X-ray imaging apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

To grasp a correspondence relation between an operation of a lever or a button of an operation part of an X-ray imaging apparatus and a moving direction of a movable part of the X-ray imaging apparatus without actually moving the movable part of the X-ray imaging apparatus.SOLUTION: In the tutorial mode, the display control unit causes the display device to display an image indicating an appearance of the X-ray imaging apparatus generated in advance, and when the operation unit receives an operation, the display control unit obtains a moving direction of the X-ray generation unit corresponding to the received operation, and moves the image of the X-ray generation unit included in the image of the X-ray imaging apparatus on the display device in the obtained moving direction. During the tutorial mode, the movement control unit does not operate the drive mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus, and more particularly to control of the direction of movement of a mechanism of an X-ray imaging apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] X-ray imaging devices are not only equipped with a drive mechanism that moves the X-ray generator, X-ray detector, and tabletop in a linear manner along one or more axial directions, but also with a drive mechanism that moves the subject up and down by rotating the tabletop. The operator operates the levers and buttons on the control unit to move each part to the desired position depending on the area to be imaged and the imaging method.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an X-ray inspection device that is capable of monitoring or simulating the relative positional relationship of the X-ray generator, X-ray detector, and tabletop to prevent them from colliding with each other when they are moved linearly or in a rotational motion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-204720 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, when moving the X-ray generator, X-ray detector, tabletop, etc., in the X-ray imaging device, the operator operates levers and buttons on the operation unit. A joystick is typically used as the lever on the operation unit, and the four tilt directions are assigned to move the X-ray generator in the longitudinal and lateral directions of the tabletop, respectively. In addition, the multiple buttons on the operation unit are also assigned to move the X-ray generator up and down, etc.

[0006] The correspondence between the tilt direction of the joystick on the operation unit and whether the X-ray generating unit is moved in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the tabletop is preset at the time of shipment.

[0007] Furthermore, the X-ray imaging device is provided with a user maintenance mode, and by activating the user maintenance mode, the user can independently set the tilt direction of the joystick on the operation unit, the buttons to be pressed, and the direction in which the X-ray generator, X-ray detector, tabletop, etc. will move as a result of that operation, according to their preferences. Therefore, in X-ray imaging devices actually operating in hospitals, etc., the tilt direction of the joystick on the operation unit, the buttons to be pressed, and the direction in which the X-ray generator, X-ray detector, tabletop, etc. will move as a result of that operation differ from device to device.

[0008] Therefore, technicians and doctors operating an X-ray machine for the first time have no idea which parts move in which direction until they actually operate the levers and buttons on the control panel and move the moving parts of the X-ray machine.This problem is particularly stressful for technicians who work at multiple hospitals.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to make it possible to understand the correspondence between the operation of the levers and buttons on the operating section of the X-ray imaging device and the movement direction of the movable section of the X-ray imaging device without actually moving the movable section of the X-ray imaging device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an X-ray imaging device including a tabletop for supporting a subject, a support frame supporting the tabletop, an X-ray generator, an X-ray support unit supporting the X-ray generator, a drive mechanism for moving the X-ray generator relative to the support frame, an operation unit for receiving directional instructions from an operator, a control unit, and a movement direction setting storage unit. The movement direction setting storage unit stores a predetermined correspondence between operations received by the operation unit and directions in which the X-ray generator is moved. The control unit includes a movement control unit for controlling the drive mechanism and a display control unit for generating images to be displayed on a connected display device. The control unit can selectively execute a normal mode or a tutorial mode. In the tutorial mode, the display control unit displays a previously generated image showing the appearance of the X-ray imaging device on the display device. When the operation unit receives an operation, the display control unit refers to the correspondence in the movement direction setting storage unit to determine a movement direction of the X-ray generator corresponding to the received operation of the operation unit, and moves an image of the X-ray generator included in an image of the X-ray imaging device on the display device in the determined movement direction. During tutorial mode, the movement control does not operate the drive mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, an operator can understand the correspondence between the operation of the levers and buttons on the operating section of the X-ray imaging device and the direction of movement of the X-ray generating section of the X-ray imaging device without actually driving the mechanism section of the X-ray imaging device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1(a) and 1(b) are a front view and a side view of an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing the functions of an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a top view showing the structure of an operation unit 120 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a table stored in a movement direction setting storage unit 107 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams illustrating an example of a model image 111 displayed on the display device 110 and the corresponding relationship between operations on the operation unit 120 in the tutorial mode of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the tutorial mode of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment in a normal mode. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the tutorial mode of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10(a) and 10(b) are diagrams illustrating an example of a model image 111 displayed on the display device 110 and the correspondence between operations on the operation unit 120 in the tutorial mode of the X-ray imaging device 1 of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] The configuration of an X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0015] 1(a) and (b) are a front view and a side view of the X-ray imaging device 1, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the X-ray imaging device 1, and FIG. 3 is a top view showing the structure of the operation unit 120.

