X-ray imaging apparatus

Abstract

To achieve both safety and usability in spite of a configuration in which a console and an imaging table are connected by radio communication.SOLUTION: The X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention includes two sets of transmission / reception units for transmitting and receiving wireless signals in each of the proximal control console and the imaging table transmission / reception unit. The operation console control unit instructs the imaging stand control unit to perform the operation received by the operation unit through wireless communication between the operation console transmission / reception unit and the main body transmission / reception unit. One of the two sets of transmission / reception units performs communication according to a predetermined first communication specification. The other performs communication according to a predetermined second communication specification.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus that irradiates a subject with radiation to obtain an image. [Background technology]

[0002] X-ray imaging devices are used for X-ray examinations of the entire body, including the digestive tract, by capturing and displaying fluoroscopic images and still X-ray images in real time. When performing fluoroscopy or imaging with an X-ray imaging device, the operator operates the control panel to drive the various mechanisms of the imaging table, X-ray tube device, etc., and to irradiate X-rays from the X-ray tube device.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a device in which an operation console and a control device for an imaging table are connected via wireless communication. The device is configured to perform an emergency stop if a failure occurs in the wireless communication between the radiography unit and the operation console or if a problem occurs in the operation of the operation console. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-153641 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] During X-ray inspection, delays due to wireless communication interference or interruptions due to obstacles often occur. However, if this phenomenon occurs, immediately shutting down the device for safety reasons will lead to a deterioration in the usability of the device.

[0006] In imaging methods where the imaging range is set in advance, such as long-length imaging and tomography, if an unintended interruption in wireless communication occurs and the device is immediately stopped, image reconstruction becomes impossible, and the imaging must be restarted from the beginning, resulting in unnecessary radiation exposure for the subject.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to achieve both safety and usability in a configuration in which an operation console and an imaging stand are connected by wireless communication. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above object, the X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging table and an operation console. The imaging table includes a tabletop, an X-ray tube device that irradiates X-rays onto a subject placed on the tabletop, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject, a drive unit that moves the tabletop and the X-ray tube device, an imaging table controller that controls the drive unit and the X-ray tube device, and an imaging table transceiver unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the operation console via wireless signals. The operation console includes an operation unit that receives operations from an operator, the operation console transceiver unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the imaging table transceiver unit via wireless signals, and the operation console controller that controls the operation console transceiver unit. The operation console controller instructs the imaging table controller of operations received by the operation unit via wireless communication between the operation console transceiver unit and the main body transceiver unit. The operation console transceiver unit includes a first transceiver unit and a second transceiver unit, and the imaging table transceiver unit includes a third transceiver unit and a fourth transceiver unit. The console control unit and the imaging stand transceiver unit communicate using a first transceiver unit and a third transceiver unit, respectively, according to a predetermined first communication specification, and communicate via a second transceiver unit and a fourth transceiver unit according to a predetermined second communication specification. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both safety and usability even in a configuration in which the operation console and the imaging stand are connected by wireless communication. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a perspective view of an imaging table 200 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment and a block diagram of a proximity operation console 100. [Figure 3]FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the transmitting and receiving units 110, 120, 210, and 220 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the time interval between the first signal and the second signal of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] <<Embodiment 1>> An X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0013] The X-ray imaging apparatus of the first embodiment is provided with two sets of transmitter / receivers, one on the X-ray imaging table side and one on the operation console side, and when performing a specific imaging method that requires a long imaging time, such as long-length imaging or tomography imaging, the two sets of transmitter / receivers send and receive confirmation signals using different communication specifications before starting imaging to check the communication status. The communication specification with the better stability is selected, and the signals required for imaging are sent and received using the selected communication specification, thereby performing imaging. This will be explained in detail below.

[0014] First, the configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus of embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus of embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the side shape and internal structure of the proximity operation console 100, and a perspective view of the imaging table 200. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing a transmitting and receiving unit formed on a board. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus of embodiment 1.

