An X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus has a plurality of imaging equipment component members including an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a C-arm, a table and a display unit; a input receiving element, an information element; and a control element that controls the information element to inform that the second imaging equipment component member moves when controlling the move of the first imaging equipment component member among a plurality of imaging equipment component members and moving the second imaging equipment component member while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to, and claims priority from JP 2020-197561 filed November 27, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIGURE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, and more particularly, relates to an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus that moves a plurality of imaging equipment components.

Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus capable of moving a plurality of imaging equipment component members are known. Such an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus is disclosed in Patent Document JP2020-081410 A.

The X-ray imaging apparatus disclosed in JP2020-081410 A comprises a medical table, a table moving mechanism, an arm, an arm moving mechanism, a control element and an operation element. The medical table equips with a table on which a subject is loaded. In addition, the table moving mechanism moves the table. Further, the arm is maintained so as to face the x-ray irradiation element and the X-ray detection element. Further, the arm mechanism performs the turning movement around the perpendicular axis, the rotation moves around the horizontal axis, the sliding move along the arc, and the horizontal move along the horizontal direction. Further, the control element makes the arm perform at least one move selected from a group consisting of the turning move, the rotation moves, the sliding move and the horizontal move while interlocked with the horizontal shift move of the table by the table moving mechanism. Further, the operation element receives the operation input from an operator.

The X-ray imaging apparatus disclosed in JP 2020081410 A can switch back and forth the interlocking mode in which the arm moves while interlocked with the table moving movement and the non-interlocking mode in which the arm move while not interlocked with the table moving movement. The arm moves while interlocked with the moving movement of the table when the operator operates the operation element while the interlocking mode is being selected.

Herein, when the arm (C-arm) automatically moves while interlocked with the move of the table as the X-ray imaging apparatus disclosed in JP 2020081410 A and if the operator who is not fully familiar to the equipment specification operates, the C-arm may contact the operator or the technician. Specifically, when the imaging equipment component member such as the C-arm moves while interlocked with the imaging apparatus structural and given member such as the table and the operator, who is not fully familiar to the equipment specification, operates the imaging equipment component member, the imaging equipment component member, which the operator does not operate, moves as well while interlocked therewith and the imaging equipment component member that moved while interlocked therewith may contact the operator or the technician. Further, even if the operator understands the specification instructing that a plurality of the imaging equipment component members moves in interlocking, a member that the operator is not intending may move when the equipment decides which member moves while interlocked therewith. Accordingly, an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus capable of understanding which member of the imaging equipment component members moving while interlocked with the given member of the imaging equipment component members moves is desirable.

ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the aforementioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus that allows an operator or a technician to understand which member of the imaging equipment component members moves while interlocked with the given member of the imaging equipment component members regardless the understanding level as for the equipment specification.

To achieve the above problem, according to one aspect of the present invention, an X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus, comprises: a plurality of imaging equipment component members that further includes an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray to a subject, an X-ray detector that detects the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source, a C-arm that holds the X-ray source and the X-ray detector under conditions facing each other, a table on which a subject is loaded, and a display unit that displays an X-ray image of the subject; an input receiving element that receives an operation input by an operator; an information element that informs a move of any member of a plurality of the imaging equipment component members; and a control element, wherein the control element performs a control in which the information element informs that a second imaging equipment component member moves when performing one control of the move of a first imaging equipment component member based on a first operation input to move the first imaging equipment component member among the plurality of imaging equipment component members and another control of the move of the second imaging equipment component member different from the first imaging equipment component member of the plurality of the imaging equipment component members while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to the above aspect of the present invention, the control element performs a control as for informing with the information element, in which the second imaging equipment component member moves when performing the control of the move of the second imaging equipment component member while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component Accordingly, when the second imaging equipment component member moves while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member, the operator can understand the move of the second imaging equipment component member even when the operator does not understand in advance with respect to that the second imaging equipment component member moves while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member. Further, even when the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus decides the second imaging equipment component member that moves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member among a plurality of imaging equipment component members, the information element is capable of informing that which imaging equipment component member is the second imaging equipment component member among a plurality of the imaging equipment component members, so that the operator who is aware of that the a plurality of the imaging equipment component members moves while interlocked with one another can understand further. As results, the present invention can provide an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus that allows an operator or a technician to understand which member of the imaging equipment component members moving while interlocked with the given member of the imaging equipment component members regardless the understanding level as for the equipment specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Entire Structure of the X-Ray Fluoroscopic Imaging Apparatus]

Referring toFIG.1-FIG.7, the inventor illustrates the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100according to an aspect of the Embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.1, the X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus100is an apparatus to image the blood vessel of a subject90. The blood vessel of the subject90includes e.g., such as the blood vessel of the head (brain), the blood vessel of the heart (coronary artery), the blood vessel of the abdomen and the blood vessel of the lower leg.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100according to the aspect of the Embodiment comprises an X-ray source1, an X-ray detector2, a plurality of the imaging equipment component members3, an input receiving element4, an information element5and a computer6. Further, the X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus100according to one aspect of the Embodiment comprises a plurality of moving mechanisms7to move the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3.

The X-ray source1irradiates an X-ray toward the subject90. The X-ray source1includes an X-ray tube, not shown in FIG. The X-ray tube is heated up by turning on electricity respectively to the anode and the cathode inside thereof, and when a thermal electron emitted from the cathode collides with the anode by adding a voltage, an X-ray radiates. Further, the X-ray emitted in the X-ray tube is irradiated toward the X-ray detector2.