[0016] 1(a) and 1(b), the X-ray imaging device 1 is configured to include a top plate 20 for placing a subject on, a support frame 21 that supports the top plate 20, an X-ray generation unit 30, an X-ray detector 50, an X-ray support unit 40 that supports the X-ray generation unit 30, drive mechanisms 41, 42, and 43 that move the X-ray generation unit 30 in the Y direction, X direction, and Z direction relative to the support frame 21, and an operation unit 120 that receives directional instructions from an operator. The X-ray detector 50 is disposed within the support frame 21 and detects X-rays that have been irradiated by the X-ray generation unit 30 and passed through the subject.

[0017] 2, a high voltage generator 101 that supplies a high voltage is connected to the X-ray generation unit 30. An image processing unit 102 is connected to the X-ray detector 50, and an X-ray image is generated using the output of the X-ray detector 50.

[0018] The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 also includes a control unit 103 , an operator information storage unit 106 , a movement direction setting storage unit 107 , a tutorial mode determination unit 108 , and an operator information acquisition unit 109 .

[0019] The movement direction setting storage unit 107 stores in advance the correspondence between the operation received by the operation unit 120 and the direction in which the X-ray generation unit 30 is moved, for example, in the form of a table as shown in Fig. 4. The table representing this correspondence can be rewritten to a correspondence desired by the user in a specific mode (user maintenance mode) or the like.

[0020] The operation unit 120 includes a device start button 122 , an operation lever 123 , a function switch 121 , a photographing condition setting unit 124 , an aperture control unit 126 , and an information input unit 125 .

[0021] The operation lever 123 is a joystick that can be tilted in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and a movement direction of the X-ray generation unit 30 is assigned to each tilt direction by a table in the movement direction setting storage unit 107. For example, in the example of Fig. 4, when the operation lever 123 is tilted downward, the X-ray generation unit 30 moves in the -Y direction along the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 20, when the operation lever 123 is tilted upward, the X-ray generation unit 30 moves in the +Y direction, when the operation lever 123 is tilted left, the X-ray generation unit 30 moves in the -X direction along the lateral direction of the tabletop 20, and when the operation lever 123 is tilted right, the X-ray generation unit 30 moves in the +X direction.

[0022] The function switch 121 of the operation unit 120 is a switch for moving the X-ray generation unit 30. The movement direction of the X-ray generation unit 30 is assigned by a table in the movement direction setting storage unit 107. Here, when the function switch (A) 121a is pressed, the X-ray generation unit 30 is moved upward (+Z direction), and when the function switch (B) 121b is pressed, the X-ray generation unit 30 is moved downward (-Z direction).

[0023] The imaging condition setting unit 124 receives input of imaging conditions and subject information from the operator.

[0024] The aperture control unit 126 accepts an operation to adjust the aperture of the aperture device 31 provided in the X-ray generation unit 30. Here, the aperture control unit 126 is a slide bar.

[0025] The control unit 103 includes a movement control unit 104 that controls the drive mechanisms 41, 42, and 43, and a display control unit 105 that generates an image to be displayed on a connected display device 110.