[0015] The X-ray imaging device 1 comprises an imaging table 200, a movable proximity control table 100, an X-ray high voltage device 300, a remote control table 400, and an image processing device 500. The imaging table 200, proximity control table 100, and X-ray high voltage device 300 are arranged in an examination room 2. The remote control table 400 and image processing device 500 are arranged in an operation room 3 that is shielded from the examination room 2 by an X-ray shielding plate 4. The remote control table 400 is fixedly arranged in the operation room 3. The proximity control table 100 is movable within the examination room 2.

[0016] The imaging table 200 is configured to include a top plate 207, an X-ray tube device 204 that irradiates X-rays onto a subject 5 placed on the top plate 207, an X-ray detector 205 that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject 5, drive mechanisms 208, 209, etc. that move the top plate 207 and the X-ray tube device 204 relatively, a drive circuit 206 that drives the drive mechanisms 208, 209, etc., and an imaging table control circuit 203 that controls the drive circuit 206 and the X-ray tube device 204.

[0017] Here, the X-ray tube device 204 and the X-ray detector 205 are arranged opposite to each other by a C-arm 240. The C-arm 240 is supported by a drive mechanism 209 so that it can rotate, etc. Hereinafter, an FPD (flat panel detector) is used as the X-ray detector 205. Hereinafter, the X-ray detector 205 will be referred to as FPD205.

[0018] The imaging table 200 is also provided with a stand 230 that supports drive mechanisms 208, 209, etc. On the top of the stand 230, imaging table transceivers 210, 220 are provided as imaging table transceivers for receiving wireless signals from the proximity operation console 100.

[0019] A control circuit 203 is disposed inside the stand 230. The control circuit 203 controls the X-ray tube device 204, the FPD 205, the drive mechanism 550, and the like.

[0020] The X-ray high voltage device 300 includes a control circuit 301 and a high voltage generator 302. Under the control of the control circuit 301, the high voltage generator 302 supplies a tube voltage and a tube current to the X-ray tube device 204, causing the X-ray tube device 204 to irradiate X-rays. The control circuit 301 is connected to a control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200.

[0021] The proximity operation console 100 is equipped with an operation unit 103 that receives operations from an operator, an operation console control circuit 104, operation console transmitting / receiving units 110 and 120 that transmit operations received by the operation unit 103 by wireless signal, a battery 105, and wheels 106. The proximity operation console 100 can be moved within the examination room 2 because it is equipped with wheels 106.

[0022] The image processing device 500 also includes a control and calculation circuit 502 that processes the detection signal of the FPD 205 to generate a perspective image and a still image, and a memory 501 that stores the generated images.

[0023] The control circuit 402 of the remote control console 400 is connected to the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage generator 300 and the control and calculation circuit 502 of the image processing device 500 via a cable 403. The control and calculation circuit 502 of the image processing device 500 is connected to the FPD 205 of the imaging stand 200 via a cable 404.

[0024] Due to the above-described structure, signals from the proximity operation console 100 received by the imaging table transmitter / receivers 210 and 220 of the imaging table 200, and signals from the remote operation console 400 are input to the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage device 300. Therefore, when the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage device 300 receives a signal instructing the start of imaging from either the proximity operation console 100 or the remote operation console 400, it can supply tube current and tube voltage to the X-ray tube device 204 to emit X-rays. Furthermore, instructions such as raising or lowering the tabletop 207 received by the operation unit 401 of the remote operation console 400 are passed to the control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200 via the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high voltage device 300. Therefore, when the control circuit 203 of the imaging table 200 receives a signal from either the close-up operation table 100 or the remote operation table 400 instructing the tabletop 207 to be raised or lowered, etc., it operates the drive circuit 206 to raise or lower the tabletop 207.