The X-ray detection detector2detects the X-ray that is irradiated from the X-ray tube1. The X-ray detection detector2is e.g., a FPD (Flat Panel Detector). The X-ray detection detector2detects the X-ray that is irradiated by the X-ray tube1and then transmits the subject90. The X-ray detector2has a photographic element (not shown in FIG.) having a plurality of pixels (segments) inside thereof, detects a strength of the X-ray every corresponding pixel and converts an information (detection signal) of the X-ray every pixel to an electric signal (digital data) as a pixel value. The X-ray information converted to the electric signal is sent to the control element60.

In addition, the imaging equipment component member3according to an Embodiment of the present invention is the member that can be moved by the moving mechanism on imaging. The plurality of imaging equipment component members3includes the C-arm30, the table31and the display unit32.

The C-arm30has an arc like shape. The C-arm30holds the X-ray source1and the X-ray detector2to be facing each other. Specifically, the X-ray source1connects to one end of the C-arm30, and the X-ray detector2connects to another end thereof. The C-arm30allows the X-ray source1and the X-ray detector2to be in place facing each other while sandwiching the subject90lying on the table31. The X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus100according to the present Embodiment has a single-plane type with one C-arm30.

The C-arm30is installed to the C-arm moving mechanism7b, set forth later, as being movable. The C-arm30is configured to be movable in turning and moving in parallel by the C-arm moving mechanism7b.

The subject90is loaded on the table31. The subject90is loaded on the table31so that the long direction of the table31and the direction between the head and the foot of the subject90are the same direction. Here, referring toFIG.1, the long direction of the table31denotes an X-direction. Further, the direction toward to the heard of the subject90denotes X1-direction, and the direction toward the foot denotes X2-direction. Further, the short direction (direction from right to left direction of the subject90) of the table31orthogonal to the X-direction denotes the Y-direction. Further, When the subject is lying on the back thereof, the direction toward the right hand of the subject90denotes Y1-direction, and the direction toward the left hand of the subject denotes Y2-direction. Further, the orthogonal direction to both X-direction and Y-direction denotes the Z-direction. Further, the direction upward denotes Z1-direction, and the direction downward denotes Z2-direction. The table moving mechanism7aallows the table31to move in the X-direction, Y-direction and Z-direction while the subject is being loaded.

The display unit32displays an X-ray image10of the subject90. The display unit32includes such as a liquid crystal display monitor.

The input receiving element4receives the operation input from the user. The input receiving element4is installed to the table31. The inventors set forth the detail of the input receiving element4later.

The information element5informs to the operator or the technical personnel which one member of a plurality of the imaging equipment component members3moves. According to an Embodiment, the information element5includes the light emission element5athat informs by emitting the light. The light emission element5aincludes e.g., such as LED (Light Emitting Diode). Further, referring toFIG.1, the light emission element5ais a linear light source extending along the X-direction.

According to the present Embodiment, the information element5is at least one of the second imaging equipment component member3band the moving mechanism7that is one of the pluralities of the moving mechanisms7and moves the second imaging equipment component member3b. According to the present Embodiment, the information element5is installed to one side and the other side of the moving mechanism7that is one of the pluralities of the moving mechanisms7and moves the second imaging equipment component member3b. Specifically, the information element5is installed to the C-arm moving mechanism7b. According to the present Embodiment, the information element5is installed to the Y1-direction side plane of the C-arm moving mechanism7band the Y2-direction side plane thereof.

The computer6includes a processor6aand a memory storage element6b.

The processor6aincludes the control element60and the image processing element61. The processor6aincludes e.g., such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) for imaging processing. The control element60is configured software-wise to be a functional block brought into reality by that the processor6aexecutes a variety of programs. The control element60can be configured hardware-wise by installing the exclusive processor (process circuit).

According to the present Embodiment, the control element60, wherein the control element performs a control in which the information element5informs that a second imaging equipment component member3bmoves when performing one control of the move of the first imaging equipment component member3abased on a first operation input to move the first imaging equipment component member3aamong the plurality of imaging equipment component members3and another control of the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bdifferent from the first imaging equipment component member3aof the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a. In addition, the first imaging equipment component member3ais a member moved by that the operator operates intentionally. Further, the second imaging equipment component member3bis another member moved while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3adue to the control that the control element60provides. The inventors illustrate an example according to the present Embodiment, wherein the first imaging equipment component member3ais the table31and the second imaging equipment component member3bis the C-arm30. Further, the move in which the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3ameans that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves due to the operation that allows the first imaging equipment component member3ato move. Specifically, the move in which the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3ameans that the second imaging equipment component member3balso moves while the first imaging equipment component member3ais moving.

The memory element6bstores such as a variety of programs which the processor6aexecutes and an X-ray image10which the image processing element61generates. The memory storage element6bincludes a non-volatile memory such as e.g., an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive).

A plurality of moving mechanism7moves at least two of a plurality of the imaging equipment component members3. According to the present Embodiment, the plurality of the moving mechanism7has the table moving mechanism7awhich moves the table31and the C-arm moving mechanism7bwhich moves the C-arm30.

The table move mechanism7aenables the table31to be moved in the X-direction, Y-direction and Z-direction. The table move mechanism7aincludes a linear move mechanism in the X-direction, a linear move mechanism in the Y-direction and the linear move mechanism in the Z-direction.

The C-arm moving mechanism7bis configured to allow the C-arm30to turn and shift in parallel. The inventors set forth the detail structure of the C-arm moving mechanism7b.

The X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus100is capable of imaging the subject90in the direction, in which the X-ray is irradiated obliquely relative to the subject90from one end (cranial) or the other end (caudal) in the longitudinal plane along the long direction (X-direction) of the table31on which the subject90is loaded referring toFIG.2A, from an arbitrary combination direction of the respective directions of the right anterior oblique (RAO) direction, the front direction and the left anterior oblique (LAO) direction referring toFIG.2B. In addition, referring toFIG.2B, the C-arm30is not shown.