[0026] The tutorial mode determination unit 108 determines whether to activate the tutorial mode based on an operation etc. received by the operation unit 120. The control unit 103 selectively executes either the normal mode or the tutorial mode according to the determination result of the tutorial mode determination unit 108.

[0027] In the tutorial mode, the display control unit 105 displays a model image 111 showing the appearance of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, which has been generated in advance, on the display device 110, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 1 and 5(a) to 5(c). When the operation lever 123 or function switches 121a and 121b provided on the operation unit 120 is operated, the display control unit 105 refers to the correspondence in the movement direction setting storage unit 107 and determines the movement direction of the X-ray generation unit 30 corresponding to the received operation of the operation unit 120. Furthermore, the display control unit 105 moves the image 130 of the X-ray generation unit 30 included in the model image 111 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 on the display device 110 in the determined movement direction, or displays a mark 113 indicating the movement direction. During the tutorial mode, the movement control unit 104 does not operate the drive mechanisms 41, 42, and 43.

[0028] The control unit 103 executes a standby mode in which the operation of each unit is started in a predetermined procedure when the power switch of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 is pressed to start up the apparatus 1. While the standby mode is being executed, the control unit 103 executes a tutorial mode.

[0029] The control unit 103 also identifies the operator, and if the identified operator is using the X-ray imaging device 1 for the first time, or if the period since the last use of the X-ray imaging device 1 is longer than a predetermined period, executes the tutorial mode.

[0030] The operator information acquisition unit 109 acquires information for identifying the operator by reading the operator's ID card or the like.

[0031] The operator information storage unit 106 stores a history of the date and time when the identified operator operated the X-ray imaging device 1, etc.

[0032] In the tutorial mode of the X-ray imaging device 1 configured as above, the operator can operate the operation unit 120 installed on the operation table to check the movement direction of the target mechanism (for example, the X-ray generation unit 30) on the model image 111 or mark 113 displayed on the display device 110. Therefore, it is possible to understand the correspondence between the operation of the levers and buttons on the operation unit of the X-ray imaging device and the movement direction of the X-ray generation unit of the X-ray imaging device without actually driving the mechanism unit of the X-ray imaging device.

[0033] The operation of each part of the X-ray imaging device 1 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0034] The functions of the control unit 103, tutorial mode determination unit 108, and operator information acquisition unit 109 can be realized by software. In this case, the control unit 103, tutorial mode determination unit 108, and operator information acquisition unit 109 are configured by a computer or the like equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a memory, and the processor reads and executes programs stored in the memory to realize these functions. The operator information storage unit 106 and movement direction setting storage unit 107 can be realized by storage areas in the memory.

[0035] It is also possible to configure part or all of the control unit 103, tutorial mode determination unit 108, and operator information acquisition unit 109 using hardware. For example, a circuit design can be performed to realize the functions of each unit using a custom IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a programmable IC such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0036] (Step 140) When the operator turns on the device start button 122 and the device is started, the control unit 103 proceeds to step 141 .

[0037] (Step 141) The control unit 103 executes a predetermined standby mode. The standby mode is a predetermined mode in which the control unit 103 reads imaging conditions and subject information from the imaging condition setting unit 124, etc., and prepares to start imaging. Once the standby mode is activated, the process proceeds to step 142.

[0038] (Step 142) The control unit 103 acquires the operator information by having the operator information acquisition unit 109 read the ID card of the operator, etc., and when the operator is identified, the process proceeds to step 143 .

[0039] (Steps 143 and 145) In step 143, the tutorial mode determination unit 108 refers to the operator information stored in the operator information storage unit 106 and determines whether the operator identified by the control unit 103 in step 142 is using this X-ray imaging device 1 for the first time, or whether the period since the last time this X-ray imaging device 1 was used is more than a predetermined number of days.If either of these conditions is met, the process proceeds to step 145 and the tutorial mode is activated.