[0025] 3(a), the console transmitting / receiving units 110, 120 are configured such that antennas 101, 102 and transmitting / receiving circuits 111, 112 are mounted on substrates 113, 114, respectively. The transmitting / receiving circuits 111, 112 convert signals (digital signals) received from the control circuit 104 into transmitting signals, output them to the antennas 101, 102, and cause them to be transmitted as wireless signals from the antennas 101, 102. The transmitting / receiving circuits 111, 112 also convert wireless signals received by the antennas 101, 102 into receiving signals (digital signals), and output them to the control circuit 104.

[0026] 3(a), the imaging stand transmitting / receiving units 210, 220 are configured such that antennas 201, 202 and transmitting / receiving circuits 211, 212 are mounted on boards 213, 214, respectively. The transmitting / receiving circuits 211, 212 convert wireless signals received by the antennas 201, 202 into receiving signals (digital signals) and output them to the control circuit 203. The transmitting / receiving circuits 211, 212 convert signals (digital signals) received from the control circuit 203 into transmitting signals and output them to the antennas 201, 202, which then transmit them as wireless signals.

[0027] In this way, the console transceivers 110 and 120 and the imaging stand transceivers 210 and 220 are provided with a transmission function and a reception function in order to establish a wireless communication protocol.

[0028] Here, the console transceiver 110 and the imaging stand transceiver 210 are configured to communicate wirelessly according to a predetermined first communication specification, while the console transceiver 120 and the imaging stand transceiver 220 are configured to communicate according to a predetermined second communication specification that is different from the first communication specification.

[0029] The first and second communication specifications herein refer to communication methods in which at least one of the frequency band of the transmission signal and the magnitude of the transmitted energy is different. For example, the first communication specification is a specification for communication using a 5 GHz frequency band, and the second communication specification is a specification for communication using a 2.4 GHz frequency band. Also, for example, the first communication specification is a specification for communication using 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system), and the second communication specification is a specification for communication using 4G (fourth generation mobile communication system). Also, for example, the first communication specification is a specification for communication using 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, and the second communication specification is a specification for communication using 920 MHz. Furthermore, for example, the first communication specification is a specification for communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) Class 1 with an output power of more than 10 mW and not more than 100 mW, and the second communication specification is a specification for communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) Class 2 with an output power of more than 1 mW and not more than 2.5 mW.

[0030] The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of this embodiment when performing imaging will be described below with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0031] The functions of at least one of the control circuit 104 of the proximity console 100 and the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 can be realized by software. In this case, the control circuit 104 and / or the control circuit 203 are configured by a computer or the like equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and memory, and the CPU reads and executes a program stored in the memory to realize those functions. It is also possible to configure part or all of at least one of the control circuit 104 of the proximity console 100 and the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 by hardware. For example, a circuit can be designed to realize the functions of each part using a custom IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a programmable IC such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0032] <Steps S11 and S12> When the operator operates the operation unit 103 of the proximity operation console 100 and receives an instruction to perform imaging using a predetermined type of imaging method (for example, long-length imaging or tomography imaging) (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 causes the operation console transceiver 110 to transmit a first confirmation signal of the first communication specification and the second transceiver to transmit a second confirmation signal of the second communication specification (step S12).

[0033] For example, the control circuit 104 outputs a predetermined first confirmation signal to the operator console transceiver 110 and instructs it to transmit this signal via 4G (fourth generation mobile communication system). The transceiver circuit 111 of the operator console transceiver 110 generates a transmission signal for transmitting the first confirmation signal via 4G and outputs it to the antenna 101 for transmission. The control circuit 104 also outputs a predetermined second confirmation signal to the operator console transceiver 120 and instructs it to transmit this signal via 5G (fifth generation mobile communication system). The transceiver circuit 112 of the operator console transceiver 120 generates a transmission signal for transmitting the second confirmation signal via 5G and transmits it from the antenna 102.