Referring toFIG.3, the relative position (imaging position) of the C-arm to the table31varies depending on an imaging region. Referring toFIG.3, the respective arrow directions are the directions in which the C-arm30is inserted relative to the table31, wherein the X-ray detector2positions at the tip side of the arrow, i.e., subject90side, and the C-arm moving mechanism7bpositions at the rear end (opposite end of the tip) side of the arrow. The position in which the C-arm30is in place along the long side of the table31(X-direction) is defined as HOME position. Further, the position in which the C-arm30is in place obliquely as the direction thereof is toward the foot side (X2-direction) of the subject from the head side (X1-direction) of the subject90and is toward the subject90from the long direction (X-direction) of the table31is defined as MULTI position. Specifically, the MULTI position is the position at which the C-arm30is in place obliquely at the head side of the subject90from the center position of the table31.

Further, the position in which the C-arm30is in place along the short side of the table31(Y-direction) toward the center from the side of the subject90at the top view is defined as SIDE position. Specifically, the SIDE position is the position at which the C-arm30is in place laterally (direction along the Y-direction) near the center of the table31in the long direction (X-direction) of the table31. In addition, the position moved toward the foot side of the subject90from the SIDE position is defined as the PERI position. Specifically, the PERI position is the position at which the C-arm30is in place laterally at the foot side of the subject90from the center position of the table31in the long direction of the table31(X-direction). For example, when the imaging from the head to the chest of the subject90is conducted, the HOME position is applied thereto. Further, when the imaging of the lower leg is conducted, the PERI position is applied thereto. Further, when the imaging of the abdomen of the subject90is conducted, the MULTI or SIDE position is applied thereto. In addition, the respective positions of the HOME position, the MULTI position, the SIDE position and the PERI position define the facing direction of the C-arm30and the relative position between the C-arm30and the table31(the respective position coordinates of the C-arm30and the table31).

Referring toFIG.4, the C-arm moving mechanism7bincludes an arm pedestal70, a rotation mechanism71and the moving mechanism72. Referring toFIG.4, the rotation mechanism71rotates the C-arm30around the shaft line of a rotation shaft11extending in the long side (X-direction) of the table31which is the line connecting the head and the feet of the subject90. Further, the rotation mechanism71allows the C-arm30to rotate in the circumferential direction80of the C-arm30, wherein the line extending in the short direction, which is the right-to-left direction of the subject90, (Y-direction) of the table31is the shaft thereof. Such as the rotation mechanism71includes e.g., a motor and so forth.

The moving mechanism72is installed to the arm pedestal70. The C-arm30can be horizontally moved in accordance with the horizontal move of the arm pedestal70moved by the moving mechanism72. The moving mechanism72includes a first rotation element72ainstalled on the floor surface91and the second rotation element72which is held rotatably by the first rotation element72aand holds the arm pedestal70rotatably. The rotation element72aincludes the pedestal12and a mid-shaft13in place at the distant position from the pedestal12. The second rotation element72includes a horizontal rotation shaft14.

The pedestal shaft12and the mid-shaft13are respectively rotation shafts in the perpendicular direction to the floor surface91. Further, the horizontal rotation shaft14is also a rotation shaft in the perpendicular direction to the floor surface91. Accordingly, the moving mechanism72can move horizontally the arm pedestal70and the C-arm30to the desired position by combining the rotation around the shaft line of the pedestal shaft12, the rotation around the shaft line of the mid-shaft13and the rotation around the shaft line of the horizontal rotation shaft14.

Referring toFIG.5, an input receiving element4aincludes the table operation element, the C-ram operation element4b, the X-ray detector operation element4cand a move mode selection element4d.

The table operation element4amoves the table31while the operator is pressing down the table operation element4aunder the state in which the move mode selection element4dselects the predetermined move mode. Specifically, the table operation element4amoves the table31to the move target place while the operator is pressing down the table operation element4aunder the state in which the move target place (position) for the table31is predetermined in advance. The operation element4aincludes e.g., a press button.

The C-arm operation element4bmoves the C-arm30while the operator operates the C-arm operation element4b. The C-arm operation element4bincludes e.g., a lever switch. The inventors set forth the detail of the C-arm operation element4b.

The X-ray detector operation element4cmoves the X-ray detector2back and forth in the X-ray irradiation axis direction while the operator operates the X-ray detector operation element4c. The X-ray detection operation element4cincludes e.g., a lever switch. The inventors set forth the detail of the X-ray detector operation element4clater.

The move mode selection element4dcan receive the input of move mode of the imaging equipment component member3. The move mode selection element4dincludes e.g., a press button. The move mode of the imaging equipment component member3includes such as a femoral approach mode in which the lower leg is imaged, a memory mode in which the C-arm30and the table31moves to the preset position and a free mode in which the C-arm30and the table31moves to an arbitrary position. The operator presses down the move mode selection element4dfor the desired move mode and moves the imaging equipment component member3using the desired move mode while operating at least any one element selected from a group consisting of the table operation element4a, the C-arm operation element4band the X-ray detector operation element4c.

Referring toFIG.6, the C-arm operation element4bincludes a first lever element40, a rotation selection button41and a horizontal move selection button42. The operator tilts the first lever element40while the operator is pressing down the rotation selection button41, so that the operator can tilt the C-arm30to the desired angle given by combining CRANIAL or CAUDIAL and RAO or LAO. Further, the operator tilts the first lever element40while the operator is pressing down a horizontal moving selection button42, so that the operator can move the C-arm horizontally.

Further, referring toFIG.6, the X-ray detector operation element4cincludes a second lever element43, an X-ray detector move button44. The operator tilts the second lever element43while the operator is pressing down X-ray detector move button44, so that the operator can move the X-ray detector2back and forth in the X-ray irradiation axis direction.

