阅读说明：本技术 具有多个x射线设备的x射线装置和用于运行其的方法 (X-ray device with a plurality of X-ray systems and method for operating the same ) 是由 N.皮克特 C.德雷斯勒 M.比特纳 于 2019-07-25 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种X射线装置,包括至少两个X射线设备,其分别具有控制设备和带有X射线发射器和X射线探测器的拍摄装置,其中X射线设备中的至少一个是移动X射线设备,其具有移动的、支承拍摄装置的支承体,其中,X射线设备分别具有通信接口,用于在X射线设备的控制设备之间和/或在属于X射线装置的中间设备与X射线设备的所有控制设备之间建立通信连接,中间设备本身具有控制设备和至少一个通信接口,其中至少一个移动X射线设备中的至少一个的控制设备被设计为,用于根据经由通信连接从另外的控制设备获得的控制数据来控制相应的X射线设备的图像拍摄运行和/或用于经由通信连接将至少一个拍摄的图像数据组传输到至少一个另外的控制设备。(The invention relates to an X-ray apparatus comprising at least two X-ray devices, each of which has a control device and a camera with an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector, wherein at least one of the X-ray devices is a mobile X-ray device having a mobile support body supporting the camera, wherein the X-ray devices each have a communication interface for establishing a communication link between the control devices of the X-ray devices and/or between an intermediate device belonging to the X-ray apparatus and all control devices of the X-ray devices, the intermediate device itself having a control device and at least one communication interface, wherein the control device of at least one of the at least one mobile X-ray devices is designed for controlling an image recording operation of the respective X-ray device as a function of control data obtained via the communication link from a further control device and/or for transmitting at least one recorded image data set via the communication link To at least one further control device.)

1. An X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) comprising at least two X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), which X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) each have a control device (5) and a camera with an X-ray emitter (21) and an X-ray detector (22), wherein at least one of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) is a mobile X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 49) having a mobile support body (19) which supports the camera, characterized in that,

the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) each have a communication interface (4) for establishing a communication connection (3) between the control devices (5) of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) and/or between an intermediate device (7) belonging to the X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) and all control devices (5) of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), the intermediate device (7) itself having a control device (5) and at least one communication interface (8), wherein the control device (5) of at least one of the at least one mobile X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 49) is designed for controlling the respective X-ray device (5) as a function of control data obtained from the further control device (5) via the communication interface (3) (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) and/or for transmitting at least one captured image data record to at least one further control device (5) via a communication connection (3).

2. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1C, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the communication interface (4, 8) is designed for wireless communication and/or the support body (19) comprises a C-arm (20).

3. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a control device (5) which is designed as a master or is determined as a master on the user side and/or automatically is designed for coordinated control of the entire X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1 f).

4. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the recording apparatus is associated with controllable adjusting devices (23) for setting different recording geometries by means of corresponding control devices (5), wherein the control devices (5) serving as masters are designed for the movement-coupled control of the adjusting devices (23) of at least two X-ray devices of the at least two X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49).

5. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control device (5), in particular at least a control device (5) designed as a master, has a registration unit (14) for registering the coordinate systems of the different X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49).

6. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that at least one control device (5) associated with at least one X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) has a collision avoidance unit (38) for the X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), wherein the collision avoidance unit (38) is designed for taking into account position information of at least one further X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) obtained via the communication connection (3).

7. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the at least one control device (5), in particular the control device (5) designed as a master, is designed for determining instruction data for establishing a predetermined relative positioning of at least the camera of at least two of the at least two X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), which instruction data are used for manual setting outputably via the display device (10) and/or for controlling at least one component for position adjustment of the at least one X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), in particular after transmission via at least one of the communication connections (3).

8. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the control devices (5) has a synchronization unit (15) for synchronizing the timers of at least two X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) which are connected at least via at least one communication connection (3).

9. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also has at least one fixedly mounted generator and/or at least one fixedly mounted cooling device with a connection (9) for at least one mobile X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 49).

10. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), in particular a fixedly mounted X-ray device (2a, 2b, 48), has an imaging system (12), wherein at least one further of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), in particular a mobile X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 49), is designed for using the imaging system (12) together, in particular by transmitting image data via a communication connection (3).

11. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the imaging system (12) is designed for jointly analyzing image data of a plurality of X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49).

12. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) has at least one display device (10) for image data sets taken with the X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49).

13. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1D, 1e, 1f) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the display device (10) is designed for jointly displaying, as an image data set, two-dimensional projection images (39, 40) taken with different projection angles in accordance with a 3D visualization in the form of a book (41), in particular with different X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), wherein each page (42) shown in the book (41) corresponds to a projection image (39, 40) and the pages (42) lie against one another at an angle which corresponds to the projection angle difference of the respective projection image (39, 40).

14. The X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1C, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) is a fixedly mounted, ceiling-suspended X-ray device (48) with a C-arm (20) supporting a camera or a sliding gantry CT device, wherein the operating and/or display device (11, 10) of the X-ray apparatus is designed on the basis of at least one communication connection (3) also for use with at least one mobile X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 49).

15. Method for operating an X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f), which X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) comprises at least two X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), which X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) each have a control device (5) and a recording device with an X-ray emitter (21) and an X-ray detector (22), wherein at least one of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) is a mobile X-ray device (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) having a mobile support body (19) which supports the recording device,

establishing a communication connection (3) between control devices (5) of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) and/or between an intermediate device (7) belonging to the X-ray apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) and all control devices (5) of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), by means of the communication interfaces (4) of the X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49), respectively, the intermediate device (7) itself having a control device (5) and at least one communication interface (8), wherein the control device (5) of at least one of the at least one mobile X-ray devices (2a, 2b, 16a, 16b, 49) controls the respective X-ray device (2 a), 2b, 16a, 16b, 48, 49) and/or to transmit at least one captured image data set to at least one further control device (5) via a communication connection (3).

Technical Field

The invention relates to an X-ray device comprising at least two X-ray systems, each having a control device and a camera with an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector, wherein at least one of the X-ray systems is a mobile X-ray system having a mobile support body which supports the camera. The invention further relates to a method for operating such an X-ray device.

