JP5370040B2 - Radiation imaging system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a means for acquiring a medical radiation image, a radiation image detection device in which a solid-state imaging device called a so-called flat panel detector (FPD) is two-dimensionally arranged is known. In such a radiation image detection apparatus, radiation energy is directly converted into charges using a photoconductive material such as a-Se (amorphous selenium) as a radiation detection element, and the charges are arranged two-dimensionally. A direct readout method that reads out electrical signals in pixel units by switching elements for signal readout, such as TFT (Thin Film Transistor), or radiation energy is converted into light by a scintillator, and this light is arranged two-dimensionally. It is known that there is an indirect type that is converted into electric charge by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode and read out as an electric signal by a TFT or the like.

  In recent years, a cassette-type radiation image detection apparatus having a built-in battery and configured to be portable and can be driven without a cable has been developed. When the radiation image detection apparatus is configured in this way, it is possible to perform imaging with a high degree of freedom including portable imaging on the patient's bedside or the like. In addition, unlike a stationary apparatus, it can be easily carried. Therefore, when there are a plurality of imaging rooms, imaging is performed by moving one radiological image detection apparatus to a different imaging room depending on the application. It is also possible.

Incidentally, it is known that a radiological image detection apparatus needs to correct image data by performing offset correction and gain correction for each pixel of acquired image data. The offset correction value and gain correction value necessary for these corrections are different for each radiation image detection apparatus.
For this reason, when the console performs correction processing on the image data acquired by the radiation image detection device, the console correctly recognizes the radiation image detection device used for the imaging, and the offset correction value and gain corresponding thereto. It is necessary to be able to acquire a correction value.

In this regard, a console is generally provided for each photographing room, and setting information necessary for communication connection such as a wireless band used for communication is different for each photographing room. Each wireless access point that relays communication also has a unique ID and password, and each console itself has a different network address and a unique ID and password for security management. .
For this reason, when there are a plurality of shooting rooms, if shooting is performed in one shooting room and then the radiation image detection apparatus is moved to another shooting room, the console corresponding to the moving shooting room is used. If there is no information necessary for connection to the radio, information cannot be transmitted / received between the radiological image detection apparatus and the destination console, and the console side corresponds to the radiographic image detection apparatus used for imaging. The offset correction value and gain correction value cannot be acquired.

Although it is conceivable to change settings in advance at the movement source console or the like, it is troublesome for the user to return to the movement source console and perform the procedure before or after movement.
Therefore, when moving the radiographing room, the radiographic image detection apparatus and the console are appropriately associated with each other at the moving destination, and the radiographic image detection apparatus used for radiographing and the console corresponding to the radiographing room are connected. Changes need to be made so that information can be sent and received between each other.

As a method for associating the radiological image detection apparatus with the console, for example, identification information (ID, barcode, etc.) of the radiographic image detection apparatus used for imaging is input from the input unit of the console and the association is performed. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Also, a technology for associating a radiographic image detection apparatus with a corresponding console by attaching an RFID tag storing unique information of the radiographic image detection apparatus to the radiographic image detection apparatus, reading it with a tag reader, and associating it with imaging order information Has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Furthermore, a different network address is assigned to each wireless access point that relays wireless communication, and a router is connected to support the radiological image detection device used for imaging depending on which wireless access point is used to transmit information. There has also been proposed a technique for associating a console with the console (for example, see Patent Document 3).

WO 06/095538 pamphlet International Publication No. 09/031411 Pamphlet WO08 / 111355 pamphlet

However, in the case of the method described in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the user has to input identification information of the radiation image detection apparatus, which is troublesome.
Further, in the case of the method described in Patent Document 2, since a tag reader for reading the RFID tag is provided in the imaging room, in order to register the unique information of the radiation image detection apparatus, the registration is performed once in the imaging room. Then, the user has to go to the console to make various settings and the like, and there is a problem that the work flow increases and quick setting cannot be performed.
Furthermore, in the case of the method described in Patent Document 3, there is a problem that it takes time and cost to maintain the equipment such as assigning a network address to each wireless access point or connecting a router.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above. Even when the imaging room is moved, the association between the radiation image detection device used for imaging and the console corresponding to the destination imaging room is simplified. It is another object of the present invention to provide a radiographic imaging system that can be performed quickly.

In order to solve the above problems, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention is:
A radiographic image detection device configured to be portable, detecting radiation and generating radiation image data according to the radiation dose;
A console for displaying an image based on the radiation image data generated by the radiation image detection device;
An association information holding device that is provided corresponding to the console and holds association information for associating the radiological image detection apparatus and the console;
With
The association information is a unique ID that can identify the association information holding device,
The radiological image detection apparatus includes:
Information storage means for storing connection setting information necessary for connection setting for transmitting and receiving information between the radiological image detection apparatus and the console in association with the unique ID for each console;
A connection unit configured to connect the association information holding device;
The unique ID as the association information is acquired from the association information holding device connected to the connection unit, the corresponding console is specified based on the unique ID, and the unique storage unit is identified from the information storage unit. Console identifying means for obtaining the connection setting information of the console associated with an ID ;
Communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from the corresponding console based on the connection setting information acquired by the console specifying means ;
It is characterized by having.