(Move of the Table and the C-Arm)

Next, referring toFIG.7AtoFIG.7C, the inventors set forth the move of the C-arm30while interlocked with the move of the table31. The Embodiment illustrated inFIG.7AtoFIG.7Cillustrates the move of the C-arm30and the table31when the femoral approach mode is selected using the move mode selection element4d(referring toFIG.5).

Referring toFIG.7A, the control element60moves the table31in the direction indicated by the arrow sign81to image the lower leg of the subject90when the femoral approach mode is selected under the condition in which the C-arm30is inserted from the head side (X1-direction side) of the subject90.

At this time, referring toFIG.7A, the C-arm30is in place in the move direction (X-direction) side of the table31, so that the table31cannot be moved under such a condition as-is. If the operator moves the C-arm30, the table31can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow sign81, but the number of the operations by the operator increase, and the burden therefor increases. Then according to the femoral approach mode, when the operation conducts to move the table31, the C-arm30moves white interlocked with the move of the table31. Specifically, referring toFIG.7B, the C-arm30turns in the direction indicated by the arrow sign82while interlocked with the move of the table31. Referring toFIG.7C, the control element60controls the move of the table31in the direction indicated by the arrow sign81while turning the C-arm30until of which position does not interfere the table31so that the table31moves to the position at which the lower leg of the subject90is imaged. In addition, according to the present Embodiment, the control element60controls the table moving mechanism7aand the C-arm moving mechanism7bso that the table31and the C-arm30moves simultaneously and in parallel.

Here, given the operator does not comprehend that the C-arm30moves while interlocked with the move of the table31in the femoral approach mode, the C-arm30may contact such as operator and technical personnel.

(Information Processing by Control Element)

Then, according to the present Embodiment, the control element60controls the information element5to inform in advance prior to starting the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) based on the first operation input when receiving an input of the move mode (femoral approach mode) for moving the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) as the second operation input. Specifically, according to the present Embodiment, the control element60controls the information element5(light emission element5a) to inform prior to starting the move of the table31as the first imaging equipment component member3awhen receiving an operation input for moving the table31as the first operation input. Specifically, according to the present Embodiment, the control element60controls the information element5for informing that the C-arm30moves when performing the control of the move of the C-arm30as the second imaging equipment component member3bby the C-arm moving mechanism7bwhile interlocked with the move of the table31as the first imaging equipment component3aby the table moving mechanism7a.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, the control element60decides whether the second imaging equipment component member3bshould be moved or not while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) without receiving the operation input from the operator for moving the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30). Specifically, the control element60decides whether the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) should be moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) when receiving the second operation input. Here, in the case of that the control element60decides whether the second imaging equipment component member3bshould be moved or not, even if the operator understands the specification in which a plurality of the imaging equipment component members3moves respectively while interlocked with one another, the operator cannot be aware of which imaging equipment component member3moves while interlocked with one another. Then, according to the present Embodiment, the control element60conducts informing using the information element5when the second imaging equipment component member3bis moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) and does not conduct informing using the information element5when the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) should not be moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a.

Specifically, when the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) is moved to the predetermined position based on the first operation input, the control element60acquires the present position50that is the position before the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) moves and the target position51that is the position after the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) moves, and also performs the control in which when the present position and the target position are different, the information element5informs, and when the present position50and the target position51are the same, the information element5does not inform. In addition, the control element60acquires the present position50from the potentiometer installed to a driving element (not shown in FIG.) of the C-arm moving mechanism7b. Further, the control element60acquires the target position51from the memory storage element6bbased on the selected move mode.

(Information Method Using Information Element)

According to the present Embodiment, the control element60controls to provide the information as to the move of the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) by controlling the light emission from the light emission element5a(information element5). According to the present Embodiment, the control element60controls to provide the information as to the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bby differentiating the light emission aspect of the light emission element5a. Specifically, the control element60controls as the light emission element5ais lighting on while the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100is working, and when the C-arm30moves while interlocked with the move of the table31, the control for informing is conducted to change the light emission element5afrom the lighting-on state to the light flashing state.

Next, referring toFIG.8, the inventors set illustrates an information processing in which the control element60, according to the present Embodiment, initiates the information element5to inform that the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) moves,

At Step101, the control element60decides whether there is the second operation input or not relative to the mode (femoral approach mode) in which the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) moves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31). When there is the second operation input, the processing proceeds to Step102. When there is no second operation input, the control element60repeats the processing of Step101.

At Step102, the control element60acquires the present position50of the C-arm30. In the processing of Step102, the control element60acquires the angle of the C-arm30and the position coordinate as the present position50of the C-arm30from the C-arm moving mechanism7b.

At Step103, the control element60acquires the target purpose position51of the C-arm30. In the processing of Step103, the control element60acquires the angle of the C-arm30and the position coordinate as the target position51of the C-arm30from the memory storage element6b.

At Step104, the control element60decides whether the present position50and the target position51are the same or not. When the present position50and the target position51are the same, the processing proceeds to Step106. Specifically, when the present position50and the target position51are the same, the C-arm30does not move, so that the control element60does not conduct the information element5to inform any. When the present position50and the target position51are not the same, the processing proceeds to Step105.

At Step105, the control element60conducts to provide the information by the information element5. Specifically, the control element60conduct to provide the information by emitting the light from the information element5(light emission element5a). Specifically, the control element60conducts to provide the information by changing the lighting aspect from the lighting-on state to the light flashing state of the light emission element5a.

At the step106, the control element60decides whether there is the first operation input or not. When there is the first operation input, the processing proceeds to Step107. When there is no operation input, the control element60repeats the processing of Step106.

At Step107, the control element60moves the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) and the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) by controlling the table moving mechanism7aand the C-arm moving mechanism7b.