[0040] On the other hand, if the operator identified in step 142 is not using this X-ray imaging device 1 for the first time and the period since the last time the operator used this X-ray imaging device 1 is less than the specified number of days, the tutorial mode determination unit 108 proceeds to step 144.

[0041] (Step 144) The tutorial mode determination unit 108 determines whether the operation lever 123 has been operated while the standby mode is active, and if it has been operated, the process proceeds to step 145 to activate the tutorial mode. Since the X-ray generation unit 30 cannot actually be moved while the standby mode is active, the tutorial mode is activated.

[0042] On the other hand, if the operation lever 123 is not operated while the standby mode is activated, the tutorial mode determination unit 108 proceeds to step 145 and activates the normal mode.

[0043] <Tutorial Mode (Step 145)> The tutorial mode in step 145 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0044] (Step 151) First, the display control unit 105 reads a table (FIG. 4) stored in the movement direction setting storage unit 107, which indicates the correspondence between the operation accepted by the operation unit 120 and the direction in which the X-ray generation unit 30 is moved.

[0045] (Step 152) The display control unit 105 causes the display device to display a model image 111 of the X-ray imaging device 1 as shown in Figures 2 and 5. In this way, the display control unit 105 notifies the operator that the mode is the tutorial mode.

[0046] (Step 153) The display control unit 105 determines whether the operation lever 123 of the operation unit 120 has been operated, and if it has been operated, the process proceeds to step 154. If it has not been operated, the process proceeds to step 155.

[0047] (Step 154) In step 154, the display control unit 105 receives the tilt direction of the operating lever 123 from the operation unit 120, and refers to the correspondence read in step 151 to determine the movement direction (any of the +Y, -Y, +X, and -X directions) of the X-ray generation unit 30 corresponding to the tilt direction of the operating lever 123. The display control unit 105 moves the image 130 of the X-ray generation unit 30 in the determined movement direction on the model image 111 of the X-ray imaging device 1 displayed on the display device 110. Alternatively, the display control unit 105 displays a mark 113 indicating the determined movement direction on the model image 111.

[0048] (Step 155) Next, display control unit 105 determines whether function switches 121a and 121b of operation unit 120 have been operated, and if they have been operated, proceeds to step 156. If they have not been operated, proceeds to step 157.

[0049] (Step 156) In step 156, the display control unit 105 receives from the operation unit 120 information on which of the function switches 121a and 121b has been operated, and refers to the correspondence read in step 151. As a result, the display control unit 105 determines whether the movement direction of the X-ray generation unit 30 corresponding to the operated function switch 121a or 121b is the +Z or -Z direction. The display control unit 105 moves the image 130 of the X-ray generation unit 30 in the determined movement direction on the model image 111 of the X-ray imaging device 1 displayed on the display device 110. Alternatively, the display control unit 105 displays a mark 113 indicating the determined movement direction on the model image 111.

[0050] (Step 157) If a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the tutorial mode, the display control unit 105 proceeds to the normal mode in step 146. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step 153.

[0051] <Normal mode (step 146)> The normal mode in step 146 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0052] (Step 161) First, the movement control unit 104 reads a table (FIG. 4) stored in the movement direction setting storage unit 107, which indicates the correspondence between the operation accepted by the operation unit 120 and the direction in which the X-ray generation unit 30 is moved.

[0053] (Step 162) The movement control unit 104 determines whether the operation lever 123 of the operation unit 120 has been operated, and if it has been operated, proceeds to step 163. If it has not been operated, proceeds to step 164.

[0054] (Step 163) In step 163, the movement control unit 104 receives the tilt direction of the operating lever 123 from the operation unit 120, and refers to the correspondence read in step 161 to determine the movement direction (any of the +Y, -Y, +X, and -X directions) of the X-ray generation unit 30 that corresponds to the tilt direction of the operating lever 123. The movement control unit 104 controls the drive mechanisms 41 and 42 to actually move the X-ray generation unit 30 in the determined movement direction.

