X-ray diagnostic apparatus including a control panel having operating keys for the organwise-programmed setting of exposure data

Abstract

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus having a control panel with operating keys for the organwise programmed setting of exposure data, and an indicator field for the associated body portions or organs connected with, respectively, each operating key. The indicator field is common to all operating keys, in which there are indicatable predetermined body regions through the use of a selector switch installation, the selector switch installation and the contacts of the operating keys being so interconnected with setting means for the exposure data, that the operating keys upon the setting of a predetermined body zone has the exposure data of predetermined body portions or organs of that particular zone connected therewith, and in which the indicator fields of the operating keys have associated, through the intermediary of the selector switch installation, switchable indicator means for the particular body portion, or the particular organ.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus having a control panel with operating keys for the organwise programmed setting of exposure data, and an indicator field for the associated body portions or organs connected with, respectively, each operating key.

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

An X-ray diagnostic apparatus of this type has become known through the advertising prospectus "AUTOMATOS" of the Electricitats-Gesellschaft Sanitas, Berlin, Printing reference 1 798.I.41.C.-Is. In the known X-ray diagnostic apparatus the number of operating keys on the control panel corresponds to the number of possible exposure programs. Due to the multiplicity of keys on the control panel, its operation becomes difficult to supervise, and the panel expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the keys require a relatively large space, so that the spatial requirement for the panel becomes relatively large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the above-mentioned type which, with respect to the operation thereof as contrasted with the state of the art, is much more simple, and which has relatively small spatial requirements for the operating keys.

The foregoing object is inventively solved in that an indicator field is provided which is common to all operating keys, in which there are indicatable predetermined body regions through the use of a selector switch installation, the selector switch installation and the contacts of the operating keys being so interconnected with the setting means for the exposure data, that the operating keys upon the setting of a predetermined body zone has the exposure data of predetermined body portions or organs of that particular zone connected therewith, and in which the indicator fields of the operating keys have associated, through the intermediary of the selector switch installation, switchable indicator means for the particular body portion, or the particular organ.

In the inventive object, the number of the possible exposure programs is obtained from the product of the number of the selectable body zones and the number of the operating keys. If, for example, the human body is divided into seven regions or zones, seven function keys will then be sufficient for the setting up of 49 different exposure programs. The number of operating keys thus is, for the same number of exposure programs, considerably reduced in comparison with the state of the technology. The operation becomes readily supervisable and, in particular, when in the indicator field there is illustrated a human body below a transparent cover, of which the individual body zones are illuminatable in conformance with the setting of the selector switch installation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details of the invention may now be ascertained from the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; in which:

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a control panel for an X-ray diagnostic apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block circuit diagram for an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the invention; and

FIG. 3 shows a more precise circuit diagram for the X-ray diagnostic apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the control panel pursuant to FIG. 1 includes seven operating keys 1 through 7 for the organwise programmed setting of the exposure data. Adjacent the operating keys 1 through 7 are seven indicator fields 8 through 14 representative of the body portions or organs associated with the respective operating keys 1 through 7. The control panel further includes an indicator board 15, within which a human body is illustrated beneath transparent cover. Of the human body, there are selectively illuminable seven zones 16 through 22.

A selector switch 23 serves for the selection of the body region or zone, through which is also controllable indication within the indicator fields 8 through 14. By means of operating keys 1 through 7, the examining apparatus which is coordinated with the particular body organ is automatically selected, and indicated in the fields 24 through 26. The field 24, in this instance, symbolizes a tilting apparatus, the field 25 a horizontally disposed examining table, and the field 26 a wall scanning apparatus.

Through operating keys 1 through 7, there is further controlled the indication in three fields 27 through 29, in which there are indicated the required intensifying screen for the exposure cassette. The operating keys 1 through 7 additionally effect the automatic selection and indication of the particular required focus within the fields 30 and 31.

The control panel includes five keys 32 which permit an influence over the program exposure data with regard to the heaviness of the patient. A rotary switch 34 is provided in connection with an instrument 35 which is utilized for matching with a power supply.

Through the control panel it is also possible to effect the free or independent setting of the exposure data and, namely, the mAs-product by means of a rotary switch 36, and the X-ray tube voltage by use of a rotary switch 37. A key 38 serves for the switching over from a programmed to free or independent operation. In order to indicate the type of operation (programmed operation, free or independent operation) there are provided two indicator fields 39 and 40. Finally, an indicator field 41 is provided for the particular dominants of an automatic illuminating device, which are automatically selected through the operating keys 1 through 7.