At Step108, Specifically, the control element60decides whether the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) moves to the predetermined position or not. When the table31and the C-arm30moves to the predetermined position, the processing proceeds to Step109, When the table31and the C-arm30have not moved to the predetermined position, the processing proceeds to Step107,

At Step109, the control element60suspends the information element5(light emission element5a) to provide the information. Then after, the processing ends. In addition, when the present position50and the target position51are the same, the processing at Step109is skipped.

In addition, any one of the processing at Step102or the processing at Step103may be conducted first.

According to the present Embodiment, practically, the information processing by the control element60and the input of the second operation, in which the move mode is selected, are conducted simultaneously. In other words, the control element60starts to provide the information in-between from receiving the selection of the move mode to starting the action (receiving the first operation input).

Effect of the Present Embodiment

The following effect can be obtained according to the present Embodiment.

According to the present Embodiment 1, as set forth above, the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100comprises: a plurality of imaging equipment component members further comprising: an X-ray source1that irradiates an X-ray to a subject90; an X-ray detector2that detects the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray source1; a C-arm30that holds the X-ray source1and the X-ray detector2under the condition facing each other; a table31on which the subject90is loaded; a display unit32that displays an X-ray image10of the subject90; an input receiving element4that receives an operation input by an operator an information element5that informs a move of any member of the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3; and a control element60, wherein the control element performs a control in which the information element5informs that a second imaging equipment component member3bmoves when performing one control of the move of a first imaging equipment component member3abased on a first operation input to move the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) among the plurality of imaging equipment component members3and another control of the move of the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) different from the first imaging equipment component member3aof the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a.

Accordingly, when the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) moves while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31), the information element5informs that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves, so that the operator can understand that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves even when the operator does not understand in advance with respect to that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a. Further, even when the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100identifies the second imaging equipment component3bmember that moves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3aamong the plurality of imaging equipment component members3, the information element5can inform that which imaging equipment component member is the second imaging equipment component member3bamong the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3, so that the operator who is aware of that a plurality of the imaging equipment component members3moves while interlocked with one another can understand which imaging equipment component member3moves. As a result, the present invention can provide an X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100that allows an operator or a technician to understand which member of the imaging equipment component members3moving while interlocked with the given member of the imaging equipment component members3regardless the understanding level as for the equipment specification.

Further, with regard to the present Embodiment, the more effect below can be obtained due to the following structure.

Specifically, according to the present Embodiment and as set forth above, the control element60controls the information element5to inform in advance prior to starting the move of the first imaging equipment component member3abased on the first operation input when receiving an input of the move mode for moving the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) as the second operation input. Accordingly, when received the second operation input, the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bis informed, so that the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bcan be informed before the second imaging equipment component member3bstarts moving. As a result, the operator can assuredly understand that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves before the second imaging equipment component member3bstarts moving.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, as set forth above, the control element60decides whether the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) should be moved or not while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) when received the second operation input, and also when the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3a, the information element5informs and whereas, when the second imaging equipment component member3bis not moved while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3a, the information element5does not inform. Here, when the information element5informs without deciding whether the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves or not while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3a, the information element5informs even when the second imaging equipment component member3bdoes not move while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3a. Therefore, the operator may not accurately understand whether the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves or does not. As set forth above, the informing is conducted when the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves and not conducted when the second imaging equipment component member3bis not moved, so that the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bcan be informed only when the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3a. Therefore, when the information element5informs, the operator can understand without fail that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves. As a result, it is different from the case in which the information element informs the incident even when the second imaging equipment component member3bdoes not move, so that it can be avoided that the operator confuses.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, as set forth above, when the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) is moved to the predetermined position based on the first operation input, the control element60acquires the present position50that is the position before the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) moves and the target position51that is the position after the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves, and also performs the control in which when the present position50and the target position51are different, the information element5informs, and when the present position50and the target position51are the same, the information element5does not inform. Accordingly, the control element60decides whether the present position50and the target position51are the same or not, so that it can be easily decided whether the information element5informs or does not.

Further, according to the present Embodiment as set forth above, the plurality of moving mechanisms7that move at least two members of the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3are further provided, and the information element5is installed to at least one of the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30) and the moving mechanism7(C-arm moving mechanism7b) that moves the second imaging equipment component member3bamong the plurality of the moving mechanisms7. Accordingly, the information element5is installed to any one of the second imaging equipment component member3bthat moves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3a(table31) and the moving mechanism7that moves the second imaging equipment component member3b, so that the information element5can inform near the member that actually moves. As a result, it is different from the structure, e.g., in which a move of the second imaging equipment component member3bis displayed on such as a monitor installed as fixed to the predetermined position, and even when the operator is in the position where the operator cannot see such as a monitor, the operator or the technician can understand that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves.

Further, according to the present Embodiment as set forth above, the information element5is installed to one side and the other side of the moving mechanism7(C-arm moving mechanism7b) that moves the second imaging equipment component member3b(C-arm30). Accordingly, the information element5is installed to both sides of the moving mechanism7that moves the second imaging equipment component member3b, so that the information from the information element5can be understood by the operator and the technician even when the operator is any side of the moving mechanism7that moves the second imaging equipment component member3b.

Further, according to the present Embodiment as set forth above, the table moving mechanism7athat moves the table31and the C-arm moving mechanism7bthat moves the C-arm30are further included, and the control element60controls the information element5for informing that the C-arm30moves when conducting the control of the move of the C-arm30as the second imaging equipment component member3bby the C-arm moving mechanism7bwhile interlocked with the move of the table31as the first imaging equipment component3aby the table moving mechanism7a. Accordingly, the information element5informs that the C-arm30moves while interlocked with the move of the table31, so that the structure according to the present Embodiment is desirable relative to the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100, wherein the C-arm30moves while interlocked with the move of the table31.