Background

In addition to fixedly mounted X-ray devices, mobile X-ray devices, for example so-called mobile C-arms, have already been proposed in the prior art, which therefore have a support equipped with mobility devices, for example wheels, and can thus be moved and positioned freely in the room. Such mobile X-ray devices are approaching more and more in terms of their performance to X-ray devices that are fixedly mounted in 2D imaging as well as in 3D imaging, and nowadays it is also possible to design such mobile X-ray devices (in particular when the mobility device is associated with a drive device) to be self-propelled, so that the patient table or the like can be approached with a higher accuracy, or a highly reliable relocation can also be achieved. The main advantage of such a mobile X-ray device is the increased flexibility, since the mobile X-ray device can be moved out of the room and/or can be placed in a less disturbing position when needed, which is particularly useful for examinations and/or procedures performed on a patient.

For fixedly mounted X-ray devices, for example angiography systems with one or two fixedly mounted C-arms, the use of space for specific applications is specified. In particular, when using a fixedly mounted biplane X-ray apparatus, when operating with only one of the two cameras (monoplane operation), even if the unwanted camera and its C-arm are positioned in the parking position, it is not possible to completely remove the camera from the clinical area, which can hinder the work of the staff in the examination or treatment room. It has also been proposed in the prior art to combine a fixedly mounted biplane angiographic X-ray apparatus with a so-called sliding gantry CT apparatus, in which the patient table is designed to be rotatable through 90 ° in order to switch between these modalities. This is necessary because the C-arm of the biplane angiographic X-ray device, which is fixedly mounted on the floor, cannot be moved out of the patient axis, so that the sliding gantry CT-X-ray device has to be positioned rotated by 90 ° relative to the biplane angiographic X-ray device. A sliding gantry CT-X-ray apparatus is characterized in that the gantry is movable guidingly on rails, for example between two adjacent rooms.

This therefore gives an increased space requirement, in particular in the case of biplane X-ray apparatuses, which in addition leads to an uncomfortable workflow in the combined biplane angiographic CT apparatus.

It must also be noted, however, that simultaneous imaging with different acquisition geometries (multiplanar imaging) is useful in many fields of application in addition to diagnostic angiography, in particular in image-guided minimally invasive surgery on patients. For example, the progress of the pedicle screws in the spine, the progress of the needle in the lungs/liver, the advancing movement of the catheter in the heart/brain, etc. can be monitored from different angles, i.e. in particular different projection angles, in order to avoid incorrect positioning and/or even damage to sensitive anatomical structures.

As already mentioned, fixedly mounted biplane angiographic X-ray devices, in particular having two C-arms, each with an associated camera, are already known and widely used in the prior art. However, it has been shown that, especially in the case of savings or the necessity of saving costs thereof, based on the mobile X-ray apparatus already known, a solution is also sought in which two separate mobile X-ray apparatuses with C-arms are used and are used manually as a biplane system. However, a great problem arises here if, for example, the C-arms with the cameras arranged thereon are to be rotated jointly at the same angular speed and in the same direction. Here, two persons are usually used, who move the C-arm at the same speed in response to a spoken command. Human interaction brings iterative correction steps and does not guarantee a perfectly perpendicular view or a fixed angular difference of 45 °. However, the large number of correction steps entails a higher radiation dose, increased contrast agent use, increased acquisition duration and additional personnel requirements.

In principle, it is also possible to use only a single C-arm with a camera, wherein the C-arm together with the camera has to be moved between at least two different positions and angles. This alternative is very cumbersome, time consuming and also dangerous, since the movement has to be performed around the patient, who is covered with a sterile cover and connected to further equipment, such as breathing equipment, microscopes, endoscopes, navigation systems, etc. Significant overhead is created because the anteroposterior and lateral positioning must be performed frequently, where it is impractical for the physician to perform it more than once to twice in each procedure, even if it directly affects the error rate.

Further problems which arise in this context arise if the stationary and/or mobile X-ray apparatus used has an additional so-called "monitor trolley" on which, for example, a display device and an operating device for the respective X-ray apparatus can be arranged. Although the space in the examination room and/or treatment room is inherently small, a plurality of such monitor carts are required in the case of a plurality of X-ray apparatuses.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is therefore to simplify the use of a mobile X-ray device in an X-ray apparatus having at least two X-ray devices.

This object is achieved by an X-ray device having the features of the invention and a method for operating such an X-ray device having the features of the invention. The invention also provides an advantageous embodiment.

In an X-ray apparatus of the type mentioned at the outset, it is provided according to the invention that the X-ray devices each have a communication interface for establishing a communication connection between the control devices of the X-ray devices and/or between an intermediate device (which itself has a control device and at least one communication interface) belonging to the X-ray apparatus and all control devices of the X-ray devices, wherein the control device of at least one of the at least one mobile X-ray devices is designed for controlling the image acquisition operation of the respective X-ray device as a function of control data obtained from the further control device via the communication connection and/or for transmitting at least one acquired image data set to the at least one further control device via the communication connection.

Accordingly, the method for operating such an X-ray device provides that a communication connection is established between the control devices of the X-ray device and/or between an intermediate device (which itself has a control device and at least one communication interface) belonging to the X-ray device and all control devices of the X-ray device by means of the communication interface of the X-ray device, wherein the control device of at least one mobile X-ray device of the at least one mobile X-ray device controls the image acquisition operation of the respective X-ray device as a function of control data obtained from the further control device via the communication connection and/or transmits at least one acquired image data set to the at least one further control device via the communication connection.

The invention therefore relates in general to an X-ray apparatus in which at least two, in particular exactly two, X-ray devices should be used for a common purpose, wherein at least one of the X-ray devices is designed to be mobile, which means in particular that it has mobility devices (for example comprising wheels) which allow the mobile X-ray device to be moved automatically and/or manually within a room in which the X-ray device is to be used and possibly outside the room by means of corresponding drive devices. It is further noted here that the invention will often be explained below in the case of an example in which there are exactly two X-ray devices in an X-ray apparatus, but this is not limitative, since the interaction of three or more X-ray devices, in particular for a common imaging task, can be significantly simplified by means of the invention.

