JP5708645B2 - Radiation imaging system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system.

Conventionally, for the purpose of disease diagnosis and the like, a radiographic image taken using radiation, represented by an X-ray image, has been widely used.
Conventionally, such medical radiographic images have been taken using a screen film, but in recent years, digitization of radiographic images has been realized. For example, a stimulable phosphor layer forms radiation transmitted through a subject. After being stored in the photostimulable phosphor sheet, the photostimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with laser light, and thereby the photostimulated light emitted from the photostimulable phosphor sheet is photoelectrically converted to image data. A CR (Computed Radiography) apparatus for obtaining the above has been widely used.

Recently, as a means for obtaining a radiographic image, a radiographic imaging apparatus that detects irradiated radiation and acquires it as digital image data has been developed. This type of radiographic imaging apparatus is known as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector).
As a radiographic imaging device, a so-called direct type radiographic imaging device that generates a charge by a detection element in accordance with a dose of irradiated radiation such as X-rays and converts it into an electrical signal, or a scintillator that radiates irradiated radiation The so-called indirect radiographic imaging device that converts the light into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as visible light, and then generates electric charges by photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes according to the energy of the converted electromagnetic waves to convert them into electrical signals Have been developed. In the present invention, the detection element in the direct type radiographic imaging apparatus and the photoelectric conversion element in the indirect type radiographic imaging apparatus are collectively referred to as a radiation detection element.

  In recent years, a cassette-type radiation image capturing apparatus that has a built-in battery and can be driven without a cable has been developed. When the radiographic image capturing apparatus is configured in this way, it is possible to perform capturing with a high degree of freedom including portable imaging on a patient's bedside or the like. In addition, unlike a stationary device, it can be easily carried, so when there are multiple radiographing rooms, one radiographic imaging device can be moved to a different radiographing room depending on the application. Is also possible.

  In order for an operator or the like to check an image captured using such a radiation image capturing apparatus, it is necessary to transmit image data to an external apparatus such as a console. In this case, for example, an access point capable of wireless communication with the radiographic image capturing apparatus is installed inside the radiographing room, and a console installed from the radiographic image capturing apparatus to the outside of the radiographing room via the access point. The image data is transmitted to the external device.

Incidentally, the access point has a DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) function for changing a channel (frequency) to be used when a radar is detected in order to avoid interference with a radar such as a weather radar.
When the access point changes the channel by this DFS function, if it is not known in advance whether or not the channel to be changed is a channel that can interfere with the radar, the access point The radar is monitored in the change-destination channel, and when it can be confirmed that the radar is not detected, wireless communication in the change-destination channel is started. Accordingly, since there is always no communication state during this period, it is impossible to continue the communication state with a terminal such as a radiographic imaging apparatus belonging to the access point before and after the channel change.

Therefore, the radar detection channel management table that is referred to when determining the channel to be changed can be dynamically updated based on the radar detection result and the radar detection information notification received from other surrounding access points. A wireless LAN system including points has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
According to this wireless LAN system, the latest radar presence / absence information for a channel that can be used by an access point can be held in advance. Therefore, it is possible to immediately determine the channel to be changed, and it becomes unnecessary to monitor the radar before starting the wireless communication on the channel to be changed, so the terminal belonging to the access point before the channel change The communication state can be continued even after the channel change.

JP 2007-214713 A

  However, in the case of the wireless LAN system described in Patent Document 1, since the plurality of access points dynamically update the detection channel management table individually, the same channel as that used by other access points is changed to the change destination. May be determined as the channel. If the channel to be changed is the same as the channel used by another access point, they interfere with each other, leading to a reduction in the speed of wireless communication.

  In a radiographic imaging system that is a wireless LAN system having a radiographic imaging device and an access point, when there are a plurality of imaging rooms and access points are installed in each imaging room, the imaging rooms are close to each other. In many cases, radio communication interference is likely to occur between the radiographing rooms, and the speed of radio communication between the radiographic imaging apparatus and the access point is significantly reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and includes a plurality of imaging rooms, a radiographic imaging apparatus that performs radiographic imaging in the imaging room, and a radiographic imaging apparatus that is installed in each of the plurality of imaging rooms. An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging system that can suppress a decrease in the speed of radio communication between a radiographic imaging apparatus and an access point.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes:
Multiple imaging rooms for radiographic imaging,
A radiographic imaging apparatus that performs radiographic imaging in the imaging room;
A plurality of access points capable of wireless communication with the radiographic imaging device and relaying communication between the radiographic imaging device and an external device;
A management device for managing the plurality of access points;
With
The access point is
Installed in each of the plurality of shooting rooms,
Detection means for detecting radar in the channel used by the access point;
A notification means for transmitting a radar detection notification to the management device when a radar is detected by the detection means;
A change means for changing a use channel of the access point in response to the use channel change request when a use channel change request is received from the management device;
With
The management device
Storage means for storing channel information including empty channel information relating to empty channels that are not used by any of the plurality of access points, and non-interfering channel information relating to non-interfering channels that do not interfere with radar detected by the detecting means When,
Updating means for updating the non-interference channel information included in the channel information in response to the radar detection notification;
Selection means for selecting a channel that is the empty channel and the non-interfering channel with reference to channel information including the non-interfering channel information updated by the updating means;
Request means for transmitting the use channel change request for changing the use channel of the access point that has transmitted the radar detection notification to the channel selected by the selection means, to the access point;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the radiographic imaging system of the system of the present invention, the management device refers to the channel information, selects a channel that is an empty channel and a non-interfering channel, and has transmitted the radar detection notification. The used channel change request for changing the used channel to the selected channel is transmitted to the access point. The access point is configured to change the use channel of the access point in response to the use channel change request when the use channel change request is received.

  As a result, an access point that has detected a radar is a channel that is not being used by another access point by simply changing the use channel according to instructions from the management device, even if the channel used by the other access point is unknown. A channel that does not interfere with the radar can be set as a use channel.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wireless communication between the access point that has changed the use channel and the radiographic imaging apparatus and the radio communication between the other access point and the radiographic imaging apparatus from interfering with each other, Even if the radiographing rooms are close to each other, radio communication interference does not occur between the radiographing rooms, so that a reduction in the speed of radio communication between the radiographic imaging device and the access point can be suppressed. .

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 1st-3rd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detailed structure in the imaging | photography chamber with which the radiographic imaging system shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a perspective view which shows the radiographic imaging apparatus which concerns on 1st-3rd embodiment. It is the perspective view which looked at the radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. 3 from the other side. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line in FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of the board | substrate of the sensor panel of the radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. It is an enlarged view which shows the structure of the image pick-up element which consists of a radiation detection element, a thin-film transistor, etc. which were formed in the small area | region on the board | substrate of FIG. It is a side view explaining the sensor panel to which a COF, a PCB board, etc. were attached. It is a figure showing the equivalent circuit schematic of the radiographic imaging apparatus shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the access point which concerns on the 1st-3rd embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the use channel of the access point which concerns on the 1st-3rd embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the console which concerns on 1st-4th embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the management apparatus which concerns on the 1st-3rd embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the channel information which the management apparatus which concerns on the 1st-3rd embodiment memorize | stores, Comprising: It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure before an update. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the channel information which the management apparatus which concerns on the 1st-3rd embodiment memorize | stores, Comprising: It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure after an update. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process regarding the change of the channel used of the access point at the time of the radar detection by the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process regarding the change of the channel used of the access point at the time of radar detection by the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process regarding the change of the channel used of the access point at the time of the radar detection by the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the management apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the allocation pattern information of the 1st pattern corresponding to the number "2 pieces" of access points among the allocation pattern information which the management apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the allocation pattern information of the 2nd pattern corresponding to the number of access points "3" among the allocation pattern information which the management apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of the allocation pattern information of the 3rd pattern corresponding to the number of access points "4" among the allocation pattern information which the management apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the allocation pattern information of the 4th pattern corresponding to the number of access points "5" among the allocation pattern information which the management apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the allocation pattern information of the 5th pattern corresponding to the number of access points "6" among the allocation pattern information which the management apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment memorize | stores. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of the allocation pattern information of the 6th pattern corresponding to the number of access points "7" among the allocation pattern information which the management apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment memorize | stores. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the access point which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process regarding the notification of the allocation channel to an access point by the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process regarding the change of the channel used of the access point at the time of radar detection by the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

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

[First Embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of a radiographic imaging system according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, 14 </ b> A, and 14 </ b> B. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

[Radiation imaging system]
First, the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a detailed configuration in an imaging room R1 included in the radiographic image capturing system 100.
The radiographic imaging system 100 is a wireless local area network (LAN) system that assumes radiographic imaging performed in facilities such as hospitals and clinics, and is employed as a system that captures medical diagnostic images as radiographic images. can do.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic imaging system 100 includes a plurality of imaging rooms R <b> 1 (R <b> 1 a to R <b> 1 c) for performing radiation imaging by irradiating a subject with radiation, and imaging rooms R <b> 1. The radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 that obtains radiographic image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”) by performing radiographic image capturing within the radio communication apparatus is capable of wireless communication with the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1. A plurality of access points 121 (121 a) that relay communication with other devices such as an external device such as a console 130 that performs predetermined image processing on the image data of the radiographic image captured by the radiographic image capturing device 1. To 121c), a management device 140 including a database server for managing a plurality of access points 121, and the like.

Each of the plurality of shooting rooms R1 is associated with a console 130, and an access point 121 is installed in each.
Here, in the present embodiment, a console 130a is associated with the photographing room R1a, an access point 121a is installed, and a console 130b is associated with the photographing room R1b. It is assumed that an access point 121b is installed, a console 130c is associated with the photographing room R1c, and an access point 121c is installed.
In the present embodiment, a case where a separate console 130 is associated with each of the plurality of imaging rooms R1 will be described as an example. However, one console 130 is associated with the plurality of imaging rooms R1. It may be done.