Further, according to the present Embodiment as set forth above, the information element5includes the light emission element5athat informs by emitting the light. Therefore, the operator and the technician can easily understand that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves, visually by the light emitted from the light emission element5a. Further, the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bis informed by the light emitted from the light emission element5a, which is different from the structure, e.g., in which moving of the second imaging equipment component member3bis displayed on such as the display unit32, so that even when the operator is not accurately understanding the information displayed on the display unit32, the operator and the technician can intuitively understand that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves.

A Further Alternative Embodiment of the Present Embodiment

Referring toFIG.9, andFIG.10, the inventors set forth a further alternative Embodiment 1. In addition, the same element as illustrated according to the Embodiment 1 has the same reference sign, but the explanation thereof is skipped.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus200according to the alternative Embodiment 1 has a computer26instead of the computer6and further a display unit moving mechanism7cthat moves the display unit32so such a point is different from the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100according to the present Embodiment as set forth above. The computer26according to the alternative Embodiment 1 has a processor6cinstead of the processor6a, so such a point is different from the computer6according to the Embodiment as set forth above. The processor6caccording to the alternative Embodiment 1 has a control element62instead of the control element60, so such a point is different from the processor6aaccording to the Embodiment as set forth above.

The display unit moving mechanism7cmoves the display unit32in the X-direction and the Y-direction. The display unit7cincludes e.g., the linear moving mechanism in the X-direction, the linear moving mechanism in the Y-direction. In addition, the display moving mechanism7cmay move the display unit32in the Z-direction.

Further, according to the Alternative Embodiment 1 referring toFIG.9, the information element5(light emission element5a) is installed to the display unit32.

Referring toFIG.10AthroughFIG.10Caccording to the alternative Embodiment 1, the control element62performs a control for moving the display unit32in the direction indicated by the arrow sign84while interlocked with the move of the C-arm30when turning the C-arm30along the arrow sign83and the display unit32is in place in the turn trajectory of the C-arm30.

Further, according to the alternative Embodiment 1, the control element62controls the information element5(referring toFIG.9) for informing that the display unit32moves when moving the display unit32as the second imaging equipment component member3bby the display moving mechanism7cwhile interlocked with the move of C-arm30by the C-arm moving mechanism7b.

According to the alternative Embodiment 1, the control element62decides whether the second imaging equipment component member3b(display unit32) should be moved or not while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3a(C-arm30) when received the operation input to move the C-arm30. Further, the control element62conducts the information element5to inform when moving the display unit32while interlocked with the move of the C-arm30and does not conduct the information element5to inform when the display unit32does not move while interlocked with the move of the C-arm30. Specifically, the control element62acquires the present position52that is the position before the display unit32moves and the target position53that is the position after the display unit moved and controls the information element5to inform when the present position and the target position are different, and whereas when the present position52and the target position53are the same, the information element5does not inform. In addition, the control element62acquires the present position52from the display moving mechanism7c. Further, the control element62acquires the target position53from the memory storage element6b.

Other structural elements according to the alternative Embodiment 1 are the same as the Embodiment as set forth above.

Effect of Alternative Embodiment 1

According to the alternative Embodiment 1 as set forth above, the X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus200further comprises the C-arm moving mechanism7bthat moves the C-arm30and display unit moving mechanism7cthat moves the display unit32, and the control element62controls the information element5for informing that the display unit32moves when moving the display unit32as the second imaging equipment component member3bby the display moving mechanism7cwhile interlocked with the move of C-arm30as the first imaging equipment component member3aby the C-arm moving mechanism7b. Accordingly, the information element5informs that the display unit32moves while interlocked with the move of the C-arm30, so that the structure according to the alternative Embodiment 1 is desirable relative to the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus200, wherein the display unit32moves while interlocked with the move of the C-arm30.

Other effects according to the alternative Embodiment 1 is the same as the aspects of the Embodiment 1 as set forth above.

Alternative Embodiment 2 of the Present Embodiment

Referring toFIG.11, the inventors illustrate the alternative Embodiment 2. In addition, the same element as illustrated according to the Embodiment set forth above has the same reference sign, but the explanation thereof is skipped.

Referring toFIG.11, the X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus300according to the alternative Embodiment 2 comprises the information element5having a speaker5bthat outputs the information sound and the computer36instead of the computer6and is different from the X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus100according to the present Embodiment.

The computer36according to the alternative Embodiment 2 has a processor6dinstead of the processor6a, so it is different from the computer6according to the present Embodiment set forth above. Further, the processor6dhas a control element63instead of the control element60, so such a point is different from the processor6aaccording to the present Embodiment set forth above.

The control element63according to the alternative Embodiment 2 controls the speaker5bthat outputs the information sound for informing when the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the first imaging equipment component member3a. The information sound includes a warning message due to an alarm sound and a voice. In addition, according to the alternative Embodiment 2, the control element63may apply both the light emission element5aand the speaker5bto inform or only the speaker5bwithout applying the light emission element5afor informing.

Other structural elements according to the alternative Embodiment 2 are the same as the Embodiment as set forth above.

Effect of Alternative Embodiment 2

According to the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the information element5of the X-ray fluoroscopy imaging apparatus300further includes the speaker5bthat outputs the information sound. Therefore, the operator and the technician can aurally and easily understand that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves by the information sound generated from the speaker5b.

Further, other effects according to the alternative Embodiment 2 are the same as the aspect of the present Embodiment as set forth above.

Alternative Embodiments

In addition, the aspects of Embodiments disclosed at this time are examples and not limited thereto in any points. The scope of the present invention is specified in the claims but not in the above description of the aspect of Embodiments and all alternative (alternative examples) are included in the scope of the claims and equivalents thereof.

