X-ray remote photography support system set and X-ray remote photography system

Abstract

We provide a remote X-ray imaging support system set that reduces the burden of moving around during X-ray imaging and improves medical treatment efficiency. [Solution] In an X-ray imaging system 100 including an X-ray generator 3a, a standing imaging table 3b, and an operation table (X-ray console and operation device) 4a, the X-ray remote imaging support system set allows imaging operations to be performed from outside the X-ray operation room 4, and includes an imaging means, a first sound collection means, a first audio output means, and a communication means installed in the X-ray room 3, an actuator of a remote operation device and a communication means installed in the X-ray operation room, and a display means, a second sound collection means, a second audio output means, an operation means, and a communication means installed in the examination room 2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray remote photography auxiliary system set and an X-ray remote photography system. [Background technology]

[0002] In Japan, particularly in regional cities and medically underserved areas, the shortage of doctors and the aging of doctors are serious issues, and in many clinics, one doctor is responsible for both examinations and X-rays. This means that every time an X-ray is taken, the doctor must interrupt the examination and go to the X-ray room, which places a heavy burden on older doctors in particular, resulting in issues such as reduced medical efficiency, increased patient waiting times, and difficulty in maintaining regional medical care. Furthermore, in dental clinics, X-rays are taken significantly more frequently than in medical clinics, which creates issues such as time loss due to the need to put on and take off gloves during treatment and a heavy burden on infection control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-171719 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a medical image capture instruction device and an X-ray image capture device that aim to improve examination efficiency by clearly informing a subject of instructions to change their position before or during an examination during medical image capture.

[0005] However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the operator must directly press the start button on the control console to start X-ray imaging, which poses a problem in that it is not possible to reduce the burden on the operator of traveling back and forth between the examination room and the X-ray operation room.

[0006] This device was proposed in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to reduce the burden of movement required for X-ray imaging and improve medical treatment efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an X-ray remote radiography assistance system set that allows a doctor or radiologist to perform radiography operations from outside an X-ray operation room for an X-ray radiography system including an X-ray generator that generates X-rays, an imaging device that receives X-rays irradiated by the X-ray generator to obtain an image, and an imaging start operation switch for operating the X-ray generator. The X-ray remote radiography assistance system set includes an imaging means for capturing a patient image, a first sound collection means for collecting the patient's voice, a first sound output means for outputting the doctor's voice, and a display. the imaging means, the first sound collection means, and the second sound output means, and a communication means communicatively connected to the imaging means, the actuator of the remote control device that is installed in the X-ray operation room and that operates the imaging start operation switch, the communication means communicatively connected to the operation means, the display means that is installed in the examination room and that displays the patient image, the second sound collection means that collects the doctor's voice, the second sound output means that output the patient's voice, the operation means that drives and operates the actuator of the remote control device, and the communication means communicatively connected to the imaging means, the first sound collection means, the first sound output means, and the remote control device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the burden of movement required for X-ray imaging can be reduced, and medical treatment efficiency can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration and an arrangement layout according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a tablet terminal screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the driving state of an operation switch for starting shooting by the remote control device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. When the same reference numerals are used in multiple drawings, the description will be omitted.

[0011] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration and layout according to this embodiment. The X-ray imaging system 100 according to this embodiment is configured with an X-ray imaging system including a general radiography X-ray generator 3a, a standing radiography stand 3b, and an operation table (X-ray console and operation device) 4a, and an X-ray remote radiography auxiliary system set including a camera 3c, an intercom (microphone and speaker) 3d, a remote operation device 4b, an intercom (microphone and speaker) 4c, and a tablet terminal 2a.

[0012] Examination room 2 in clinic 1 is the main examination space where doctors interview, inspect, palpate, auscultate, and make treatment decisions with patients. Meanwhile, the radiology department is composed of an X-ray room 3 for general radiography and an X-ray control room 4, which are separate from examination room 2. X-ray room 3 is equipped with an X-ray generator 3a for general radiography and a standing radiography table 3b for taking simple X-rays of the chest, abdomen, bones, joints, etc.

[0013] The X-ray operation room 4 is located adjacent to the X-ray room 3, and a lead-glass observation window 5 is installed between the two rooms, allowing the operator (doctor or radiologist) to perform imaging operations while directly checking the condition of the patient (examinee) from within the protected area. The operation desk (X-ray console and operation device) 4a is installed in the X-ray operation room and is used to set imaging conditions, start imaging, check the captured images, etc.