[0055] (Step 164) Next, the movement control unit 104 determines whether the function switches 121a and 121b of the operation unit 120 have been operated, and if they have been operated, the process proceeds to step 165. If they have not been operated, the process returns to step 162.

[0056] (Step 165) In step 165, the movement control unit 104 receives from the operation unit 120 information on which of the function switches 121a and 121b has been operated, and refers to the correspondence read in step 161. As a result, the movement control unit 104 determines whether the movement direction of the X-ray generation unit 30 corresponding to the operated function switch 121a or 121b is the +Z or -Z direction. The movement control unit 104 controls the drive mechanism 43 to actually move the X-ray generation unit 30 in the determined movement direction.

[0057] As described above, in the tutorial mode, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of this embodiment does not actually drive the drive mechanisms 41, 42, 43 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1, but moves the image 130 of the X-ray generation unit 30 on the image of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 displayed on the screen of the display device. This allows the operator to understand the correspondence between the operation of the operation lever 123 and switches 121a, 121b of the operation unit 120 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 and the movement direction of the X-ray generation unit 30.

[0058] Therefore, technicians or doctors who are operating the X-ray imaging device for the first time or after a long time can actually operate the levers and buttons on the operation unit in the tutorial mode and understand the direction of movement of the X-ray generation unit 30 on the display screen, thereby reducing stress related to operation.

[0059] <<Embodiment 2>> An X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0060] In the first embodiment, if a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the tutorial mode in step 157, the tutorial mode is ended and the mode is switched to normal mode, but in the second embodiment, the operation unit 120 is provided with a tutorial mode end button 131 as shown in Fig. 5. As a result, the X-ray imaging device 1 of the second embodiment is configured so that the tutorial mode will not end unless the operator presses the tutorial mode end button 131.

[0061] The end button 131 may be provided near the operation lever 123 of the operation unit 120, or may be a button displayed on the screen of the display device 110 as shown in FIG.

[0062] The operation of the tutorial mode of the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] (Steps 151-156) Since these steps are the same as steps 151 to 156 in the first embodiment, the explanation will be omitted.

[0064] (Step 171) The display control unit 105 determines whether the tutorial mode end button 131 of the operation unit 120 has been pressed, and if it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 172. If it has not been pressed, the process returns to step 153.

[0065] (Step 172) In step 172, the display control unit 105 determines whether or not the predetermined standby mode activated by the control unit 103 in step 141 has ended. As described in step 141, the standby mode is a predetermined mode in which the control unit 103 reads imaging conditions and subject information from the imaging condition setting unit 124, etc., and prepares to start imaging.

[0066] If the display control unit 105 determines that the standby mode has ended, it ends the tutorial mode and executes the normal mode. On the other hand, if it determines that the standby mode has not ended, it returns to step 153 and continues the tutorial mode.

[0067] In this way, the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the second embodiment does not end the tutorial mode unless the operator presses the tutorial mode end button 131. Therefore, even if the operator thinks that the mode is the tutorial mode, it is possible to prevent the drive mechanisms 41, 42, 43 of the apparatus from operating by the operator operating the operation lever 123 or the like.

[0068] In the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the configuration and operation of the apparatus other than those described above are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] <<Embodiment 3>> An X-ray imaging apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment will be described.

[0070] The X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the third embodiment has the same configuration and operation as the X-ray imaging apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, but in step 154 ​​of the tutorial mode, when the display control unit 105 moves the image 130 of the X-ray generation unit 30 displayed on the display device 110, the greater the angle at which the operator tilts the operation lever 123, the greater the moving speed of the X-ray generation unit displayed on the display device. Alternatively, the display control unit 105 displays a mark 113 indicating the moving direction on the model image 111, larger the greater the angle at which the operation lever 123 is tilted, thereby indicating that the speed is high (see FIGS. 10(a) and 10(b)).