According to the present invention, the association information holding device is connected to the connection unit of the radiological image detection apparatus, thereby obtaining the association information for associating the radiological image detection apparatus with the console, identifying the corresponding console, Information can be sent to and received from the identified console.
Therefore, even when the portable radiological image detection apparatus is used while moving in the imaging room, the radiographic image detection apparatus used for imaging can be easily and quickly associated with the console corresponding to the destination imaging room. There is an effect that can be performed.
Since the radiological image detection apparatus and the console can be appropriately associated with each other in this way, it is possible to prevent generation of waste exposure due to a selection error of the radiological image detection apparatus, and to perform appropriate correction processing using a correction value according to the radiographic image detection apparatus Can be realized.

It is the schematic which shows an example of the system configuration | structure of the radiographic imaging system in this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the radiographic image detection apparatus applied to the radiographic imaging system concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating configurations of a sensor panel unit, a reading unit, and the like of the radiological image detection apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a principal part block diagram which shows the functional structure of the console shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of the dongle shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that embodiments to which the present invention is applicable are not limited to this.

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of a radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a radiographic imaging system according to the present embodiment.
The radiographic imaging system is a system that assumes radiographic imaging performed in a hospital, and includes a radiographic image detection apparatus 2 that obtains radiographic image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”), and the radiographic image detection apparatus. 2 and a dongle 6 as a correspondence information holding device provided corresponding to the console 5.
The console 5 is connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 8. Similarly, the console 5 is connected to a wireless access point 113 (described later), a signal repeater 116, a data management server 7 (described later) connected to the wireless LAN 8. It is possible to transmit and receive information in a wireless manner.

In the present embodiment, there are provided three imaging rooms R that irradiate radiation and take an image of a subject (a part to be imaged of the patient M) that is a part of the patient M, and correspond to the console 5 and this. One dongle 6 is provided for each photographing room R.
Moreover, the radiation image detection apparatus 2 is arrange | positioned in each imaging room R or the storage place which is not shown in figure.
In the present embodiment, the case where the radiation image detection devices 2 are arranged one by one in the three imaging rooms R will be described as an example. However, the number of imaging rooms R and the radiation provided in each imaging room R are described. The number of image detection apparatuses 2 is not limited to the illustrated example.

Each of the photographing rooms R1 to R3 is divided into photographing execution rooms R1a to R3a and front rooms R1b to R3b.
In each of the radiographing rooms R1a to R3a, a bucky device 110 including a cassette holding unit 111 that can load and hold the radiographic image detection device 2, an X-ray tube that irradiates a subject (a radiographing target portion of the patient M) A radiation generating device 112 including a radiation source (not shown) is provided. The cassette holding unit 111 loads and holds the radiation image detection apparatus 2 at the time of imaging.
FIG. 1 illustrates a case where a bucky device 110a for standing position shooting is provided in the shooting execution room R1a and the shooting execution room R2a, and a bucky device 110b for standing position shooting is provided in the shooting execution room R3a. However, the number and types of the bucky devices 110 provided in the photographing execution rooms R1a to R3a are not particularly limited. For example, one shooting execution room R1a to R3a may be provided with a bucky device 110a for lying position shooting and a bucky device 110b for standing position shooting. In this case, one radiation generation device 112 may be provided corresponding to each of the bucky devices 110, or the position of one radiation generation device 112 may be appropriately moved or the radiation irradiation direction may be changed. It may be adapted to use with a plurality of Bucky devices 110.

In addition, since the radiographing rooms R1a to R3a are rooms that shield radiation, and radio waves for radio communication are also blocked, the radiographic image detection device 2, the console 5, and the like are included in the radiographing rooms R1a to R3a. Wireless access points (base stations) 113a, 113b, and 113c that relay these communications when communicating with external devices are provided.
The wireless access points 113a, 113b, 113c are connected to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) 8 in the facility by a LAN cable or the like, and can communicate with each device provided outside the photographing room R. It has become.
In this embodiment, the radio band used for communication is different for each of the imaging rooms R1 to R3, and in order to communicate with a specific console 5, it is used for communication with the console. Obtaining information such as wireless band information, SSIDs and passwords of the wireless access points 113a, 113b, and 113c, and network addresses assigned to the console 5 (hereinafter, these pieces of information are referred to as “connection setting information”). Is required. In addition, connection setting information is not limited to what was illustrated here. In addition to these, information such as various IDs may be included.