[0014] In addition, as part of the system 100 according to this embodiment, a camera 3c and an intercom (microphone and speaker) 3d are installed and positioned in the X-ray room 3, an intercom 4c and a remote control device 4b in the X-ray control room 4, and a tablet terminal 2a in the examination room 2 as separate (add-on) devices.

[0015] The camera 3c and intercom (microphone / speaker) 3d installed in the X-ray room 3 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via the network 9. The camera 3c transmits images of the patient (patient video) in the X-ray room 3 to the tablet terminal 2a in the examination room 2 in real time, and the intercom (microphone / speaker) 3d transmits and receives the voice of the conversation between the patient and the doctor to and from the tablet terminal 2a in the examination room 2.

[0016] The remote control device 4b installed in the X-ray control room 4 is disposed opposite the imaging start operation switch 4a-1 provided on the control console 4a, and is held in a predetermined position by a fixture or the like. The doctor talks to the nurse in the X-ray control room 4 on the tablet terminal 2a via the intercom 4c, and when he receives a message that imaging is ready to begin, he performs an operation to start imaging on the tablet terminal 2a in the examination room 2. An operation command to start imaging is transmitted via the network 9, and when the remote control device 4b receives the operation command from the tablet terminal 2a, it is driven to come into contact with the operation switch on the control console 4a and press the operation switch.

[0017] More specifically, normally, an operator (doctor or radiologist) operates the operation switches on the control console 4a to perform imaging operations while directly viewing the patient's condition from inside the X-ray control room 4, but in this case, a doctor can operate the remote control device 4b via a tablet terminal 2a from the examination room 2, which is away from the X-ray control room 4, to remotely operate the operation switches on the control console 4a and perform imaging operations.

[0018] Needless to say, the doctor in the examination room 2 checks the patient image in the X-ray room 3 via the tablet terminal 2a, talks with the patient, and then, after ensuring safety during imaging, activates the remote control device 4b and remotely operates the operation switch on the control console 4a. Also, the nurse in the X-ray control room 4 watches over and confirms the safety of the patient in the X-ray room 3 through the observation window 5.

[0019] The network 9 is a communication network that may be wired or wireless, and includes various types of networks such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth, the Internet, and public line networks.

[0020] <Operation example> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a tablet terminal screen according to this embodiment. To perform X-ray imaging, first, in the X-ray room 3, the patient stands on the standing imaging platform 3b, and is positioned by, for example, a nurse, before the patient is placed in a state of standby for imaging. The nurse returns to the X-ray control room 4 and contacts the doctor (on the tablet terminal 2a) via the intercom 4c, saying, "We're ready to begin imaging. Please begin imaging." If the nurse receives further positioning instructions from the doctor via the intercom 4c, the nurse repositions the patient according to the instructions.

[0021] The doctor in the examination room 2 views the patient image 2a-1 in the X-ray room 3 via the tablet terminal 2a, talks with the patient, ensures safety during the imaging, and then presses the operation switch 2a-2 on the tablet terminal 2a to start imaging.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the actuation state of an operation switch for starting imaging by a remote control device according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, in the X-ray operation room 4, a remote control device 4b and an operation switch 4a-1 for starting imaging on an operation console 4a are fixedly installed, for example, on a portion of the main body of the operation console 4a. When a doctor presses the operation switch 2a-2 for starting imaging on a tablet terminal 2a in the examination room 2, the operation command (operation signal) is transmitted to the remote control device 4b via the network 9. When the remote control device 4b receives the operation command from the tablet terminal 2a, the actuator (drive unit) 4b-1 of the remote control device 4b moves linearly from a standby position (a) to a drive position (b) at a certain distance and mechanically presses the operation switch 4a-1 for starting imaging on the operation console 4a, thereby starting X-ray imaging. Note that the actuator (drive unit) 4b-1 of the remote control device 4b automatically returns to the standby position after the pressing operation is completed.

[0023] At this time, the nurse watches over the operation to check whether the actuator (drive unit) 4b-1 of the remote control device 4b is properly pressing the operation switch 4a-1 on the operation console 4a to start imaging. The nurse also watches over the observation window 5 to check the condition of the patient in the X-ray room 3.

[0024] <Modification> The above-described X-ray remote radiography assistance system set may be configured as follows as a modified example with respect to the camera 3c, intercom (microphone and speaker) 3d, remote control device 4b, and tablet terminal 2a.

