The input button 61c is operated when inputting information that the height of the surgeon S is 170 cm. The input button 61d is operated when inputting information that the height of the surgeon S is 180 cm. The input button 61e is operated when inputting information that the height of the surgeon S is 190 cm or more.

[0117] As an example, if the height of the surgeon S is 150 cm or less, the surgeon S or operator C presses the input button 61a. As an example, if the height of the surgeon S is 180 cm, the surgeon S or operator C presses the input button 61d. The physique information input unit 61 accepts the information entered by the surgeon S or operator C, and transmits the accepted height information to the control unit 29. In this way, information about the physique of the surgeon S is acquired by operating the input buttons 61a to 61e corresponding to the height of the surgeon S. The height calculation unit 43 calculates the optimum value F1 or the optimum value F2 based on the acquired information about the physique of the surgeon S.

[0118] The timing for operating the input buttons 61a to 61e may be step S1 or step S2. The physique information input unit 61 is not limited to a configuration using the input buttons 61a to 61e which are button switches, but may be a configuration in which the height of the surgeon S is input by dial input, keyboard input, or the like.

[0119] (3) In the above-described X-ray imaging device, the optical camera 21 that captures an optical image of the operator S is not limited to being disposed on the collimator 17. Other examples of the location where the optical camera 21 may be disposed include the support 9 or the ceiling of the examination room R1.

[0120] (4) In the above-described X-ray imaging device, the height control unit 45 controls the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimal value F1, triggered by receiving information about the optimal value F1 from the height calculation unit 43, as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As an example, the X-ray imaging device 1 may include a height adjustment instruction switch 59 (not shown), and the height control unit 45 may control the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimal value F1, triggered by operating the height adjustment instruction switch 59 after the optimal value F1 is calculated.

[0121] As an example, the height adjustment instruction switch 59 is disposed in the input device 11 or the device main body 10. FIG. 21 shows an example of an input device 11 provided with the height adjustment instruction switch 59. In a modified example including the height adjustment instruction switch 59, the height control unit 45 receives information on the optimum value F1 from the height calculation unit 43, which triggers the height adjustment instruction switch 59 to enter a state where input operation is possible (activated state). When the height adjustment instruction switch 59 enters the activated state, light or sound is used to notify the surgeon S or operator C that the height adjustment instruction switch 59 has entered the activated state. As an example of a configuration for notifying that the height adjustment instruction switch 59 has entered the activated state, a light source disposed in the height adjustment instruction switch 59 flashes.

[0122] When the height adjustment instruction switch 59 is disposed in the input device 11, the height control unit 45 controls the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimum value F1 when the operator C presses the activated height adjustment instruction switch 59. When the height adjustment instruction switch 59 is disposed in the device main body 10, the height control unit 45 controls the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimum value F1 when the surgeon S presses the activated height adjustment instruction switch 59.

[0123] As described above, in the configuration of the modified example including the height adjustment instruction switch 59, the timing for controlling the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimal value F1 can be adjusted as appropriate. That is, when the optical camera 21 captures an optical image of the surgeon S and the height calculation unit 43 calculates the optimal value F1, the height adjustment instruction switch 59 enters an activated state. The operator C or surgeon S confirms that the height adjustment instruction switch 59 has entered the activated state and presses the height adjustment instruction switch 59 at the desired timing. When the height control unit 45 receives an input operation to press the height adjustment instruction switch 59, the height control unit 45 controls the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimal value F1. By setting the timing for controlling the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimal value F1 at the timing when the height adjustment instruction switch 59 is pressed, rather than the timing when the height control unit 45 receives information about the optimal value F1 from the height calculation unit 43, it is possible to avoid changing the height of the operation unit 19 at a timing inconvenient for the operator C or surgeon S.

[0124] Furthermore, in the configuration of the modified example including the height adjustment instruction switch 59, when the height of the operation unit 19 is changed from the optimum value F1 to height G3 during the treatment in step S6, the operator C or the surgeon S presses the height adjustment instruction switch 59. The height control unit 45 accepts the input operation of the height adjustment instruction switch 59, and the height of the operation unit 19 is changed to the optimum value F1. That is, depending on the progress of the treatment, there are cases where it is not necessary to operate the operation unit 19. Also, there are cases where a state in which the height of the operation unit 19 is at height G3 is more suitable for the progress of the treatment than a state in which the height of the operation unit 19 is at the optimum value F1. When it is not necessary to adjust the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimum value F1, the surgeon S continues the treatment without operating the height adjustment instruction switch 59. In this way, by providing the height adjustment instruction switch 59, the surgeon S can determine whether and when to change the height of the operation unit 19 to the optimum value F1, which is a height suitable for operating the operation unit 19.