[0034] Furthermore, the predetermined type of imaging method may be an imaging method for which it is preferable to check the radio wave conditions in advance, and may be a specific imaging method that requires a long imaging time, such as long-length imaging or tomography imaging.

[0035] <Step S13> The antenna 201 of the imaging stand transceiver 210 of the imaging stand 200 receives the first confirmation signal transmitted from the antenna 101 of the console transceiver 110, and the transceiver circuit 211 converts it into a received signal and outputs it to the control circuit 203. Similarly, the antenna 202 of the imaging stand transceiver 220 receives the second confirmation signal transmitted from the antenna 102 of the console transceiver 120, and the transceiver circuit 212 converts it into a received signal and outputs it to the control circuit 203.

[0036] The control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 compares the stability of the reception result of the first confirmation signal received and output by the imaging stand transceiver 210 and the reception result of the second confirmation signal received and output by the imaging stand transceiver 220, and determines which is more stable. Specifically, the control circuit 203 determines the stability of the reception result of the first confirmation signal and the reception result of the second confirmation signal by comparing the response times.

[0037] The control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 selects the communication specification (first communication specification or second communication specification) that has the best stability, transmits the selection result to the operation console, and transmits it via wireless communication to the operation console transmission / reception unit 110 or 120 via the imaging stand transmission / reception unit 210 or 220.

[0038] The console transmitting / receiving units 110 and 120 receive the transmitted selection results and output them to the control circuit 104 .

[0039] The control circuit 104 of the proximity operation console 100 sets the antenna to use the communication specification indicated by the received selection result, out of the first communication specification and the second communication specification. Specifically, for example, if the selection result is to select the first communication specification, the control circuit 104 of the proximity operation console 100 outputs a series of signals for executing imaging to the operation console transceiver unit 110, and transmits the series of signals to the imaging stand 200 by wireless signals of the first communication specification (e.g., 4G). The imaging stand 200 receives the wireless signals of the first communication specification (e.g., 4G) by the imaging stand transceiver unit 210, and outputs them to the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200. As a result, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 executes imaging.

[0040] Furthermore, if the selection result is to select the second communication specification, the control circuit 104 of the proximity operation console 100 outputs a series of signals for executing imaging to the operation console transceiver 120, and transmits the series of signals to the imaging stand 200 by wireless signals of the second communication specification (for example, 5G). The imaging stand 200 receives the wireless signals of the second communication specification (for example, 5G) by the imaging stand transceiver 220, and outputs them to the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200. As a result, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 executes imaging.

[0041] When imaging is performed, the imaging platform transceiver 210 or 220 receives information such as X-ray irradiation conditions, image processing conditions, operation conditions, and information on the position and orientation of the tabletop 207 from the proximity operation console 100. The drive circuit 206 drives the tabletop 207 in accordance with the information on the position and orientation of the tabletop 207 received from the proximity operation console 100. The X-ray tube device 204 irradiates X-rays in accordance with the X-ray irradiation conditions received from the proximity operation console 100. The X-rays that pass through the subject 5 are detected by the FPD 205. A detection signal from the FPD 205 is transferred to the control and calculation circuit 502 of the image processing device 500 via the cable 404. The control and calculation circuit 502 receives the image processing conditions received from the proximity operation console 100 from the control circuit 203 of the imaging platform 200 via the control circuit 301 of the X-ray high-voltage device 300, processes the detection signal from the FPD 205 in accordance with these conditions, and generates an X-ray image. The generated image is stored in memory 501 and displayed on display device 600 .

[0042] The operator can also set various imaging conditions and the like by operating the operation unit 401 of the remote control console 400. In this case, the imaging conditions and the like are set in the X-ray high voltage generator 300 and the imaging table 200 from the remote control console 400 via the cable 403.

[0043] As described above, in the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, an operator operates the proximity control console 100, which transmits a signal to the X-ray imaging table 200 via wireless communication, thereby performing imaging.