The access point 121 is installed in the photo studio R1, and is connected to the repeater 120 having a HUB function installed in the photo studio R1 by a cable or the like.
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the repeater 120 includes a cradle 122 for charging the radiation image capturing apparatus 1, a converter 123 for converting an input signal into a signal for LAN communication, and the like. Devices installed in the imaging room R1, such as the wired connection unit 124 that can be connected to the radiation image capturing apparatus 1, are also connected by a cable or the like.

The console 130 is connected to the network N in the facility by a LAN cable or the like, and can transmit and receive information to and from the repeater 120 that is also connected to the network N.
Thereby, the radiographic imaging device 1 can transmit and receive information to and from the console 130 via the relay 120 by performing wireless communication with the access point 121 or by connecting to the wired connection unit 124. It has become.

A management device 140 is connected to the network N, and the management device 140 can transmit and receive information to and from the repeater 120 that is also connected to the network N.
As a result, the management device 140 can transmit and receive information to and from the access point 121 via the repeater 120.

  The network N includes an imager and console 130 that records and outputs a radiation image based on image data transmitted from a hospital information system (HIS), a radiology information system (RIS), or a console 130 on an image recording medium such as a film. A data management server such as a PACS that stores image data transmitted from the network may be connected as appropriate.

The radiographic imaging device 1 is provided in, for example, an imaging room R1 that irradiates radiation and shoots a subject that is a part of the patient H, that is, an imaging target region of the patient H, and the like.
In the present embodiment, the case where three radiographing rooms R1 are provided in the radiographic image capturing system 100 will be described as an example. However, the radiographic image capturing system 100 includes a plurality of radiographing rooms R1. There is no particular limitation.
In this embodiment, a case where one radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is arranged in the radiographing room R1 will be described as an example. However, the number of radiographic image capturing apparatuses 1 provided in the radiographing room R1 is not particularly limited. .
FIG. 1 illustrates the case where the console 130 is installed outside the photographing room R1 and the front room R2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the console 130 is installed in the front room R2 or the like. It is also possible to do.

  In the imaging room R1, the radiographic imaging device 1 is configured to be loadable. A bucky device 110 including a cassette holding unit 111 for holding the loaded radiographic imaging device 1 in a predetermined position, and a subject A radiation generator 112 including a radiation source (not shown) such as an X-ray tube that radiates radiation, and the like are provided.

FIG. 2 illustrates the case where one standing-up shooting device is provided as the bucky device 110 in the imaging room R1, but the bucky device 110 provided in the imaging room R1 is illustrated. The number and type are not particularly limited. For example, the shooting room R1 may be provided with a bucky device for standing position shooting as the bucky device 110, or both a bucky device for standing position shooting and a bucky device for position shooting. It may be done.
Further, when there are a plurality of the bucky devices 110, one radiation generation device 112 may be provided corresponding to each of the bucky devices 110, or one radiation generation device 112 is provided in the imaging room R1, One radiation generating device 112 corresponds to a plurality of the bucky devices 110, and may be shared by appropriately moving the position or changing the radiation irradiation direction.

  Further, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can be used in a so-called single state that is not loaded in the bucky apparatus 110. That is, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is arranged in a single state, for example, on a support base provided in the radiographing room R1 or a bucky apparatus for supine imaging, and the patient is placed on the radiation incident surface R (described later). It is also possible to place a hand or a leg, which is an imaging target part of H, or to insert it between the waist or leg of the patient H lying on the bed and the bed, for example. In this case, for example, the direction of the radiation generator 112 provided in association with the Bucky device 110 is changed (adjusted) so that radiation is emitted to the radiation image capturing device 1 through the subject, and radiation image capturing is performed. Done.

In addition, a cradle 122 that is a charger for the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is provided in the imaging room R1.
Specifically, for example, the cradle 122 has a shape into which the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 can be inserted, and is inserted into the cradle 122 and a storage unit that stores a cradle ID or the like for identifying the cradle 122. A connector provided at a position connectable to a connector 39 (described later) provided in the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is provided. Then, the cradle 122 stores the radiographic image capturing device 1 by inserting the radiographic image capturing device 1 into the cradle 122 or receives power supply from the repeater 120 to receive the battery 24 ( Used for charging).

In addition, the cradle 122 introduces the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 into the radiographic image capturing system 100 and registers the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 in the console 130 so that the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can communicate with the console 130. Used to do.
Specifically, for example, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is brought into the imaging room R1 and inserted into the cradle 122, and a connector 39 (described later) of the radiographic imaging device 1 is connected to the connector of the cradle 122, The control means 22 (described later) of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 reads out the cradle ID of the cradle 122 from the storage unit of the cradle 122 and, together with the cassette ID for identifying the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, the cradle from the connector 39. The information is output to 122 and notified to the console 130 via the cradle 122 and the repeater 120. Thereby, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is registered in the console 130 and can communicate with the console 130.

Further, a converter 123 that converts a signal from the radiation generator 112 into a signal for LAN communication or the like is provided in the imaging room R1.
The converter 123 is connected to the repeater 120 by a cable or the like, and the radiation generator 112 is connected to other devices such as the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 and the console 130 via the converter 123 and the repeater 120. Information can be sent and received. Thereby, for example, the exposure timing and the reset timing of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can be linked, or the irradiation field, the tube position, and the like can be linked in accordance with the imaging.

  In the present embodiment, a front room R2 is provided adjacent to the photographing room R1. In the front room R2, an operation device 113 including an exposure button is provided. The operation device 113 is connected to the radiation generation device 112 by a cable or the like, and when an operator such as a radiologist or doctor wishes to start imaging, the operation button 113 indicates that the exposure button has been pressed. A signal is output from the operation device 113 to the radiation generator 112. The button pressing signal output to the radiation generator 112 is output to the converter 123, converted into a signal for LAN communication or the like in the converter 123, and further output to the relay 120, via the relay 120. To the console 130 or the like.

  The console 130 may be configured to transmit a control signal for controlling the radiation irradiation conditions of the radiation generator 112 to the operation device 113. In this case, the radiation irradiation condition of the radiation generator 112 is set according to the control signal from the console 130 transmitted to the operation device 113. Examples of radiation irradiation conditions include exposure start / end timing, radiation tube current value, radiation tube voltage value, filter type, and the like.

Further, a wired connection portion 124 that can be connected to a connector 39 (described later) provided in the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is provided in the imaging room R1.
The wired connection unit 124 is connected to the repeater 120 by a cable or the like, and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 connected to the wired connection unit 124 is wired to other devices such as the console 130 and the radiation generation device 112. Information such as data and signals can be transmitted and received through the connection unit 124 and the repeater 120.

Here, the repeater 120 includes a power supply unit for supplying power to a device connected to the repeater 120.
For example, a device connected to the repeater 120 such as the access point 121 is supplied with power from the repeater 120.
In addition, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is connected to the wired connection unit 124, whereby data and signals are transmitted to and from other devices such as the console 130 and the radiation generation device 112 via the wired connection unit 124 and the relay 120. In addition to the transmission / reception of information such as, it is possible to supply power to the functional units of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 from the repeater 120, and to supply power for charging a battery 24 (described later). Can receive.
2 illustrates the case where one wired connection unit 124 is provided in the imaging room R1, but the number of wired connection units 124 provided in the imaging room R1 is not particularly limited.

[Radiation imaging equipment]
Next, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
In addition, although this embodiment demonstrates the case where the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is a portable radiographic imaging apparatus, this invention is not limited to that case, For example, the fixed integrally formed with the support stand It may be a type of radiographic imaging device.
In the present embodiment, the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 includes a scintillator or the like, converts the emitted radiation into electromagnetic waves having other wavelengths such as visible light, and irradiates the image data that is an electrical signal by the radiation detection element. A so-called indirect type radiographic imaging device that converts to a radiographic imaging device will be described, but the present invention is also applicable to a so-called direct type radiographic imaging device that directly detects radiation with a radiation detection element without using a scintillator or the like. can do.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the radiographic image capturing apparatus shown in FIG. 3 viewed from the opposite side. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
The radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is a cassette type FPD in which a so-called flat panel detector (hereinafter referred to as “FPD”) is configured to be portable. The radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is used for radiographic image capturing and detects radiation and image data corresponding to the radiation dose. Is generated and acquired.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is configured such that a sensor panel SP including a scintillator 3, a substrate 4, and the like is housed in a housing 2.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 2 includes a housing main body 2A formed in a rectangular tube shape, and lid members 2B and 2C that cover and close the openings at both ends of the housing main body 2A. In addition, it is formed in a so-called monocoque type.
The housing body 2A is provided with a surface R (hereinafter referred to as “radiation incidence surface R”) on the side receiving radiation, and is formed of a material such as a carbon plate or plastic that transmits radiation.
The configuration, shape, and the like of the housing 2 are not limited to those illustrated here. For example, the housing 2 can be a so-called lunch box type formed of a frame plate and a back plate.

  As shown in FIG. 3, one lid member 2B has a power switch 37, a selection switch 38, a connector 39 to which a wired connection unit 124 and a cradle 122 are connected, a battery state, and the operation of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1. An indicator 40 for displaying various states such as a state, and the like are provided.

In addition, the other lid member 2C has a radio apparatus 41 for the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 to transmit / receive information such as data and signals to / from other apparatuses such as the console 130 and the radiation generation apparatus 112 in a wireless manner. Is embedded.
Note that the place where the wireless device 41 is provided is not limited to the lid member 2C, and may be provided at another position. Further, the number of the wireless devices 41 is not necessarily limited to one, and a necessary number is provided as appropriate.
As described above, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can also transmit and receive information to and from other apparatuses such as the console 130 and the radiation generating apparatus 112 in a wired manner. For example, the connector of the wired connection unit 124 is connected.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor panel SP is housed inside the housing 2. The sensor panel SP includes a substrate 4 and a scintillator 3 stacked thereon. On the radiation incident surface R side of the substrate 4 and the scintillator 3, a glass substrate 35 for protecting them is disposed. .
A base 31 is disposed below the substrate 4 via a lead thin plate (not shown). A PCB substrate 33 on which electronic components 32 and the like are disposed, a buffer member 34, and the like are attached to the base 31. It has been.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the buffer material 36 for preventing that they collide between the sensor panel SP and the side surface of the housing 2 is provided.

