JP2001224579A - X-ray equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dispense with the transfer of a gained image from an X-ray detector to an image processing device and the connection of the X-ray detector to the image processing device for charging of a battery which were required in a conventional wireless X-ray equipment. SOLUTION: Each of the X-ray detector 1 and the image processing device 12 comprises a wireless signal transmitter 8 and a wireless signal receiver 11, and the image data transfer between the X-ray detector 1 and the image processing device 12 is performed by a wireless signal. The charging of the battery 9 is performed by the replacement and non-contact charging of the battery. The charging can be performed without connecting the X-ray detector itself to a battery charger by the replacement of the battery.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for making a wireless connection between an X-ray detector and an image processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a technique for wirelessly connecting an X-ray detector and an image processing apparatus.
The present invention relates to an X-ray imaging apparatus incorporating a detachable battery and a spare battery for the X-ray detector.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional X-ray imaging apparatus, an X-ray detector is connected to a power supply, and an input / output line of a signal of the X-ray detector is connected to an image processing apparatus. For this reason, the periphery of the detector is not united by the wiring, and the degree of freedom in installing the X-ray detector is reduced. An example of a wireless X-ray imaging apparatus that solves this problem is described in US Pat. No. 5,877,501.

[0003]

However, the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,501 shows a battery having a built-in battery in the detector. However, when the detector is in use, the capacity of the battery is consumed and the power supply is cut off. In such a case, the detector must be recharged, and during that time, no consideration has been given to the fact that the detector cannot be used.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to enable the operation of the detector by the function of a spare battery even when the battery of the detector runs out, and to increase the indoor space by moving the detector away from the bed of the subject. Is to make it possible.

[0005]

The object of the present invention is to provide a subject with X
An X-ray tube that irradiates the X-ray, a wireless signal transmission device that transmits a wireless signal, and an X-ray detector including a signal collection unit that collects detection data output from the X-ray detection element with the X-ray irradiation, In an apparatus including a battery for supplying power stored in the X-ray detector and an image processing apparatus having a wireless receiving device for receiving the wireless signal, the battery is configured to be detachable from the X-ray detector. This X-ray detector is achieved by having a spare battery for said battery.

[0006] Further, the above is achieved by making the X-ray detector freely movable with respect to the diagnostic bed, so that the space on the bed can be widened.

[0007] Further, the present invention is achieved by using a non-contact charging device to make the whole detector a hermetically sealed structure, so that the detector itself can be disinfected.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the embodiment. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes:
X-ray detector 1 for detecting X-ray information transmitted through a subject, X
It comprises a wireless receiving system 11 for receiving signals from a wireless transmitting system in the line detector 1 and an image processing device 12 for processing the received image information. The wireless receiving system 11 may be housed in the image processing device 12, or may be installed outside. X-ray detector 1
X-ray detecting element array 2 composed of an X-ray detecting substance layer for converting X-rays transmitted through the subject into electric charges, and TFT transistors for reading out the electric charges and converting the electric charges into electric signals;
Amplifying circuit 3 for amplifying the electric signal converted by the transistor; integrating circuit 4 for charging the amount of charge released by the incidence of X-rays;
A line control circuit 5 for controlling the timing of reading by the T transistor, an A / D converter 6 for converting an analog signal into a digital signal, a buffer memory 7 for temporarily storing an acquired image, and a battery for supplying power to the X-ray detector 1 The pack 9 includes a wireless transmission system 8 for transferring image data in the buffer memory 7.

A spare battery 9 'is provided for the battery pack 9. The battery pack 9 is configured to charge the spare battery 9 ′, and when the power supplied from the battery pack 9 to each part of the detector 1 is exhausted, the battery is immediately switched to the spare battery 9 ′. Is to be charged.