[0044] When the imaging method is an imaging method that requires the imaging range to be set in advance and the series of imaging operations to be performed without stopping, such as long-length imaging or tomography imaging, the first and second confirmation signals are transmitted in advance from the two sets of console transceivers 110, 120, and a communication specification for a stable communication state is selected. This reduces the possibility that imaging will be interrupted due to the wireless communication state becoming unstable midway through imaging. This reduces the possibility that imaging will be interrupted due to the wireless communication state becoming unstable during imaging, resulting in unnecessary exposure of the subject 5, which would be required to restart imaging. Therefore, even though the device configuration connects the operation console and the imaging stand via wireless communication, it is possible to achieve both safety and usability.

[0045] 3(a), the console transmitting / receiving units 110, 120 are configured such that the antennas 101, 102 are mounted on separate boards 113, 114, but as shown in FIG. 3(b), the antennas 101, 102 may be mounted on a single board 116. In this case, the transmitting / receiving circuit 115 may be common to the antennas 101, 102, and one transmitting / receiving circuit 115 may transmit a transmission signal to each of the antennas 101 and 102.

[0046] Similarly, for the imaging stand transceivers 210 and 220, the antennas 201 and 202 may be mounted on a single board 216, as shown in Fig. 3(b). In this case, the transceiver circuit 215 may be common to the antennas 201 and 202, and one transceiver circuit 215 may receive signals from the antennas 101 and 102 and generate a received signal.

[0047] <<Embodiment 2>> An X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0048] The X-ray imaging apparatus of embodiment 2 is almost the same as the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of embodiment 1, but the signals transmitted from the two sets of console transceivers 110 and 120 of the proximity console 100 are of different types for the console transceiver 110 and the console transceiver 120.

[0049] The following will be explained using the flow in FIG.

[0050] <Step S21> When the operator operates the operation unit 103 of the proximity operation console 100, inputs the imaging method and imaging conditions, and issues an instruction to start imaging, the control circuit 104 accepts these.

[0051] <Step S21> The control circuit of the proximity console 100 divides the multiple types of signals that need to be transmitted to the imaging platform 200 to perform imaging into two types: first signals that are periodically transmitted at a first frequency, and second signals that are periodically transmitted at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency (see FIG. 6). The console transceiver 110 transmits the first signals at the first frequency, and the console transceiver 120 transmits the second signals at the second frequency.

[0052] For example, the control circuit 104 of the proximity console 100 generates the first signal as information on items (types) with a large amount of communication (amount of information), such as operation signals (X-ray imaging conditions, image processing functions, operation conditions, and position information of the imaging table). The second signal also generates a periodic signal (interlock signal) that allows driving of the driving units (motors) of the driving mechanisms 208, 209 of the imaging table 200. The second signal has a smaller amount of information than the first signal.

[0053] This allows the second signal to be transmitted exclusively as an enabling signal, thereby increasing the frequency of transmission.

[0054] <Step S23> The antenna 201 of the imaging stand transceiver 210 of the imaging stand 200 receives the first signal (operation signal) transmitted from the antenna 101 of the operation console transceiver 110, and the transceiver circuit 211 converts it into a received signal and outputs it to the control circuit 203. Similarly, the antenna 202 of the imaging stand transceiver 220 receives the second signal (interlock signal) transmitted from the antenna 102 of the operation console transceiver 120, and the transceiver circuit 212 converts it into a received signal and outputs it to the control circuit 203.

[0055] The control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 operates the drive circuit 206 and the X-ray tube device 204 in accordance with the received first and second signals to perform imaging.

[0056] <Steps S23 to S26> During imaging, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 detects the reception interval t2 of the second signal received by the antenna 202 of the imaging stand transceiver 220 and determines whether the reception interval is equal to or greater than a predetermined T2.

[0057] If the reception interval t2 is less than T2, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 proceeds to step S26 to continue the operation of the imaging stand.