The control of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus follows in a manner wherein, through selector switch 23, there are first selected those body zones or regions, within which an exposure is to be carried out. The selected body zone is illuminated in the indicator board 15. For example, it is assumed that body zone 18 has been selected. With the selection of the body zone, the operating keys 1 through 7 are automatically programmed, in effect meaning, that each of the operating keys 1 through 7 has associated therewith a particular body portion or a particular organ of zone 18. In particular instances, namely, when there is no need for seven different exposure programs for a body zone, the programming of one or a part of the operating keys 1 through 7 is eliminated. In the selected example for the selection of the body zone 18, the operating key 1 is coordinated with an exposure of the lungs, the operating key 2 with an exposure of the heart, and so forth. The exposures may be produced by means of a wall scanning apparatus, whereby the exposure field 26 is illuminated, and the wall scanning apparatus automatically actuated. For carrying out the desired exposure, for example, an exposure of the digestive tract, there need be depressed only the corresponding operating key, for example, operating key 3. Therewith are automatically selected, in a known manner, the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current, the focus, the dominants when employing an automatic illuminating device, and further exposure data. The indicator fields 27 through 29 indicate to the user as to which intensifying screens must be inserted into the exposure cassette. The selected dominants are indicated in indicator field 41.

The selection of the radioscopic or X-raying data (kV, mA) is carried out, for example, at the command arm of a targeting apparatus. The X-raying voltage is indicated on instrument 35. The initiation of an exposure is effected through a switch 42.

For the free or independent setting of the exposure data, namely the mAs-product and the X-ray tube voltage, key 38 is depressed. In this case, the selector switch 23 is ineffective, and the setting is carried out by means of switches 36 and 37.

From FIG. 4 it may be ascertained that in conformance with the division of the human body into seven regions or zones, and the use of seven operating keys, there may be set a maximum of 49 different data. The number of control components is thereby extremely small, and the control becomes readily supervisable and very simple. The indication changes in the indicator fields 8 through 14 may, for example, be carried out in that the body portions and organs are illustrated on rotatable rollers, which are so rotatable through intermediary of the selector switch 23, that the body portions and organs corresponding to the particular selector position are reproduced in the indicator fields 8 through 14. It is also possible to utilize projector installations, which are switchable through the selector switch 23 and which project the body portions and organs onto the indicator fields 8 through 14. Furthermore, it is not necessary that the indicator fields 8 through 14 be separate from the operating keys 1 through 7. Thus, the fields may be located on the surfaces of the operating keys 1 through 7 which face towards the user, when these surfaces are formed of a transparent material. The designation of the respective body portions and organs may be provided for by writing pursuant to FIG. 1, and also through suitable symbols.

The selection of the body zones may, in lieu of a rotatable selector switch, also be carried out through keys, which are associated with the body zones 16 through 22, for example, located adjacent the body zones. Also a contactless, for example, capacitive switching is possible upon touching the fields of the indicator board 15 coordinated with body regions or zones 16 through 22.

In FIG. 2 there are schematically illustrated seven rollers 43 through 49, which are positioned beneath indicator fields 8 through 14, and through which the selector switch 23 is rotatably supplied with legends corresponding to the particular body portions or organs. The selector switch 23 includes a step switch 50 with seven locking stop positions, which are connected to lamps 51 through 57 for illumination of the body zones 16 through 22, and to the contacts of the operating keys 1 through 7. In the described position of the selector switch 23 (zone 18), the lamp 53 is illuminated.

In FIG. 2 there are illustrated only the contacts associated with the operating keys 1 and 7. The contacts of function keys 2 through 6 are, in an analogous manner, interconnected with the step switch 50. Each operating key includes seven contacts, each of which is coordinated with a particular program. The contacts lead to a program control installation 58, which control lamps 59 through 69, the latter of which are associated with the indicator fields 24 through 31 and 39 through 41. The program control installation effects setting means 70 which influence an X-ray generator 71 in conformance with a particular selected exposure program. The X-ray generator 71 has X-ray tubes 72 and 73 connected thereto, which are selectively connectable to the X-ray generator 71 by means of switches 74 and 75. The actuation of switches 74 and 75 is carried out in dependence upon the program control installation 58, or respectively, the selected operating key.

By means of selector switch 23, through step switch 50, there is respectively selected one of the seven contacts of operating keys 1 through 7, and connected to the program control installation 58. In the program control installation 58 there are stored all programs for effecting the exposures. According to the selection of the contacts of the operating keys 1 through 7 through step switch 50, and dependent upon the particular depressed operating key, there is effected the setting of the data through the setting means 70.

If free or independent operation is desired, then the switch 76 is closed by means of key 38. This results in connection of the switches 36 and 37 to the setting means 70, and in the switching off of the program control installation 58.

