Anatomically coordinated user dominated programmer for diagnostic x-ray

Abstract

A control console has a small and compact array of twenty-seven illuminable push buttons arranged in three continuous groups of nine each. The buttons in the upper group relate to anatomical areas in upper parts of the body, and the buttons in the lower group relate to areas in the lower parts of the body and the extremities. The middle group are control and x-ray technic variation buttons. Different anatomical regions are indicated by pictographs on the push buttons in an organized array in the upper and lower groups. Pressing at least one push button in the middle group and one in the other groups sets up and displays the x-ray exposure parameters corresponding with the equivalent of the user's priority technic, including safe patient exposure and safe x-ray tube operating time, which has been stored in a memory, for the particular anatomical region. The programmed values for tube kV, mA, mAs and time are displayed. Controls are provided for enabling the user to dominate the programmed settings by overriding the stored values when professional judgement indicates. The principal stored technic data values may be altered easily when and if experience with stored values shows need for override within the normal range of patients of one or more of the principal technic parameters to accommodate an abnormal patient or medical condition.