[0058] On the other hand, if the reception interval t2 is equal to or greater than T2, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 proceeds to step S25 and stops the operation of the drive circuit 206 and the X-ray tube assembly 204.

[0059] As a result, in the X-ray imaging device of embodiment 2, the occurrence of a communication failure can be detected by the reception interval t2 of the second signal, and if a communication failure occurs, the device can be stopped, thereby making it possible to achieve both safety and operability of the device.

[0060] The configuration and operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the second embodiment other than those described above are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] <<Embodiment 3>> An X-ray imaging apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0062] The X-ray imaging device of embodiment 3 has the same configuration as the device of embodiment 2, but differs from the device of embodiment 2 in that the device is stopped when either the first signal or the second signal is no longer received.

[0063] The operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0064] <Steps S21 to S23> The operations of steps S21 to S23 of the X-ray imaging apparatus of the third embodiment are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0065] <Steps S24 to S25> During imaging, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 detects the reception interval t2 of the second signal received by the antenna 202 of the imaging stand transceiver 220 and determines whether the reception interval is equal to or greater than a predetermined T2 (step S24).

[0066] If the reception interval t2 is equal to or greater than T2, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 proceeds to step S25 and stops the operation of the drive circuit 206 and the X-ray tube assembly 204.

[0067] On the other hand, if the reception interval t2 is less than T2, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 proceeds to step S33.

[0068] <Steps S31 and S32> During imaging, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 detects the reception interval t1 of the first signal received by the antenna 201 of the imaging stand transceiver 210 and determines whether the reception interval is equal to or greater than a predetermined T1 (step S31).

[0069] If the reception interval t1 is equal to or greater than T1, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 proceeds to step S32 and stops the operation of the drive circuit 206 and the X-ray tube assembly 204.

[0070] On the other hand, if the reception interval t1 is less than T1, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 proceeds to step S33.

[0071] <Step S33> If the reception interval t1 of the first signal is equal to or greater than the predetermined T1 and the reception interval t2 of the second signal is equal to or greater than the predetermined T2, the control circuit 203 of the imaging stand 200 continues the imaging operation of the imaging stand and returns to step S22.

[0072] As a result, even if wireless communication behaves unintendedly due to firmware runaway or a failure in firmware program installation, two sets of transceivers (a set of transceivers 110 and 210, and a set of transceivers 120 and 220) are provided, and if one communication is delayed and the reception interval exceeds a predetermined value, this can be detected and the device can be stopped. This makes it possible to achieve both safety and operability of the device.

[0073] In addition, in embodiment 3, in order to make the pair of transceiver units 120 and 220 safer to use, it is possible to lower the frequency of the radio signal from the pair of transceiver units 110 and 210, or to transmit more energy from antenna 102 of transceiver unit 120 than from antenna 101 of transceiver unit 11, thereby making the signal more stable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 X-ray equipment 2. Examination Room 3 Control room 4 X-ray shielding plate 5. Subject 100 Proximity Control Console 101 Antenna 102 Antenna 103 Operation section 104 console control circuit 105 Battery 106 Wheels 110 Console transmitter / receiver 111 Transmitting and receiving circuit 112 Transmitting and receiving circuit 113 Substrate 114 Circuit Board 115 Transmitting and receiving circuit 116 PCB 120 Console transmitter / receiver 200 shooting stands 201 Antenna 202 Antenna 203 Imaging table control circuit 204 X-ray tube equipment 205 X-ray detector (FPD) 206 Drive Circuit 207 Top Plate 208 Drive Mechanism 209 Drive Mechanism 210 Imaging stand transmitter / receiver 211 Transmitting and receiving circuit 212 Transmitting and receiving circuit 213 Substrate 214 Substrate 215 Transmitting and receiving circuit 216 Substrate 220 Imaging stand transmitter / receiver 230 Stand 240 C-arm 300 X-ray high voltage device 301 Control circuit 302 Voltage Generator 400 Remote Control Console 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 t1 First signal reception interval t2 Second signal reception interval