For example, the control element60controls the moves of the C-arm30while interlocked with the of the table31according to the present Embodiment and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above and the move of the display unit32while interlocked with the move of the C-arm30according to the alternative Embodiment 1 as set forth above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control element may control the moves of the display unit32while interlocked with the move of C-arm30in case of that the display unit32interferes the move of the C-arm30when the C-arm moves while interlocked with the move of the table31. Specifically, the control element may move both the C-arm30and the display unit32while interlocked with the move of the table31. When the control element controls both the C-arm and the move of the display unit32while interlocked with the move of the table31, the information element5may be installed to both the C-arm30and the display unit32or both the display unit moving mechanism7cand the C-arm moving mechanism7b.

Further, the examples illustrate that the first imaging equipment component member3ais the table31and the second imaging equipment component member3bis C-arm30according to the present Embodiment and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above and the first imaging equipment component member3ais the C-arm30and the second imaging equipment component member3bis the display unit32according to the alternative Embodiment 1, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as the member is intentionally moved by the operator, the first imaging equipment component member3acan be any member of the C-arm30, the table31and the display unit32. Further, as long as the member is moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3, the second imaging equipment component member3bcan be any member of the C-arm30, the table31and the display unit32. In addition, the member that moves in a large area and is heavy is the C-arm30among the C-arm30, the table31and the display unit32. Accordingly, the C-arm30among the C-arm30, the table31and the display unit32is most affected when the operator or the technician contacts thereto. Therefore, the information element5may be installed at least to the C-arm30or the C-arm moving mechanism7b.

Further, the move mode in the case of moving a plurality of the imaging equipment component members3decides which member of the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3is the first imaging equipment component member3aand which member thereof is the second imaging equipment component member3b. Specifically, the C-arm30, the table31and the display mode32can be either the first imaging equipment component member3aor the second imaging equipment component member3bin accordance with the move mode. Therefore, in the structure wherein a likelihood where the first imaging equipment component member3aand the second imaging equipment component member3bcan be changed in accordance with the move mode selected by the operator exists, the information element5should be installed to all of the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3or the plurality of moving mechanisms7.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, the alternative Embodiment 1 and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the example of the single plane type wherein the C-arm30is one is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it can be a biplane type where there are two C-arms30.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, the alternative Embodiment 1 and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the example wherein the information element5informs when the C-arm30moves while interlocked with the move of the table31, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control element may control the information element5for informing when the table31moves while interlocked with the move of the C-arm30. Specifically, it may be acceptable as long as that the control element controls the information element5for informing when the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component3aamong the plurality of the imaging equipment component members3. Given such a structure is provided, the operator can be informed relative to the imaging equipment component members3that move while interlocked therewith even when the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus100decides the imaging equipment component member3to be moved. As a result, it can be understood that which member of the imaging equipment component members3moving while interlocked with the predetermined imaging equipment component member3without depending on the understanding level of the operator relative to the equipment specification.

Further, the examples illustrate that the information element5is installed to the second imaging equipment component member3band informs that the second imaging equipment component member3baccording to the present Embodiment, the alternative Embodiment 1 and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the structure may be configured to inform that the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves and also to install the information element5to the first imaging equipment component member3aas well and then to allow the information element5to inform when the first imaging equipment component member3amoves.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, the alternative Embodiment 1 and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the example is illustrated wherein the control element decides whether the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3aor not, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control element may not decide whether the second imaging equipment component member3bshould be moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3aor not. Specifically, the control element may control the information element5for informing based on the second operation input. However, when conducting informing based on the second operation input, the information element5may inform even when the second imaging equipment component member3bdoes not move. Given the information element5informs the incident even when the second imaging equipment component member3bdoes not move, the operator is confused. Therefore, it is desirable that control element decides whether the second imaging equipment component member3bshould be moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3aor not.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, the alternative Embodiment 1 and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the example, wherein it is decided whether the information element5informs based on the present position and the target position of the second imaging equipment component member3b, is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control element may decide whether the information element5informs or not based on the first imaging equipment component member3aand the position of the second imaging equipment component member3b. Specifically, the control element may decide whether the information element5informs or not by deciding whether the second imaging equipment component member3bshould be moved or not based on the position of the first imaging equipment component member3aand the position of the second imaging equipment component member3b.

Further, according to the present Embodiment and the alternative Embodiments 2, the example wherein the information element5is installed to the moving mechanism7is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information element5may be installed to the second imaging equipment component member3b. If the information in which the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3acan be provided, the information element5can be installed anywhere.

Further, according to the present Embodiment and the alternative Embodiment 1, the example wherein the control element controls to provide the information as to the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bby switching the light emission5afrom lighting-on to light flashing is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control element may control to provide the information as to the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bby differentiating the color of the light that the light emission element5aoutputs. As long as the information as to the move of the second imaging equipment component member3bcan be provided with the light output from the light emission element5a, the aspect for informing is not concerned.

Further, according to the present Embodiment and the alternative Embodiment 1 as set forth above, the examples wherein the information element5includes the light emission element5aand according to the alternative Embodiment 2, the information element5includes the speaker5b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the information element5may include a monitor that displays the incident in which the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves. When the information element5includes the monitor, an arrow sign indicating the direction in which the second imaging equipment component member3bis about moving can be displayed or the message of the direction in which the second imaging equipment component member3bis about moving.

