JP2006247137A - Radiation image radiography system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image radiography system capable of improving the working efficiency and saving a power by switching the operation state of a radiation image detector without requiring a labor of an operator when radiographing with a plurality of radiation image detectors installed therewith. <P>SOLUTION: This radiation image radiography system is provided with: the radiation image detectors 1 each having a state control part 29 which has a plurality of operation states and switches the operation state based on a radiography command signal; and consoles 3 each having a detector determination part 30 receiving a radiographing command signal from a host computer 4 and determining a radiation image detector 1 for use in the radiography based on the radiography list, and a communication part 18 transmitting the radiographing command signal commanding the radiography to the radiation image detector 1, and operating the radiation image detector 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing system, and more particularly to a radiographic image capturing system including a plurality of radiographic image detectors.

  Conventionally, in the field of radiography for the purpose of medical diagnosis, there have been widely used radiographic imaging systems that obtain a radiographic image of a subject by irradiating the subject with radiation and detecting the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the subject. Are known. In recent radiographic imaging systems, a so-called “Flat Panel Detector” (hereinafter referred to as “FPD”) having a thin flat plate shape in which a large number of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a matrix form. Is being developed and used. The FPD can easily and quickly obtain a radiation image of a subject by detecting radiation transmitted through the subject, photoelectrically converting the radiation into an electrical signal, and performing image processing on the electrical signal after the photoelectric conversion.

  The radiation image detectors are roughly classified into a stationary type that is installed at a predetermined position as a part of the system and a portable type (cassette type) that is portable, and has been recently used from the viewpoint of ease of transportation and handling. The use of cassette-type radiation image detectors has been widely studied.

  In such a cassette-type radiation image detector, since a built-in battery or the like for driving the radiation image detector is used, it is preferable to save power by stopping power supply as much as possible when not used for imaging. .

  In addition, some members constituting the radiation image detector are deteriorated with time in a state where electric power is supplied, such as photodiodes and TFTs. Therefore, for example, if the power supply state is maintained with respect to such a member when photographing is not performed for a long period of time, there is a problem that the life of the radiation image detector is shortened due to deterioration of these members. is there.

However, if the operator switches the power supply state of the radiation image detector every time imaging is completed, the work efficiency is lowered. Therefore, an imaging list is provided, and it is detected whether the imaging operation is completed based on the imaging list, and whether the radiographic image detector is in an imaging ready state or an imaging standby state according to the detection result A radiographic imaging system that performs switching is proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-66720 A

  Conventionally, a radiographic imaging system using such a radiographic image detector generally has a one-to-one correspondence between a console and a radiographic image detector. The invention described in Patent Document 1 Is also applicable to such a system. However, with the development of communication networks in recent years, a system in which a plurality of radiological image detectors are associated with one console due to various circumstances such as space, and one console operates a plurality of radiographic image detectors. Has been proposed. In such a case, for example, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to determine which of a plurality of radiation image detectors is in a photographing enabled state and which is in a photographing standby state. There is a problem.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the radiological image detector is not required for the operator even when imaging is performed with a plurality of radiographic image detectors. It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiographic imaging system capable of switching the operation states of the above, improving work efficiency and saving power.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes a plurality of radiation image detectors that detect irradiated radiation and obtain image information;
A console connected to the plurality of radiation image detectors via a predetermined communication line and operating the radiation image detectors;
A shooting schedule input means for inputting shooting schedule information;
An imaging list generating means for generating an imaging list for associating scheduled imaging with the radiological image detector used for imaging;
The console is
An imaging request receiving means for receiving an imaging request signal from an external device, a detector determining means for determining the radiological image detector used for imaging based on the imaging list for the received imaging request signal, and the detector An imaging instruction transmission means for transmitting an imaging instruction signal for instructing imaging to the radiological image detector determined by the determining means, to the radiological image detector;
The radiation image detector is
A shooting instruction receiving means for receiving the shooting instruction signal transmitted by the shooting instruction transmitting means, comprising a plurality of drive units, having a plurality of operating states in which the respective drive units are operating differently; and the shooting instruction signal And a state control unit for controlling the operating state of each of the drive units.

The invention according to claim 2 is the radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the radiographic image detector comprises:
An operation state transmitting means for transmitting operation state information of each of the drive units to the console;
The console is
Operating state receiving means for receiving the operating state information; and progress state determining means for determining a progress state of imaging by each radiation image detector based on the operating state information;
The imaging instruction transmission unit transmits the imaging instruction signal to the radiation image detector based on the determination of the progress state determination unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic imaging system according to the first or second aspect, the plurality of radiographic image detectors are:
An imaging list acquisition unit that acquires the imaging list, a detector communication unit that communicates the imaging progress state of each other, the radiographic image acquired via the imaging list, the imaging instruction signal, and the detector communication unit A progress state determining means for determining a shooting progress state based on at least one of the shooting progress states of the detector;
The state control unit controls an operating state of each driving unit based on a determination result of the progress state determination unit.

The invention according to claim 4 includes a plurality of radiation image detectors that detect irradiated radiation and obtain image information;
A console connected to the plurality of radiation image detectors via a predetermined communication line and operating the radiation image detectors;
A shooting schedule input means for inputting shooting schedule information;
An imaging list generating means for generating an imaging list for associating scheduled imaging with the radiological image detector used for imaging;
The console is
An imaging request receiving means for receiving an imaging request signal from an external device; and an imaging instruction transmitting means for transmitting an imaging instruction signal for instructing imaging to the radiological image detector to the radiological image detector,
The radiation image detector is
A shooting instruction receiving means for receiving the shooting instruction signal transmitted by the shooting instruction transmitting means, comprising a plurality of drive units, having a plurality of operating states in which the respective drive units have different operating states; A progress state determination unit that determines a shooting progress state based on at least one of the shooting instructions; and a state control unit that controls an operating state of each of the drive units based on a determination result of the progress state determination unit. It is characterized by having.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic imaging system according to the fourth aspect, the plurality of radiographic image detectors include detector communication means for communicating the imaging progress state of each other, and the progress state determining means. Imaging of the radiation image detector based on at least one of the imaging list, the imaging instruction signal, and the imaging progress state of the other radiation image detector acquired via the detector communication means It is characterized by determining a progress state.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic image capturing system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the radiographic image detector includes a radiographable state and a radiographable state as the operation state. It is characterized by having a photographing standby state with less power consumption.

The invention according to claim 7 is the radiographic imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the radiation image detector includes at least a photoelectric conversion unit, a scanning drive circuit, a signal readout circuit, and a communication unit as the plurality of drive units. An image storage unit;
The imaging standby state includes at least a first imaging standby mode in which power supply to the signal readout circuit is stopped and at least a second imaging standby mode in which power supply to the photoelectric conversion unit is stopped. .

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic image capturing system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, the state control unit sets an operation state of the plurality of driving units so as to be in an imaging standby state after the end of imaging. It is characterized by controlling.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic image capturing system according to the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect, when the progress state determining means determines that the radiographic image detector has an imaging plan remaining. The state control unit controls the operating state of the plurality of drive units so that the first imaging standby mode is set after the imaging is completed, and the progress state determination unit completes the imaging schedule of the radiation image detector. When it is determined that the image capturing operation has been performed, the state control unit controls the operating states of the plurality of driving units so that the second image capturing standby mode is set after the image capturing is completed.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic imaging system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the radiographic image detector detects irradiated radiation, and the radiation is converted into an electrical signal. It is a cassette type flat panel detector (FPD) which converts into and accumulates, reads out the accumulated electrical signal, and acquires radiation image information.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the radiographic image detector used for imaging is specified based on the imaging list, and an imaging instruction signal that triggers switching of the operation state of the radiographic image detector is transmitted. Therefore, even when imaging is performed with a plurality of radiological image detectors, a radiological image detector that should be in a state that can be imaged is distinguished from a radiological image detector that should be in a state where power consumption is suppressed. be able to. For this reason, the operation state of the radiation image detector can be switched without requiring the operator's trouble, and the working efficiency can be improved and the power can be saved.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operating state of each drive unit, which is the operating state of the radiation image detector, is transmitted to the console, so that the console gives an imaging instruction while confirming the state of the radiation image detector. A signal can be transmitted. For this reason, it is possible to reliably transmit an imaging instruction signal that triggers switching of the operation state of the radiation image detector in a timely manner, and it is possible to improve working efficiency and save power.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the radiological image detector can acquire the radiographing list and determine the radiographing progress state by itself, when the radiographing instruction signal is received, the radiographic image detector performs radiography. You can determine if you have a plan. For this reason, even if no shooting instruction is received, when the shooting schedule is near, it is possible to shift to a state in which it is possible to easily shift to a ready state for shooting. For this reason, even when photographing with a plurality of radiological image detectors, the operation state of the radiographic image detector is switched without requiring the operator's effort to improve work efficiency and save power. There is an effect that it can be achieved.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when receiving the radiographing instruction signal, the radiographic image detector can determine whether or not the radiographic image detector is scheduled to perform radiography and switch the operation state appropriately. it can. For this reason, even when photographing with a plurality of radiological image detectors, the operation state of the radiographic image detector is switched without requiring the operator's effort to improve work efficiency and save power. There is an effect that it can be achieved.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, each radiographic image detector can grasp the progress of radiographing based on the status of other radiographic image detectors. Even in the case of performing the above, the operation state of the radiation image detector is switched more efficiently, so that the working efficiency can be improved and the power can be saved.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, since the radiographic image detector has a radiographing standby state with less power consumption in addition to the radiographable state, the radiographic image detector that is not used for radiographing is saved. There is an effect of promoting electric power.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, as an imaging standby state of the radiation image detector, a photoelectric conversion unit that deteriorates by performing an imaging standby mode in which power supply to a signal readout circuit that consumes a large amount of power is stopped, and power supply. The imaging standby mode in which the power supply to the power supply is stopped is provided, so that even when imaging is performed with a plurality of radiation image detectors, power saving is achieved and the power of the drive unit that deteriorates due to the power supply is reduced. There is an effect that it is possible to extend the life of the radiation image detector by suppressing the supply.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, since the photographing standby state is set after the photographing is completed, the operator switches to a state where the power consumption is small even after the operator does not switch the operation state of the radiation image detector by himself / herself. For this reason, there is an effect that it is possible to improve work efficiency and to save power.

  According to the invention described in claim 9, since it is possible to switch the shooting standby mode depending on whether or not the shooting schedule remains, when there is no shooting schedule and preparation for shooting is not necessary, the power consumption is reduced, If there is a possibility of shooting and there is a possibility of shifting to shooting, it is possible to keep it ready to be launched immediately. For this reason, the operation state of the radiation image detector can be switched without requiring the operator's trouble, and the working efficiency can be improved and the power can be saved.

  According to the tenth aspect of the invention, since the radiation image detector is a cassette type FPD, there is an effect that it can be easily carried regardless of the photographing location.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
[First Embodiment]

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a radiographic imaging system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radiographic image capturing system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic imaging system 100 is assumed to be radiographic imaging performed in a hospital. For example, the radiographic imaging system 100 is installed in a radiographic room and radiates a radiographic image by irradiating a subject with radiation such as X-rays. A radiographic imaging apparatus 2 that performs radiography by acquiring it with the image detector 1, a console 3 that performs operations relating to radiographic imaging, display of the obtained radiographic images and image processing, and management regarding radiographic imaging in the hospital And a base station (not shown) for performing communication using a wireless communication system such as a wireless local area network (LAN), and these apparatuses are connected to each other via a network N. Here, the consoles 5 and 5 and the radiographic image detectors 6 and 6 of other radiographing rooms are connected to the network N, and the radiographic image information acquired by each radiographic image detector can be exchanged. It has become. Further, the network N may be a communication line dedicated to the system, but it is an existing line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) for the reason that the degree of freedom of the system configuration becomes low. Is preferred.

  The host computer 4 includes, for example, a control unit composed of a general-purpose CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (none of which are shown), and an external device that stores various types of information A storage device, an input operation unit for inputting various instructions, and the like (all not shown) are provided. The control unit is configured such that a predetermined program stored in the ROM is read out and expanded in a work area of the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes according to the program.

  In the present embodiment, the host computer 4 performs reservation management for radiographic imaging in all radiographing rooms connected to the network N, and manages and stores all image information taken by each radiographic imaging apparatus 2. To do. The control unit of the host computer 4 includes an input operation unit of the host computer 4, a terminal device such as a personal computer (not shown) installed in the console 3, each examination room, etc. and connected to the network N, and other external devices. When the input information or the like is sent, and a reservation for photographing of a predetermined photographing room is entered from the external device or the like, the control unit transmits a photographing request signal to the console 3 that manages the photographing room.

  The console 3 includes an input operation unit 10 through which an operator inputs an imaging instruction, an imaging schedule, and the like, a radiation irradiation control unit 11 that controls the radiation irradiation apparatus 7 based on an instruction from the input operation unit 10, and a radiation image detector. Image data obtained by a radiological image detector 1 that associates a radiographic image detector 1 used for radiography with a radiographic image detector 1 used for radiography 1 An image processing unit 12 that performs image processing such as color tone correction, an image storage unit 13 that includes a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the like, stores image information that has been subjected to image processing, and an operator appropriately captures images. A display unit 14 that displays an image based on an image signal obtained by the radiation image detector 1 for visual confirmation, and a communication unit 18 that transmits and receives information to and from various external devices. A LAN board 15 connected to the network N, and a system controller 16 for controlling these consoles 3 systems are provided.

  The input operation unit 10 includes, for example, an operation panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The input operation unit 10 is input to the system control unit 16 with a key press signal or a mouse operation signal pressed by the operation panel or keyboard as input signals. Output. In the present embodiment, the input operation unit 10 also functions as a shooting schedule input unit that inputs a shooting schedule. The imaging schedule input means is not limited to the input operation unit 10, and may be the input operation unit of the host computer 4. For example, the imaging schedule input unit is installed in a doctor's examination room or the like and connected to the network N (not shown). It may be a terminal device such as a personal computer. Furthermore, for example, an information reading device such as a card reader that reads information written in advance on an ID card or the like may be used.

  The imaging list generation unit 31 is an imaging list generation unit that generates an imaging list based on the imaging schedule information input from the imaging schedule input unit of the input operation unit 10 and the like. An imaging list in which the radiation image detectors 1 to be used are associated with each other is generated and stored in an external storage device (not shown). In the present embodiment, a single console 3 is associated with, for example, a plurality of radiation image detectors 1 having different sizes and sensitivities depending on the imaging region, the imaging purpose, and the like. Therefore, which radiographic image detector 1 is used for each imaging is determined based on the part to be imaged, the imaging purpose, and the like. Note that the radiation image detector 1 associated with the console 3 is not limited to a different type, and a plurality of the same type may be associated with each other. The generated shooting list is sent to the host computer 4 via the network N, and is stored and managed by the host computer 4. When new information is input from the shooting schedule input unit such as the input operation unit 10 after the shooting list is generated, the shooting list is sequentially updated, and the updated shooting list is displayed on the host computer 4 and each console 3. Shared between.

  The detector control unit 30 controls the radiographic image detector 1 and determines the radiographic image detector to be used for imaging based on the imaging list with respect to the imaging request signal transmitted from the host computer 4. It functions as a means. The detector control unit 30 selects and determines the radiation image detector 1 corresponding to the imaging request signal from among the plurality of radiation image detectors 1 as detector determining means.

  The communication unit 18 transmits and receives various types of information to and from external devices such as the host computer 4 and the radiation image detector 1 by a wireless communication method or the like. In particular, in this embodiment, the communication unit 18 transmits an imaging instruction signal to the radiation image detector 1 as an imaging request receiving unit that receives an imaging request signal transmitted from the host computer 4 that is an external device. It functions as a photographing instruction transmission means. When the communication unit 18 receives an imaging request signal from the host computer 4, the imaging request signal is sent to the detector control unit 30, and the radiation image detector 1 used for imaging is determined by the detector control unit 30. An imaging instruction signal is transmitted from the communication unit 18 to each radiation image detector 1.

  The display unit 14 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like, and a radiographic image such as a thumbnail image according to an instruction of a display signal output from the system control unit 16 or the like. Various information such as various information input from the input operation unit 10 is displayed.

  The radiographic image capturing apparatus 2 includes a radiation irradiation apparatus 7 and a radiographic image detector 1. The radiation irradiation device 7 includes a radiation source 8 that generates radiation by applying a predetermined tube voltage, and a radiation source control means 9 that controls the radiation source 8. The radiation irradiating device 7 is connected to the console 3 via, for example, a cable, and the radiation source 8 is characterized by the characteristics of radiation radiated from the console 3 (tube voltage applied to the radiation source 8, tube current, irradiation time). Etc.) and is configured to generate radiation by being controlled by the radiation source control means 9.

  The radiation image detector 1 is adapted to detect radiation that has been irradiated from the radiation irradiating device 7 and transmitted through the subject to acquire a radiation image. When performing radiography, the radiation image detector 1 is used as a radiation source. 8 is used by being mounted on a photographing stand installed in a radiation irradiation range to which radiation is irradiated.

  The radiation image detector 1 is an indirect flat panel detector that includes a light emitting layer, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a drive circuit to detect radiation. Hereinafter, the structure of the radiation image detector 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the radiation image detector 1 includes a housing 20 that protects the inside, and the radiation image detector 1 is configured to be portable as a cassette.

  Outside the housing 20, an operation unit 21 for switching on / off the power of the radiation image detector 1 by an operator performing a switching operation, and completion of preparation for radiographic imaging or built-in. A display unit 22 (see FIG. 3) is provided to indicate that a predetermined amount of image signal has been written in the image storage means.

An imaging panel 23 that converts irradiated radiation into an electrical signal is formed in layers inside the housing 20. As shown in FIG. 2B, a light emitting layer 231 that emits light according to the intensity of incident radiation is provided on the radiation irradiation side of the imaging panel 23. Here, the light emitting layer 231 is irradiated with so-called X-rays, which are electromagnetic waves that have a wavelength of about 1 mm (1 × 10 ⁻¹⁰ m) and transmit through a human body, a ship, an aircraft member, or the like.

  The light-emitting layer 231 has a phosphor as a main component, and based on incident radiation, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 300 nm to 800 nm, that is, an electromagnetic wave (light) ranging from ultraviolet light to infrared light centering on visible light. Output. The light emitting layer 231 is generally called a scintillator layer.

Phosphors used in the light emitting layer 231 include those based on CaWO ₄ , CdWO _4, etc., or a luminescent center substance activated in the body such as CsI: Tl, Gd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, ZnS: Ag. Can be used.
Further, when the rare earth element is M, a phosphor represented by a general formula of (Gd, M, Eu) ₂ O ₃ can be used.

In particular, CsI: Tl and Gd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb are preferable because of high X-ray absorption and luminous efficiency, and by using these, a high-quality image with low noise can be obtained.

  An electromagnetic wave (light) output from the light emitting layer is converted into electric energy and accumulated on the surface opposite to the surface irradiated with radiation of the light emitting layer 231 and an image signal based on the accumulated electric energy is stored. The photoelectric conversion layer 232 that performs the output is formed.

  The photoelectric conversion layer 232 is formed of a photoelectric conversion element that generates electric energy and stores it for each pixel, and a transistor that is a switching element for outputting the stored electric energy as a signal. Note that the photoelectric conversion layer 232 is not limited to the one using a switching element, and may be configured to generate and output a signal corresponding to the stored energy level of electric energy, for example. In general, it is formed of amorphous silicon disposed on a glass substrate.

  For example, a photodiode 233 is used as the photoelectric conversion element. However, the photoelectric conversion element is not particularly limited, and may be another solid-state imaging element (charge-coupled element or the like) or an element such as a photomultiplier tube.

  As the transistor, for example, a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as “TFT”) 234 is used. The TFT 234 may be an inorganic semiconductor type used in a liquid crystal display or the like, or an organic semiconductor type.

  A substrate 235 that supports the light emitting layer 231 and the photoelectric conversion layer 232 is formed on the surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 232 opposite to the surface on the light emitting layer 231 side.

  A driving circuit is provided on the substrate 235 and on the side of the photoelectric conversion layer 232. The driving circuit includes a scanning driving circuit 236 that outputs accumulated electric energy as an image signal, and irradiated radiation. The signal readout circuit 237 reads out the stored electric energy according to the intensity of the signal.

  A controller 24 is provided on the surface of the substrate 235 opposite to the surface on the photoelectric conversion layer 232 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 21, the scanning drive circuit 236, and the signal readout circuit 237 described above are connected to the control unit 24.

  Here, the circuit configuration of the imaging panel 23 will be described. FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a photoelectric conversion unit for one pixel constituting the photoelectric conversion layer 232.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the configuration of the photoelectric conversion unit for one pixel includes a photodiode 233 and a TFT 234 that extracts electric energy accumulated in the photodiode 233 as an electric signal by switching. The extracted electrical signal is amplified by the amplifier 238 to a level that can be detected by the signal readout circuit 237. The amplifier 238 is connected to a reset circuit (not shown) composed of a TFT 234 and a capacitor, and a reset operation for resetting the accumulated electrical signal is performed by switching on the TFT 234. The photodiode 233 may simply have a parasitic capacitance, or may include an additional capacitor in parallel so as to improve the dynamic range of the photodiode 233 and the photoelectric conversion unit.

  FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit diagram in which such photoelectric conversion units are two-dimensionally arranged. Between the pixels, the scanning lines Ll and the signal lines Lr are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other. A TFT 234 is connected to the photodiode 233 described above, and one end of the photodiode 233 on the side to which the TFT 234 is connected is connected to the signal line Lr. On the other hand, the other end of the photodiode 233 is connected to one end of an adjacent photodiode 233 arranged in each row, and is connected to a bias power source 239 through a common bias line Lb. One end of the bias power source 239 is connected to the control unit 24, and a voltage is applied to the photodiode 233 through the bias line Lb according to an instruction from the control unit 24. The TFTs 234 arranged in each row are connected to a common scanning line Ll, and the scanning line Ll is connected to the control unit 24 via a scanning drive circuit 236. Similarly, the photodiodes 233 arranged in each column are connected to a signal readout circuit 237 connected to a common signal line Lr and controlled by the control unit 24. In the signal readout circuit 237, an amplifier 238, a sample hold circuit 240, an analog multiplexer 241, and an A / D converter 242 are arranged on a common signal line Lr in order from the imaging panel 23.

  A plurality of driving units (for example, a scanning driving circuit 236, a signal reading circuit 237, and a communication unit 28 (described later) constituting the radiation image detector 1 are provided on the surface of the control unit 24 opposite to the surface on the substrate 235 side. A battery 25 is provided as power supply means for supplying power to the image storage unit 26 (described later), the display unit 22 (described later), the operation unit 21 (described later), the imaging panel 23, and the like. The battery 25 is formed in a plate shape, for example, and may be exchanged by being drawn out from the side of the housing 20. By making the battery 25 have such a shape, the area of the imaging panel 23 can be increased, and the imageable area can be widened. As the battery 25, for example, a primary battery such as a manganese battery, a nickel / cadmium battery, a mercury battery, or a lead battery, and various rechargeable secondary batteries are applied. Further, a fuel cell may be used as the battery 25. The shape of the battery 25 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG.

  In addition, the housing 20 includes an image storage unit that stores an image signal output from the imaging panel 23 using a rewritable memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory as a storage unit. An image storage unit 26 is provided. Further, a communication unit 28 that communicates with external devices by transmitting and receiving various communication signals, and a state control unit 29 that controls a plurality of operation states of the radiation image detector 1 are provided.

  The communication unit 28 receives, for example, a radiation irradiation start signal and a radiation irradiation end signal transmitted from an external device and transfers them to the control unit 24. In addition, the communication unit 28 transmits an image signal output from the imaging panel 23 to an external device such as the console 3. It is to be transferred to the device. Further, in the present embodiment, it functions as a photographing instruction receiving unit that receives a photographing instruction signal transmitted from the console 3 that is an external device. The imaging instruction signal is a signal for instructing imaging to a specific radiographic image detector 1 determined as the radiographic image detector 1 used for imaging by the detector control unit 30 of the console 3. For example, the imaging instruction signal is sent to all the radiation image detectors 1 including the identification information of the radiation image detector 1, and the communication unit 28 transfers the imaging instruction signal to the state control unit 29 when receiving the imaging instruction signal.

  The state control unit 29 switches the operation state of the radiation image detector 1 by controlling the operating state of each drive unit of the radiation image detector 1. When the imaging instruction signal is sent via the communication unit 28, the state control unit 29 determines whether or not the imaging instruction signal instructs the radiological image detector 1 to perform imaging, and each driving unit is determined according to the determination. Control power supply to Thereby, the operation state of the radiation image detector 1 is switched. Here, each operation state switched by the state control unit 29 in the present embodiment will be described. The determination as to whether or not the radiographing instruction signal instructs the radiographic image detector 1 to perform radiographing is performed by, for example, identifying the radiographic image detector 1 included in the radiographing instruction signal from the radiographic image detector 1. This is done by determining whether or not. Note that the method for determining whether or not the imaging instruction signal instructs the radiological image detector 1 to perform imaging is not limited to the one exemplified here.

  In the radiation image detector 1 of the present embodiment, the main power supply is turned on and off in a daily cycle. For example, when the radiation source 8 is tested, the radiation image detector 1 is turned on, and thereafter While the subject such as a patient may visit, the power is kept on, and the power is shut off when the radiography of the day is completed. While the radiographic image detector 1 is powered on, the operation state of the radiographic image detector 1 is configured to be switchable between a radiographable state and two radiographing standby states that consume less power than the radiographing state. When the main power source is turned on, the camera automatically transitions to a shooting standby state.

  Here, the imaging possible state is a state in which all driving units necessary for a series of imaging operations such as detection of radiation among the members constituting the radiation image detector 5 are operating, that is, the scanning drive circuit 236, the signal The power is supplied to all the drive units used for a series of photographing operations such as the readout circuit 237, the photodiode 233, the TFT 234, the image storage unit 26, and the communication unit 28. It is possible to perform various operations such as initialization, accumulation of electric energy generated according to the irradiated radiation, reading of an electric signal, and transfer of an image signal. In the initialization, the reset operation and the idle reading operation in the imaging panel 23 are performed.

  The shooting standby state is an operation state in which the amount of power consumption is smaller than that in the shooting enabled state. In the present embodiment, the shooting standby state is the first shooting standby mode in which the power consumption is lower than in the shooting enabled state. The second photographing standby mode in which the power supply to the member that deteriorates with time due to the supply of power is stopped can be selected.

  The first shooting standby mode is a state in which all the driving units used for a series of shooting operations are started up except for the signal readout circuit 17 that consumes a large amount of power and can be quickly started up to a shooting ready state. There is a shooting standby state in which shooting can be performed immediately. Specifically, power is supplied to the drive units such as the scan drive circuit 236, the photodiode 233, the TFT 234, and the communication unit 28.

  The second imaging standby mode is a state in which power supply to the photodiode 233 and the TFT 234 that constitute the photoelectric conversion layer 232 that is a photoelectric conversion unit that is a member that easily deteriorates with time due to power supply is stopped. Since both the photodiode 233 and the TFT 234 are members that easily deteriorate over time due to the power supply, the photoelectric conversion unit is prevented from being deteriorated by stopping the power supply to the long life of the radiation image detector 1. Can be achieved.

  As described above, in the imaging ready state and the imaging standby state, whether or not the operation state is switched in the state control unit 29 when an imaging instruction is sent to the state control unit 29 provided in the radiation image detector 1. Judgment is made. When the radiographic image detector 1 has received the imaging instruction, the state control unit 29 reads the signal from the battery 25 so as to switch the operation state of the radiographic image detector 1 to the imaging enabled state. The power supply is controlled so that power is supplied to each drive unit used for a series of photographing operations such as the circuit 237, the photodiode 233, the TFT 234, the image storage unit 26, and the communication unit 28. Further, when the radiographic image detector 1 has received the imaging instruction, the state control unit 29 keeps the operation state of the radiographic image detector 1 in the imaging standby state. Note that the state control unit 29 is configured to switch the operation state of the radiation image detector 1 from the imaging enabled state to the imaging standby state when imaging is completed. Alternatively, the control may be performed so that the first shooting standby mode is entered once shooting is completed, and then the second shooting standby mode is entered after a certain period of time has elapsed.

  When a shooting start signal is received in the second shooting standby mode, the state control unit 29 switches to a shooting ready state in which a voltage is applied to each driving unit used for a series of shooting operations. Since the voltages related to the photoelectric conversion layer 232 and each driving circuit are not stable, it is preferable that initialization is started after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In the present embodiment, the radiation image detector 1 is configured to automatically shift to the second imaging standby mode and apply a voltage to the image storage unit 26 and the communication unit 28 when the main power is turned on. Has been.

  Specifically, the switching between the first imaging standby mode and the second imaging standby mode is performed when the imaging instruction signal is transmitted to the 9-state control unit 29 via the communication unit 28, and the state control unit 29 performs scanning driving. This is realized by changing the potential applied to the photoelectric conversion layer 232 by controlling the voltage applied to the circuit 236, the photodiode 233, and the TFT 234 and the voltage of the bias line Lb.

  In addition, when switching from the first shooting standby mode to the shooting ready state, when a shooting instruction signal is transmitted to the state control unit 29 via the communication unit 28, the state control unit 29 applies a voltage to the signal readout circuit 237. Is performed, and then the photographing operation is performed.

  In the imaging operation, first, after a reset operation is performed by the signal readout circuit 237, a blank reading operation is performed and radiation is emitted, and an electric signal is generated and accumulated in the photodiode 233 according to the radiation dose. When the scanning line Ll is selected by the scanning drive circuit 236 and the TFT 234 on the selected scanning line Ll is switched, the electrical signal accumulated in the photodiode 233 is conducted and sent to the signal readout circuit 237. After being amplified, it is converted into a digital signal. The control unit 24 once holds the digital signal as an image signal in the image storage unit 26 and then transmits the digital signal to an external device such as the console 3 through the communication unit 28.

  Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing system in this embodiment will be described.

  When shooting schedule information is input from a shooting schedule input unit such as the input operation unit 10, the shooting list generation unit 31 generates a shooting list based on the input shooting schedule information. The generated shooting list is sent to the host computer 4 via the network N, and is stored and managed by the host computer 4. Once new shooting schedule information is input from the shooting schedule input means after the shooting list has been created, new contents are added to the shooting list and updated accordingly.

  On the other hand, when the main power is turned on, the radiation image detector 1 automatically shifts to the second imaging standby mode, and maintains the second imaging standby mode in the absence of any instruction. .

  When an imaging request signal is sent from an external host computer, the detector control unit 30 determines one radiation image detector 1 to be used for imaging based on the imaging list. When the radiographic image detector 1 used for imaging is determined, the information is transmitted to each radiographic image detector 1 as an imaging instruction signal. The state control unit 29 of each radiological image detector 1 determines whether it is the radiographic image detector 1 that has received the imaging instruction. The power supply from the battery 25 to each drive unit is controlled so as to switch to Thereby, the said radiographic image detector 1 will be in the imaging | photography possible state, and imaging | photography is performed after that. On the other hand, if it is determined that the imaging instruction has not been received, the state control unit 29 controls the power supply to each driving unit so as to maintain the second imaging standby mode.

  When the imaging is completed, the radiological image detector 1 detects that the exposure of radiation has ended, for example, and determines that the imaging has ended, and shifts to an imaging standby state. In this case, the first shooting standby mode may be entered first, and then the second shooting standby mode may be shifted to after a certain period. In addition, the operation state may be maintained as it is by shifting from the photographing ready state to the first photographing standby mode or the second photographing standby mode. The trigger for shifting to the imaging standby state may be the detection of the end of imaging on the radiation image detector 1 side as described above, or the transmission of an instruction signal for shifting to the imaging standby state from the console 3. .

  Image information obtained by photographing is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 26, then sent to the console 3, and stored in the image storage unit 13 of the console 3. Thereafter, the data is appropriately transmitted from the console 3 to the host computer 4 and stored and managed by the host computer 4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of radiation image detectors 1 are associated with one console 3, the power consumption of the radiation image detector 1 that is not used for imaging is higher than that in the imaging state. It is possible to enter a shooting standby state with a small amount. As a result, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed, and members that deteriorate when power is supplied can be protected, and the life of the radiation image detector 1 can be extended.

  In addition, since only the radiation image detector 1 that has received an imaging instruction from the console 3 automatically shifts to an imaging enabled state, the operator can save time and effort to improve work efficiency. .

  In the present embodiment, the imaging instruction signal is transmitted from all the radiographic image detectors 1 associated with the console 3, but only the radiographic image detector 1 used for imaging is captured. Only when the instruction signal is transmitted and the signal is received, the state control unit 29 may switch the operation state of the radiation image detector 1. In this case, identification information for identifying the radiation image detector 1 may not be included in the imaging instruction signal.

  In the present embodiment, the shooting list is generated by the shooting list generation unit 31 of the console 3. However, the shooting list may be generated by a host computer 4 or the like other than the console 3.

  In the present embodiment, the shooting standby state includes two modes, ie, the first shooting standby mode and the second shooting standby mode. However, the shooting standby state is not limited to this. For example, Further, there may be more modes such as an imaging standby mode in which power is supplied only to the communication unit 28 and extremely low power supply. Further, only one type of shooting standby mode may be provided as the shooting standby state.

In addition, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.
[Second Embodiment]

  Next, a second embodiment of the radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be particularly described.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the radiological image detector 1 includes a plurality of radiographic image detectors 1 and a console 3 for operating the same, as in the first embodiment. Each radiation image detector 1 includes a state control unit 29 that controls the operation state, a communication unit 38 that transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as the console 3, and the like.

  The communication unit 38 functions as an operating state transmitting unit that transmits information related to the operating state of each driving unit to the console 3, and determines whether the operation state of the radiation image detector 1 is in an imaging enabled state. Whether to be in a shooting standby state such as a standby mode or a second shooting standby mode is transmitted to the console 3. In addition, the communication unit 18 of the console 3 functions as an operating state receiving unit that receives information on the operating state of each driving unit sent from the radiation image detector 1.

  The console 3 has an imaging list as in the first embodiment, and the console 3 proceeds with imaging based on the imaging list and the received information regarding the operating state of the radiation image detector 1. A progress state determination unit 32 is provided as a progress state determination means for determining the state. The operating state is sent to the progress state determination unit 32 from each radiation image detector 1 via the communication unit 38 as needed, and the progress state determination unit 32 compares the sent information with the imaging list. Thus, it is determined how far the scheduled shooting has progressed.

  When an imaging request signal is transmitted from the host computer 4 or the like to the console 3, the radiographic image detector 1 used for imaging is determined by the detector control unit 30, and the communication unit 18 determines the progress state determination unit 32. An imaging instruction signal for the radiation image detector 1 used for imaging is transmitted according to the imaging progress state determined by the above. That is, for example, even if the shooting request signal is received, if the progress state determination unit 32 determines that the previous shooting has not been completed, the communication unit 18 immediately outputs the shooting instruction signal. A shooting instruction signal is transmitted when it is determined that shooting has progressed to a state where it is possible to shift to the next shooting without transmission. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the imaging instruction signal is transmitted with the identification mark of the radiation image detector 1 attached to all the radiation image detectors 1 associated with the console 3. Alternatively, it may be transmitted only to one radiation image detector 1 used for imaging.

  Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing system in this embodiment will be described.

  When shooting schedule information is input from a shooting schedule input unit such as the input operation unit 10, the shooting list generation unit 31 generates a shooting list based on the input shooting schedule information. The generated shooting list is sent to the host computer 4 via the network N, and is stored and managed by the host computer 4. Once new shooting schedule information is input from the shooting schedule input means after the shooting list has been created, new contents are added to the shooting list and updated accordingly.

  On the other hand, when the main power is turned on, the radiation image detector 1 automatically shifts to the second imaging standby mode, and maintains the second imaging standby mode in the absence of any instruction. . The operating state of the radiation image detector 1 is transmitted to the console 3 at any time, and the progress state of imaging scheduled by the progress state determination unit 32 of the console 3 is determined.

  When an imaging request signal is sent from the external host computer 4, the detector control unit 30 determines one radiation image detector 1 to be used for imaging based on the imaging list. When it is determined that the radiography can be shifted to the next radiographing from the radiographing progress determined by the progress determination unit 32, information about the radiographic image detector 1 used for radiographing is used as an radiographing instruction signal for each radiographic image. It is transmitted to the detector 1. The state control unit 29 of each radiological image detector 1 determines whether it is the radiographic image detector 1 that has received the imaging instruction. The power supply from the battery 25 to each drive unit is controlled so as to switch to Thereby, the said radiographic image detector 1 will be in the imaging | photography possible state, and imaging | photography is performed after that. On the other hand, if it is determined that the imaging instruction has not been received, the state control unit 29 controls the power supply to each driving unit so as to maintain the second imaging standby mode.

  When the imaging is completed, the radiological image detector 1 detects that the exposure of radiation has ended, for example, and determines that the imaging has ended, and shifts to an imaging standby state. In this case, the first shooting standby mode may be entered first, and then the second shooting standby mode may be shifted to after a certain period. In addition, the operation state may be maintained as it is by shifting from the photographing ready state to the first photographing standby mode or the second photographing standby mode. The trigger for shifting to the imaging standby state may be the detection of the end of imaging on the radiation image detector 1 side as described above, or the transmission of an instruction signal for shifting to the imaging standby state from the console 3. .

  Image information obtained by photographing is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 26, then sent to the console 3, and stored in the image storage unit 13 of the console 3. Thereafter, the data is appropriately transmitted from the console 3 to the host computer 4 and stored and managed by the host computer 4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of radiological image detectors 1 are associated with one console 3, the progress state determination unit 32 includes information on the operating state of each radiographic image detector 1 and By comparing the shooting list, it is determined how far the scheduled shooting has progressed. As a result, an imaging instruction signal that triggers switching of the operation state of the radiation image detector 1 can be transmitted to the radiation image detector 1 in a timely manner. For the radiation image detector 1 that is not used for imaging, the imaging state It is possible to enter a shooting standby state with less power consumption. As a result, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed, and members that deteriorate when power is supplied can be protected, and the life of the radiation image detector 1 can be extended.

  In addition, since only the radiation image detector 1 that has received an imaging instruction from the console 3 automatically shifts to an imaging enabled state, the operator can save time and effort to improve work efficiency. .

Note that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment.
[Third Embodiment]

  Next, a third embodiment of the radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, differences from the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the radiographic image detector 1 includes a plurality of radiographic image detectors 1 and a console 3 for operating the radiographic image detectors 1 as in the first embodiment. Each radiation image detector 1 includes a state control unit 29 that controls the operation state, and a communication unit 48 that transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as the console 3.

  As in the first embodiment, the console 3 generates an imaging list, and transmits the created imaging list to the host computer 4 and each radiation image detector 1 through the communication unit 18. Furthermore, the detector control part 30 which determines the radiographic image detector 1 used for imaging | photography similarly to 1st Embodiment is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the communication unit 48 of the radiation image detector 1 functions as an imaging list acquisition unit that acquires this imaging list, and each of the radiographic image detectors 1 shares the imaging list. Note that the imaging list is updated as appropriate when additional corrections are made later, and the updated imaging list is further transmitted to each radiation image detector 1.

  The radiation image detector 1 is provided with a progress state determination unit 33 as a progress state determination means for determining the progress state of the imaging based on the imaging list and the imaging instruction signal. An imaging instruction signal is sent from each console 3 to the progress state determination unit 33 via the communication unit 48, and the progress state determination unit 33 is scheduled by comparing the sent information with the imaging list. Determine how far the current shooting has progressed.

  When an imaging request signal is transmitted from the host computer 4 or the like to the console 3, the communication unit 18 transmits an imaging instruction signal to the radiation image detector 1 used for imaging. Note that, as in the first embodiment, the imaging instruction signal is transmitted with the identification mark of the radiation image detector 1 attached to all the radiation image detectors 1 associated with the console 3. Alternatively, it may be transmitted only to one radiation image detector 1 used for imaging.

  When the imaging instruction signal is transmitted, the imaging state is determined by the progress state determination unit 33, and when it is the radiological image detector 1 that has received the imaging instruction, the state control unit 29 sets the radiological image detector. Power is supplied to each driving unit so that 1 is in a photographing enabled state. Even if it is not the radiological image detector 1 that has received the imaging instruction, if the progress state determination unit 33 determines that the imaging order is close based on the imaging list or the like, the state control unit 29 operates the operating state. However, the power supply to each drive unit is controlled so as to switch to a shooting standby state such as the first shooting standby mode that can easily shift to a shooting ready state.

  Since other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment and the first embodiment, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing system in this embodiment will be described.

  When shooting schedule information is input from a shooting schedule input unit such as the input operation unit 10, the shooting list generation unit 31 generates a shooting list based on the input shooting schedule information. The generated shooting list is sent to the host computer 4 via the network N, and is stored and managed by the host computer 4. The imaging list is also transmitted to each radiation image detector 1. Once new shooting schedule information is input from the shooting schedule input means after the shooting list has been created, new contents are added to the shooting list and updated accordingly.

  On the other hand, when the main power is turned on, the radiation image detector 1 automatically shifts to the second imaging standby mode, and maintains the second imaging standby mode in the absence of any instruction. .

  When an imaging request signal is sent from the external host computer 4, one radiation image detector 1 used for imaging is determined by the detector control unit 30 based on the imaging list, and the radiation image detector 1 used for imaging is determined. Information is transmitted to each radiation image detector 1 as an imaging instruction signal. The state control unit 29 of each radiological image detector 1 determines whether the radiographic image detector 1 has received the imaging instruction based on the imaging progress state determined by the progress state determination unit 33, When it is determined that a shooting instruction has been received, power supply from the battery 25 to each drive unit is controlled so that the operation state is switched to the shooting enabled state. Thereby, the said radiographic image detector 1 will be in the imaging | photography possible state, and imaging | photography is performed after that. On the other hand, even when it is determined that the shooting instruction has not been received, if the progress state determination unit 33 determines that the shooting order is close, the state control unit 29 performs the first shooting from the second shooting standby mode. The power supply to each drive unit is controlled so as to switch to the standby state. When the progress state determination unit 33 determines that there is time until shooting or that there is no scheduled shooting, the state control unit 29 supplies power to each drive unit so as to maintain the second shooting standby mode. Control the supply.

  When the imaging is completed, the radiological image detector 1 detects that the exposure of radiation has ended, for example, and determines that the imaging has ended, and shifts to an imaging standby state. In this case, the first shooting standby mode may be entered first, and then the second shooting standby mode may be shifted to after a certain period. In addition, the operation state may be maintained as it is by shifting from the photographing ready state to the first photographing standby mode or the second photographing standby mode. The trigger for shifting to the imaging standby state may be the detection of the end of imaging on the radiation image detector 1 side as described above, or the transmission of an instruction signal for shifting to the imaging standby state from the console 3. .

  Image information obtained by photographing is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 26, then sent to the console 3, and stored in the image storage unit 13 of the console 3. Thereafter, the data is appropriately transmitted from the console 3 to the host computer 4 and stored and managed by the host computer 4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the radiographic image detector 1 has received an imaging instruction or has not received an imaging instruction based on the imaging progress state determined by the progress state determination unit 33, it is close. If a shooting instruction is received, the camera is ready to shoot. If there is a shooting schedule, the camera enters the first shooting standby state. The radiation image detector 1 appropriately switches its operation state to an optimal state so that the second imaging standby state is entered. As a result, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed, and members that deteriorate when power is supplied can be protected, and the life of the radiation image detector 1 can be extended.

  In addition, since only the radiation image detector 1 that has received an imaging instruction from the console 3 automatically shifts to an imaging enabled state, the operator can save time and effort to improve work efficiency. .

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the communication unit 48 may function as an operating state transmission unit that transmits information regarding the operating state of each driving unit to the console 3. In this case, the communication unit 48 of the console 3 functions as an operating state receiving unit that receives information on the operating state of each driving unit sent from the radiation image detector 1.

  In the present embodiment, the communication unit 48 of the radiation image detector 1 performs communication with the console 3. However, the communication unit 48 performs detection between the radiation image detectors 1. It may function as a device communication means. As described above, when the radiation image detector 1 communicates with each other between the radiation image detectors 1, from the imaging progress state information, the imaging list, and the imaging instruction signal of the other radiological image detectors 1 acquired by communication. It becomes possible to grasp the shooting progress state more accurately. In this case, the imaging progress state determination unit is not limited to the case where the imaging progress state is determined with reference to all of the imaging progress state information, the imaging list, and the imaging instruction signal of the other radiation image detectors 1. What is necessary is just to judge the imaging progress state with reference to at least one of them.

  In addition, when the operating state is controlled based on the shooting progress state determined by the progress state determination unit 33, it is determined in advance how long the shooting schedule is in the first shooting standby state. It may be set, or may be set by the operator according to the usage status of the radiation image detector 1 or the like.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.
[Fourth Embodiment]

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, differences from the first embodiment to the third embodiment will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the radiological image detector 1 includes a plurality of radiological image detectors 1 and a console 3 for operating the same, as in the first embodiment. Each radiation image detector 1 includes a state control unit 29 that controls the operation state, a communication unit 58 that transmits and receives information to and from external devices such as the console 3, and the like.

  As in the first embodiment, the console 3 generates an imaging list and transmits the created imaging list to the host computer 4 and each radiation image detector 1 through the communication unit 58.

  In the present embodiment, the communication unit 58 of the radiation image detector 1 functions as an imaging list acquisition unit that acquires this imaging list, and each of the radiographic image detectors 1 shares the imaging list. Note that the imaging list is updated as appropriate when additional corrections are made later, and the updated imaging list is further transmitted to each radiation image detector 1.

  The communication unit 58 of the radiation image detector 1 functions as a detector communication unit that performs communication between the radiation image detectors 1. The radiographic image detector 1 communicates with other radiographic image detectors 1 via the communication unit 58, and grasps the operation state of each radiographic image detector 1 with each other.

  Further, when a photographing request signal is transmitted from the host computer 4 or the like to the console 3, the communication unit 18 transmits a photographing instruction signal indicating that there is a photographing request. The imaging instruction signal is transmitted to all the radiation image detectors 1 associated with the console 3.

  The radiological image detector 1 has a progress state as progress state determination means for determining the progress state of radiographing based on the radiographing list, radiographing instruction signals, and radiographing progress state information of other radiographic image detectors 1 acquired through communication. A determination unit 33 is provided. An imaging instruction signal is sent from each console 3 to the progress state determination unit 33 via the communication unit 58, and the progress state determination unit 33 proceeds with imaging of the sent information, the imaging list, and the other radiation image detectors 1. By comparing the status information, it is determined how far the scheduled shooting has progressed.

  When the radiographing progress state is determined by the progress state determination unit 33 and it is determined that the radiographic image detector 1 has received the radiographing instruction, the state control unit 29 is in a state where the radiographic image detector 1 is capable of imaging. Power is supplied to each drive unit so that Even if it is not the radiological image detector 1 that has received the imaging instruction, if the progress state determination unit 33 determines that the imaging order is close based on the imaging list, the state control unit 29 operates. The power supply to each drive unit is controlled so that the state is switched to a photographing standby state such as the first photographing standby mode that can easily shift to a photographing ready state.

  Since other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing system in this embodiment will be described.

  When shooting schedule information is input from a shooting schedule input unit such as the input operation unit 10, the shooting list generation unit 31 generates a shooting list based on the input shooting schedule information. The generated shooting list is sent to the host computer 4 via the network N, and is stored and managed by the host computer 4. The imaging list is also transmitted to each radiation image detector 1. Once new shooting schedule information is input from the shooting schedule input means after the shooting list has been created, new contents are added to the shooting list and updated accordingly.

  On the other hand, when the main power is turned on, the radiation image detector 1 automatically shifts to the second imaging standby mode, and maintains the second imaging standby mode in the absence of any instruction. .

  When an imaging request signal is sent from an external host computer, an imaging instruction signal is sent from the console 3 to each radiation image detector 1. When the imaging instruction signal is received, the imaging state is determined by the progress state determination unit 33, and the state control unit 29 of each radiographic image detector 1 determines whether the radiographic image detector 1 has received the imaging instruction. If it is determined that it is determined that a shooting instruction has been received, the power supply from the battery 25 to each drive unit is controlled so that the operation state is switched to the shooting enabled state. Thereby, the said radiographic image detector 1 will be in the imaging | photography possible state, and imaging | photography is performed after that. On the other hand, even when it is determined that the shooting instruction has not been received, if the progress state determination unit determines that the shooting order is close, the state control unit 29 switches from the second shooting standby mode to the first shooting standby mode. The power supply to each drive unit is controlled so as to switch to a state. When the progress state determination unit determines that there is time until shooting or that there is no scheduled shooting, the state control unit 29 supplies power to each drive unit so as to maintain the second shooting standby mode. To control.

  When the imaging is completed, the radiological image detector 1 detects that the exposure of radiation has ended, for example, and determines that the imaging has ended, and shifts to an imaging standby state. In this case, the first shooting standby mode may be entered first, and then the second shooting standby mode may be shifted to after a certain period. In addition, the operation state may be maintained as it is by shifting from the photographing ready state to the first photographing standby mode or the second photographing standby mode. The trigger for shifting to the imaging standby state may be the detection of the end of imaging on the radiation image detector 1 side as described above, or the transmission of an instruction signal for shifting to the imaging standby state from the console 3. .

  Image information obtained by photographing is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 26, then sent to the console 3, and stored in the image storage unit 13 of the console 3. Thereafter, the data is appropriately transmitted from the console 3 to the host computer 4 and stored and managed by the host computer 4.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of radiation image detectors 1 are associated with one console 3, the power consumption of the radiation image detector 1 that is not used for imaging is higher than that in the imaging state. It is possible to enter a shooting standby state with a small amount. As a result, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed, and members that deteriorate when power is supplied can be protected, and the life of the radiation image detector 1 can be extended.

  Further, since the radiological image detector 1 grasps the imaging progress state and automatically switches its own operation state, it is possible to save the operator from switching and to improve work efficiency. .

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the communication unit 58 may function as an operating state transmitting unit that transmits information regarding the operating state of each driving unit to the console 3. In this case, the communication unit 18 of the console 3 functions as an operation state receiving unit that receives information on the operation state of each drive unit sent from the radiation image detector 1. In this case, the radiation image detector 1 can grasp the operation state of the other radiation image detectors 1 by communicating with the console 3.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging progress state determination unit refers to all of the imaging progress state information, the imaging list, and the imaging instruction signal of the other radiation image detectors 1 to determine the imaging progress state. The progress of shooting may be determined with reference to at least one of these.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, as in the first to third embodiments.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration illustrating a first embodiment of a radiographic imaging system according to the present invention. FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the structure of the radiation image detector, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the radiation image detector surrounded by FIG. It is a control block diagram of the radiographic image detector which showed the relationship between the console and host computer in 1st Embodiment. It is an equivalent circuit block diagram for 1 pixel of the photoelectric conversion part which comprises a photoelectric converting layer. FIG. 5 is an equivalent circuit configuration diagram in which the photoelectric conversion units in FIG. 4 are two-dimensionally arranged. It is a figure which shows schematic structure which illustrates 2nd Embodiment of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on this invention. It is a control block diagram of the radiographic image detector which showed the relationship between the console and host computer in 2nd Embodiment. It is a control block diagram of the radiographic image detector which showed the relationship between the console and host computer in 3rd Embodiment. It is the control block diagram of the radiographic image detector which showed the relationship between the console and host computer in 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radiation image detector 3 Console 4 Host computer 10 Input operation part 11 Imaging control part 12 Image processing part 13 Image storage part 14 Display part 16 System control part 18 Communication part 23 Imaging panel 24 Control part 25 Battery 26 Image storage part 28 Communication Unit 29 state control unit 30 detector control unit 31 photographing list generation unit 32 progress state determination unit 233 photodiode 234 TFT
236 Scanning drive circuit 237 Signal readout circuit N Network

Claims (10)

A plurality of radiation image detectors for detecting the irradiated radiation to obtain image information;
A console connected to the plurality of radiation image detectors via a predetermined communication line and operating the radiation image detectors;
A shooting schedule input means for inputting shooting schedule information;
An imaging list generating means for generating an imaging list for associating scheduled imaging with the radiological image detector used for imaging;
The console is
An imaging request receiving means for receiving an imaging request signal from an external device, a detector determining means for determining the radiological image detector used for imaging based on the imaging list for the received imaging request signal, and the detector An imaging instruction transmission means for transmitting an imaging instruction signal for instructing imaging to the radiological image detector determined by the determining means, to the radiological image detector;
The radiation image detector is
A shooting instruction receiving means for receiving the shooting instruction signal transmitted by the shooting instruction transmitting means, comprising a plurality of drive units, having a plurality of operating states in which the respective drive units are operating differently; and the shooting instruction signal And a state control unit that controls the operating state of each of the drive units based on the radiographic imaging system. The radiation image detector is
An operation state transmitting means for transmitting operation state information of each of the drive units to the console;
The console is
Operating state receiving means for receiving the operating state information; and progress state determining means for determining a progress state of imaging by each radiation image detector based on the operating state information;
The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging instruction transmitting unit transmits the imaging instruction to the radiographic image detector based on the determination of the progress state determining unit. The plurality of radiation image detectors are
An imaging list acquisition unit that acquires the imaging list, a detector communication unit that communicates the imaging progress state of each other, and the other radiological image detection acquired via the imaging list, the imaging instruction, and the detector communication unit A progress state determining means for determining a shooting progress state based on at least one of the shooting progress states of the device,
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the state control unit controls an operating state of each driving unit based on a determination result of the progress state determination unit. A plurality of radiation image detectors for detecting the irradiated radiation to obtain image information;
A console connected to the plurality of radiation image detectors via a predetermined communication line and operating the radiation image detectors;
A shooting schedule input means for inputting shooting schedule information;
An imaging list generating means for generating an imaging list for associating scheduled imaging with the radiological image detector used for imaging;
The console is
An imaging request receiving means for receiving an imaging request signal from an external device; and an imaging instruction transmitting means for transmitting an imaging instruction signal for instructing imaging to the radiological image detector to the radiological image detector,
The radiation image detector is
A plurality of drive units, a plurality of operating states of each of the drive units having different operation states, a shooting instruction receiving unit that receives the shooting instruction transmitted by the shooting instruction transmitting unit, the shooting list, and the A progress state determination unit that determines a shooting progress state based on at least one of the shooting instructions, and a state control unit that controls the operating state of each drive unit based on the determination result of the progress state determination unit. A radiographic imaging system characterized by that.   The plurality of radiation image detectors include detector communication means for communicating the imaging progress state of each other, and the progress state determining means is obtained through the imaging list, the imaging instruction, and the detector communication means. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 4, wherein the radiographing progress state of the radiographic image detector is determined based on at least one of the radiographing progress states of the radiographic image detector.   6. The radiographic image detector according to claim 1, wherein the radiographic image detector has an imaging enabled state and an imaging standby state with less power consumption than the imaging enabled state. The radiographic imaging system described. The radiation image detector includes at least a photoelectric conversion unit, a scanning drive circuit, a signal readout circuit, a communication unit, and an image storage unit as the plurality of drive units,
The imaging standby state includes at least a first imaging standby mode in which power supply to the signal readout circuit is stopped and at least a second imaging standby mode in which power supply to the photoelectric conversion unit is stopped. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 6.   The radiographic imaging system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the state control unit controls an operating state of the plurality of driving units so as to be in an imaging standby state after completion of imaging.   When the progress state determining means determines that the radiographic image detector still has an imaging plan, the state control unit is configured to cause the plurality of driving units to enter a first imaging standby mode after the imaging is completed. When the progress state determination means determines that all of the radiographic image detector's imaging schedule has been completed, the state control unit enters the second imaging standby mode after the imaging ends. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein operating states of the plurality of driving units are controlled.   The radiation image detector is a cassette type flat panel detector (FPD) that detects irradiated radiation, converts the radiation into an electrical signal, accumulates it, reads the accumulated electrical signal, and acquires radiation image information. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the radiographic image capturing system is provided.

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