The basic idea of the invention is therefore to provide a communication interface which allows the control devices of the X-ray apparatus to communicate directly or indirectly with each other and/or with a central control device, in particular an intermediate device, for example a monitor car. This makes it possible in particular to "remotely control" at least one mobile X-ray apparatus, i.e. to set up a specific image acquisition run and/or to collect the results of an image acquisition run, in particular by sending control data via a communication connection, for processing together with the results of a further X-ray apparatus at a common location. Finally, the provision of a communication interface and thus of at least one communication connection allows a plurality of X-ray devices to be understood as a common, at least partially combined X-ray apparatus, which considerably simplifies the use of such a combined X-ray device in various different ways (which will be explained in more detail below) and leads to further advantages. In this case, in the case of simple two X-ray systems, for example, an arrangement is produced in which two mobile X-ray systems or a mobile and a fixedly mounted X-ray system communicate directly with one another via a communication link in order to coordinate the image recording operation and/or the analysis/display of the image data. In a further embodiment, it can also be provided that the X-ray devices do not communicate directly, but rather via further devices, in particular via a network and/or a hospital system and/or a clinic system, on which both X-ray devices are registered. Such networks and/or systems may have been understood to be or include intermediate devices; however, one implementation variant also provides for the use of in particular likewise mobile, local intermediate devices, for example a single monitor vehicle with a display device and an operating device, which can centrally control both X-ray devices without additional intermediate devices (in particular monitor vehicles).

Preferably, the communication interface is designed for at least partially wireless communication. Basically known wireless communication techniques are used in the scope of the invention, for example, so that a communication connection is established according to the bluetooth standard and/or the WLAN standard. Since corresponding wireless communication techniques are well known, they will not be described in detail here. However, it is also conceivable in principle within the scope of the invention to provide a wired communication connection, i.e. for example to provide a data communication cable between the respective communication interfaces with the respective connectors. Here, at least partly wired communication may also be used. It may for example make sense to communicate generally wirelessly, but at least temporarily using cables for the synchronization task.

Furthermore, an X-ray device having a C-arm, at the end of which the X-ray emitter and the X-ray detector of the camera are arranged opposite one another, is preferably used in the invention as an X-ray device. In at least one mobile X-ray device, it can therefore be provided that the support for the recording device comprises a C-arm. Then, moving the X-ray device may also be referred to as "moving the C-arm". However, as one of the X-ray devices, also other types of X-ray devices can be provided, such as a so-called sliding gantry CT device, which will be described in more detail below.

In general, the X-ray devices can be coupled to one another via a communication connection, so that in particular a synchronized multi-plane imaging system is formed as an X-ray instrument. In this case, it is possible on the one hand to operate at least two X-ray devices centrally via a single operating device, which is why in particular the operating devices of further X-ray devices can also be disabled. Coordinated operation of the X-ray device, which involves an image recording operation and an image processing operation/display operation, can be achieved via the at least one communication link. This greatly reduces the error rate in the X-ray device and contributes to high-quality results. Furthermore, a significant workflow simplification is achieved. If a plurality of X-ray devices have a display device for reproducing the acquired image data record, the respective display device can be used on the basis of the communication connection to display the image data record of at least one further X-ray device, so that, in particular in the case of a precisely positioned X-ray device, the image data records of all X-ray devices acquired, for example, from both sides of a patient table for positioning a patient can be observed, which further increases the ergonomics of the proposed design.

A further essential advantage of this embodiment is that the mobile X-ray apparatus can be used independently of the remaining at least one X-ray apparatus on the one hand, owing to its own control apparatus, but on the other hand it is optional in respect of the X-ray device, and can therefore be added when required and can be removed in a space-saving manner when this is not required. This means, for example, that a design with two X-ray devices is conceivable which can be used separately on the one hand at two patient tables/in two rooms, but in the rare case of a need for multiplanar imaging, the two X-ray devices can be coupled to one another by being jointly joined at the patient table and by establishing at least one communication connection. In this way a highly flexible and cost-effective solution is provided.

If equally moving intermediate devices, for example monitor carriages, are used for a plurality of, in particular, moving X-ray devices, the following possibilities therefore exist: two or more X-ray devices, instead of only one, are connected to such an intermediate device, in particular a monitor cart. Only one such intermediate device is needed in the room; furthermore, the user requires in particular only a single operating element, for example a foot switch. The space saving leads in principle to a more fluid flow in the examination room and/or treatment room, thus saving time. The default intermediary device, and in particular the default monitor car, reduces the risk of tripping over the cable. Since only one display device is required in the case of a monitor car, the user does not need to take into account where the X-ray image data set he has just taken is displayed. This can achieve centralized work. In particular in this case, if a wired communication connection is to be used, at least two corresponding connections, for example two connection sockets, to an intermediate device, in particular a monitor vehicle, can be provided as communication interfaces.

In order to increase the reliability, it can be provided that at least one of the control devices is designed to authenticate at least one communication partner when a communication connection is established, in particular in the event of user involvement. In this way, misuse and unauthorized use or coupling between X-ray devices not provided for coupling can be avoided. For example, authentication may include entering a PIN on the user side. Of course, additionally or alternatively, further authentication methods basically known in the art may also be used.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the control device, which is designed as a master or is determined as a master on the user side and/or automatically, is designed for coordinated control of the entire X-ray apparatus. This means that if no originally central control entity is provided (for example in the form of a control device of an intermediate device), the control device can be determined as a master device in order to perform a central coordinated control of the X-ray device. The further control device can then be understood as a controlled device. If the X-ray system is a permanently installed X-ray system, its control device is preferably used automatically or as a master control device. The master control device is arranged hierarchically above the controlled device, as is known per se, and particularly preferably provides control data for the image recording operation of all X-ray devices and/or for the image processing of the image data records for all X-ray devices. For example, if there are two equally moving X-ray devices, the role of the master device may be assigned by the user and/or automatically (e.g. randomly) if no control device is provided, in particular as master device. Here, the selection is preferably on the user side, since one of the X-ray devices which is better positioned with respect to operation can be selected.

If a master device is used, it can suitably be provided that the operating device and/or the display device of the further X-ray device is at least temporarily disabled when the master device is associated with or belongs to one of the X-ray devices and the X-ray device has an operating device and a display device. This means that the user-side operation can also specify, in particular, an emphasis on the X-ray devices belonging to or associated with the master device, so that operational confusion or the like is already avoided as far as possible in advance.

The coordinated control of the X-ray devices may also include, in particular, a decisive, mutually coordinated selection of at least one acquisition parameter for each X-ray device to be coordinated in its acquisition operation. For example, the control device designed as a master controller can be designed for selecting different X-ray spectra for the X-ray devices whose image data sets are to be jointly analyzed. In this way, for example, multi-energy imaging, in particular dual-energy imaging, can be achieved dexterously. Another example of the relevance of different recording parameters in a common image recording operation is the relevance of the recording geometry to be used for different regions to be covered in a room to the X-ray device. For example, when two C-arms are used, each of these C-arms may sweep a portion of the projection angle to be used.

It is further noted in this regard that a master control device for such a coordinated operation is not necessarily required if the respective negotiation method is carried out between control devices of different X-ray devices.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the recording device is associated with controllable adjustment devices for setting different recording geometries by means of corresponding control devices, wherein the control device serving as a master is designed as an adjustment device for the motion-coupled control of at least two of the at least two X-ray devices. This means in particular that a regulating device of an X-ray device which does not belong to the main control device transmits control data via the communication connection to the control device associated with the X-ray device to which the regulating device belongs, which control device executes the control data to control the regulating device. In this way, a kinematic coupling of the cameras to one another is achieved within the scope of the invention, which is particularly preferred in the case of X-ray apparatuses with a C-arm which can be used. Thus, for example, it can be provided that the control device acting as a master is designed to maintain at least one constant angle between the orientation of the coupled-in cameras.

It is also to be emphasized here again that a prerequisite for such a coupled operation is an adjustment device which makes it possible to set the recording geometry at least partially automatically. In a specific embodiment, for example, two X-ray systems can be used, each having a C-arm carrying the recording device, wherein the C-arms are initially arranged rotatably in a common plane but with a predetermined angular offset with respect to one another, so that the corresponding images are also recorded with the corresponding projection angle differences as specific different recording geometries. The setting of the relative angle can also be done automatically, especially when an absolute setting with explicit reference can be invoked and/or other ways of registration can be made. In any case, it is suitable that at least the current angular position of the C-arm can be exchanged via the communication connection. Now, for example, if the camera has a specific angular difference, for example 90 °, in the case of a kinematic coupling of the X-ray device and/or directly after the coupling, which is set in a targeted manner, the difference remains constant regardless of how strongly one of the C-arms rotates. For example, if the C-arm of the first of the X-ray devices is rotated by 25 °, the C-arm of the other X-ray device is also automatically rotated by 25 ° at the same time.

This angular coupling (or in general kinematic coupling) can be suitably applied to all possible axes of rotation for a C-arm that can be rotated about different axes by means of an adjustment device. Thus, for example, it is contemplated that the angular coupling may be adapted for LAO/RAO rotation and CRA/CAU rotation. In this way, a spherical synchronous movement of the coupled C-arms can be achieved, wherein at least one C-arm belongs to the mobile X-ray device. In this embodiment, a kinematic coupling with respect to constantly maintaining the angular difference between the different cameras is the most common case of the present invention. However, in general with regard to the example of a C-arm belonging to two different X-ray devices and its coupling, it can be stated that the functions as it is given in a fixedly mounted biplane X-ray device can be realized in a simple manner by an X-ray device which is in principle independent, but wherein a great flexibility can be obtained in that the mobile X-ray device has to be present only when it is actually necessary to move the X-ray device there.

It is further noted here that, in an alternative embodiment in which only one of the X-ray devices has the necessary adjustment device, it is also conceivable for at least two coupled cameras to be adjusted to have a measuring device for manual adjustment of the measuring camera associated with one of the cameras and the remaining cameras by means of a corresponding control device associated with a controllable adjustment device for setting different imaging geometries, wherein the control device serving as a master is designed for the movement-coupled control of the adjustment device of at least one further X-ray device of the at least two X-ray devices as a function of the measurements of the measuring device. Thus, if one of the X-ray devices does not have the possibility of automatically setting the acquisition geometry, a measuring device can be provided there, which can track the current position and take into account its measured values in order to achieve a kinematic coupling with a further X-ray device having a corresponding adjusting device.

As already mentioned, it is sufficient, in particular with regard to the coupled use of the acquisition geometry, that corresponding components for acquiring the current settings of the acquisition device are present at the respective X-ray apparatus and define unambiguous reference points, so that the relative positional information for the X-ray apparatus is presented sufficiently accurately by using the communication connection. For example, if it is assumed for a C-arm that the C-arm has been manually set to a common plane of rotation, it is sufficient to simply swap the current angular position with respect to a well-defined reference point to determine what the relative angle between the C-arms is currently. However, for some applications it may be more appropriate that there is a practical, in particular complete, registration between the coordinate systems of the different X-ray devices.

It can therefore be provided that at least one control device, in particular at least the control device designed as a master, has a registration unit for registering the coordinate systems of the different X-ray devices. This can be achieved in particular in that the position of the components of the X-ray device can also be known in the control device of the further X-ray device.

In this case, a particularly advantageous embodiment provides that at least one control device associated with the X-ray device has a collision avoidance unit for the X-ray device, wherein the collision avoidance unit is designed to take into account the position information of at least one further X-ray device obtained via the communication connection. It is particularly advantageous if at least one mobile X-ray device can be considered while avoiding collisions with at least one fixedly mounted X-ray device. In this way, as already mentioned at the outset, the integration depth into a common X-ray apparatus is increased, since in particular a collision avoidance strategy comprising the entire X-ray device can be implemented in the collision avoidance unit in order to ensure patient safety and protection of components from damage as far as possible. Here, the registration is particularly useful for identifying the position of components of the further X-ray device as accurately as possible.

In particular, it can be provided that the registration unit is designed for registering the coordinate system in accordance with markers provided on the X-ray device and/or in a room used by the X-ray device. Different specific methods of using the markers are conceivable here in order to establish the registration between the coordinate systems. In this way, for example, a marking on the floor side can be provided in the room used, to which marking the at least one mobile X-ray device can be positioned at the beginning of the coupling, in order to establish a defined initial position with respect to the subsequently occurring movement. Such ground marks may also be used for repositioning the mobile X-ray device etc. It is particularly advantageous in this case if a detection device, in particular an optical and/or electromagnetic detection device, can also be provided for detecting the marking. This means that, for example, ground markings can be electromagnetically and/or optically recognized. However, other types of markers, such as known features of a patient table or the like, can be acquired with a detection device, which is arranged, for example, at the mobile X-ray device, in particular at the carrier, so that the position of the mobile X-ray device can be acquired as accurately as possible in the room. Of course, other types of position determination systems which have been proposed in principle in the prior art, for example using electromagnetic markers or the like, can also be used.

A particularly suitable embodiment of the invention provides that the at least one control device, in particular the control device designed as a master controller, is designed for determining command data which establish a predetermined relative positioning of at least the camera of at least two of the at least two X-ray devices, which command data can be used for manual setting via the display device output and/or at least partially for controlling the components of the at least one X-ray device for position adjustment, in particular after transmission via at least one of the at least one communication connection. In particular, therefore, for example when the mobility device of the mobile X-ray device also has a drive device, the drive device can be used to establish an automatically adapted relative position between the X-ray devices, which relative position relates to a specific desired relative position of the camera, which relative position can then be brought about, for example, by a corresponding adjustment device already mentioned. However, it is also possible to bring about a suitable relative position of the X-ray device, in particular of the at least one mobile X-ray device, by outputting corresponding instructions to the user, which instructions relate, for example, to the already mentioned ground markings. Thus, a specific positioning can also be established manually.

In a development of the invention, it is provided that at least one of the control devices has a synchronization unit for synchronizing the timers of at least two X-ray devices connected via at least one of the at least one communication connections. In particular, the two control devices to be synchronized may each have a synchronization unit. Synchronization can be used in connection with the control device of the X-ray device to achieve the same pulse rate and/or the same acquisition time point, etc. Various variants for a specific synchronization X-ray device may be used, such as a fast software synchronization and/or the use of dedicated hardware wires.

In addition, a suitable development of the invention provides that the X-ray system has at least one fixedly mounted generator and/or at least one fixedly mounted cooling system with a connection for at least one mobile X-ray system. In order to increase the performance of the mobile X-ray apparatus, it is therefore possible to connect the latter in stationary operation to its own, fixedly mounted generator and/or to an additional cooling apparatus which is likewise fixedly mounted.

Preferably, at least one of the X-ray devices, in particular a fixedly mounted X-ray device, can have an imaging system, wherein at least one further of the X-ray devices, in particular a mobile X-ray device, is designed for using the imaging system together, in particular by transmitting image data via a communication connection. This means that in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention at least one of the at least one mobile X-ray devices transmits the image data via at least one of the at least one communication connections to a further X-ray device, in particular a fixedly mounted further X-ray device, having an image system and uses the image system together, in particular with regard to jointly analyzing the image data. This means that the imaging system can advantageously be designed for jointly analyzing the image data of a plurality of X-ray devices. Thus, for example, a reconstruction of the three-dimensional image data set from the projection image data sets of the plurality of X-ray devices can be carried out by the imaging system. In this case, the X-ray system using the imaging system transmits not only the image data record which has been preprocessed, for example in DICOM format, to the imaging system of the further X-ray system, but also the raw image data which is then processed in the corresponding image chain in the imaging system. A 3D acquisition run can be carried out with such a coupled X-ray device alone, however, a synchronous run with both X-ray devices can also be carried out, in this case with different acquisition parameters, in order to cover different X-ray spectra, as already explained at the outset.

In general, the X-ray device can have at least one display device for image data recorded with the X-ray device. The X-ray device can also have its own display device and/or an intermediate device with a display device, such as a monitor car, can be used. It is expedient here to disable all further display devices except one and to display the image data sets of all X-ray devices on only this one display device, and to provide the possibility, in certain circumstances and/or for a specific examination and/or treatment task, for displaying the image data sets of all X-ray devices on a plurality or even all existing display devices, as appropriate. This can be achieved without problems on the basis of at least one communication connection within the scope of the invention, since the respective image data sets between the X-ray device or the intermediate device can be exchanged and thus the positions of the different display devices can be exchanged. The display device may in particular be at least one monitor.

In this case, a particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the display device is designed for the joint display of two-dimensional projection images, which are acquired with different X-ray devices, at different projection angles as image data sets in a 3D visualization according to the book format, wherein each illustrated page of the book corresponds to a projection image and the pages lie against one another at an angle which corresponds to the projection angle difference of the respective projection image. In this way, the projection angle difference between the image planes can be displayed directly in the manner of a book, since the projection angle difference is clearly represented by the angle difference of the pages of the book. Additional pages may also be added to the "book" if more than two projected images are to be displayed in this manner. This results in a highly intuitive surgical display of the two-dimensional image data set. The user can observe the projection angle difference from an ergonomic point of view by looking through the book, wherein the display method can also be used, as appropriate, independently of the coupling of the X-ray device described here via the communication connection.

In principle, therefore, a method for displaying two-dimensional images recorded with at least one medical image recording device on a display device is also conceivable, characterized in that the images are displayed together in a 3D visualization of the book type, wherein each illustrated page of the book corresponds to an image and the pages lie against one another at an angle which corresponds to the angle of the image plane of the respective image. Such visualization methods may be used, for example, in imaging modalities such as computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, and by presenting the pages of the book in addition to the images with corresponding angular differences to each other, where the angular relationship between the images is directly displayed in an intuitive manner. In general, the further two-dimensional image can also be supplemented simply by adding further pages. The book displayed thereby can be viewed via the operating elements by means of corresponding operating elements, which can be provided by a corresponding operating device or user interface. This gives intuitive access to the multi-plane image data, since in previous image displays the correlation with respect to space/angle has to be inferred on the basis of further information, for example on a page-by-page basis from the relative position between the C-arms which is visible to the user.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that one of the X-ray systems is a fixedly mounted ceiling-mounted X-ray system with a C-arm supporting the camera or a sliding gantry CT system, wherein its operating and/or display device is designed on the basis of the at least one communication link also for use with the at least one mobile X-ray system. For example, so-called mobile C-arms are used as second planes in an angiography system suspended from the ceiling, i.e. in a fixedly mounted X-ray apparatus with a C-arm, in order to provide a biplane function. In addition, however, there is the advantage here of better access to the patient or the patient table, since the mobile X-ray apparatus can be "parked" at a distance. A further advantage is that, as already explained in general, the two X-ray devices can also be used individually.

In this case, it is particularly advantageous to provide the inclusion of a mobile X-ray apparatus with a deeply integrated docking capability, i.e. in particular with regard to the operating device, the display device, the collision avoidance unit, the radiation chain and the image chain, in order to build up the mobile X-ray device as a component of a well-defined biplane X-ray instrument, wherein the advantages of two separate X-ray devices are simultaneously maintained, in particular with regard to mobility or accuracy. The approach to the patient is improved if the support body of the mobile X-ray apparatus can be moved freely and can be moved away from the path of movement of the sliding gantry CT apparatus, and the combination of the biplane angiography apparatus with the sliding gantry CT apparatus is also possible without the patient rotation described at the beginning.

It is further noted in this regard that all features and advantages described in connection with the X-ray device according to the invention can of course be transferred accordingly to the method according to the invention. In particular, the described designs of the control device, the image system and/or the subunits may also be understood as steps performed within the scope of the method according to the invention.

Drawings

Further advantages and details of the invention are obtained on the basis of the embodiments described below and with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of an X-ray device according to the invention,

figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of an X-ray device according to the invention,

figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of an X-ray device according to the invention,

figure 4 shows possible components of a control device of an X-ray apparatus according to the invention,

figure 5 shows a first specific design of an X-ray device according to the invention,

figure 6 shows an alternative illustration to figure 5 in a layer principle,

figure 7 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention,

figure 8 shows a possibility for displaying two-dimensional image data sets with different acquisition geometries,

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of an X-ray device according to the invention, and

fig. 10 shows a third embodiment of an X-ray device according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrated below are illustrated in each case for two X-ray devices of an X-ray apparatus that can be connected to each other in terms of communication technology; however, the principles illustrated here can be transferred without problems to an X-ray apparatus having more than two X-ray devices.

Fig. 1 to 3 show basic possibilities for implementing the invention. In the X-ray apparatus 1a shown in fig. 1, two X-ray devices 2a, 2b can be connected directly and immediately via a communication connection 3. For establishing the communication connection 3, the X-ray devices 2a, 2b (at least one of which is designed to be mobile) have a communication interface 4, which can respond via a respective control device 5 of the X-ray devices 2a, 2 b. If a wired communication connection 3 is provided, the communication interface can have a corresponding connection; the communication interface 4 is designed as a radio interface if the communication connection is a purely wireless communication connection 3, for example via bluetooth and/or WLAN.

Fig. 2 shows a modified second embodiment of an X-ray device 1b, which differs from the embodiment of fig. 1 in that the communication connection 3 is now established via a wireless network 6, which is present in any case at the application site of the X-ray apparatus 2a, 2 b. This means that the communication connection 3 can be established indirectly via the network components of the network 6. Such network elements may be, for example, a Hospital Information System (HIS) and/or a Radiology Information System (RIS).

In the third basic embodiment of fig. 3, in addition to the X-ray devices 2a, 2b, the X-ray apparatus 1c also has an intermediate device 7, for example in the form of a monitor car, which also has a control device 5, which can be responsive to a communication interface 8 of the intermediate device 7. The communication interface 8 has a plurality of wired and/or wireless connections 9 (depending on the design of the communication link 3) so that the communication link 3 to all X-ray devices 2a, 2b can be formed. The intermediate device 7 also has a display device 10, in particular a monitor, and an operating device 11, which allows the two X-ray devices 2a, 2b to be operated from the intermediate device 7, as well as the display of the image data records of the two X-ray devices 2a, 2b on the display device 10.

In the exemplary embodiment shown here, one of the existing X-ray systems 5 is used as a master system, wherein the further control system 5 can be understood as a slave system. This means that one of the control devices 5, i.e. the control device 5 determined, defined or selected as master, is placed at a higher level than the remaining control devices 5 operating as slaves, wherein preferably the control device 5 determined as master centrally controls the operation of all X-ray devices 2a, 2b of the respective X-ray apparatus 1a, 1b, 1c in a coordinated manner. For this purpose, the control device 5 determined as master transmits control data to the control device 5 determined as slave, which can use the control data to control the shooting operation of the respective X-ray device 2a, 2 b; at the same time, the control device 5 determined as master can also receive image data sets from in particular the further X-ray devices 2a, 2b and be used for common further processing, in particular also for display. In particular, the control device 5 of at least one mobile X-ray device 2a and/or 2b is used as a controlled device in this case, so that the respective mobile X-ray device 2a and/or 2b is finally coupled in a remotely controllable manner.

In the case of the X-ray device 1c, the control device 5 of the intermediate device 7 is suitably used as a master device; in the case of one of the X-ray devices 2a, 2b being a fixedly mounted X-ray device 2a, 2b, the control device 5 of the fixedly mounted X-ray device 2a or 2b can preferably also be used, in particular defined, as a master control device. In the case of two mobile X-ray devices 2a, 2b, it is possible to select, on the user side, which control device 5 is the master control device if no intermediate device 7 is present; even automatic selection, e.g. based on performance and/or random influence, is conceivable.

Fig. 4 shows possible subunits that may form part of one or more control devices 5, in particular master devices. First of all, fig. 4 shows an image system 12, which can also be implemented outside the control device 5. The image system 12 implements an image processing chain which can carry out the processing of the input raw data into X-ray image data sets by means of corresponding hardware and/or software components. Alternatively, additional image processing steps may also be implemented by the image system 12. With regard to the transmission of image data from the (in particular further) X-ray devices 2a, 2b, raw data can be obtained which are supplied to the imaging system 12 or even at least partially preprocessed image data can be obtained which is already present, for example, in the DICOM format. If image processing steps are to be carried out, if necessary, such image data can of course be fed to the image processing chain of the image system 12 at a suitable location.

Fig. 4 also shows an optional authentication unit 13, which can carry out a mutual authentication of the communication partners, possibly also in the case of the addition of a user, for example, the user entering a PIN code on the operating device 11 of at least one communication partner in order to open a communication connection and a corresponding coupling.

The registration unit 14 may be responsible for at least a rough registration of the coordinate systems of the respective X-ray devices 2a, 2b in different ways. The coarse registration may be established, for example, by: the mobile X-ray device of the X-ray devices 2a, 2b is moved to a specific position in the room used, marked by a floor marking, and the positioning is confirmed. A clear reference point may already be sufficient to correlate the angular position of the camera or general camera geometry. For the registration, optical and/or electromagnetic type position determination systems can also be considered, which can use passive and/or active markers, which can also be arranged at least partially on the X-ray device 2a, 2b itself. Accordingly, a detection device for the marking, which is not shown in detail for the sake of clarity, can be used here. For example, at least one of the X-ray devices 2a, 2b may have an optical and/or electromagnetic sensor which detects the markers and thus provides a distance to further features, in particular to fixedly mounted features of the room, for example using a specific feature of the patient table, for example on its table foot, as a marker.

Furthermore, a synchronization unit for synchronizing the timers of the X-ray devices 2a, 2b is also shown in fig. 4. For example, the same pulse rate, the same shooting time point, and the like can be achieved using such synchronization. In this case, the embodiment using the master device is particularly suitable, since, for example, the master device can specify a clock signal. Different synchronization methods are conceivable here, for example, using software-based synchronization and/or using lines provided specifically for synchronization, which can be connected in particular by means of the communication interface 4.

Fig. 5 shows a first particular embodiment of an X-ray device 1d according to the invention. The X-ray apparatus here has two mobile X-ray devices 16a, 16b, whose mobility device 17 here comprises wheels 18 and associated optional drive devices (not shown for the sake of clarity). The two X-ray devices 16a, 16b have supporting bodies 19, each having a C-arm 20, on which C-arms 20 an X-ray emitter 21 and an X-ray detector 22 are arranged in each case opposite one another. The X-ray emitter 21 and the associated X-ray detector 22 thus each form a camera, which is supported by the respective support body 19, wherein suitable adjustment devices 23 allow automatic setting of different camera geometries, in particular at least one rotation and/or further adjustment of the C-arm 20 and thus of the camera. The adjusting device 23 may also be associated with the X-ray emitter 21 and/or the X-ray detector 22.

The adjusting device 23 is controlled by a corresponding control device 5 of the mobile X-ray device 16a, 16 b. The control device 5 can communicate by means of a communication connection 3, here a direct wireless communication connection 3, which is established via a communication interface 4.

The support 19 of the X-ray devices 16a, 16b is also provided with a display device 10 and a handling device 11, which is not shown in detail. The master control device of the control device 5 can be selected by the user 24, for example, wherein an automatic selection method is also conceivable in the case of a substantially equally mobile X-ray device 16a and 16 b. The user 24 here selects the control device 5 of the X-ray device 16a, 16b as the master device, from which the user can take over the operation most easily.

Fig. 6 again schematically shows the X-ray device 1d in a layer structure. The hardware layer 25 is provided by the mobile X-ray device 16a, 16b (which may also be referred to as a mobile C-arm). The control device 5 and the display device 10 and the operating device 11 are shown in the control layer 26. In the data layer 27, communication data 28 are transmitted via the communication connection 3, which communication data here illustratively comprise control data, image data and status data, for example relating to the currently set acquisition geometry, in particular the projection angle.

It is to be noted in this regard that by determining the control device 5 as a master device, the operating device 11 of the further X-ray device 16a, 16b is preferably at least temporarily disabled, so that operation can thus take place centrally by one of the X-ray devices 16a, 16 b. However, the display device 10 (e.g. comprising at least one display) may remain active in the case of the two X-ray devices 16a, 16b, so that the user 24 can view image data sets taken from different positions around a patient table 29 (see fig. 5, together with the patient 30) only shown here. Since the image data can also be transmitted via the communication connection 3, the image data sets of the two X-ray devices 16a, 16b can be displayed on the two display devices 10.

The particular advantage of the embodiment shown here is that the two mobile X-ray devices 16a, 16b can interact as biplane devices, in particular enabling a coupled movement of the recording device in the simultaneous image acquisition. For example, the method flow diagram of fig. 7 shows how this may be done. There, in step 31, the X-ray devices 16a, 16b are first connected for data exchange, which means that here, by way of example, a wireless communication connection 3 is established. In step 32, the angular position of the camera is set separately for each of the C-arms 20, resulting in an angular difference, e.g. about the LAO/RAO and CRA/CAU axes of rotation. This adjustment of the initial acquisition geometry can be performed manually and/or automatically. It is also suitable that, on the basis of the communication connection 3 formed, it is possible in principle to control the operating device 11 of one of the X-ray devices 16a, 16b, in particular the operating device 11 of the one of the two X-ray devices 16a, 16b whose control device 5 is the master control device, or in particular its regulating device 23, separately. In this case, a user interface can be displayed on the respective display device 10, in which a selection of the X-ray device 16a, 16b to be controlled and a specific adjustment command can be entered.

In this regard, it should be noted that, with regard to the optional X-ray devices 16a, 16b which can also be operated automatically, i.e. the X-ray devices 16a, 16b whose active device 17 has a controllable drive device, the basic positioning of the X-ray devices 16a, 16b can also be carried out by central control by means of a master control device.

In all these cases, the control data are transmitted from the control device 5 selected as master control device via the communication connection 3 to the further control device, where they are correspondingly executed by the control device 5 selected as slave control device in order to control the regulating device 23 and, if necessary, the drive device.

As already mentioned, the result of step 32 is a specific setting of the relative acquisition geometries of the acquisition means of the X-ray devices 16a, 16b, here the different angles of rotation of the two axes of rotation, and thus the angular difference in the two axes of rotation.

In a step 33, the movement coupling of the camera is then selected on the part of the user 24, for example in a user interface on the display device 10, it being appropriate to disable the operating device 11 of the controlled X-ray device 16a, 16b at the latest at this point in time. In step 34, coordinated control of the X-ray devices 16a, 16b is then carried out for the image acquisition operation, which can be carried out by means of a predefined measurement program and manual operating inputs based on the user 24. In this case, the angular difference between the recording geometries is always maintained in step 34, which means that each movement of one of the recording devices results in an automatic control of the adjusting device 23 of the other recording device, so that the angular difference is maintained as originally set at the time of the movement coupling. In parallel, in an image recording operation, the image data record of the X-ray devices 16a, 16b recorded in step 35 can be displayed on the display device 10.

In step 36, the movement coupling of the X-ray devices 16a, 16b is again decoupled, for example also via operating elements of the user interface. Optionally, the independent adjustment or movement of the X-ray devices 16a, 16b can now be carried out again in step 37, so that, for example, the relative acquisition geometry can be reset and the process can continue again with step 32.

It is emphasized here that the procedure described in fig. 7 with reference to a simple example of at least one maintained relative angle between the acquisition geometries can of course also be transferred to a further coordinated control method by means of a central control. In particular, a complete coordinated movement course can be planned in advance with a complete registration of the coordinate systems of the X-ray devices 16a, 16 b; the further acquisition parameters can also be adjusted in coordination, so that, for example, the two X-ray devices 16a, 16b can measure with different X-ray spectra.

In this respect, it is also to be noted that, with reference to fig. 4, at least one of the control devices 5 may also have a collision avoidance unit 38, so that, in particular in the case of a registration formed by means of the registration unit 14, position data of components of the further X-ray devices 16a, 16b obtained via the communication connection 3 may also be taken into account, likewise for avoiding a collision as a whole.

This generally means that a deep integration is ultimately to be carried out, which makes it possible, if necessary, to combine the individually usable X-ray devices 16a and 16b into a biplane X-ray apparatus which can function fully as intended, since the controlled X-ray devices 16a, 6b are here completely included with regard to the operation, the impact observation and the control, in particular with regard to the radiation chain and with regard to the image chain.

It is noted that this implementation, as is possible with respect to the method according to fig. 7 and the application outlined in the figure, can of course be similarly dedicated to the following embodiments of the X-setting device.

Fig. 8, however, first shows the possibility for visualizing a two-dimensional image data record, in which projection images 39, 40 of different X-ray devices 16a, 16b are recorded simultaneously. Due to the different angular positions of the camera, different projection angles exist for the projection images 39, 40. Now displayed on the display device 10 in the form of a book 41, the pages 42 of which are formed by the projection images 39, 40. The pages 42 rest against each other such that their shown opening angle 43 corresponds to the angle difference between the projection angles of the projected images 39, 40 (and thus to the angle difference between the cameras). If necessary, corresponding projection angles can also be inserted into the projection images 39, 40, as set here with exemplary values (0 °, 90 °). If additional projected images are to be added for visualization, additional pages 42 of the book 41 may be supplemented at corresponding angular intervals; on the display device 10, the user 24 can "flip through" the book 41 by means of suitable operating elements on the operating device 11 or, in the case of a display device 10 designed as a touch screen.

Independently of the X-ray devices 1a to 1f shown here, the visualization method can also be usefully employed, for example also in magnetic resonance imaging or the like.

Fig. 9 shows a further specific embodiment of an X-ray apparatus 1e, which here has an intermediate device 7 designed as a monitor cart 44, to which intermediate device 7 two mobile X-ray devices 16a, 16b are connected here via a wired cable 45. The communication interface 8 of the intermediate device 7 accordingly has at least two connections 9, in particular connection sockets. As a frequently used further operating device 11 (or as a control element), a foot switch 46 is shown here, which can be used for operating the two X-ray devices 16a, 16b, since the control device 5 of the intermediate device 7 is used as a master control device.

Fig. 10 shows a third particularly preferred embodiment of an X-ray device 1 f. The X-ray device 1f is shown in a room 47 in which it is to be used, for example, in an operating room as a treatment room. The patient table 29 itself is located in this room 47.

The first X-ray system 48, which is mounted in a stationary manner, has a ceiling-mounted support 54 with a C-arm 20, wherein the second X-ray system 49 is of the same design as the X-ray systems 16a, 16 b. The X-ray device 49 is thus movable and can be moved arbitrarily, as indicated by the arrow 50, relative to the fixedly mounted X-ray device 48. The X-ray device 49 also has a support body 19 with a C-arm 20, on which C-arm 20 the X-ray emitter 21 and the X-ray detector 22 are arranged opposite one another as a camera. Via the communication interface 4, a communication connection 3 can in turn be established directly or indirectly, which is preferably shown in the basic design of fig. 1 or 2.

Fig. 10 also shows exemplarily a marker 51 on a floor 52 of the room 47, which may be used, for example, for suitably, in particular initially, positioning the X-ray device 49.

According to the embodiment already shown with regard to the further exemplary embodiments, a fully functional biplane X-ray system can be realized on the basis of the communicative coupling of the X-ray system 49 to the X-ray system 48, so that two planes can be provided for recording. Nevertheless, if only one plane is required, the two X-ray devices 48, 49 can also be used completely independently of one another. In this case, for example, the mobile X-ray system 49 can be transported to an adjacent room, for example, via a door 53 or the like, so that the two X-ray systems 48, 49 can be used independently of one another and in parallel. Thereby resulting in greater flexibility. For example, for neurological applications requiring a second plane, the moving C-arm 20 of the X-ray device 49 may be coupled.

It should be noted here that, in addition to and/or as an alternative to the ceiling-mounted X-ray apparatus 48 in fig. 10, a sliding gantry CT apparatus can also be used, so that in particular also three X-ray apparatuses of the X-ray apparatus can be present.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variants can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.