[0010] X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube pass through the subject M and enter the sensor array 2 in the X-ray detector 1.
At this time, the X-ray has transmission image information. The X-rays incident on the sensor array 2 are converted into electric charges, and read out to the amplifier circuit 3 at the readout timing by the line control circuit 5,
Amplified. The charge amount is measured by the integration circuit 4 and A
/ D converter 6. The received analog signal is converted into a digital signal and stored in the buffer memory 7. When the collected image information is stored in the buffer memory 7, it is converted into a wireless signal by the wireless transmission system 8, and the wireless reception system 11
Is forwarded to The image information transferred to the wireless reception system 11 is processed by the image processing device 12. The power supply to the X-ray detector 1 is performed by a battery pack 9.

In this case, when the power capacity of the battery pack 9 is exhausted and the power supply becomes impossible, immediately
It is switched to the spare battery 9 ', which
Is supplied to the power supply.

Next, a method of charging the battery pack 9 for supplying power to the wireless X-ray detector 1 will be described. As a first method of charging the battery pack 9 in the X-ray detector 1, there is an external connection. As shown in FIG. 1, by providing the power connector 10, X
When the X-ray imaging apparatus is not used (for example, at night), the power supply connector 10 and an outlet can be connected by a power cable to charge. In this case, it is preferable that the spare battery 9 ′ is simultaneously charged through the battery pack 9. If the capacity of the battery pack 9 becomes insufficient during use of the detector, the inspection must be interrupted or the cable must be used in a connected state. However, even in this case, the power can be supplied by the spare battery 9 '. Therefore, the detector 1 can be operated. The power connector 10
Since it takes time and effort to connect the power cable every time to connect the power cable to the power outlet, the power cable may be stored in the X-ray detector so that the power cable can be drawn out when necessary.

As a second charging means for the battery pack 9, there is a means for making the battery pack 9 detachable and connecting only the battery pack 9 to an external charging device 120 for charging. FIG. 2 shows this configuration diagram. FIG. 2 shows that no power connector is provided in the X-ray detector 1, and reference numeral 13 denotes a charged spare battery pack. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of this means. 3A shows a state where the battery pack 9 is set on the X-ray detector 1, and FIG. 3B shows a state where the battery pack 9 is removed. An outlet 31 is provided on one end surface 30 of the battery pack 9, and the battery pack 9 is charged by inserting a plug of the charging device 120 into the outlet 31. The other surface 32 of the battery pack 9 has a connector 33 for connecting to the spare battery 9 ′.
Is provided. Further, a plug 35 for connecting to an outlet 34 provided in the detector 1 is attached to a side surface of the battery pack 9. By this means, there is no need to connect to an outlet, so that the power connector 10 is unnecessary. In addition, there is no need to connect to the outside at all, and a complete wireless connection can be expected. If the duration of the battery pack 9 is not sufficient with respect to the usage time, a plurality of charged battery packs 13 are prepared and sequentially replaced, so that the battery pack 9 is used while the X-ray detector 1 is in use. No need to charge. As further charging means, there is means for making the battery pack 9 compatible with non-contact charging. FIG. 4 shows an example of this configuration. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 14 denotes sealing means for the X-ray detector 1. As the sealing means, the entire X-ray detector 1 is covered with a material having good X-ray transmittance, strong against disinfecting liquid, and capable of transmitting radio waves, for example, a vinyl-plastic material. The structure has no parts to be done. The non-contact charging device 15 uses, for example, high-frequency energy, and can be charged without passing through a battery and a metal terminal. For this reason, the battery pack 9 does not need to be connected to a charger, and can be charged without passing through the contact terminals by merely bringing the non-contact charging device 15 near the battery pack 9. By this means, there is no need to connect the external device and remove the battery from the X-ray detector 1.
Can be completely sealed by the sealing means 14.
Conventional X-ray detectors could not be sterilized because they could not be hermetically sealed due to connection with the outside. This sealing makes it possible to disinfect the entire X-ray detector, so that infection to a patient can be prevented even when brought into the operating room.

Next, a new use form of the wireless X-ray imaging apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes an X-ray detector, which is suspended from a ceiling by a support 16 having a node. The support device 16 is the support device installation section 1
8 Reference numeral 19 denotes an X-ray tube, which makes the X-ray detector 1 emit X-rays. The state indicated by the dotted line is a state in which the device is moved toward the wall.