[0025] The functions of the camera 3c and intercom (microphone and speaker) 3d installed in the X-ray room 3 correspond to an imaging means and communication means for capturing patient images, a sound collection means and communication means for collecting the patient's conversation voice, an audio output means for outputting the doctor's conversation voice, and a communication means.

[0026] Therefore, these functions may be realized by one or more devices in the X-ray room 3. For example, a security camera with a two-way conversation function (a camera with a built-in microphone and speaker) that realizes these functions in one device may be installed.

[0027] On the other hand, the functions of the tablet terminal 2a placed in the examination room 2 can be said to correspond to a display means (display) for displaying patient images, a sound collection means for collecting the doctor's conversational voice, a sound output means for outputting the conversational voice from the patient, an operation means (software keys on the display) for driving the actuator 4b-1 of the remote control device 4b, and a communication means.

[0028] Therefore, the examination room 2 may be realized by one or more devices that realize these functions. For example, instead of the tablet terminal 2a, a smartphone or a PC (including an electronic medical record terminal or an image interpretation terminal) may be used. Also, for example, the operation means may be a keyboard or separate hardware keys, the sound collection means may be a separate dedicated microphone, and the sound output means may be a separate dedicated speaker.

[0029] Furthermore, it is possible to use two transceivers each to replace the imaging means, communication means, sound collection means, sound output means and communication means installed in the X-ray room 3, and the sound collection means, sound output means and communication means installed in the examination room 2. A transceiver has the advantage that it has a relatively high volume, making it easy for even elderly people with hearing difficulties to hear the sound.

[0030] <Summary> This device allows doctors to take X-rays without leaving their examination rooms, reducing the burden of movement required for X-rays and significantly improving medical efficiency. Furthermore, this device can be used simply by adding the X-ray remote imaging support system set to an existing X-ray device (X-ray system), minimizing implementation costs and making it easy to install even in small clinics. This will improve continuity of medical care and ensure patient access, even in areas with a shortage of doctors and an aging physician population, or in medical institutions with a single doctor system.

[0031] Furthermore, the following points are mentioned: The X-ray start switch satisfies the legal requirement that a doctor or radiologist must see the patient before pressing it, and can be operated from outside the X-ray control room. Furthermore, doctors can constantly monitor patient images and videos and can also talk to them, while nurses can also monitor the patient's condition in the X-ray room 3 through the observation window 5, and are close enough to rush to the scene in a few seconds if there is any trouble, ensuring operational safety. Regarding the introduction cost, conventional X-ray equipment (X-ray systems) have been expensive, and even adding options, not to mention replacing them with the latest equipment, usually incurs large additional fees. On the other hand, this invention can be used by simply adding the auxiliary system set consisting of a camera, intercom (microphone and speaker), remote control device, and tablet terminal, which are significantly cheaper than the conventional system. Considering that this reduces the burden of movement required for X-ray photography and improves medical efficiency, it has an overwhelming cost-effectiveness. By using the storage function of the tablet device or a separate storage, patient image data, conversation voice data, date and time information, and other log data can be automatically saved, enhancing the reliability and legal security of medical records. Even when a doctor is not available or in an emergency, the system can be remotely operated by a doctor on the go via a tablet device, or by a specialist at another medical institution. This makes it suitable for a variety of medical applications, including emergency medical care, home medical care, and mobile X-rays. In dental settings, the burden of frequent glove removal and hygiene management can be significantly reduced, providing benefits in terms of infection control.

[0032] <Supplementary information> In the above-described embodiment, the X-ray remote photography auxiliary system set is added (expanded) to an existing X-ray photography system, but the present invention can also be configured as a new X-ray photography system to which the X-ray remote photography auxiliary system set is added from the beginning.

[0033] In this case, the X-ray imaging system installed in the X-ray room has as standard functions an imaging means for capturing patient images, a sound collection means for collecting the patient's voice, an audio output means for outputting the doctor's voice, and a communication means, while the control console installed in the X-ray control room has as standard functions a display means (monitor) for displaying patient images, a sound collection means for collecting the doctor's voice, an audio output means for outputting the patient's voice, and a communication means.

[0034] Therefore, the present invention utilizes these standard functions. The functions of the tablet terminal 2a placed in the examination room 2 are, as described above, a display means (display) for displaying patient images, a sound collection means and communication means for collecting the doctor's conversational voice, a sound output means for outputting the conversational voice from the patient, and an operation means (software keys on the display) and communication means for driving the actuator 4b-1 of the remote control device 4b.