[0071] In this way, by enlarging the movement speed of the image 130 of the X-ray generating unit 30 in tutorial mode and the movement direction mark 113 to indicate that the speed is high, the operator can understand, even in tutorial mode, that the movement speed of the X-ray generating unit 30 in normal mode changes depending on the tilt angle of the operating lever 123. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 X-ray equipment 20 Top plate 21 Support Frame 30 X-ray generator 31 Aperture device 40 X-ray support section 41 Drive mechanism 41, 42, 43 Drive mechanism 50 X-ray detectors 101 Voltage Generator 102 Image processing section 103 Control Unit 104 Movement control unit 105 Display control unit 106 Operator information storage unit 107 Movement direction setting memory unit 108 Tutorial mode determination section 109 Operator information acquisition unit 110 Display device 111 Model Images 113 marks 120 Operation section 121 Function switch 122 Device start button 123 Operating lever 124 Shooting condition setting section 125 Information input section 126 Control Unit 130 statue 131 Exit tutorial mode button

Claims

1. the apparatus includes a tabletop for placing a subject thereon, a support frame for supporting the tabletop, an X-ray generating unit, an X-ray support unit for supporting the X-ray generating unit, a drive mechanism for moving the X-ray generating unit relative to the support frame, an operation unit for receiving directional instructions from an operator, a control unit, and a movement direction setting storage unit; the movement direction setting storage unit stores a preset correspondence relationship between the operation accepted by the operation unit and the direction in which the X-ray generation unit is moved; the control unit includes a movement control unit that controls the drive mechanism and a display control unit that generates an image to be displayed on a connected display device; the control unit is capable of selectively executing a normal mode and a tutorial mode, In the tutorial mode, the display control unit displays a model image showing the appearance of the X-ray imaging device, which has been generated in advance, on the display device, and when the operation unit receives an operation, the display control unit refers to the correspondence relationship in the movement direction setting storage unit, determines a movement direction of the X-ray generation unit corresponding to the operation received by the operation unit, and moves an image of the X-ray generation unit included in the model image on the display device in the determined movement direction, or displays a mark indicating the movement direction, and during the tutorial mode, the movement control unit does not operate the drive mechanism. An X-ray imaging device characterized by:

2. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes a standby mode in which operations of each unit are started in a predetermined sequence when a power switch of the X-ray imaging apparatus is pressed to start the apparatus, The control unit executes the tutorial mode while the standby mode is being executed. An X-ray imaging device characterized by:

3. 2. The X-ray imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit identifies an operator, and executes the tutorial mode if the identified operator is using the X-ray imaging device for the first time or if a predetermined period has elapsed since the last use of the X-ray imaging device. An X-ray imaging device characterized by:

4. 3. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation unit includes a tutorial mode end button, When the tutorial mode end button is operated, the control unit determines whether the standby mode has ended, and if so, ends the tutorial mode and executes the normal mode. An X-ray imaging device characterized by:

5. 2. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit includes a lever that receives a directional instruction from an operator, In the tutorial mode, the display control unit increases the moving speed of the X-ray generation unit displayed on the display device as the tilt angle of the lever increases. An X-ray imaging device characterized by:

6. A control method for an X-ray imaging apparatus having a top plate for placing a subject on it, a support frame that supports the top plate, an X-ray generation unit, an X-ray support unit that supports the X-ray generation unit, a drive mechanism that moves the X-ray generation unit relative to the support frame, an operation unit that receives directional instructions from an operator, and a movement direction setting storage unit, the movement direction setting storage unit stores a preset correspondence relationship between a direction accepted by the operation unit and a direction in which the X-ray generation unit is moved; the X-ray imaging device is capable of selectively operating in a normal mode and a tutorial mode; In the tutorial mode, A pre-generated image showing the appearance of the X-ray imaging device is displayed on a display device; When the operation unit receives a direction instruction, the movement direction of the X-ray generation unit corresponding to the direction received by the operation unit is obtained by referring to the correspondence relationship in the movement direction setting storage unit, and an image of the X-ray generation unit included in a model image of the X-ray imaging device on the display device is moved in the obtained movement direction, and the drive mechanism is not operated.

10. A method for controlling an X-ray imaging apparatus comprising:

Images