More specifically, an X-ray tube 19 and a diagnostic bed 17 for a subject are set on a base 50, and the detector 1 is arranged to face the X-ray tube 19 and the diagnostic bed 17. The detector 1 is attached to the installation section 18 via the support 16. One end of the supporter 16 is attached to the detector 1 by an arm 55 and rotatable joints 51 and 52,
The other end is fixed to the installation part 18. The installation unit 18 is configured to be coupled to a rail 53 stretched on the ceiling and to be moved right and left as indicated by an arrow 54. In this case, the support 16
The arm 55 is folded by the action of the joints 51 and 52.

When the conventional X-ray detector is hung from the ceiling in the diagnostic room using the support 16, the wiring from the X-ray detector 1 is passed through the ceiling, or from the ceiling using a bracket or the like. The cables had to be hung and the processing was difficult, but the elimination of wiring makes installation easier. In addition, since there is no wiring, the detector 1 can be freely moved on the rail on the ceiling by making the installation portion 18 of the supporter 16 movable. Therefore, when the X-ray detector 1 is not used, the X-ray detector 1 can be brought close to the wall of the diagnostic room as shown by a dotted line in the figure, and the space in the room can be widened.

FIG. 6 shows the end of the diagnostic bed 17 and the detector 1.
And the arm 55 and the joint 5
The detectors 1 and 52 enable the detector 1 to be pointed at the subject M or to be further away from the subject M. In this case, since the detector 1 has no wiring, the X-ray detector can be freely routed to the subject M. Further, since there is no wiring, the X-ray detector 1 can be made removable as required. This example is shown in FIG. The detector 1 is configured to be detachable from the support 16 by a joint 52, and the support 16 is configured to be foldable by the joint 51 so as to be stored in an appropriate side space of the bed 17.

In this case, since the detector 1 is detached from the support 16 and placed in a corner of the room, and the support 16 is accommodated in the bed 17, the space around the subject M is widened.
The treatment of the subject M before and after the examination becomes easier. Although FIGS. 5 to 7 show an example in which the X-ray tube 19 is an under-tube type in which the X-ray tube 19 is arranged below the bed, the present invention can be applied to an over-tube type.

[0019]

According to the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention, by wirelessly connecting the X-ray detector and the image processing apparatus,
Wiring is eliminated, the unit around the detector is improved, the degree of freedom for installing the detector is increased, and a support having a complicated structure can be realized. By replacing the battery pack, it is possible to realize complete wireless connection without any connection. In addition, when the X-ray detector is not used, it can be easily suspended from the ceiling, and when the X-ray detector is not used, it can be moved to the end to increase the degree of room in the room. Furthermore, by using the non-contact charging method, the detector can be disinfected, and infection in the operating room can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an X-ray apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram when the battery pack is removable in the embodiment in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a state where a battery pack is removed in the embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing non-contact charging according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing installation from a ceiling showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a use form in combination with a diagnostic bed according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a state in which an X-ray detector is removed from a diagnostic bed according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 X-ray detector 2 Sensor array 3 Amplifier circuit 4 Integrator circuit 5 Line control circuit 7 Buffer memory 8 Wireless transmission system 9 Battery pack 10 Power supply connector 11 Wireless receiving system 12 Image processing device 13 Replacement battery pack 14 Sealing means 15 Non-contact Charger 16 X-ray detector mounting support 17 Diagnostic bed 18 Support installation section 19 X-ray tube

Claims (1)

[Claims] An X-ray tube for irradiating an object with X-rays, a wireless signal transmitting device for transmitting a wireless signal, and a signal collecting means for collecting detection data output from an X-ray detecting element with the X-ray irradiation An X-ray detector comprising: an X-ray detector; a battery for supplying power housed in the X-ray detector; and an image processing apparatus having a wireless receiving device for receiving a wireless signal. An X-ray imaging apparatus, which is configured to be detachable from a device, and wherein the X-ray detector has a spare battery for the battery.