In FIG. 2 there are only illustrated two X-ray tubes which are selectively connectable to the X-ray generator 71. When using three exposure apparatus according to FIG. 1, there is employed another X-ray tube and a switch which connects the tube with the X-ray generator 71.

In FIG. 3, there is explained in greater detail setting of the exposure data by means of the operating keys. FIG. 3 shows the contact 77 of the operating key 1. When this contact is closed, it pulls a relay 78 which includes contacts 79 through 88. Through the chain-dotted line is represented, that these contacts are actuatable through the winding of relay 78. In FIG. 3, the X-ray tube 72 is schematically illustrated. It includes two filaments 89 and 90, which are connectable through the contact 87 and a contact 91 to a filament voltage transformer 92. The anode voltage for the X-ray tube 72 is generated through a high voltage rectifier 93 which is located at the output of a high-voltage transformer 94. The high-voltage transformer 94 has a step transformer 95 connected thereto.

When the operating key 1 is depressed, then the contacts 79 through 88 of relay 78 are closed due to excitation of the latter. The contacts 79 and 80 connect the X-ray tube 72 to the output of the high-voltage generator 71. They thereby correspond to the switch 74 shown in FIG. 2. The contact 81 selects the operating resistance in the filament current circuit, by means of which there is determined the filament current and, consequently, the X-ray tube current. The contact 87 selects the focus which is related to the filament 89. It is assumed that by means of operating key 1, the fields 24, 27, 30, 39 and 41 are illuminated. In accordance therewith, contacts 82 through 86 switch on lamps 59, 62, 65, 67 and 69. The contact 88 selects the high voltage which is associated with key 1 and its contact 77.

Upon depression of operating key 1 there is automatically selected the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current and the focus, as well as control of the therewith associated indicator lamps. In the same manner, through the further contacts of operating key 1, additional relays are controlled so as to effect the selection of their parameters pursuant to another program. Furthermore, in an analogous manner, relay windings are connected with the contacts of the other operating keys.

If the exposure data are to be freely or independently set, then as previously mentioned, the switch 76 is closed, whereby the relay 96 is excited. This relay opens its contact 97 and switches off relay 78. It further closes its contact 100 and switches in the mAs-relay 98. Through turn knob 36 the mAs-relay 98 may now be set so that, in a known manner, upon reaching a predetermined mAs-product the switch 99 opens and terminates the exposure. The kV-selector 37, in a known manner, effects the step transformer 95 to set the high voltage of the X-ray tube 72.

From FIG. 3 it may be ascertained that the relay 78 with its contacts 79 through 88 is a component of the programming installation 58. This also contains other relays which are associated with the contacts of the operating keys 1 through 7.

The switching in of the kV-selector 37 is carried out through a contact 101 of the relay 96 upon excitation of the latter. For an opened switch 76, these contacts 99 are actuated, in a known manner, through an automatic illuminating device.

While there has been shown what is considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be obvious that modifications may be made which come within the scope of the disclosure of the specification.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus including a plurality of operating keys for the organwise-programmed setting of X-ray exposure data, and a plurality of indicator fields each respectively associated with one of said operating keys, each said indicator field being representative of a particular body portion or organ of a patient, the improvement comprising: an indicator board commonly connected to all of said operating keys; a selector switch installation for indicating a body zone from a plurality of body zones represented in said indicator board; setting means for said exposure data, said selector switch installation having contacts connected with contacts of said operating keys and with said exposure data setting means so as to provide the operating keys upon setting of a predetermined body zone the exposure data of predetermined body portions or organs of said zone; and switchable indicator means in said selector switch installation connected to the indicator fields of said operating keys for the particular body portion or organ.

2. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, comprising a transparent cover on said indicator board, a human body being imaged on said indicator board beneath said transparent cover; and said switchable indicator means including means for illuminating individual zones of said human body in dependence upon the setting of said selector switch installation.

3. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said selector switch installation comprising a rotary switch.

4. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said selector switch installation comprising key switch means associated with respectively each said body zone.

5. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus as claimed in claim 4, each said key switch means being a capacitive contact switch in the region of indication of a respectively associated body zone.

6. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus as claimed in claim 3, said switchable indicator means comprising rollers located behind the respective indicator fields of said operating keys, operating legends being provided on said rollers, said rotary switch being connected to said rollers for imparting rotation thereto.

7. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said switchable indicator means comprising projector means located behind said indicator fields for the associated body portions or organs.

8. An X-ray diagnostic apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said indicator fields being located on surfaces of said operating keys facing towards an operator for said apparatus.