[0125] (5) Note that the modified example including the height adjustment instruction switch 59 may further include a height return instruction switch 63. When the height of the operation unit 19 is adjusted to the optimum value F1 by the height adjustment instruction switch 59, the height return instruction switch inputs an instruction to return the height of the operation unit 19 to the height before adjustment. Like the height adjustment instruction switch 59, the height return instruction switch 63 is, for example, disposed in the input device 11 or the device main body 10. FIG. 21 shows an example of an input device 11 in which the height adjustment instruction switch 59 and the height return instruction switch 63 are disposed.

[0126] In a modification including the height adjustment instruction switch 59 and the height return instruction switch 63, when the height of the operation unit 19 is changed from the optimum value F1 to the height G3 during the treatment in step S6, the operator C or the surgeon S presses the height adjustment instruction switch 59. The input operation of the height adjustment instruction switch 59 is accepted by the height control unit 45, which then adjusts the height of the operation unit 19 from G3 to the optimum value F1. At this time, the operation of pressing the height adjustment instruction switch 59 triggers the memory unit 33 to store the height of the operation unit 19 at the time the height adjustment instruction switch 59 was pressed. That is, the memory unit 33 stores the value of the height G3 as the height of the operation unit 19 before the adjustment.

[0127] When the height of the operation unit 19 is changed to the optimum value F1, the surgeon S operates the operation unit 19, which has been changed to a height suitable for input operation, to adjust the X-ray irradiation field, etc. After completing the input operation of the operation unit 19, the surgeon S presses the height return instruction switch 63 to return the height of the operation unit 19 from the optimum value F1 to height G3. In other words, the input operation of the height return instruction switch 63 is accepted by the height control unit 45.

[0128] When the height control unit 45 receives an input operation of the height return instruction switch 63, it reads information about the height of the operation unit 19 before adjustment from the storage unit 33. Then, the height control unit 45 controls the tabletop drive control unit 39 or the imaging system drive control unit 41 in accordance with the read information, and adjusts the height of the operation unit 19 to the height of the operation unit 19 at the time when the height adjustment instruction switch 59 was pressed. As a result, the operation of pressing the height return instruction switch 63 serves as a trigger to return the height of the operation unit 19 from the optimum value F1 to height G3.

[0129] When the height of the operation unit 19 is returned to height G3, the surgeon S resumes the treatment on the subject M using the operation main body 10, which has been returned to a height suitable for the treatment. By providing the height adjustment instruction switch 59 and the height return instruction switch 63 in this way, in the process of performing the treatment in step S6, the height of the operation unit 19 can be appropriately changed between a height suitable for inputting information into the operation unit 19 and a height suitable for performing the treatment on the subject M. Note that the configurations according to the modified examples (4) and (5) may be applied to either the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment or the X-ray imaging apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 1. X-ray equipment 3. Top plate 5...X-ray tube 7...X-ray detector 10...Device body 11...input device 17...Collimator 19...Operation unit 21...Optical camera 22...sensor 23...Top plate drive unit 25...X-ray tube drive unit 27...Detector drive unit 29...Control unit 37...Image processing section 39 ... Top plate drive control unit 41...imaging system drive control section 43...Height calculation unit 45...Height control section 47 ...SID setting unit 51 ...1st operating section 53 ...Second operating section 55…Control the Elephant and Select the Part M... was found guilty S ...the operator C ...operator

Claims

1. an X-ray tube that irradiates an object with X-rays; an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject; an operation unit that is disposed at a position whose height changes with the height of at least one of the imaging system including the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector, and that accepts input operations by an operator; a physique information acquisition unit that acquires information about the physique of the surgeon; a height control unit that controls the height of the operation unit based on the information about the physique so that the height is suitable for input operation by the surgeon; An X-ray imaging device comprising:

2. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, an SID setting unit that sets a value of an SID, which is the distance between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector; an imaging system control unit that controls the height of the X-ray tube or the X-ray detector so as to maintain the preset value of the SID by changing the height of the operation unit by the height control unit; An X-ray imaging device comprising:

3. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, the operation unit includes a first operation unit disposed at a position whose height changes with the height of one of the imaging systems, and a second operation unit disposed at a position whose height changes with the height of the other of the imaging systems, a control object selection unit that selects an object to be controlled by the height control unit from the first operation unit or the second operation unit according to a type of imaging of the subject; An X-ray imaging device comprising:

4. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, the physique information acquisition unit includes an imaging unit that captures an image of the surgeon, An X-ray imaging apparatus comprising: a height calculation unit that calculates a height suitable for an input operation by the surgeon based on an image of the surgeon captured by the imaging unit.

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