  The scintillator 3 is bonded to a detection unit P described later of the substrate 4. In the present embodiment, the scintillator 3 is, for example, a phosphor whose main component is converted into an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 300 to 800 nm when receiving radiation, that is, an electromagnetic wave centered on visible light and output. .

  In the present embodiment, the substrate 4 is formed of a glass substrate. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of scanning lines 5 and a plurality of signal lines are provided on a surface 4 a of the substrate 4 facing the scintillator 3. 6 are arranged so as to cross each other. In each small region r defined by the plurality of scanning lines 5 and the plurality of signal lines 6 on the surface 4 a of the substrate 4, radiation detection elements 7 are respectively provided.

  As described above, the entire region in which the plurality of radiation detection elements 7 arranged in a two-dimensional manner are provided in each small region r partitioned by the scanning line 5 and the signal line 6, that is, shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 6. The region is the detection unit P of the sensor panel SP.

In the present embodiment, a photodiode is used as the radiation detection element 7, but in addition to this, for example, a phototransistor or the like can also be used.
Each radiation detection element 7 is connected to a source electrode 8 s of a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as “TFT”) 8 which is a switch element, as shown in FIG. 7 which is an enlarged view of FIG. 6 or FIG. Yes. The drain electrode 8 d of the TFT 8 is connected to the signal line 6.

The TFT 8 is turned on when a turn-on voltage is applied to the gate electrode 8g via the scanning line 5 from the scanning driving means 15 described later, and is accumulated in the radiation detection element 7 via the source electrode 8s and the drain electrode 8d. The signal charges 6 are emitted to the signal line 6.
The TFT 8 is turned off when an off voltage is applied to the gate electrode 8g via the connected scanning line 5, and the emission of the charge from the radiation detecting element 7 to the signal line 6 is stopped, and the radiation detecting element 7 is configured to hold electric charges.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the bias lines 9 are connected to the plurality of radiation detection elements 7 arranged in a row, and each bias line 9 is parallel to the signal line 6. It is arranged. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, each bias line 9 is bound to one connection 10 at a position outside the detection portion P of the substrate 4.

  In addition, each scanning line 5, each signal line 6, and connection line 10 of the bias line 9 are connected to input / output terminals (also referred to as pads) 11 provided near the edge of the substrate 4. As shown in FIG. 8, a COF (Chip On Film) 12 in which a chip such as an IC 12a is incorporated in each input / output terminal 11 is an anisotropic conductive adhesive film (Anisotropic Conductive Film) or anisotropic conductive paste (Anisotropic paste). It is connected via an anisotropic conductive adhesive material 13 such as Conductive Paste).

  The COF 12 is routed to the back surface 4b side of the substrate 4 and connected to the PCB substrate 33 on the back surface 4b side. Thus, the board | substrate 4 part of sensor panel SP of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is formed. In FIG. 8, illustration of the electronic component 32 and the like is omitted.

  Here, the circuit configuration of the sensor panel SP of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the sensor panel SP of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  A bias line 9 is connected to one electrode of each radiation detection element 7, and each bias line 9 is bound to a connection 10 and connected to a bias power supply 14. The bias power supply 14 applies a bias voltage (reverse bias voltage in this embodiment) to each electrode of each radiation detection element 7 via the connection 10 and each bias line 9.

  Further, the other electrode of each radiation detection element 7 is connected to the source electrode 8s (denoted as S in FIG. 9) of the TFT 8, and the gate electrode 8g of each TFT 8 (G in FIG. 9). Are respectively connected to the lines L1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 extending from the gate driver 15b of the scanning driving means 15. Further, the drain electrode 8d (denoted as D in FIG. 9) of each TFT 8 is connected to each signal line 6.

The scanning drive unit 15 includes a power supply circuit 15a that supplies an on voltage and an off voltage to the gate driver 15b, and a gate driver 15b that switches a voltage applied to each of the lines L1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 between the on voltage and the off voltage. And.
The gate driver 15b switches the voltage applied to the gate electrode 8g of the TFT 8 via the lines L1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 between the on voltage and the off voltage, and controls the on state and the off state of each TFT 8. To do.

Each signal line 6 is connected to each readout circuit 17 formed in the readout IC 16.
The readout circuit 17 includes an amplifier circuit 18, a correlated double sampling circuit 19, an analog multiplexer 21, and an A / D converter 20.

  For example, in radiographic imaging, radiation is applied to the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 through a subject, and the scintillator 3 converts the radiation into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths and irradiates the radiation detection element 7 directly therebelow. Then, charges are generated according to the radiation dose (the amount of electromagnetic waves) irradiated by the radiation detection element 7.

In the process of reading charges from each radiation detection element 7, the TFT 8 in which an on-voltage is applied to the gate electrode 8 g from the gate driver 15 b of the scanning drive unit 15 through the lines L 1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 is turned on. Electric charges are emitted from the radiation detection element 7 to the signal line 6.
Then, a voltage value is output from the amplifier circuit 18 in accordance with the amount of charge emitted from the radiation detection element 7, and is correlated double-sampled by the correlated double sampling circuit 19, and analog value image data is input to the analog multiplexer 21. Is output. The image data sequentially output from the analog multiplexer 21 is sequentially converted into digital value image data by the A / D converter 20, output to the storage means 23 and sequentially stored.

The control means 22 includes a microcomputer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and the like.
Note that the ROM and RAM may be provided in the storage unit 23 connected to the control unit 22 instead of the control unit 22, for example. Further, the control means 22 may be constituted by a dedicated control circuit.

The control means 22 is connected to a storage means 23 constituted by a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or the like, and a battery 24 that supplies power to each functional unit of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1.
In addition, a wireless device 41 is connected to the control means 22 and, although not shown in FIG. 9, a power switch 37, a selection switch 38, a connector 39, and the like are connected.

The control unit 22 controls the operation of each functional unit of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1.
Specifically, for example, the control unit 22 controls the bias power supply 14 to control the reverse bias voltage applied to each radiation detection element 7 or the scanning line that applies the signal readout voltage from the scanning driving unit 15. 5 is switched, or the amplification circuit 18 and the correlated double sampling circuit 19 in each readout circuit 17 are controlled to read out image data from each radiation detection element 7.

  In addition, the storage means 23 is connected to the control means 22. For example, each image data read from each radiation detection element 7 by each readout circuit 17 is stored in an image storage area of the storage unit 23 by a memory controller (not shown) controlled by the control unit 22.

In addition, a rechargeable battery 24 is connected to the control means 22.
Here, in this embodiment, the radiographic imaging device 1 has, as drive modes, a wake-up mode in which radiographic imaging can be performed and a sleep mode in which radiographic imaging cannot be performed.
Specifically, for example, when imaging is not performed for several minutes, the control unit 22 supplies power only to necessary functional units such as the wireless device 41, and the radiation such as the readout IC 16 and the radiation detection element 7 is used. Switching to a sleep mode in which power is not supplied to other functional units such as a functional unit related to image capturing. In addition, when the wireless device 41 or the like receives a signal to start imaging from the console 130 or the like, the control unit 22 enters a wake-up mode in which power is supplied to other functional units such as a functional unit related to radiographic imaging. Switch.
That is, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is configured so as to suppress useless power consumption of the battery 24.

  A selection switch 38 is connected to the control means 22. When the selection switch 38 is pressed by an operator such as a radiologist or a doctor, the control unit 22 sends a selection signal indicating that the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 including the control unit 22 has been selected, for example, from the wireless device 41. The data is transmitted to the access point 121 and notified to the console 130 or the like via the access point 121 and the repeater 120.

A connector 39 is connected to the control means 22.
Specifically, for example, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is inserted into the cradle 122 and the connector 39 is connected to the connector of the cradle 122, the control unit 22 assigns a cradle ID for identifying the cradle 122 to the cradle. In addition to reading from 122, a cassette ID for identifying the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is acquired from the storage means 23 or the like. Then, the read cradle ID and the acquired cassette ID are output from the connector 39 to the cradle 122 and notified to the console 130 via the cradle 122 and the relay 120. Thereby, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is registered in the console 130 and can communicate with the console 130.

In addition, a wireless device 41 is connected to the control means 22. The radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 performs wireless communication with the access point 121 by the wireless device 41, thereby transferring data and other data between the console 130 and the radiation generating device 112 via the access point 121 and the relay 120. Information such as signals can be transmitted and received.
Specifically, for example, the control unit 22 performs predetermined image processing such as compression processing on the image data stored in the image storage area of the storage unit 23 and transmits the image data from the wireless device 41 to the access point 121. As a result, the image data is transmitted to the console 130 via the access point 121 and the repeater 120.

Here, in order to perform radio communication with the access point 121, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 needs to acquire a use channel currently used by the access point 121.
Therefore, the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is configured to be able to scan and acquire a use channel of the access point 121 by a known method.
In order to perform scanning, the drive mode of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 needs to be the wake-up mode. Therefore, when the drive mode is the sleep mode, the control unit 22 performs scanning after switching the drive mode to the wake-up mode.

[access point]
Next, the access point 121 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the access point 121.

  The access point 121 is installed in the imaging room R1, the radiographic imaging device 1 and the bucky device 110 installed in the imaging room R1, and an external device such as the console 130 installed outside the imaging room R1. When communicating with other devices, these communications are relayed.

  Specifically, the access point 121 is connected to the repeater 120 by a cable or the like, and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 performs a wireless communication with the access point 121, thereby allowing the console via the access point 121 and the repeater 120. Information such as data and signals can be transmitted to and received from other devices such as 130 and the radiation generator 112.

  In this embodiment, the access point 121 and the bucky device 110 are configured to be wirelessly connected. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the access point 121 and the bucky device 110 are connected by a cable or the like. The communication between the Bucky device 110 and the radiographic imaging device 1 loaded therein and other devices such as the console 130 and the radiation generation device 112 may be performed in a wired manner.

  In addition, the access point 121 can transmit and receive information such as data and signals to and from the management device 140 that manages the access point 121 via the repeater 120.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the access point 121 is used by the control unit 1211 that controls the operation of each unit of the access point 121, the identification information for identifying the access point 121, and the access point 121. A storage unit 1212 that stores a used channel, a wireless communication unit 1213 that is equipped with an antenna (not shown) and that can communicate with the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the like, and a wired communication unit 1214 that is connected to the repeater 120 by a cable or the like. And a radar detection unit 1215 that detects radar such as weather radar and aviation radar, and the like.

Here, in this embodiment, an access point compatible with IEEE802.11a is assumed as the access point 121.
Of the frequency band (5 GHz band) used in IEEE802.11a, W52 (5.2 GHz band. 5150-5250 MHz) is a dedicated frequency band for wireless LAN, and W53 (5.3 GHz band. 5250-5350 MHz) and W56 (5.6 GHz band, 5470-5725 MHz) is a frequency band shared by the wireless LAN and radars such as weather radar and aviation radar.

Therefore, the access point 121 has channels corresponding to a frequency band shared with radars such as weather radar and aviation radar, that is, four channels W53 (52CH, 56CH, 60CH, 64CH) and 11 of W56 shown in FIG. If the radar is detected when any one of the channels (100CH, 104CH, 108CH, 112CH, 116CH, 120CH, 124CH, 128CH, 132CH, 136CH, 140CH) is used, the channel used is changed. It is mandatory.
Note that values such as “5260 (MHz)” and “5500 (MHz)” shown in FIG. 11 are the center frequencies of the respective channels.

Therefore, the access point 121 has a radar detection function for detecting a radar such as a weather radar or an aeronautical radar, and also has a DFS function for changing the channel used by the access point 121 when the radar is detected. doing.
In this embodiment, the case where the use channel of the access point 121 is selected from the four channels W53 and the eleven channels W56 will be described. However, the use channel of the access point 121 is four of W52. It is possible to select from channels.

  The control unit 1211 continues to monitor the radar by the radar detection unit 1215 while power is supplied to each unit of the access point 121. Specifically, the radar detection unit 1215 monitors whether or not the radar in the use channel used by the access point 121, that is, the use channel used by the wireless communication unit 1213 is detected.

Then, when the radar is detected by the radar detection unit 1215, the control unit 1211 activates the DFS function, stops transmission of radio waves from the wireless communication unit 1213 for a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), and Stop wireless communication.
Next, the control unit 1211 acquires the identification information and the used channel of the access point 121 from the storage unit 1212, and uses the information including the identification information and the used channel as a radar detection notification from the wired communication unit 1214 to the repeater 120. To the management apparatus 140 via the repeater 120.

That is, the radar detection unit 1215 functions as a detection unit that detects radar in the channel used by the access point 121.
The control unit 1211 and the wired communication unit 1214 function as a notification unit that transmits a radar detection notification to the management apparatus 140 when a radar is detected by the radar detection unit 1215.

  In addition, when the wired communication unit 1214 receives a use channel change request (described later) transmitted from the management device 140, the control unit 1211 uses the management device 140 as a change destination use channel in response to the use channel change request. The designated one channel is stored (overwritten) in the storage unit 1212, and the one channel is set as a use channel of the access point 121.

  That is, when receiving a use channel change request from the management apparatus 140, the control unit 1211 functions as a changing unit that changes the use channel of the access point 121 in response to the use channel change request.

  In addition, when the wired communication unit 1214 receives a use channel inquiry (described later) transmitted from the management device 140, the control unit 1211 acquires the use channel of the access point 121 from the storage unit 1212, and includes the use channel. Is output from the wired communication unit 1214 to the repeater 120 as an answer to the used channel inquiry, and transmitted to the management apparatus 140 via the repeater 120.

  That is, the control unit 1211 and the wired communication unit 1214 function as an answering unit that notifies the used channel of the access point 121 as an answer to the used channel inquiry from the management apparatus 140.

[console]
Next, the console 130 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the console 130.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the console 130 includes a control unit 131 that controls the operation of each unit of the console 130, a storage unit 132 that includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the network N by a wireless LAN cable or the like. A communication unit 133 that is connected to communicate with other devices such as the repeater 120, a display unit 134 such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a keyboard, a mouse, and the like A computer including an input unit 135 and the like.

When the communication unit 133 receives image data of a radiographic image captured by the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, the control unit 131 expands the image data, performs offset correction processing, gain correction processing, and the like. The predetermined image processing is performed to create diagnostic image data.
Then, in accordance with an instruction from the input unit 135 operated by the operator, the control unit 131 displays a radiographic image based on the diagnostic image data on the display unit 134 or displays the diagnostic image data on the communication unit 133. Or transmitted to another device such as an imager or a data management server via the network N.

  In this embodiment, the console 130 performs offset correction processing, gain correction processing, and the like. However, the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 may perform offset correction processing, gain correction processing, and the like.

[Management device]
Next, the management apparatus 140 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the management apparatus 140.
As shown in FIG. 13, for example, the management device 140 is connected to the network N by a control unit 141 that controls the operation of each unit of the management device 140, a storage unit 142 that includes an HDD, a wireless LAN cable, and the like. It comprises a communication unit 143 for communicating with other devices such as the repeater 120, a display unit 144 made up of a CRT, LCD, etc., an input unit 145 made up of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. Computer.

  The storage unit 142 is detected by the access point 121 and the used channel information related to the used channel used by each of the plurality of access points 121, the free channel information related to the free channels not used by any of the plurality of access points 121, and the access point 121. It functions as a storage means for storing channel information including interference channel information relating to interference channels that interfere with the radar and non-interference channel information relating to non-interference channels that do not interfere with the radar detected by the access point 121.

  Specifically, in the channel information storage area of the storage unit 142, as channel information, for example, as shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. A table having a “use access point” column that stores identification information of the access point 121 that uses the channel to be used and a “radar detection” column that stores the presence / absence of radar detection in the corresponding channel is stored. .

  In this embodiment, among the plurality of access points 121, the identification information of the access point 121a is “access point A”, the identification information of the access point 121b is “access point B”, and the identification information of the access point 121c is Although described as “access point C”, the identification information of each access point 121 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, an SSID (Service Set Identifier).

Here, in the channel information shown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, the channel that the corresponding “use access point” column is “access point A”, that is, “52CH” is used by the access point 121a. Is a channel.
On the other hand, in the channel information shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the channel whose corresponding “used access point” is “−” is an empty channel that is not used by any of the plurality of access points 121.

In the channel information shown in FIG. 14B, the channel in which the corresponding “radar detection” column is “◯”, that is, “60CH”, indicates that the interference in which the radar in the channel is detected by any access point 121. Is a channel.
On the other hand, in the channel information shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a channel in which the corresponding “radar detection” column is “−” is a non-interference channel in which the radar in the channel is not detected.

  When the communication unit 143 receives the radar detection notification transmitted from the access point 121, the control unit 141 updates the “radar detection” column of the channel information stored in the storage unit 142.

  Specifically, for example, the control unit 141 acquires a use channel of the access point 121 from a radar detection notification transmitted by the access point 121, and interferes with the radar detected by the access point 121. The “radar detection” column corresponding to the used channel is changed from “−” to “◯”, and the “radar detection” column of the channel information is updated.

  More specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, when the access point 121c has a use channel of “60CH” and a radar detection notification is transmitted from the access point 121c, the control unit 141 receives the radar detection notification. Based on this, as shown in FIG. 14B, the “radar detection” column corresponding to the channel “60CH” is changed from “−” to “◯”, and the “radar detection” column of the channel information is updated.

  That is, the control unit 141 functions as an update unit that updates the non-interference channel information included in the channel information in response to the radar detection notification from the access point 121.

  The control unit 141 periodically resets “◯” in the column of “radar detection” to the default (“−”) in consideration of the possibility that the channel that may interfere with the radar may change. It is also possible.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 141 specifies the interference channel that interferes with the radar detected by the access point 121 based on the channel used by the access point 121 included in the radar detection notification. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to identify the interference channel based on the identification information of the access point 121 included in the radar detection notification with reference to the channel information.
Specifically, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 14A, when the access channel of the access point 121c is “60CH” and a radar detection notification is transmitted from the access point 121c, the control unit 141 refers to the channel information. It is also possible to determine the channel (“60CH”) corresponding to the identification information “access point C” of the access point 121c included in the radar detection notification, and specify the determined channel as an interference channel.

In the present embodiment, the channel that can interfere with the detected radar does not extend to a plurality of channels. However, when the channel that the detected radar can interfere with extends to a plurality of channels, detection is performed. It is also possible to specify the plurality of channels when specifying the interference channels that interfere with the detected radar.
Specifically, for example, when the radar in the use channel “60CH” is detected by the access point 121c, if the channels that can interfere with the radar are “60CH” and “62CH”, the control unit 141 It is also possible to specify the channels “60CH” and “62CH” as interference channels and change the “radar detection” column corresponding to the channels “60CH” and “62CH” to “◯”.

  In addition, the control unit 141 transmits a use channel inquiry for inquiring a use channel of the access point 121 from the communication unit 143 to the repeater 120, and transmits it to each of the plurality of access points 121 via the repeater 120. .

Specifically, in response to the radar detection notification, the control unit 141 inquires of the access point 121 other than the access point 121 that has transmitted the radar detection notification out of the plurality of access points 121 about the used channel. .
Further, the control unit 141 transmits a use channel change request (described later) to the access point 121 that has transmitted the radar detection notification, and then inquires the access point 121 about the use channel.

  That is, the control unit 141 and the communication unit 143 function as an inquiry unit that inquires the access point 121 about the channel to be used.

  When the communication unit 143 receives an answer to the use channel inquiry from the access point 121, the control unit 141 is stored in the storage unit 142 based on the use channel of the access point 121 included in the answer. Update the “Used Access Point” column in the channel information.

  That is, when the control unit 141 receives an answer to the inquiry about the used channel from the access point 121, the control unit 141 updates the empty channel information included in the channel information stored in the storage unit 142 according to the answer. Functions as an update means.

  Then, the control unit 141 refers to the channel information stored in the storage unit 142 and selects a channel that is a free channel and a non-interference channel.

  Specifically, for example, the control unit 141 refers to the channel information stored in the storage unit 142, and “-” is displayed in both the “used access point” column and the “radar detection” column. Select a channel.

  That is, the control unit 141 functions as a selection unit that refers to channel information and selects a channel that is a free channel and a non-interference channel.

Furthermore, the control unit 141 selects one channel from the selected channels, and uses a use channel change request for requesting to change the use channel of the access point 121 that has transmitted the radar detection notification to the one channel. The data is transmitted from the communication unit 143 to the repeater 120 and transmitted to the access point 121 via the repeater 120.
Thereafter, as described above, the control unit 141 updates the “used access point” column of the channel information stored in the storage unit 142.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 14A, when the access channel of the access point 121c is “60CH” and a radar detection notification is transmitted from the access point 121c, the control unit 141 selects from the selected channels. For example, “140CH” is selected as the use channel of the access point 121c to be changed, and a use channel change request for changing the use channel of the access point 121c to “140CH” is sent from the communication unit 143 to the access point 121c. Send to.

  After that, for example, as described above, when the control unit 141 receives an answer to the use channel inquiry from the access point 121c, as shown in FIG. 14B, the “use access corresponding to the channel“ 60CH ”is received. The “Point” column is changed from “Access Point C” to “−”, and the “Used Access Point” column corresponding to the channel “140CH” is changed from “−” to “Access Point C” to obtain channel information. Update the “Used Access Point” column.

  That is, the control unit 141 and the communication unit 143 issue a use channel change request for requesting to change the use channel of the access point 121 that has transmitted the radar detection notification to the channel selected by the control unit 141. Functions as a requesting means to transmit to

  One channel selected from the selected channels is located farthest from the channel identified as the interference channel that interferes with the detected radar when the channels are arranged in the order of the center frequency. A channel is preferable, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an arbitrary channel can be selected from the selected channels.

  Next, processing related to the change of the channel used by the access point 121 at the time of radar detection by the radiographic imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15 and the radiographic image according to the present embodiment. The operation of the imaging system 100 will be described.

  In the following, a process related to changing the channel used by the access point 121 at the time of radar detection will be described by taking as an example a case where the access point 121c among the plurality of access points 121 detects the radar.

First, when the radar in the channel used by the access point 121c is detected by the radar detection unit 1215 of the access point 121c, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c activates the DFS function (step S101) and interrupts wireless communication. To do.
Next, the control unit 1211 acquires the identification information, the used channel, and the like of the access point 121 from the storage unit 1212, and information including the identification information, the used channel, and the like is sent from the wired communication unit 1214 to the management device 140 as a radar detection notification. (Step S102), and starts measuring the elapsed time (hereinafter referred to as “DFS time”) after the DFS function is activated (step S103).

  Here, when the access point 121 detects a radar, it is determined that radio waves should not be transmitted for a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) after the detection. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the DFS time is measured as the predetermined time.

When the communication unit 143 receives the radar detection notification transmitted in step S102, the control unit 141 of the management apparatus 140 recognizes that the DFS function is activated in the access point 121c and stores the notification in the storage unit 142. The “radar detection” column of the channel information is updated (step S104).
Next, the control unit 141 starts measurement of the DFS time (step S105), and transmits a DFS time measurement value request for notifying the measurement value of the DFS time from the communication unit 143 to the access point 121c. (Step S106).
In addition, the control unit 141 transmits a use channel inquiry from the communication unit 143 to the access points 121 other than the access point 121c, that is, the access points 121a and 121b (step S107).

When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the DFS time measurement value request transmitted at step S106, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c acquires the DFS time at which measurement was started at step S103, and the acquired current DFS time is obtained. The included information is transmitted from the wired communication unit 1214 to the management device 140 as a response to the DFS time measurement value request (step S108).
At step S108, it is assumed that the DFS time is less than 60 seconds, that is, 60 seconds have not elapsed since the radar was detected in step S101.
Therefore, when the communication unit 143 receives the response transmitted in step S108, the control unit 141 of the management apparatus 140 recognizes that the measurement of the DFS time on the access point 121c side is not completed based on the response. Thus, the measurement of the DFS time on the management apparatus 140 side is continued.

On the other hand, when the wired communication unit 1214 receives the use channel inquiry transmitted in step S107, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121a acquires the use channel of the access point 121a from the storage unit 1212, and includes the use channel. Is transmitted from the wired communication unit 1214 to the management device 140 as a reply to the used channel inquiry (step S109).
Similarly, the access point 121b transmits an answer to the used channel inquiry transmitted in step S107 to the management apparatus 140 (step S109).

When the communication unit 143 receives the response transmitted in step S109, the control unit 141 of the management apparatus 140 updates the “use access point” column of the channel information stored in the storage unit 142 according to the response. (Step S110).
As a result, the channel information stored in the storage unit 142 is updated to the latest channel information.

Next, the control unit 141 refers to the channel information stored in the storage unit 142 and selects a channel that is an empty channel and a non-interference channel (step S111).
Then, the control unit 141 selects one channel as the use channel to be changed from the selected channels, and communicates a use channel change request for requesting to change the use channel of the access point 121c to the one channel. The data is transmitted from the unit 143 to the access point 121c (step S112).

When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the use channel change request transmitted in step S112, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c is designated as the change destination use channel by the management device 140 in response to the use channel change request. The channel used by the access point 121c is changed by overwriting the channel into the storage unit 1212 and setting the channel as the channel used by the access point 121 (step S113). To resume wireless communication.
Thus, a channel that is not used by another access point 121 and that does not interfere with the detected radar is set as a use channel of the access point 121c.

  Next, the control unit 1211 acquires the used channel of the access point 121c from the storage unit 1212, and uses the information including the used channel, that is, the information including the changed used channel, as a response to the used channel change request as a wired communication. The data is transmitted from the unit 1214 to the management device 140 (step S114).

  When the communication unit 143 receives the response transmitted in step S114, the control unit 141 of the management device 140 stores the changed use channel included in the response as a use channel of the access point 121c. The column of “use access point” of the channel information stored in 142 is updated (step S115).

  Then, the DFS time reaches 60 seconds on the access point 121c side, and the DFS time measurement is completed (step S116), and the DFS time reaches 60 seconds on the management apparatus 140 side, and the DFS time measurement is completed. Then (step S117), the control unit 141 of the management device 140 transmits a DFS time measurement value request from the communication unit 143 to the access point 121c (step S118).

  When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the DFS time measurement value request transmitted in step S118, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c sends a DFS time measurement completion notification for notifying that the DFS time measurement is completed to the wired communication unit. Transmission is performed from 1214 to the management apparatus 140 (step S119).

  When the communication unit 143 receives the DFS time measurement completion notification transmitted in step S119, the control unit 141 of the management apparatus 140 transmits a use channel inquiry from the communication unit 143 to the access point 121c (step S120).

When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the use channel inquiry transmitted in step S120, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c acquires the use channel of the access point 121c from the storage unit 1212, and stores the information including the use channel as the information. A response to the inquiry about the used channel is transmitted from the wired communication unit 1214 to the management apparatus 140 (step S121), and this process is terminated.
Thereby, in the management apparatus 140, it can be confirmed whether the channel requested to be changed in step S112 is set as the use channel of the access point 121c.
If the channel requested to be changed in step S112 is not set as the use channel of the access point 121c, the management device 140 can again transmit the use channel change request to the access point 121c. ing.

  In this embodiment, when the communication unit 143 receives the response transmitted in step S114, the control unit 141 of the management apparatus 140 updates the channel information stored in the storage unit 142 (step S115). However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing in step S115 is omitted, and the communication unit 143 receives the answer transmitted in step S121, and then updates the channel information stored in the storage unit 142. You may comprise.

  Here, in a frequency band (5 GHz band) used in IEEE802.11a, when a predetermined frequency (channel) such as W53 or W56 is used, the frequency is shared with a radar such as a weather radar or an air radar. Therefore, when the access point detects these radars in the currently used channel, it is required by law to discontinue wireless communication and implement a DFS function for changing the used channel.

  When one access point changes the channel used by this DFS function, in a conventional wireless LAN system such as a radiographic imaging system, the one access point is changed because the channel used by another access point is unknown. As the previous use channel, the same channel as the use channel of another access point may be selected. Therefore, wireless communication between the one access point and a terminal such as a radiographic imaging apparatus and radio communication between another access point and a terminal such as a radiographic imaging apparatus interfere with each other. In some cases, the speed of the wireless communication is reduced.

  In particular, as in the radiographic imaging system of the present embodiment, the wireless LAN system assumes radiographic imaging performed in a facility such as a hospital or a clinic, and there are a plurality of imaging rooms, and an access point is provided for each imaging room. In a system in which the camera is installed, the radiographing rooms are often close to each other, so that radio communication interference is likely to occur between the radiographing rooms. For this reason, there has been a problem that the speed reduction of the wireless communication between the access point and the radiographic imaging apparatus appears remarkably.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the radiographic imaging system 100 includes a management device 140 that manages the channel used by each access point 121, and the management device 140 is a channel that is an empty channel and a non-interfering channel. Is selected and a use channel change request for changing to the selected channel is transmitted to the access point 121 that detected the radar, and the access point 121 that detected the radar responds to the use channel change request. Accordingly, the channel used is changed.

  Therefore, even if the access channel 121 of the other access point 121 is unknown, the access point 121 that has detected the radar can be used by the other access point 121 only by changing the usage channel according to the instruction from the management device 140. A channel that is not used and does not interfere with the detected radar can be set as a use channel.

In the present embodiment, after receiving the radar detection notification from the access point 121, the management device 140 inquires of the access point 121 other than the access point 121 that has transmitted the radar detection notification about the channel to be used. The channel information is updated in response to an answer to the inquiry.
Therefore, it is possible to determine the channel to be used as the change destination based on the latest channel information.

Here, for example, if a channel is assigned to each access point in advance according to the condition that the same channel is not assigned to two or more access points and the condition that a plurality of channels are assigned to each access point, A channel that is not used by the access point 121 and that does not interfere with the detected radar can be set as a used channel. However, in this case, since it is necessary to assign a plurality of channels to each access point, for example, when the number of available channels of the access point is “15”, the access that the radiographic imaging system can have is provided. The maximum number of points is 7.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the management device 140 can determine a channel that is not used by another access point and that does not interfere with the radar as a use channel to which the access point is changed. Since it is not necessary to assign a plurality of channels, the number of access points that can be provided in the radiographic imaging system can be increased.
Therefore, the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment can be applied to a facility having more image capturing rooms R1.

  According to the radiographic imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment described above, the management device 140 responds to the radar detection notification from the access point 121, and includes non-interference channel information included in the channel information, specifically channel information. Update the “Radar Detection” column of ”, refer to the updated channel information, select a channel that is an empty channel and a non-interfering channel, and select a channel to be used for the access point 121 that has transmitted the radar detection notification. The used channel change request for requesting to change to the selected channel is transmitted to the access point 121. The access point 121 is configured to change the use channel of the access point 121 in response to the use channel change request when the use channel change request is received.

As a result, the access point 121 that has detected the radar uses the other access point 121 only by changing the use channel according to the instruction from the management device 140 even if the use channel of the other access point 121 is unknown. A channel that is not used and does not interfere with the radar can be set as a use channel.
Therefore, the wireless communication between the access point 121 whose radio channel is changed and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the wireless communication between the other access point 121 and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 interfere with each other. Even if the radiographing rooms R1 are close to each other, wireless communication interference does not occur between the radiographing rooms R1, so that the radio communication between the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the access point 121 can be prevented. Speed reduction can be suppressed.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the management device 140 makes an inquiry about the channel to be used to the access point 121, and, according to the answer to the inquiry, empty channel information included in the channel information, specifically, the channel. It is configured to update the “used access point” column of information.
In particular, in the present embodiment, the management device 140 makes an inquiry about the channel to be used to the access points 121 other than the access point 121 that has transmitted the radar detection notification among the plurality of access points 121 in response to the radar detection notification. The latest channel information including the non-interference channel information updated in response to the radar detection notification and the empty channel information updated in response to the response to the inquiry, and is an empty channel, and The non-interfering channel is selected.

As a result, the management apparatus 140 can determine the channel to be used for changing the access point 121 based on the latest channel information.
Therefore, the wireless communication between the access point 121 whose radio channel is changed and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the wireless communication between the other access point 121 and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 interfere with each other. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent a reduction in the speed of wireless communication between the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the access point 121.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described.
Note that the radiographic imaging system 100 of the second embodiment differs from the radiographic imaging system 100 of the first embodiment in the timing of changing the channel used by the access point 121. Therefore, below, only a different part from 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

[access point]
The access point 121 according to the second embodiment is different from the access point 121 according to the first embodiment in that the access point 121 determines a use channel to be changed.

  Specifically, when the radar detection unit 1215 detects a radar, the control unit 1211 selects from the channels that can be used for the access point 121 and that can avoid interference with the detected radar. One channel is selected, the one channel is stored (overwritten) in the storage unit 1212, and the one channel is set as a use channel of the access point 121.

  That is, when the radar detection unit 1215 detects a radar, the control unit 1211 functions as a second changing unit that changes the channel used by the access point 121 in order to avoid interference with the radar.

  In addition, when the wired communication unit 1214 receives the used channel inquiry transmitted from the management device 140 after the used channel is changed, the control unit 1211 acquires the used channel of the access point 121 from the storage unit 1212 and the used channel. , That is, information including the changed used channel is output from the wired communication unit 1214 to the repeater 120 as an answer to the used channel inquiry, and transmitted to the management apparatus 140 via the repeater 120.

  That is, the control unit 1211 and the wired communication unit 1214 function as a transmission unit that transmits the changed use channel changed by the control unit 1211 to the management apparatus 140.

[Management device]
The management device 140 according to the second embodiment requests the access point 121 to change the use channel when the change-use use channel determined by the access point 121 is not included in the channel selected by the management device 140. Is different from the management device 140 of the first embodiment.

Specifically, after the radar detection notification from the access point 121, the control unit 141 inquires the access point 121 about the channel to be used.
Next, when the communication unit 143 receives the response to the used channel inquiry transmitted from the access point 121, that is, the information including the changed used channel, the control unit 141 determines that the changed used channel is the control channel. It is determined whether the part 141 is included in the selected channel.

  That is, the control unit 141 functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the changed use channel transmitted from the access point 121 is included in the channel selected by the control unit 141.

  When the control unit 141 determines that the changed use channel is not included in the channel selected by the control unit 141, the control unit 141 selects one channel from the channels selected by the control unit 141. Then, a use channel change request for changing the use channel of the access point 121 to the one channel is transmitted from the communication unit 143 to the repeater 120, and transmitted to the access point 121 via the repeater 120. To do.

  Next, processing related to the change of the channel used by the access point 121 at the time of radar detection by the radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 16 and the radiographic image according to the present embodiment. The operation of the imaging system 100 will be described.

  In the following, a process related to changing the channel used by the access point 121 at the time of radar detection will be described by taking as an example a case where the access point 121c among the plurality of access points 121 detects the radar.

  First, when the radar in the channel used by the access point 121c is detected by the radar detection unit 1215 of the access point 121c, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c activates the DFS function (step S101) and interrupts wireless communication. The processing of steps S101 to S111 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16 is the same as the processing of steps S101 to S111 (see FIG. 15) of the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  When the DFS time reaches 60 seconds on the access point 121c side and the measurement of the DFS time is completed (step S201), the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c can avoid interference with the radar detected in step S101. By selecting one channel from among the channels and overwriting the one channel in the storage unit 1212 to set the one channel as the channel used by the access point 121, the channel used by the access point 121c is set. Change (step S202), and resume wireless communication on the changed use channel.

  On the management device 140 side, when the DFS time reaches 60 seconds and the measurement of the DFS time is completed (step S203), the control unit 141 of the management device 140 accesses the DFS time measurement value request from the communication unit 143. It transmits to the point 121c (step S204).

  When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the DFS time measurement value request transmitted in step S204, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c sends a DFS time measurement completion notification for notifying that the DFS time measurement is completed to the wired communication unit. Transmission is performed from 1214 to the management apparatus 140 (step S205).

  When the communication unit 143 receives the DFS time measurement completion notification transmitted in step S205, the control unit 141 of the management apparatus 140 transmits a use channel inquiry from the communication unit 143 to the access point 121c (step S206).

  When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the use channel inquiry transmitted in step S206, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c acquires the use channel of the access point 121c from the storage unit 1212, that is, information including the use channel, that is, step Information including the changed used channel changed in S202 is transmitted from the wired communication unit 1214 to the management apparatus 140 as a response to the used channel inquiry (step S207).

  When the communication unit 143 receives the answer transmitted in step S207, the control unit 141 of the management device 140 receives the use channel of the access point 121c included in the answer, that is, the changed use channel changed in step S202. It is determined whether or not the channel is included in the channel selected in step S111 (step S208).

In step S208, when it is determined that the changed use channel changed in step S202 is included in the channel selected in step S111 (step S208; Yes), the control unit 141 changes the changed channel included in the answer. The channel information stored in the storage unit 142 is updated so that the used channel is registered as the used channel of the access point 121c (step S212), and this process ends.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S208 that the changed use channel changed in step S202 is not included in the channel selected in step S111 (step S208; No), the control unit 141 selects in step S111. One channel is selected from the channels, and a use channel change request for changing the use channel of the access point 121c to the one channel is transmitted from the communication unit 143 to the access point 121 (step S209). .

When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the use channel change request transmitted in step S209, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c receives the one specified as the change destination channel by the management device 140 in response to the use channel change request. The channel used by the access point 121c is changed by setting the one channel as the channel used by the access point 121 by overwriting the channel in the storage unit 1212 (step S210). Perform wireless communication.
Thus, a channel that is not used by another access point 121 and that does not interfere with the detected radar is set as a use channel of the access point 121c.

  Next, the control unit 1211 acquires the used channel of the access point 121c from the storage unit 1212, and uses the information including the used channel, that is, the information including the changed used channel changed in step S210, as the used channel change request. Is transmitted from the wired communication unit 1214 to the management apparatus 140 (step S211).

When the communication unit 143 receives the response transmitted in step S211, the control unit 141 of the management device 140 stores the changed usage channel included in the response as a usage channel of the access point 121c. The channel information stored in 142 is updated (step S212), and this process ends.
When the control unit 141 of the management device 140 determines in step S208 that the changed use channel changed in step S202 is not included in the channel selected in step S111 (step S208; No), step After updating the channel information in S212, it is also possible to transmit the used channel inquiry to the access point 121c again.

Here, in the present embodiment, the access point 121 determines a change destination channel, and the change destination channel is a channel selected by the management apparatus 140, that is, a channel that is not used by another access point 121. And the management device 140 is configured to transmit a use channel change request when it is not included in a channel that does not interfere with the detected radar.
Therefore, when the channel to be changed determined by the access point 121 is included in the channel selected by the management device 140, the management device 140 does not need to perform a process of transmitting a use channel change request.

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

  According to the radiographic imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment described above, when the access point 121 detects a radar, in order to avoid interference with the radar, the access point 121 determines a use channel to be changed, The management device 140 is configured to change the use channel of the access point 121 to the use channel of the change destination, and the management apparatus 140 determines that the use channel of the change destination determined by the access point 121 is a selected channel, that is, an empty channel. It is configured to transmit a use channel change request to the access point 121 when it is determined whether it is included in a channel that is a channel and a non-interfering channel. Yes.

As a result, when the channel to be changed determined by the access point 121 is included in the channel selected by the management device 140, the management device 140 does not need to perform a process of transmitting a use channel change request.
Therefore, the management apparatus 140 may be able to omit the process of transmitting the used channel change request, and thus the process by the management apparatus 140 can be simplified.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the radiographic image capturing system according to the present invention will be described.
The radiographic image capturing system 100 of the third embodiment is different from the radiographic image capturing system 100 of the first embodiment in the timing of updating channel information by the management apparatus 140. Therefore, below, only a different part from 1st Embodiment is demonstrated.

[Management device]
The management apparatus 140 according to the third embodiment refers to channel information including unused channel information that has been updated in advance, and selects a channel that is an empty channel and a non-interfering channel in the first embodiment. Different from the management apparatus 140 of FIG.

Specifically, the control unit 141 inquires of a plurality of access points 121 in advance about the used channel regardless of the radar detection notification.
When the communication unit 143 receives a response to the inquiry from the access point 121, the control unit 141 stores the channel information stored in the storage unit 142 based on the channel used by the access point 121 included in the response. Update the “Used Access Point” column.

  Next, processing regarding the change of the channel used by the access point 121 at the time of radar detection by the radiographic imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17 and the radiographic image according to the present embodiment. The operation of the imaging system 100 will be described.

  In the following, a process related to changing the channel used by the access point 121 at the time of radar detection will be described by taking as an example a case where the access point 121c among the plurality of access points 121 detects the radar.

  First, the control unit 141 of the management apparatus 140 transmits a use channel inquiry from the communication unit 143 to each of the plurality of access points 121, that is, the access points 121a, 121b, and 121c (step S301).

When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the use channel inquiry transmitted in step S301, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121a acquires the use channel of the access point 121a from the storage unit 1212, and stores information including the use channel. The wired communication unit 1214 transmits the response to the use channel inquiry to the management device 140 (step S302).
Similarly, the access point 121b transmits an answer to the used channel inquiry transmitted in step S301 to the management apparatus 140 (step S302).
Similarly, the access point 121c transmits an answer to the used channel inquiry transmitted in step S301 to the management apparatus 140 (step S303).

  When the communication unit 143 receives the response transmitted in steps S302 and S303, the control unit 141 of the management apparatus 140 receives a column of “use access point” of the channel information stored in the storage unit 142 according to the response. Is updated (step S304).

  Next, when the radar in the channel used by the access point 121c is detected by the radar detection unit 1215 of the access point 121c, the control unit 1211 of the access point 121c activates the DFS function (step S101) and interrupts wireless communication. The processing in steps S101 to S108 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is the same as the processing in steps S101 to S108 in the first embodiment (see FIG. 15), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Then, when the communication unit 143 receives the response transmitted in step S108, the control unit 141 of the management device 140 refers to the channel information stored in the storage unit 142, is an empty channel, and is a non-interfering channel. Is selected (step S111), but the processing of steps S111 to S121 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is the same as the processing of steps S111 to S121 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 15). Description is omitted.

Here, in the present embodiment, the management device 140 is configured to update the empty channel information included in the channel information in advance, specifically the “use access point” column of the channel information, regardless of the radar detection notification. ing.
Therefore, the management device 140 does not need to perform processing for updating the empty channel information included in the channel information after receiving the radar detection notification and before transmitting the use channel change request.

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

  According to the radiographic imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment described above, the management apparatus 140 inquires of a plurality of access points 121 in advance for the use channel regardless of the radar detection notification, and receives the radar detection notification. Thereafter, referring to channel information including non-interference channel information updated in response to the radar detection notification and empty channel information updated in response to the inquiry, the channel is an empty channel and non- It is configured to select a channel that is an interference channel.

As a result, the management device 140 does not need to perform processing for updating the empty channel information included in the channel information after receiving the radar detection notification and before transmitting the use channel change request.
Therefore, it is possible to simplify the processing by the management apparatus 140 from when the radar detection notification is received to when the use channel change request is transmitted.

  In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the access destination 121 determines the change destination use channel, and the management device 140 determines the change destination use channel determined by the access point 121. When the management device 140 is not included in the selected channel, the use channel change request may be transmitted to the access point 121.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the radiation image capturing system according to the present invention will be described.
Note that the radiographic image capturing system 400 of the fourth embodiment is different from the radiographic image capturing system 100 of the first exemplary embodiment in that a channel is assigned to each access point 421 in advance. Therefore, below, only a different part from 1st Embodiment is demonstrated, and another common part attaches | subjects the same code | symbol and abbreviate | omits description.

[Radiation imaging system]
First, the radiographic image capturing system 400 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a radiographic image capturing system 400 according to the present embodiment.

  Specifically, the radiographic image capturing system 400 can wirelessly communicate with a plurality of radiographing rooms R1 (R1a to R1c), the radiographic image capturing device 1, and the radiographic image capturing device 1, for example, as shown in FIG. Yes, communication between the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and another apparatus such as an external apparatus such as a console 130 that performs predetermined image processing on image data of the radiographic image captured by the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is performed. A plurality of access points 421 (421a to 121c) to be relayed, a management device 440 including a database server for managing the plurality of access points 421, and the like are configured.

  Although illustration is omitted, as in the first embodiment, the radiographing room R1 provided in the radiographic imaging system 400 is provided with a repeater 120, a cradle 122, a converter 123, a wired connection unit 124, and the like. In the front room R2 provided adjacent to the photographing room R1, an operation device 113 and the like are installed.

[Management device]
Next, the management apparatus 440 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the management apparatus 440.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the management device 440 includes a control unit 441 that controls operations of each unit of the management device 440, a storage unit 442 including an HDD and the like, and another device such as the repeater 120. The computer includes a communication unit 443, a display unit 144, an input unit 145, and the like.

  The storage unit 442 functions as a storage unit that stores a plurality of types of assignment pattern information referred to when assigning channels to the access points 421 corresponding to the number of access points 421 that can be managed by the management apparatus 440.

  Specifically, the allocation pattern information storage area of the storage unit 442 stores, as allocation pattern information, for example, channels that can be used by the access point 421 as shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C and FIGS. 21A to 21C. A plurality of tables having a “channel” column and a “group” column for storing identification information of a group to which the corresponding channel belongs are stored.

The control unit 441 is configured to refer to the allocation pattern information and allocate, for example, a channel belonging to “Group A” to the access point 421 corresponding to “Group A” as described later. The same applies to other groups such as “Group B”.
As will be described later, the access point 421 is configured to determine a channel to be set as a use channel of the access point 421 among the channels assigned to the access point 421.

  In this embodiment, among the plurality of access points 421, the access point 421a is the access point 421 corresponding to "Group A", the access point 421b is the access point 421 corresponding to "Group B", and the access point 421c Will be described as an access point 421 corresponding to “group C”.

Here, the number of access points 421 that can be managed by the management apparatus 440 is “m / 2” at the maximum when the number of channels that can be used by the access point 421 is m (m = even number). When the number of channels 421 can use is n (n = odd number), the maximum number is “(n−1) / 2”.
Therefore, as in this embodiment, when the number of channels that can be used by the access point is “15 (=“ 4 W53 ”+“ 11 W56 ”)”, the management apparatus 440 can manage the channel. The maximum number of access points 421 is seven.

  Therefore, in the storage unit 442 of the present embodiment, six types of allocation pattern information, that is, the allocation pattern information of the first pattern corresponding to the number “2” of the access points 421 illustrated in FIG. 20A and the allocation pattern information illustrated in FIG. Assignment pattern information of the second pattern corresponding to the number “3” of access points 421, assignment pattern information of the third pattern corresponding to the number “4” of access points 421 shown in FIG. 20C, and FIG. 21A Assignment pattern information of the fourth pattern corresponding to the number “5” of access points 421, assignment pattern information of the fifth pattern corresponding to the number “6” of access points 421 shown in FIG. 21B, and FIG. 21C 6th pattern allocation pattern information corresponding to the number of access points 421 “7” There has been stored.

  Each allocation pattern information includes a condition that the same channel is not allocated to two or more access points 421, a condition that a plurality of channels are allocated to each access point 421, and a case where the channels are arranged in the order of the center frequency. Channels adjacent to each other are created in advance according to predetermined allocation conditions including the condition that channels that are adjacent to each other are not allocated to the same access point 421, and are stored in the storage unit 442.

  Since this assignment condition includes a condition that the same channel is not assigned to two or more access points 421, the access point 421 uses a channel that is not used by another access point 421 as a use channel. Can be set.

  In addition, since the assignment condition includes a condition of assigning a plurality of channels to each access point 421, the access point 421 changes the use channel when detecting the radar in the use channel. A channel that can avoid the detected interference with the radar can be set as a use channel. Since the same channel is not assigned to two or more access points 421, a channel that is not used by another access point 421 can be set as a used channel even after the change.