Further, in the radiographing rooms R1a to R3a, a signal repeater 116 that relays transmission / reception of signals between the radiation generation apparatus 112 and other apparatuses such as the radiation image detection apparatus 2 and the console 5 is provided. The signal repeater 116 is connected to the wireless LAN 8 in the facility by a LAN cable or the like.
The signal repeater 116 functions as a conversion device that converts, for example, a signal output from the radiation generator 112 into a signal for LAN communication suitable for a general HUB or the like. The radiological image detection apparatus 2 and the console 5 and the radiation generation apparatus 112 can transmit and receive signals via the signal repeater 116. For example, the exposure timing and the reset timing of the radiographic image detection apparatus 2 are linked. The irradiation field, tube position, and the like can be linked in accordance with shooting.

  In the front chambers R1b to R3b, an operation device 115 including an exposure button (not shown) of the radiation generator 112 is provided. The operation device 115 is connected to the radiation generation device 112 via a cable or the like. When an engineer operates the exposure button in hope of starting imaging, a signal indicating that the exposure button has been pressed is sent to the radiation generation device 112. Is further transmitted from the radiation generator 112 to the console 5 or the like via the signal relay 116.

In the present embodiment, the radiological image detection apparatus 2 is a cassette type FPD in which a so-called flat panel detector (hereinafter referred to as “FPD”) is configured to be portable, and is used for radiographic imaging to detect radiation. Thus, radiation image data corresponding to the radiation dose (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”) is generated and acquired.
In the present embodiment, each radiation image detection apparatus 2 is assigned a unique identification ID.
In the following, a so-called indirect radiation image detection device that includes a scintillator or the like and converts the emitted radiation into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as visible light to obtain an electrical signal will be described as the radiation image detection device 2. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called direct radiation image detection apparatus that directly detects radiation with a radiation detection element without using a scintillator or the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the radiation image detection apparatus 2 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation image detection apparatus 2 includes a housing 21 that protects the inside. The housing 21 has at least a surface X on which radiation is received (hereinafter referred to as a radiation incident surface X) formed of a material such as a carbon plate or plastic that transmits radiation. FIG. 2 shows a case where the casing 21 is formed of a front member 21a and a back member 21b. However, the shape and configuration are not particularly limited. It is also possible to form a cylindrical so-called monocoque shape.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, a power switch 22, an indicator 25, a connection unit 26, and the like are disposed on the side surface portion of the radiation image detection apparatus 2.

  The power switch 22 switches ON / OFF of the power supply of the radiation image detection apparatus 2. By operating the power switch 22, start and stop of power supply to each functional unit of the radiation image detection apparatus 2 by the battery 28. Is output to a control unit 30 (see FIG. 3) described later. When the radiographic image detection apparatus 2 is not used for imaging, the power consumption of the battery 28 can be suppressed by turning off the power (that is, stopping the power supply to each functional unit by the battery 28).

The indicator 25 is composed of, for example, an LED or the like, and displays the remaining amount of charge of the battery 28 and various operation statuses.
In the present embodiment, for example, a function of notifying the user of the completion of acquisition of the unique ID by blinking when a dongle 6 described later is connected and turning off when the acquisition of the unique ID of the dongle 6 from the dongle 6 is completed. To fulfill.

In addition, the radiation image detection device 2 is provided with a battery 28 that supplies power to each functional unit of the radiation image detection device 2.
The battery 28 is rechargeable, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, a small sealed lead battery, a lead storage battery, an electric double layer capacitor, a lithium ion capacitor (LIC). ) And the like can be applied.
Among these, a lithium ion capacitor is particularly preferable because it is excellent in power storage efficiency, can be charged at high speed with a large current (for example, 5 to 10 A), and can greatly shorten the charging time.

  In addition, a lid member 70 that is opened and closed for replacement of the battery 28 built in the housing 21 is provided on a side surface portion of the radiation image detection apparatus 2. An antenna device 71 is embedded for the image detection device 2 to transmit and receive information to and from the outside via a wireless access point 113 (see FIG. 1) described later.

The connection unit 26 is configured to be able to connect an external device such as the dongle 6 as a correspondence information holding device. In the present embodiment, the connection unit 26 is a USB connection terminal capable of USB connection.
As shown in FIG. 3, the connection unit 26 is connected to the control unit 30, and as will be described later, when the dongle 6 is connected to the connection unit 26, the control unit 30 includes information on the unique ID that the dongle 6 has. Is obtained from the dongle 6.

A scintillator layer (not shown) that absorbs radiation incident from the radiation incident surface X and converts it into light having a wavelength including visible light is formed inside the radiation incident surface X (see FIG. 2) of the housing 21. As the scintillator layer, for example, a layer formed by using a phosphor in which a luminescent center substance is activated in a mother body such as CsI: Tl, Gd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, ZnS: Ag, or the like can be used.

  A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 23 (see FIG. 3) that convert light output from the scintillator layer into electric signals are two-dimensionally provided on the surface of the scintillator layer opposite to the surface on which radiation is incident. A sensor panel unit 24 is provided as the arranged detection means. The photoelectric conversion element 23 is, for example, a photodiode, and constitutes a radiation detection element that converts the radiation transmitted through the subject into an electrical signal together with the scintillator layer and the like.

  In the present embodiment, a reading unit 45 (see FIG. 3) that is a reading unit that reads the output value of each photoelectric conversion element 23 of the sensor panel unit 24 by the control unit 30, the scanning drive circuit 32, the signal reading circuit 33, and the like. Is configured.

The configurations of the sensor panel unit 24 and the reading unit 45 will be further described with reference to the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, one electrode of each photoelectric conversion element 23 of the sensor panel unit 24 is connected to a source electrode of a TFT 46 which is a signal reading switch element. In addition, a bias line Lb is connected to the other electrode of each photoelectric conversion element 23, and the bias line Lb is connected to a bias power supply 36, and a reverse bias voltage is applied from the bias power supply 36 to each photoelectric conversion element 23. It has come to be.

  The gate electrode of each TFT 46 is connected to a scanning line Ll extending from the scanning drive circuit 32, and a read voltage (ON voltage) or OFF voltage is applied to the gate electrode of the TFT 46 from a TFT power source (not shown) via the scanning line Ll. Is applied. The drain electrode of each TFT 46 is connected to the signal line Lr. Each signal line Lr is connected to an amplifier circuit 37 in the signal readout circuit 33, and an output line of each amplifier circuit 37 is connected to an analog multiplexer 39 via a sample hold circuit 38. The signal readout circuit 33 is connected to an A / D converter 40 as processing means for converting the signal into a digital signal. The analog image signal sent from the analog multiplexer 39 is an A / D converter. 40 is converted into a digital image signal. The signal readout circuit 33 is connected to the control unit 30 via the A / D conversion unit 40, and a digital image signal is output to the control unit 30. A storage unit 31 is connected to the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 stores the digital image signal sent from the A / D conversion unit 40 in the storage unit 31 as image data.

  The control unit 30 is a computer including a CPU (Central Prossing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown), and comprehensively controls the radiation image detection apparatus 2 as a whole.

The ROM stores a program for performing various processes in the radiation image detection apparatus 2 such as an image data generation process and a power supply control process, various control programs, parameters, and the like.
The control unit 30 reads a predetermined program stored in the ROM, develops it in a work area of the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes according to the program.

  In addition to generating image data, the control unit 30 performs conversion processing of image data that is converted into data in a format suitable for outputting image data to the outside by performing predetermined signal processing on the image data.

In the present embodiment, when the dongle 6 is connected to the connection unit 26, the control unit 30 acquires a unique ID as association information from the dongle 6 and identifies the corresponding console 5 as a console specifying unit. Function.
That is, when the unique ID is acquired from the dongle 6, the control unit 30 identifies the console 5 associated with the unique ID. Then, the connection setting information stored in advance in the storage unit 31 or the like is read (acquired) corresponding to the console 5 associated with the unique ID, and the wireless access point is based on the connection setting information. The communication unit 35 is controlled to communicate with the corresponding console 5 via the 113.
In addition, when the reset process of the radiation image detection apparatus 2 is completed, the control unit 30 transmits a reset completion signal to that effect to the corresponding console 5.

  The storage unit 31 is configured by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or the like. The storage unit 31 includes actual image data generated by the reading unit 45 (see FIG. 3) (radiation transmitted through the subject). Based image data), dark read values (image data acquired without radiation), and the like are stored.

In the present embodiment, the storage unit 31 stores the unique ID of the dongle 6 and connection setting information for communicating with the console 5 corresponding to the dongle 6 in association with each console 5. The storage unit 31 functions as information storage means.
Other than the storage unit 31 may function as an information storage unit. For example, connection setting information may be stored in a ROM or the like of the control unit 30, or a separate storage unit that functions as an information storage unit is provided. You may do it.

  The storage unit 31 may be a built-in memory or a removable memory such as a memory card. Further, the capacity is not particularly limited, but preferably has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of pieces of image data. By providing such a storage means, it is possible to continuously irradiate a subject with radiation, and to record and accumulate image data each time, enabling continuous shooting and moving image shooting. Become.

  The communication unit 35 is connected to the antenna device 71, and transmits / receives various signals to / from an external device such as the console 5 under the control of the control unit 30. The communication unit 35 communicates with an external device such as the console 5 in a wireless manner via the wireless access point 113.

In the present embodiment, the communication unit 35 transmits an identification ID for identifying the radiation image detection device 2 to the console 5 specified by the control unit 30 based on the unique ID of the dongle 6.
The communication unit 35 transmits image data based on the image signal read by the reading unit 45 and converted from an analog signal to a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 40 to the console 5 that is an external device and from the console 5 or the like. Receives shooting order information and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the console 5 includes a control unit 51 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 52, an input unit 53, a display unit 54, a communication unit 55, and the like. Each part is connected by a bus 57.

The storage unit 52 includes a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown).
The ROM is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor non-volatile memory, or the like. The ROM performs image processing such as gradation processing and frequency processing based on automatic part recognition for detecting an affected area. In addition to storing various programs such as programs for image processing, image processing parameters for adjusting image data of captured images to an image quality suitable for diagnosis (look-up table defining tone curves used for tone processing, Frequency processing emphasis degree, etc.) are stored.
The RAM forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like that are read from the ROM and executed by the control unit 51 in various processes that are executed and controlled by the control unit 51. . In the present embodiment, the RAM temporarily stores image data, patient information, and the like received from the radiation image detection device 2.
In the present embodiment, the storage unit 52 stores shooting order information and the like. The storage unit 52 functions as an image data storage unit that temporarily stores the image data transmitted from the radiation image detection devices 2a, 2b, and 2c. Furthermore, the storage unit 52 also functions as a storage unit that stores offset correction value information and gain correction value information of the radiation image detection apparatus 2 used for imaging.

  The control unit 51 is a control unit of the console 5 that reads out various programs such as a system program and a processing program stored in the ROM, expands them in a work area of the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs.

When the identification ID is transmitted from the radiographic image detection device 2 used for imaging, the control unit 51 specifies that the radiographic image detection device 2 corresponding to the identification ID is used for imaging, and detects the radiographic image. Shooting order information and the like are transmitted to the apparatus 2.
Further, the control unit 51 accesses the data management server 7 via the wireless LAN 8, and the radiation correction value information and the gain correction value information of the radiation image detection apparatus 2 stored in the data management server 7 are used for radiation. The information corresponding to the identification ID transmitted from the image detection device 2 is read out and acquired. When image data is transmitted from the radiation image detection apparatus 2, the image data is corrected using the offset correction value and gain correction value acquired from the data management server 7.
Further, the control unit 51 controls the display of the display unit 54 so as to display an image based on the image data sent from the radiation image detection apparatus 2.
In addition, the control unit 51 functions as an association unit that associates subject information (imaging order information) with image data generated by the radiation image detection device 2 of the radiation image detection device 2.

The control unit 51 determines whether the reset processing of the radiation image detection apparatus 2 is completed and is in a state suitable for imaging.
Specifically, it is determined whether or not a reset completion signal indicating that the reset process has been completed is received from the radiation image detection apparatus 2.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 51 controls the communication unit 55 so as to output an exposure prohibition signal (interlock signal) so as to maintain an exposure prohibition state with respect to the radiation generator 112. . The exposure prohibition signal (interlock signal) is output to the radiation generator 112 via, for example, a LAN cable and a signal repeater 116 (not shown).
Even if a signal indicating that the exposure button has been operated is transmitted from the radiation generation device 112, the control unit 51 does not receive the reset completion signal from the radiation image detection device 2, but the control unit 51 performs the exposure inhibition signal (interlock). Signal) is output and the exposure prohibited state is maintained.

The input unit 53 includes a keyboard having character input keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and a key pressing signal pressed by the keyboard and an operation signal by the mouse. Are output to the control unit 51 as an input signal.
The input unit 53 functions as input means for inputting subject information (photographing order information) related to the subject, an exposure instruction, and the like.
Note that subject information (imaging order information) registered in advance from a HIS / RIS (not shown) may be sent to the console 5. In this case, subject information (imaging order information) can be acquired without input from the input unit 53.

The display unit 54 includes a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example, and displays various screens according to instructions of display signals input from the control unit 51.
A pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure type) touch panel (not shown) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern is formed on the screen of the display unit 54, and the display unit 54 and the input unit 53 are configured integrally. It may be a touch screen. In this case, the touch panel is configured to detect the XY coordinates of the power point pressed by a finger, a touch pen, or the like as a voltage value, and output the detected position signal to the control unit 51 as an operation signal. The display unit 54 may have a higher definition than a monitor used in a general PC (Personal Computer).

In the present embodiment, the display unit 54 is a display unit that displays an image based on the image data transmitted from the radiation image detection apparatus 2.
Further, the display unit 54 can display a shooting order list based on shooting order information acquired by input from the input unit 53 or the like. When the user selects arbitrary shooting order information from the shooting order list (selects arbitrary shooting order information from the shooting order list on the screen with the input unit 53 such as a mouse), the shooting order information is obtained. You can select and enter.

  The communication unit 55 is connected to the wireless LAN 8 and transmits / receives information to / from the radiation image detection apparatuses 2a, 2b, 2c and the like via the wireless access point 113 provided in the imaging room R corresponding to each console 5. Is.

  The console 5 may be connected to an external device such as a HIS / RIS, a PACS server, and an imager (all not shown) via a network. Note that the external device connected to the console 5 via the network is not limited to the one exemplified here.

As shown in FIG. 5, the dongle 6 (6a, 6b, 6c) is a portable association information holding device having a connector part 61 connectable to a USB connection terminal, and corresponds to each console 5a, 5b, 5c. Is provided. Each dongle 6 stores a unique ID. Although the place where the dongle 6 is arranged is not particularly limited, it is preferably arranged in the vicinity of the corresponding console 5.
In the present embodiment, the dongle 6 is provided with, for example, an IC device, a microcomputer, or the like (none of which is shown), and the dongle 6 is connected to the connection unit 26 of the radiation image detection apparatus 2 to thereby generate radiation. The unique ID can be output to the control unit 30 of the image detection apparatus 2. In addition, the structure of the dongle 6 is not limited to what was illustrated here.

Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing system in this embodiment will be described.
When taking the radiographic image detection apparatus 2 in a certain shooting room R, first, the user goes to the console 5 provided corresponding to the shooting room R, and provided corresponding to the console 5. The dongle 6 is connected to the connection unit 26 of the radiation image detection apparatus 2. When connected to the connection unit 26, the IC device of the dongle 6 outputs the unique ID of the dongle 6 to the control unit 30 of the radiation image detection apparatus 2.
For example, when the radiological image detection apparatus 2a shown in FIG. 1 is moved to the radiographing room R3 and radiographing is performed using the standing-up radiography apparatus 110b arranged in the radiographing room R3a, the radiographic image detection apparatus 2a is Take it to the console 5c corresponding to the photographing room R3. And the dongle 6c matched with the console 5c is connected to the connection part 26 of the radiographic image detection apparatus 2a, and the unique ID of the dongle 6c is acquired.

When the control unit 30 receives the unique ID from the dongle 6, the control unit 30 specifies the console 5 to communicate with in the shooting in the shooting room R. Then, the connection setting information corresponding to the unique ID is read from the storage unit 32, and based on the connection setting information, the identification ID of the radiation image detection apparatus 2 is transmitted to the console specified by the communication unit 35. Control.
Thereby, the communication unit 35 uses the radio access point 113 corresponding to the predetermined SSID and password in the radio band according to the connection setting information with respect to the specified network address of the console 5, and the radiological image detection apparatus. 2 identification ID is transmitted.
For example, in the case of the above example, the control unit 30 receives the unique ID from the dongle 6c, and identifies the console 5 that should communicate with the photographing in the photographing room R3 as the console 5c corresponding to the unique ID. Then, the identification ID of the radiation image detection apparatus 2a is transmitted from the communication unit 35 to the console 5c via the wireless access point 113c.

When the control unit 51 of the console 5 receives the identification ID of the radiation image detection device 2, the control unit 51 transmits information necessary for imaging such as imaging order information to the radiological image detection device 2. In addition, the control unit 51 accesses the data management server 7 and acquires offset correction value information, gain correction value information, and the like corresponding to the received identification ID.
That is, in the case of the above example, the control unit 51 of the console 5c identifies the radiation image detection device 2a as the radiation image detection device 2 used for imaging based on the received identification ID of the radiation image detection device 2a. Information necessary for imaging is transmitted, and offset correction value information, gain correction value information, and the like of the radiation image detection apparatus 2a corresponding to the identification ID are acquired from the data management server 7.

The communication unit 55 of the console 5 outputs an exposure prohibition signal (interlock signal) for prohibiting exposure to the radiation generator 112 in the corresponding imaging room R via a LAN cable or the like. As long as the exposure prohibition signal is not canceled, the radiation generator 112 is kept in a state in which exposure is prohibited.
When a radiologist or the like operates the exposure button of the operation device 115 in the front rooms R1b to R3b, a signal indicating that the exposure button has been operated is output from the radiation generator 112 to the console 5 via the signal relay 116. The
The control unit 51 of the console 5 determines whether or not a reset completion signal has been received from the radiation image detection apparatus 2 used for imaging. When the reset completion signal is received, exposure to the radiation generator 112 is prohibited. Cancel signal output. On the other hand, when the reset completion signal is not received, even if the exposure button of the operation device 115 is operated, the output of the exposure prohibition signal is not canceled and the exposure of the radiation generator 112 is prohibited. Maintain state.

When the reset completion signal is received from the radiation image detection device 2 and the control unit 51 cancels the exposure prohibition signal, radiation is emitted from the radiation generation device 112 in the radiographing room R corresponding to the console 5 to detect the radiation image. Image data is acquired by the apparatus 2.
The acquired image data is appropriately transmitted from the radiation image detection device 2 to the corresponding console 5, and the console 5 is based on the offset correction value information, the gain correction value information, and the like acquired from the data management server 7. The image data is subjected to offset correction, gain correction, and other image processing. When various corrections and image processing are completed, an image based on the image data after the correction processing / image processing is displayed on the display unit 54 of the console 5.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the console 5 corresponding to each imaging room R can be identified by simply connecting the dongle 6 provided corresponding to the console 5 to the connection unit 26 of the radiological image detection apparatus 2. Then, connection setting information for connecting to this can be acquired. Therefore, even when shooting is performed by moving the imaging room R while holding one radiological image detection device 2, without special setting or the like, in accordance with the radio band of the destination imaging room R, It becomes possible to communicate with the corresponding console 5.

In the case of the portable radiological image detection apparatus 2, if it can be freely moved between the radiographing rooms R, it can be used effectively even when there are only a few radiological image detection apparatuses 2. When the radiological image detection apparatus 2 in the radiographing room R breaks down, the radiographic image detection apparatus 2 arranged in another radiographing room R can be used as a backup, which is convenient for the user.
However, if the connection relationship between the radiological image detection apparatus 2 and the console 5 cannot be changed smoothly when moving in the imaging room R, not only is the rapid and smooth imaging inhibited, There is also a risk of misunderstanding such that the image data of the patient M is sent to the console 5 associated with the imaging room R different from the imaging room R where the imaging was performed.
In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the connection relationship between the radiation image detection apparatus 2 and the console 5 when moving in the imaging room R can be reliably changed by a simple method, and a smooth and safe system. Can be built.

In the present embodiment, since the dongle 6 holds only the unique ID, even if the dongle 6 is taken out by a third party, no information can be acquired by this alone, which is excellent in terms of security.
Further, since the dongle 6 holds only the unique ID, a simple configuration is sufficient, and information can be easily written.

  Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment and can be appropriately changed.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, since the information held in the dongle is different from that in the first embodiment, the following description will focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, the radiographic image capturing system includes a radiographic image detection apparatus, a console capable of communicating with the radiographic image detection apparatus, and an association information holding device provided corresponding to the console, as in the first embodiment. As well as a dongle.

The dongle in the present embodiment holds connection setting information of the corresponding console (for example, the console network address, radio band information of the radiographing room, SSID and password of the wireless access point), and the connection part of the radiation image detection apparatus Connection setting information is output to the control unit of the radiation image detection apparatus.
The control unit of the radiation image detection apparatus controls the communication unit to perform communication with the corresponding console based on the connection setting information.
Thus, in this embodiment, since connection setting information of a corresponding console is acquired from a dongle, it is not necessary to store connection setting information of each console in a storage unit or the like of the radiation image detection apparatus.

  Since other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing system in this embodiment will be described.
When taking a radiographic image detection device in a shooting room, the user first goes to the console provided for the shooting room and uses the dongle provided for the console. Connect to the connection part of the radiation image detection device. When connected to the connection unit, the dongle IC device outputs connection setting information held by the dongle to the control unit of the radiation image detection apparatus.
When the control unit receives the connection setting information from the dongle, the control unit specifies a console with which communication is to be performed in shooting in the shooting room. And it controls so that identification ID of the said radiographic image detection apparatus may be transmitted with respect to the specified console based on the connection setting information acquired from the dongle.
Thus, the communication unit identifies the identification ID of the radiation image detection apparatus via the wireless access point corresponding to the predetermined SSID and password in the wireless band according to the connection setting information with respect to the specified console network address. Send.

  When receiving the identification ID of the radiological image detection apparatus, the control unit of the console transmits information necessary for imaging such as radiographing order information to the radiological image detection apparatus. In addition, the control unit accesses the data management server, and acquires offset correction value information, gain correction value information, and the like corresponding to the received identification ID.

An exposure prohibition signal (interlock signal) for prohibiting exposure is output from the communication section of the console to the corresponding radiation generator in the radiographing room, and the radiation generator is used unless the exposure prohibition signal is canceled. The state in which the exposure of is prohibited is maintained.
When a radiologist or the like operates the exposure button of the operation device in the front room, a signal indicating that the exposure button has been operated is output from the radiation generation device to the console via the signal repeater.
The control unit of the console determines whether or not a reset completion signal has been received from the radiological image detection apparatus used for imaging, and when receiving the reset completion signal, outputs an exposure prohibition signal to the radiation generation apparatus. To release. On the other hand, when the reset completion signal is not received, even if the exposure button of the operation device is operated, the output of the exposure prohibition signal is not canceled and the radiation generator is not allowed to be exposed. maintain.