Further, according to the present Embodiment and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the example wherein the information element5includes the light emission element5athat is installed to one side and the other side of the C-arm moving mechanism7b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one light emission element as the information element5may be installed to all circumference surface of the C-arm moving mechanism7b. Further, one light emission element, as the information element5, which protrudes on the top surface of the moving mechanism7may be equipped. Even when the operators are in both one side and the other side of the moving mechanism7and the information in which the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3acan be provided, the positioning and number of the light emission element5amay not be concerned.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, the alternative Embodiment 1 and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the example wherein the control element provides the information when the second imaging equipment component member3bis moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member3atakes place to the predetermined position is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control element may control the information element5to provide the informing to suppress an interference of the second imaging equipment component member3bwhen the first imaging equipment component member3ais moved to the arbitrary position and the second imaging equipment component member3bmoves.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, the alternative Embodiment 1 and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the example wherein the operator operates the input receiving element4using a hand is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the input receiving element4that the operator operates using a foot can be i.e., a foot switch. Further, the input receiving element4may include both i.e., a hand switch, which the operator operates using the hand, and i.e., the foot switch, which the operator operates using a foot.

Further, according to the present Embodiment, the alternative Embodiment 1 and the alternative Embodiment 2 as set forth above, the example wherein the control element moves the first imaging equipment component member3aand the second imaging equipment component member3bat the same time and in parallel is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the control element may move the first imaging equipment component member3aafter moving the second imaging equipment component member3b. Given the first operation input moves the first imaging equipment component member3aand the second imaging equipment component member3b, the moves can be conducted at the same time or in order.

(Aspects of the Present Invention)

The above examples of the aspects of alternative Embodiments are specific examples in accordance with the below aspects.

An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus comprises: a plurality of imaging equipment component members that comprises an X-ray source that irradiates an X-ray to a subject, an X-ray detector that detects an X-ray irradiated from the X-ray ray radiation source to a subject and transmits through the subject, a C-arm that holds the X-ray source and the X-ray detector under the condition of facing each other, a table on which the subject is loaded, and a display unit that displays an X-ray image of the subject; an input receiving element that receives an operation input by an operator; an information element that informs a move of any member of the plurality of the imaging equipment component members; and a control element; wherein the control element control the information element that informs that a second imaging equipment component member moves when conducting a control of the move of a first imaging equipment component member based on a first operation input to move the first imaging equipment component member among the plurality of imaging equipment component members and another control of the move of the second imaging equipment component member different from the first imaging equipment component member of the plurality of the imaging equipment component members while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to the Term 1, wherein the control element controls the information element to inform in advance prior to starting the move of the first imaging equipment component member based on the first operation input when receiving an input of the move mode for moving the second imaging equipment component member while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member as the second operation input.

The control element decides whether the second imaging equipment component member should be moved or not when receiving the second operation input while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member, and controls the information element to inform when the second imaging equipment component member should be moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member and the information element not to inform when the second imaging equipment component member should not be moved while interlocked with the move of the first imaging equipment component member.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to Term 3, wherein the control element acquires the present position that is the position before the second imaging equipment component member moves and the target position that is the position after the second imaging equipment component member moves when the first imaging equipment component member is moved to the predetermined position based on the first operation input, controls the information element to inform when the present position and the target position are different, and controls the information element not to inform when the present position and the target position are the same.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to Term 2 further comprises: a plurality of moving mechanisms that move at least two of the plurality of the imaging equipment component members, and the information element is installed to the second imaging equipment component member and at least one of the pluralities of moving mechanisms that moves the second imaging equipment component member among the plurality of the moving mechanisms.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to Term 5, wherein the information element is installed to one side and the other side of the moving mechanism moves the second imaging equipment component member.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to Term 1 further comprises: a table moving mechanism which moves the table and the C-arm moving mechanism that moves the C-arm; wherein when the control element controls the information element for informing that the C-arm moves when conducting the control of the move of the C-arm as the second imaging equipment component member by the C-arm moving mechanism while interlocked with the move of the table as the first imaging equipment component by the table moving mechanism.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to Term 1 further comprises: a C-arm moving mechanism that moves the C-arm; a display unit moving mechanism that moves the display unit; wherein the control element controls the information element for informing that the display unit moves when moving the display unit by the display unit moving mechanism while interlocked with the move of the C-arm as the first imaging equipment component by the C-arm moving mechanism.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to Term 1, wherein the information element includes a light emission element that informs by emitting a light.

The X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus according to Term 1, wherein the control element further includes a speaker that outputs an information sound.

REFERENCE OF SIGNS

It will be further understood by those of skill in the art that the apparatus and devices and the elements herein, without limitation, and including the sub components such as operational structures, circuits, communication pathways, and related elements, control elements of all kinds, display circuits and display systems and elements, any necessary driving elements, inputs, sensors, detectors, memory elements, processors and any combinations of these structures etc. as will be understood by those of skill in the art as also being identified as or capable of operating the systems and devices and subcomponents noted herein and structures that accomplish the functions without restrictive language or label requirements since those of skill in the art are well versed in related X-Ray Fluoroscopic Imaging Systems, devices, computer and operational controls and technologies of radiographic devices and all their sub components, including various circuits and combinations of circuits without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Although only a few embodiments have been disclosed in detail above, other embodiments are possible, and the inventors intend these to be encompassed within this specification. The specification describes certain technological solutions to solve the technical problems that are described expressly and inherently in this application. This disclosure describes embodiments, and the claims are intended to cover any modification or alternative or generalization of these embodiments which might be predictable to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software running on one or more specific purpose machines that are programmed to carry out the operations described in this application, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein, may be implemented or performed with a general or specific purpose processor, or with hardware that carries out these functions. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor can be part of a computer system that also has an internal bus connecting to cards or other hardware, running based on a system BIOS or equivalent that contains startup and boot software, system memory which provides temporary storage for an operating system, drivers for the hardware and for application programs, disk interface which provides an interface between internal storage device(s) and the other hardware, an external peripheral controller which interfaces to external devices such as a backup storage device, and a network that connects to a hard wired network cable such as Ethernet or may be a wireless connection such as a RF link running under a wireless protocol.

A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. These devices may also be used to select values for devices as described herein.

In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer.