FIELD
This application relates generally to X-ray equipment. More specifically, this
application relates to systems and methods for controlling X-ray equipment through the use of
one or more controls that are disposed on a support arm of the X-ray equipment.
BACKGROUND
A typical X-ray imaging system comprises an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. Xrays
emitted from the X-ray source can impinge on the X-ray detector and provide an X-ray
image of an object or subject that is placed between the X-ray source and the detector. In one
type of X-ray imaging system, a fluoroscopic imaging system, the X-ray detector is often an
image intensifier or, more recently, a flat panel digital detector.
Fluoroscopic imaging systems can be either futed or mobile. For instance, futed
fluoroscopic imaging systems often include a gantry that is secured to a floor, wall, or ceiling.
Additionally, mobile fluoroscopic imaging systems are movable so that they can be used in a
variety of clinical environments, such as radiology and surgery departments of a medical facility.
The mobile fluoroscopic imaging systems may include a C-arm, G-arm, 0-arm, L-arm, or
another imaging arm or gantry assembly. A mobile fluoroscopic imaging system may also be
configured as a mini C-arm.
In some configurations, a C-arm assembly of a fluoroscopic imaging system remains
stationary relative to a subject for single angle imaging. In other configurations, however, the Carm
assembly moves relative to the subject in order to acquire images from multiple angles. In
some arrangements, the C-arm assembly is manually repositioned to generate images fiom
different angles while in other arrangements the C-arm assembly is moved along a
predetermined path by operation of a motorized drive mechanism in order to generate images
from multiple angles.
SUMMARY
This application relates generally to X-ray imaging systems. In particular, this
application relates to systems and methods for controlling an X-ray imaging system. The
systems and methods typically include a support arm with a first end and a second end. The first
end of the support arm connects to an articulating arm assembly and the second end of the
support arm pivotally attaches to an X-ray imaging arm at a pivot joint so that the pivot joint
hctions as an axis of orbital rotation for the X-ray imaging arm. One or more controls for the
X-ray imaging system are disposed on the support arm for the X-ray imaging arm. The controls
can therefore remain stationary while the X-ray imaging arm rotates orbitally. The support arm
can include a single member or a double member and one or more controls can be disposed on
each member of the support arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following description can be better understood in light of the Figures, in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an X-ray imaging system with
a control panel disposed on a support arm for an X-ray imaging arm;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of some embodiments of the X-ray imaging arm
and the support arm for a wired control panel;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of some embodiments of the X-ray imaging arm
and support arm for a wireless control panel;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of some embodiments of the X-ray imaging arm
and a double member support arm with a control panel coupled to each member of the double
member support arm;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of some embodiments of the X-ray imaging arm
and a single member support arm with a control panel coupled to the single member support arm;
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of some embodiments of the X-ray imaging arm
and the support arm, with the support arm in a first position;
Figure 7 shows a perspective view of some embodiments of the X-ray imaging arm
and the support arm, with the support arm rotated to a second position;
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of some embodiments of the X-ray imaging arm
and the support arm with an enlarged view of an exemplary control panel;
Figure 9 shows a block diagram of some embodiments of the control panel with
several switches and their interaction with a system computer; and
Figure 10 shows a perspective view of some embodiments of the X-ray imaging arm
with a control panel disposed proximate a handle of the imaging arm.
The Figures illustrate specific aspects of the described systems and methods for
controlling an X-ray imaging system. Together with the following description, the Figures
demonstrate and explain the principles of the structures, systems, methods, and principles
described herein. In the drawings, the thickness and size of components may be exaggerated or
otherwise modified for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings represent the
same element, and thus their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, well-known
structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of the described systems and methods.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough
understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan will understand that the described systems and
methods for controlling X-ray imaging systems can be implemented and used without employing
these specific details. Indeed, the described systems and methods for controlling X-ray imaging
systems can be placed into practice by modifying the described systems and methods and can be
used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry.
For example, while the description below focuses on methods for providing and using controls
that are disposed on a support arm that is pivotally connected to an X-ray imaging arm (such as a
mini C-arm), the controls and support arm can be used with any other type of X-ray imaging
system in which an X-ray imaging arm can pivot in an orbital fashion around a pivot joint
attached to the imaging arm. Some examples of such X-ray imaging arms include a standard Carm,
a compact style C-arm, a mini C-arm, a G-arm, an 0-arm, an L-arm, and other X-ray
imaging arms.
In addition, as the terms on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to, etc.
are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, disposed
on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to another object-regardless of whether the one object
is directly on, attached, connected, or coupled to the other object or whether there are one or
more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., on
top of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, lateral, orbital,
horizontal, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of
illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. Where reference is made to a list of
elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed
elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination
of all of the listed elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms a, an, and one may each be
interchangeable with the terms at least one and one or more.
This application relates to systems and methods for controlling X-ray imaging systems
using one or more controls that are disposed on a support arm. Figure 1 shows some
embodiments in which the described X-ray imaging system 100 comprises an X-ray imaging arm
support structure (e.g., a movable base assembly 230 with a plurality of wheels mounted to the
bottom thereof), an articulating arm assembly 240 coupled to the support structure, a support arm
assembly 115 having a first end 172 coupled to the articulating arm assembly, an X-ray imaging
arm 105 coupled to a second end 175 of the support arm assembly at an orbital pivot joint 110,
and a display 244 coupled to the support structure. The support arm assembly 115 includes one
or more controls (i.e., X-ray control panels 120) disposed thereon. With such a configuration,
the control panel can remain stationary as the imaging arm rotates orbitally. Figures 2 and 3
show some embodiments in which the control panel 120 remains stationary on the support arm
1 15 as the imaging arm 105 rotates orbitally from an under scan position (shown in Figure 2) to
an over scan position (shown in Figure 3).
The X-ray imaging system 100 can comprise any X-ray imaging arm 105 that allows
the system to take X-ray images of any portion of a subject (not shown). In some embodiments,
the X-ray imaging arm can comprise a mini C-arm, a compact style C-arm, a standard C-arm, a
G-arm, an O-arm, an L-arm, or any other X-ray imaging arm. Figure 3 shows one configuration
in which the X-ray imaging arm 105 is a mini C-arm 130.
In some embodiments, the imaging arm 105 comprises an X-ray source 135, an X-ray
detector 140, and all or a portion of the orbital pivot joint 110, as shown in Figure 3. The
imaging arm 105 can comprise any X-ray source 135 and any X-ray detector 140 that allow the
X-ray system 100 to take X-ray images. For example, the X-ray source can comprise any source
that generates and emits X-rays, including a standard X-ray source, a rotating anode X-ray
source, a stationary or fixed anode X-ray source, a solid state X-ray emission source, andlor a
fluoroscopic X-ray source. The X-ray detector can comprise any detector that detects X-rays,
including an image intensifier andlor a digital flat panel detector 150 (as shown in Figure 3).
The imaging arm 105 can be configured to support the X-ray source 135 and the X-ray detector
140 so that they are respectively disposed at nearly opposite ends of the imaging arm,
substantially face each other, andlor can rotate around the orbital pivot joint 110.
The X-ray imaging system 100 can comprise any orbital pivot joint 110 that allows the
imaging arm 105 to be pivotally attached to the support arm 1 15 so that the pivot joint provides
an orbital axis of rotation to the imaging arm. Figure 3 shows some embodiments in which the
orbital pivot joint 1 10 includes a pivot pin 155, which is attached to the support arm 115 and
extends through the imaging arm 105 in a manner that allows the imaging arm to rotate orbitally
around the pin. Thus, the imaging arm 105 rotates orbitally about a physical pivot point 156.
The X-ray imaging system 100 can comprise a support arm 1 15. This support arm can
be configured to support the imaging arm 105, attach the imaging arm to the articulating arm
assembly 240, provide the imaging arm with an axis of orbital rotation, andlor provide the
imaging arm with an axis of lateral rotation (e.g., an axis of rotation that is substantially
perpendicular to the orbital rotation axis). In some embodiments, the support arm 1 15 comprises
any number of imaging arm support members, including 1, 2, or more. Figure 4 shows some
embodiments in which the support arm 115 (e.g., a double member support arm) comprises a
first support member 1 16 and a second support member 1 18. Figure 5 shows other embodiments
in which the support arm 115 (e.g., a single member support arm) comprises a single support
member 1 1 8.
In some configurations, the support arm 115 optionally provides the imaging arm 105
with an axis of lateral rotation. For example, Figure 6 shows that a second end 172 of the
support arm 115 is connected to the orbital pivot joint 110. Figure 6 also shows that the support
arm's first end 175 can be attached to a lateral pivot joint 180, which allows the support arm to
rotate clockwise andlor counter-clockwise as indicated by the double pointed arrow 185. Figure
7 shows some embodiments in which the support arm 115 has been rotated about 180 degrees
from the position shown in Figure 6.
The control panel 120 allows a user to operate one or more functions of the X-ray
system 100. The control panel 120 can comprise any type of electrical controls. Some
examples of suitable types of controls comprise one or more tactile-membrane switches, toggle
switches, buttons, touch-screen interfaces, adjustment knobs, sliding switches, adjustable
switches, dome switches, levers, proximity switches, pressure switches, speed switches,
temperature switches, tactile switches, relays, momentary switches, motion detection switches,
tuners, joysticks, and other switches that can be used to control one or more hctions of the Xray
system. In some embodiments, however, the control panel comprises one or more
conventional tactile-membrane switches andlor touch-screen interfaces. The control panel can
comprise any number of controls, including, 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10, or more.
Figure 8 shows some embodiments of a control panel 120. In these embodiments, the
control panel 120 comprises a power switch to turn power on and off to the imaging arm 105.
The control panel can also comprise an X-ray activation switch (e.g., X-ray button 186 in Figure
8) that allows the X-ray source 135 to generate a single X-ray image, multiple images, andlor
continuous imaging, on demand. To generate a single image, a user can depress the X-ray
control switch twice in rapid succession and then releases the switch so that the X-ray source 135
is activated for a single image or strobe shot. For continuous imaging, the user can depress the
X-ray control switch twice in rapid succession and then continue to depress (or hold down) the
switch so that the X-ray source is activated and continues to produce X-rays for as long as the
switch is depressed to create a real-time, continuous, or cinematic fluoroscopic picture.
The control panel 120 can also comprise a print switch (e.g., print button 187 in Figure
8) that can be used to cause an X-ray image received from the system 100 to be printed. The
control panel 120 can also comprise a conventional noise suppression switch (e.g., noise button
188 in Figure 8) that can control the system's noise suppression processing. The noise
suppression switch can step the video frame averaging so that each time the switch is depressed,
the video noise suppression frame averaging is changed. In some embodiments, each depression
of the switch can step the frame averaging from 0 frames to 2,4, 8, and 16 frames successively,
starting with a current frame averaging value and incrementing from there. In such
embodiments, when the fiame averaging is at 16 and the switch is depressed, the frame
averaging value can then roll over to 0 and begin the rotation again.
The control panel 120 can also comprise one or more switches, joy sticks, or other
controls that can be used to control one or more servos, pistons, motors, actuators, joints, brakes,
transducers, power supplies, rotational elements, computers, compressors, andor other
mechanisms or components that can position the imaging arm 105 (e.g., cause the imaging arm
to raise, lower, move forward, move backward, move left, move right, rotate laterally clockwise,
rotate laterally counterclockwise, rotate orbitally clockwise, rotate orbitally counterclockwise,
andlor otherwise move in a desired direction). For example, feedback of the position of the
imaging arm within a range of travel of the servo controller may be provided by the use of a
moving icon on the video display 244 of the imaging system 100.
The control panel 120 can comprise one or more control mechanisms. The control
mechanisms can include brightness contrast buttons 189 and 190 in Figure 8 for controlling
contrast/brightness of an X-ray image. The control panel 120 can also comprise a
voltagelcurrent control (e.g., KV1u.A buttons 191 and 192 in Figure 8) that allows a user to
increase or decrease the default kV and uA settings, thereby controlling some of the fluoroscopic
X-ray technique factors that are used to create an image. The control panel 120 can also
comprise one or more rotate controls (e.g., rotate buttons 178 and 179 in Figure 8) that allow an
image to be rotated on one or more displays 244. The rotate control can allow a user to rotate the
image on the display by any angle up to 360 degrees. The control panel 120 can also comprise
one or more flip controls, which allow a user to flip an image about a horizontal axis (as shown
by flip button 193) andlor vertical axis (as shown by flip button 194).
The control panel 120 can contain additional or alternate controls. For example, the
control panel 120 can comprise a control that allows a user to save an imagelvideo (e.g., save
button 195 in Figure 8), a swap control (e.g., swap button 196 in Figure 8) that allows a user to
exchange images between the left and right sides of the monitor, a negate control (e.g., negate
button 197 in Figure 8) that can allow a user to reverse the display of light and dark values in an
image, an auto control (e,g., auto button 198 in Figure 8) that allows the user to have the system
automatically select the optimum contrast and brightness values for an image, a low dose control
(e.g., low dose button 199) that can allow the user to reduce the amount of radiation dose
delivered to the patient, a metal adjust (e.g., metal adjust button 200 in Figure 8) that can allow
the user to reduce the appearance of metal in an image, a magnification control (e.g., mag button
201 in Figure 8) that can adjust the magnification of the X-ray image, an alarm reset control
(e.g., alarm reset button 202 in Figure 8) that can turn off audible alarms, a viewer control (e.g.,
viewer button 203 in Figure 8) that can be used to display saved images on the workstation
monitor, a zoordpan control (e.g., zoom pan button 204 in Figure 8) that allows the system to
zoom in andlor pan across an X-ray image, cursor controls (e.g., cursor buttons 213 in Figure 8)
that allows the user to navigate through the user interface, an enter control (e.g., enter button 205
in Figure 8) that can be used to select a button or control from the workstation user interface,
andlor any other control that allows the X-ray system 100 to capture desired X-ray images.
The control panel 120 can be disposed in any location on the support arm 1 15. Figure
4 shows some embodiments in which the control panel 120 is disposed on two support members
(e.g., support members 116 and 1 18). Figure 5 shows other embodiments in which the control
panel 120 is disposed on a single member (e.g., support member 118). And while the control
panel can be disposed in any suitable location along the length of a support member (e.g., near
the support arm's first end 172, second end 175, or in between the two), Figure 4 shows some
embodiments in which the control panel 120 is disposed between the first 172 and second 175
ends of the support arm 1 15 (e.g., on the first support member 1 16).
The control panel 120 can have any suitable orientation with respect to the support
arm 115. In one example, Figure 4 shows the control panel 120 is right side up when the support
arm 115 is in a standard position. And while a first control panel on the first support member
1 16 can be right side up when the support arm 1 15 is in the standard position, a second control
panel on the second support member 118 can be upside down. Accordingly, if a user rotates the
support arm laterally 180 degrees, the second control panel will be in an upright position.
In some configurations, the control panel 120 is rotatable so as to allow the control
panel to maintain an upright orientation when the support arm 115 can be rotated laterally
manually, automatically, andlor virtually. In one example, the control panel is connected to the
support arm through the use of a swivel or pivoting joint (e.g., a lazy-Susan swivel).
Accordingly, when the support arm is rotated laterally, the control panel can be caused to
maintain an upright position. In another example, where the control panel comprises a touchscreen
interface (or a conventional or novel electronic visual display that can detect the presence
and location of a touch within the display area), the display or graphical user interface can be
rotated (much like the auto-rotation of smart phone screens) to maintain the proper orientation.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate that where the control panel 120 comprises a touch-screen interface
220, the control panel can maintain a first orientation (e.g., an upright orientation as illustrated
by the number 1) when the support arm 115 is rotated 180 degrees fiom the standard position
shown in Figure 6.
In some embodiments, the control panel 120 communicates with a processing system
(e.g., on the support structure or elsewhere) to operate the various functions of the X-ray system
100. The X-ray system can comprise any suitable processing system, such as a computer, which
optionally includes one or more peripheral devices, such as one or more displays, printers, image
storage devices, keyboards, etc. The processing system (under the direction of the control panel
120) can control the operation of various components of the imaging system; provide an image
processing hction to transform, in near real-time, image data received fiom the X-ray detector
for display, printing, and communicating with peripheral devices; and perform a variety of other
functions. The processing system may also be configured to communicate with one or more
local area networks to transfer data (e.g., image data) to locations that are remote fiom the
imaging arm 105. The processing system can comprise any suitable computing device (such as a
personal computer, a mainframe, a hand-held computer, a minicomputer, a supercomputer, a
network computer, a processor-based consumer electronic device, or the like). In some
configurations, the processing system comprises a personal computer running a Microsoft
Windows, MacOS, DOS, Unix, or another computer operating system.
The control panel 120 can be configured to receive power andlor transfer data (e.g.,
commands) to the processing system. In some embodiments, the control panel transfers data
wirelessly (e.g., the control panel comprises an internal power source or is otherwise powered so
that it can send wireless [e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, near-field communication, radio, microwave,
infrared, etc.] signals to the processing system). In other embodiments, however, the control
panel is connected to the imaging arm 105 through one or more cables that can enter the imaging
arm in any suitable location. Figure 8 shows some embodiments in which a cable 210 connects
the control panel 120 to the imaging arm 105 through the orbital pivot joint 110 (e.g., by being
threaded through (or near) the orbital pivot joint andlor by being electrically connected to the
imaging arm via a slip ring disposed at the orbital pivot joint). Figure 9 illustrates a block
diagram showing some embodiments of the electrical connections between the control panel 120
and a system computer 2 15.
The support arm 115 and control panel 120 (and hence the imaging arm 105) can be
physically connected to any support structure capable of holding the imaging arm at a desired
vertical andor horizontal position. In some configurations, the support arm and control panel are
physically connected (e.g., via an articulating arm 240, a gantry, etc.) to a fixed support structure,
such as a wall, a column, a floor, a shelf, a cabinet, a stationary fiame, a ceiling, a door, a sliding
structure, a bed, a gurney, a rail, and/or any other support structure that is not intended to be
easily moved and repositioned around a patient.
In other configurations, though, the support arm 1 15 and control panel 120 (and hence
the imaging arm 105) are physically connected to a movable support structure (e.g., the movable
base assembly 230). In such configurations, the movable support structure can be configured to
move across a floor while supporting the support arm and at least some other components of the
X-ray system 100. Thus, the movable support structure can comprise one or more wheels,
shelves, handles, monitors, computers, stabilizing members, limbs, legs, struts, cables, and/or
weights (to prevent the weight of the imaging arm andlor any other component fiom tipping the
movable support structure). Figure 1 shows some embodiments in which the movable support
structure 230 comprises a wheeled structure 235 that supports the support arm 115, control panel
120, and imaging arm 105 (e.g., via an arm assembly 240 or other support assembly).
The described systems and methods can be modified in any suitable manner that
allows the control panel 120 to be disposed on the support arm 115 and that otherwise allows the
X-ray system 100 to operate. In one example, the system comprises a connection mechanism
that allows the control panel to be selectively connected to and removed fiom the support arm
115. In this example, the control panel can communicate with the X-ray system wirelessly or
through one or more wires that allow the control panel to be moved fiom the support arm while
still allowing the control panel to communicate with the processing system (e.g., computer 215).
Accordingly, where the control panel is corded or cordless, a user can use the control panel to
operate the system when the user is separated fiom the support arm. The control panel 120 can
be located on or near the imaging arm 105, a handle connected to the imaging arm, the moveable
base assembly 230, or the arm assembly 240. Figure 10 shows some configurations in which the
control panel 120 is disposed on a handle 245 which is attached to the imaging arm 105 near the
X-ray source 135. In other configurations, the handle (and control panel 120 attached thereto)
can be attached to the imaging arm at any other location that allows a user to move the imaging
arm by moving the handle.
The systems and methods for controlling an X-ray imaging system can be used for any
X-ray imaging process. By way of example, an operator can stand near the support arm 115 and
can orbitally rotate the X-ray imaging arm 105 while the control panel 120 substantially
maintains its location and orientation.
The systems and methods described above have several usehl features. First, where
the control panel 120 is placed on the support arm 115, the control panel 120 can be in a
convenient location that easily allows it to be accessed and used by a user. Second, because the
control panel can be disposed on the support arm, as opposed to the mini C-arm 130, the control
panel can remain in substantially the same position when the C-arm is rotated. Third, where the
control panel is disposed on the support arm, a user can control the X-ray system while
maintaining the user's hands outside of the X-ray beam. Fourth, by placing the control panel on
the support arm, a user in close proximity to the imaging arm (e.g., a person in a sterile zone of
an operating room) can use and control the arm without being forced to move away from the
machine or to have another person in a remote location use the machine. Fifth, where the
control panel is disposed on a handle that is attached to the imaging arm, the control panel may
remain in a convenient location as a user uses the handle to move the imaging arm.
In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous other variations and
alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing fiom the
spirit and scope of this description, and appended claims are intended to cover such
modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with
particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and
preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous
modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be .
made without departing fiom the principles and concepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein,
the examples and embodiments, in all respects, are meant to be illustrative only and should not
be construed to be limiting in any manner.
Number
100
105
110
115
116
118
120
130
135
140
150
155
156
172
175
178
179
180
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
Description
X-ray imaging system
X-ray imaging arm
orbital pivot joint
support arm assembly
first support member
second support member
control panel
mini C-arm
X-ray source
X-ray detector
flat panel detector
pivot pin
pivot point
first end of support arm assembly
second end of support arm assembly
rotate button clockwise
rotate button counter clockwise
lateral pivot joint
double pointed arrow
X-ray button
print button
noise button
brightness contrast button +
brightness contrast button -
KVIuA button +
KVIuA button -
horizontal axis flip button
vertical axis flip button
save button
swap button
negate button
auto button
low dose button
metal adjust button
mag button
alarm rest button
viewer button
zoom pan button
enter button
cable
cursor buttons
system computer
touch-screen interface
movable base assembly
wheeled structure
articulating arm assembly
video display
handle

We Claim:
1. A support arm for an X-ray system, comprising:
a first support member;
wherein a first end of the first support member connects to an X-ray imaging arm support
structure;
wherein a second end of the first support member pivotally attaches to an X-ray imaging
arm at a pivot joint that functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the X-ray imaging arm; and
wherein a first X-ray control is disposed on the first support member.
2. The support arm of claim 1, further comprising a second support member, wherein a first
end of the second support member connects to the support structure and a second end of the
second support member attaches to the X-ray imaging arm at the pivot joint. '
3. The support arm of claim 2, wherein a second X-ray control is disposed on the second
support member.
4. The support arm of claim 1, wherein the first end of the first support member pivotally
connects to the support structure to provide the support arm with an axis of lateral rotation, and
wherein the first control is capable of retaining a first orientation as the support arm is rotated
laterally.
5. The support arm of claim 1, wherein the first control comprises a touch-screen interface.
6. The support arm of claim 5, wherein the touch-screen interface automatically rotates its
display to maintain a first orientation when the support arm is rotated about a lateral axis.
7. The support arm of claim 1, wherein the first control is selectively attachable to and
removable from the first support member.
19
8. The support arm of claim 1, wherein wiring electrically connects the first control to the
X-ray imaging arm through the pivot joint.
9. The support arm of claim 1, wherein the first X-ray control wirelessly commimicates with
the X-ray imaging arm.
10. An X-ray system, comprising:
a support arm;
an X-ray imaging arm having an X-ray source and an X-ray detector disposed at nearly
opposing locations on the arm; and
an articulating arm assembly;
wherein a first end of the support arm is connected to the articulating arm assembly;
wherein a second end of the support arm is pivotally attached to the X-ray imaging arm at
a pivot joint so the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the imaging arm; and
wherein a first X-ray control is disposed on a first support member of the support arm.
11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a second support member.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein a second X-ray control is disposed on the second
support member.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the first end of the support arm pivotally connects to the
articulating arm assembly to provide the support arm with an axis of lateral rotation, and wherein
the first control is capable of retaining a fu^t orientation when the support arm is rotated
laterally.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein wiring electrically connects the first control to the X-ray
imaging arm through the pivot joint.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the first control comprises a touch-screen interface.
20
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the touch-screen interface automatically rotates its
display to maintain a first orientation when the support arm is rotated about a lateral axis.
17. An X-ray system, comprising:
an X-ray imaging support arm comprising a first support member and a second support
member;
an X-ray imaging arm having an X-ray source and an X-ray detector disposed at nearly
opposing locations on the arm; and
an X-ray imaging arm support structure;
wherein a first end of each of the first and second support members is connected to the
support structure;
wherein a second end of each of the first and second support members is pivotally
attached to the imaging arm at a pivot joint so the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital
rotation for the imaging arm; and
wherein a first X-ray control panel is disposed on the first support member.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein a second X-ray control panel is disposed on the second
support member.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein wiring electrically connects the first control panel to the
imaging arm through the pivot joint.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the first control is capable of retaining a first orientation
as the support arm is rotated laterally.
21. The system of claim 17, wherein the first control panel comprises a touch-screen
interface.
22. The system of claim 17, wherein the first X-ray control panel communicates with the Xray
imaging arm through a wireless mechanism.
23. An X-ray system, comprising:
a support arm;
an X-ray imaging arm having an X-ray source and an X-ray detector disposed at nearly
opposing locations on the arm;
a X-ray arm support structure; and
a handle attached to imaging arm;
wherein a first end of the support arm is connected to the X-ray arm support structure;
wherein a second end of the support arm is pivotally attached to the X-ray imaging arm at
a pivot joint so the pivot joint functions as an axis of orbital rotation for the imaging arm; and
wherein a first X-ray control is disposed on the handle.