When a reset completion signal is received from the radiation image detection apparatus and the control unit cancels the output of the exposure prohibition signal, radiation is emitted and image data is acquired by the radiation image detection apparatus.
The acquired image data is appropriately transmitted from the radiation image detection device to the corresponding console, and the console offsets the image data based on the offset correction value information, the gain correction value information, and the like acquired from the data management server. Correction, gain correction, and other image processing are performed. When various corrections and image processing are completed, an image based on the image data after the correction processing and image processing is displayed on the display unit of the console.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the console corresponding to each radiographing room is identified and connected only by connecting the dongle provided corresponding to the console to the connection part of the radiation image detection apparatus 2. Connection setting information can be acquired. For this reason, even when shooting is performed while moving the imaging room with one radiological image detection device, it can be adjusted to the radio band of the destination imaging room by a simple method without performing special settings. Communication with the corresponding console.
Further, in the present embodiment, since the dongle holds connection setting information for connecting to the console, it is not necessary to hold connection setting information corresponding to each console as a database on the radiation image detection apparatus side.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where a dongle is used as the association information holding device has been described as an example. However, the association information holding device holds information that can identify a corresponding console and displays the radiographic image. Any information can be used as long as it can be output to the detection device side. For example, a cradle for charging the radiation image detection device is provided in the vicinity of the console and the console corresponding to the cradle can be specified. The cradle may function as an association information holding device by configuring so that this information is output to the radiation image detection device side when the radiation image detection device is connected.

Moreover, in each embodiment, although the case where the dongle as an association information holding device was provided one by one corresponding to each console was explained as an example, the association information holding device corresponding to one console is There is no limitation to one, and there may be a plurality. In this case, each association information holding device holds a different unique ID, and each of these unique IDs may be associated with one console, and all the association information holding devices corresponding to one console are all. The same unique ID may be held.
When a plurality of association information holding devices are provided, all the association information holding devices may be dongles, or different types such as dongles and cradle may be mixed.

In this embodiment, the radiographic image detection apparatus and the console transmit and receive information using a wireless LAN. However, the communication method between the radiographic image detection apparatus and the console is not limited to the wireless LAN. .
For example, information may be transmitted and received by USB connection. In this case, ID information for a security key, a password, and the like are provided for each console corresponding to each photographing room so that an inappropriate connection is not made by mistake. When information, a password, etc. are held and connected to the radiation image detection apparatus, they are output to the radiation image detection apparatus side. Unless the ID information and password are entered, it is possible to prevent erroneous connection and data transmission by preventing the application for transmitting and receiving information from operating.

  In the present embodiment, the data management server has and manages offset correction value information, gain correction value information, and the like for each radiation image detection device. However, offset correction value information, gain correction value information, and the like are For example, offset correction value information, gain correction value information, and the like for each radiation image detection apparatus may be stored in the storage unit of each console.

  In the present embodiment, the operation device provided in the front chamber is described as an example in which the radiation button of the radiation generator is provided. However, the exposure button of the radiation generator is provided in the operation device. It is not limited to. For example, an exposure button may be provided on the console.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment and can be appropriately changed.

2 Radiation image detection device 5 Console 6 Dongle 7 Data management server 24 Sensor panel unit 25 Indicator 26 Connection unit 28 Battery 29 Power receiving circuit 30 Control unit 61 Connector unit 113 Wireless access point R Imaging room

Claims (3)

A radiographic image detection device configured to be portable, detecting radiation and generating radiation image data according to the radiation dose;
A console for displaying an image based on the radiation image data generated by the radiation image detection device;
An association information holding device that is provided corresponding to the console and holds association information for associating the radiological image detection apparatus and the console;
With
The association information is a unique ID that can identify the association information holding device,
The radiological image detection apparatus includes:
Information storage means for storing connection setting information necessary for connection setting for transmitting and receiving information between the radiological image detection apparatus and the console in association with the unique ID for each console;
A connection unit configured to connect the association information holding device;
The unique ID as the association information is acquired from the association information holding device connected to the connection unit, the corresponding console is specified based on the unique ID, and the unique storage unit is identified from the information storage unit. Console identifying means for obtaining the connection setting information of the console associated with an ID ;
Communication means for wirelessly transmitting and receiving information to and from the corresponding console based on the connection setting information acquired by the console specifying means ;
A radiographic imaging system characterized by comprising: The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the connection setting information includes a network address of the console, wireless band information used for communication, an SSID and a password of a wireless access point. The correspondence information holding device, a radiographic imaging system according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that a dongle having a connector portion connectable to the connecting portion of the radiation image detecting apparatus.

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