[0035] As a specific example of operation, when an X-ray is taken, first, in the X-ray room 3, the patient stands on the standing imaging table 3b, and the patient is positioned by, for example, a nurse or the like, and the patient is placed in a state of waiting for imaging.

[0036] The doctor in examination room 2 communicates with the X-ray imaging system via tablet terminal 2a, views patient image 2a-1 in X-ray room 3, talks with the patient, and after ensuring safety during imaging, presses operation switch 2a-2 on tablet terminal 2a to start imaging.

[0037] When the doctor presses the operation switch 2a-2 to start imaging on the tablet terminal 2a in the examination room 2, the operation command (operation signal) is sent to the X-ray imaging system via the network 9. When the X-ray imaging system receives the operation command from the tablet terminal 2a, it regards the operation command from the tablet terminal 2a as an imaging start command that is generated when the imaging start operation switch 4a-1 on the operation console 4a is physically pressed, and starts X-ray imaging.

[0038] Although the present invention has been described above by showing specific examples according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is apparent that various modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. In other words, the details of the examples and the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0039] For example, this invention is not limited to chest radiography using a general-purpose X-ray generator and a standing radiography table. It can also be applied to various X-ray devices installed in X-ray rooms, such as CT (computed tomography) devices, fluoroscopy devices, C-arm X-ray devices, angiography devices, and mobile X-ray devices. Even with these devices, the remote control device of this invention allows doctors to remotely press the radiography start switch on the control panel, allowing them to safely perform radiography operations without leaving the radiography room, achieving similar improvements in diagnostic efficiency. In other words, this invention is widely applicable regardless of the type of X-ray equipment installed in the X-ray room, contributing to improved flexibility and continuity of radiography work in medical settings.

[0040] This device also realizes remote radiography by mechanically pressing a switch on the console to start radiography, without making electrical modifications to the control system of the existing X-ray equipment. This allows it to be introduced at low cost while still meeting safety standards and legal requirements, and is clearly distinguishable from conventional software-controlled remote radiography systems. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 3a General radiography X-ray generator 3b Standing photography stand 3c camera 3d intercom 4a Control console 4a-1 Operation switch for starting shooting 4b Remote control device 4b-1 Actuator 2a Tablet device 100 X-ray system

Claims

1. An X-ray remote photography assistance system set that allows a doctor or radiologist to perform photography operations from outside an X-ray operation room for an X-ray photography system including an X-ray generator that generates X-rays, a photography device that receives X-rays irradiated by the X-ray generator to obtain an image, and a photography start operation switch for operating the X-ray generator, It is installed in the X-ray room. an imaging means for capturing an image of a patient; a first sound collecting means for collecting a patient's voice; a first voice output means for outputting a doctor's voice; a communication means that is communicably connected to the display means, the second sound collection means, and the second sound output means; It will be installed in the X-ray operation room. an actuator of a remote control device for operating a shooting start operation switch; a communication means communicably connected to the operation means; It is installed in the examination room, a display means for displaying a patient image; a second sound collecting means for collecting the doctor's voice; a second voice output means for outputting a patient's voice; an operating means for driving and operating the actuator of the remote control device; a communication means for communicably connecting with an imaging means, a first sound collecting means, a first sound output means, and a remote control device; 1. An X-ray remote photography assistance system set comprising:

2. An X-ray remote imaging system including an X-ray generating device that generates X-rays, an imaging device that receives the X-rays emitted by the X-ray generating device to obtain an image, and an imaging start operation switch for operating the X-ray generating device to perform imaging, and in which imaging operations can be performed by a doctor or radiologist from outside an X-ray operation room, It is installed in the X-ray room. an imaging means for capturing an image of a patient; a first sound collecting means for collecting a patient's voice; a first voice output means for outputting a doctor's voice; a communication means that is communicably connected to the display means, the second sound collecting means, the second sound output means, and the operation means; It is installed in the examination room, a display means for displaying a patient image; a second sound collecting means for collecting the doctor's voice; a second voice output means for outputting a patient's voice; an operating means for operating the X-ray generating device; a communication means that is communicably connected to the imaging means, the first sound collecting means, the first sound output means, and the X-ray generating device; 1. An X-ray remote imaging system comprising:

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