Claims

1. It has an imaging stand and an operation console, the imaging table includes a top plate, an X-ray tube device that irradiates X-rays onto a subject placed on the top plate, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject, a drive unit that moves the top plate and the X-ray tube device, an imaging table control unit that controls the drive unit and the X-ray tube device, and an imaging table transceiver unit that transmits and receives signals to and from the operation console by wireless signals; the operation console includes an operation unit that receives operations from an operator, an operation console transceiver unit that transmits and receives wireless signals to and from the imaging table transceiver unit, and an operation console control unit that controls the operation console transceiver unit, and the operation console control unit instructs the imaging table control unit of the operations received by the operation unit through wireless communication between the operation console transceiver unit and the imaging table transceiver unit; the console transceiver unit includes a first transceiver unit and a second transceiver unit; the imaging stand transceiver unit includes a third transceiver unit and a fourth transceiver unit; an X-ray imaging device characterized in that the console control unit and the imaging table transceiver unit are configured to communicate using the first transceiver unit and the third transceiver unit, respectively, in accordance with a predetermined first communication specification, and to communicate via the second transceiver unit and the fourth transceiver unit in accordance with a predetermined second communication specification.

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

3. 2. An X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first transceiver of the console transceiver includes a first antenna and a first transceiver circuit, and the second transceiver includes a second antenna and a second transceiver circuit.

4. 4. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first transmitting / receiving circuit and the second transmitting / receiving circuit are realized by the same circuit.

5. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, When the operation unit receives an instruction to take a photograph using a predetermined type of photographing method, the operation console control unit transmits a first confirmation signal of a first communication specification from a first transmission / reception unit of the operation console transmission / reception unit and a second confirmation signal of a second communication specification from a second transmission / reception unit before transmitting an instruction to start photographing to the photographing stand, the imaging stand transceiver receives the first confirmation signal via the third transceiver and receives the second confirmation signal via the fourth transceiver; the imaging table control unit compares the stability of the reception result of the first confirmation signal by the third transmitting / receiving unit and the stability of the reception result of the second confirmation signal by the fourth transmitting / receiving unit, selects a communication specification with superior stability, and transmits the selection result to the operation console; the console transceiver receives the transmitted selection result, The console control unit transmits an instruction to the imaging table to perform imaging using the imaging method using the communication specification indicated by the selection result, out of the first communication specification and the second communication specification.

6. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, the first communication specification is a higher frequency than the second communication specification; When the operation unit receives an instruction to perform photography, the console control unit divides the multiple types of signals that need to be transmitted to the photography stand in order to perform photography into two types: a first signal that is periodically transmitted at a first frequency and a second signal that is periodically transmitted at a second frequency that is lower than the first frequency, and transmits the first signal at the first frequency from the first transceiver unit of the console transceiver unit and the second signal at the second frequency from the second transceiver unit, the imaging table transceiver receives the first signal via the third transceiver and receives the second signal via the fourth transceiver; The X-ray imaging apparatus, wherein the imaging table control unit operates the drive unit and the X-ray tube device in accordance with the first signal and the second signal to perform imaging.

7. 7. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the imaging table control unit detects an interval at which the fourth transmitting / receiving unit receives the second signal during imaging, and when the reception interval becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value T2, stops the operation of the drive unit and the X-ray tube device, thereby stopping imaging.

8. 8. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 7, the imaging table control unit detects the reception interval of the first signal by the third transceiver unit during imaging, and when the reception interval becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value T1 and the reception interval of the second signal is less than T2, does not stop the operation of the drive unit and the X-ray tube device.

9. 8. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 7, the imaging table control unit detects an interval between reception of the first signal by the third transceiver unit during imaging, and stops operation of the drive unit and the X-ray tube device when the reception interval becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value T1.

Images