  In addition, since the allocation condition includes a condition that, when the channels are arranged in the order of the center frequency, adjacent channels are not allocated to the same access point 421, the access point 421 detects the channel. Even when the channels that can interfere with the radar extend over two adjacent channels, a channel that does not interfere with the radar can be set as a use channel.

  Specifically, for example, according to the allocation pattern information of the first pattern shown in FIG. 20A, each channel is divided into two groups “group A” and “group B” in order from the channel with the lowest center frequency. Since “A” → “Group B” → “Group A” → “Group B” → “Group A” →..., The channels are assigned in the order of the center frequency and are assigned to “Group A”. A channel is cyclically allocated to each of the two access points 421 of the corresponding access point 421a and the access point 421b corresponding to “Group B”.

For example, according to the allocation pattern information of the second pattern shown in FIG. 20B, each channel is divided into three groups “group A”, “group B”, and “group C” in order from the channel with the lowest center frequency. Since “Group A” → “Group B” → “Group C” → “Group A” → “Group B” → “Group C” → “Group A” →... The access point 421a corresponding to “Group A”, the access point 421b corresponding to “Group B”, and the access point 421c corresponding to “Group C” are assigned to each of the three access points 421. It will be assigned cyclically.
Similarly, in other allocation pattern information, channels are allocated in the order of the center frequency, and channels are allocated cyclically to each of the plurality of access points 421.

  The allocation pattern information includes a condition that the same channel is not allocated to two or more access points 421, a condition that a plurality of channels are allocated to each access point 421, and a case where the channels are arranged in the order of the center frequency. 20A to 20C and 21A to 21C, the information is created in advance according to a predetermined allocation condition including a condition that channels adjacent to each other are not allocated to the same access point 421. There is no limit and it is arbitrary.

  In addition, particularly when the channel that can interfere with the radar detected by the access point 421 does not extend to two adjacent channels, the assignment condition does not assign the same channel to at least two or more access points 421. And the condition of assigning a plurality of channels to each access point 421.

In addition, the control unit 441 updates the number of access points 421 managed by the management device 440 according to an instruction from the input unit 145 operated by the operator, or notifies from other devices via the communication unit 443. Accordingly, when the number of access points 421 managed by the management apparatus 440 is updated, the allocation pattern information of the type corresponding to the updated number is acquired from the storage unit 442.
Specifically, for example, when the number of access points 421 managed by the management apparatus 440 is updated to “3”, the control unit 441 displays the allocation pattern information of the second pattern corresponding to the “3”. Obtained from the storage unit 442.

  In other words, when the number of access points 421 managed by the management apparatus 440 is updated, the control unit 441 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the type of allocation pattern information corresponding to the updated number from the storage unit 442. .

  Then, the control unit 441 refers to the acquired allocation pattern information, and transmits the allocation channel allocated to the access point 421 to the access point 421 from the communication unit 443 to the repeater 120, and passes through the repeater 120. Notice.

  Specifically, for example, when acquiring the allocation pattern information of the second pattern shown in FIG. 20B, the control unit 441 uses the channel “as an allocation channel to be allocated to the access point 421 (access point 421a) corresponding to“ group A ”. 52CH ”,“ 64CH ”,“ 108CH ”,“ 120CH ”, and“ 132CH ”are notified to the access point 421, and the channel is assigned to the access point 421 (access point 421b) corresponding to“ group B ”. “56CH”, “100CH”, “112CH”, “124CH” and “136CH” are notified to the access point 421 and assigned to the access point 421 (access point 421c) corresponding to “group C”. Channel "60CH" as a bright assignment channel, "104CH" notifies "116CH", the "128CH" and "140CH" to the access point 421.

  That is, the control unit 441 and the communication unit 443 function as a notification unit that notifies the access point 421 of a channel to be allocated to the access point 421 with reference to the allocation pattern information.

[access point]
Next, the access point 421 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the access point 421.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the access point 421 is used by the control unit 4211 that controls the operation of each part of the access point 421, the identification information for identifying the access point 421, and the access point 421. A wireless LAN configured to include a storage unit 4212 for storing a used channel, an assigned channel assigned to the access point 421, a wireless communication unit 1213, a wired communication unit 1214, a radar detection unit 1215, and the like. It is a base station.

When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the assigned channel notified from the management device 440, the control unit 4211 stores the received assigned channel in the storage unit 4212. In addition, when the allocation channel is already stored in the storage unit 4212, the control unit 4211 overwrites the received allocation channel on the storage unit 4212 and updates the allocation channel stored in the storage unit 4212.
Next, the control unit 4211 sets one of the allocated channels stored in the storage unit 4212 as a use channel of the access point 421.

  Specifically, for example, when channels “52CH”, “64CH”, “108CH”, “120CH”, and “132CH” are notified from the management device 440 as assigned channels, the control unit 4211 of the access point 421 uses One of “52CH”, “64CH”, “108CH”, “120CH”, and “132CH” is set as the channel.

Then, when the radar is detected by the radar detection unit 1215, the control unit 4211 activates the DFS function, stops transmission of radio waves from the wireless communication unit 1213 for a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), and Stop wireless communication.
Next, in order to avoid interference with the radar detected by the radar detection unit 1215, the control unit 4211 sets the channel set as the use channel of the access point 421 to the assigned channel stored in the storage unit 4212. Change in.

  Specifically, for example, when the channels “52CH”, “64CH”, “108CH”, “120CH”, and “132CH” are notified from the management device 440 as the assigned channels, and the radar in the used channel “52CH” is detected. The control unit 4211 of the access point 421 changes the used channel to any one of “64CH”, “108CH”, “120CH”, and “132CH”.

  That is, the control unit 4211 functions as a setting unit that sets any one of the channels notified by the management device 440 as a channel used by the access point 421.

  Next, the process related to the notification of the allocated channel to the access point 421 and the process related to the change of the channel used by the access point 421 at the time of radar detection by the radiographic imaging system 400 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operation of the radiation image capturing system 400 according to the embodiment will be described.

First, processing related to notification of an assigned channel to the access point 421 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In the following, the existing access points 421 that have already been managed by the management apparatus 440 are the access points 421a and 421b, and the new access point 421 that is newly managed by the management apparatus 440 is the access point 421c. As an example, the processing will be described.

  First, when the number of access points 421 managed by the management apparatus 440 is updated (step S401), the control unit 441 of the management apparatus 440 stores the type of allocation pattern information corresponding to the updated number from the storage unit 442. Obtaining (step S402), referring to the allocation pattern information, notifies the allocation channel allocated to each access point 421 to each access point 421 managed by the management apparatus 440 (step S403).

When the wired communication unit 1214 receives the assigned channel for the access point 421c notified in step S403, the control unit 4211 of the access point 421c, which is a new access point 421, stores the received assigned channel in the storage unit 4212. (Step S404), any one of the received assigned channels is set as a use channel of the access point 421c (Step S405), and this process is terminated.
Thereby, a channel that is not used by another access point 421 is set as a use channel of the access point 421c.

Further, when the wired communication unit 1214 receives the assigned channel for the access point 421a notified in step S403, the control unit 4211 of the access point 421a that is the existing access point 421 stores the received assigned channel in the storage unit 4212. The assigned channel that has been assigned is updated (step S406), and any of the received assigned channels is set (changed) as the channel used by the access point 421a (step S407), and this process ends.
Similarly, in the access point 421b which is the existing access point 421, the allocated channel is updated (step S406), and the use channel is set (changed) (step S407).
As a result, channels that are not used by other access points 421 are set as channels used by the access points 421a and 421b.

  Next, processing related to changing the channel used by the access point 421 at the time of radar detection will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the control unit 4211 of the access point 421 determines whether or not the radar detection unit 1215 has detected a radar in the channel used by the access point 421 (step S411).

  When it is determined in step S411 that no radar is detected (step S411; No), the control unit 4211 repeats the process of step S411.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S411 that a radar has been detected (step S411; Yes), the control unit 4211 activates the DFS function, interrupts wireless communication, and starts measuring the DFS time (step S412). .

Next, when the DFS time reaches 60 seconds and the measurement of the DFS time is completed (step S413), the control unit 4211 uses the channel of the access point 421 in order to avoid interference with the radar detected in step S411. The channel set as is changed in the allocated channels stored in the storage unit 4212 (step S414), and the process proceeds to step S411.
As a result, a channel that is not used by another access point 421 and that does not interfere with the detected radar is set as a use channel of the access point 421.

  Here, as described above, in a frequency band (5 GHz band) used in IEEE802.11a, when a predetermined frequency (channel) such as W53 or W56 is used, the frequency is shared with radars such as weather radar and aviation radar. It will be. Therefore, when the access point detects these radars in the currently used channel, it is required by law to discontinue wireless communication and implement a DFS function for changing the used channel.

  When one access point changes the channel used by this DFS function, in a conventional wireless LAN system such as a radiographic imaging system, the one access point is changed because the channel used by another access point is unknown. As the previous use channel, the same channel as the use channel of another access point may be selected. Therefore, wireless communication between the one access point and a terminal such as a radiographic imaging apparatus and radio communication between another access point and a terminal such as a radiographic imaging apparatus interfere with each other. In some cases, the speed of the wireless communication is reduced.

  In particular, as in the radiographic imaging system of the present embodiment, the wireless LAN system assumes radiographic imaging performed in a facility such as a hospital or a clinic, and there are a plurality of imaging rooms, and an access point is provided for each imaging room. In a system in which the camera is installed, the radiographing rooms are often close to each other, so that radio communication interference is likely to occur between the radiographing rooms. For this reason, there has been a problem that the speed reduction of the wireless communication between the access point and the radiographic imaging apparatus appears remarkably.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the management device 440 does not assign the same channel to two or more access points, and a predetermined assignment condition including a condition that a plurality of channels are assigned to each access point. A channel is allocated to each access point 421 based on the allocation pattern information created in advance according to the above, and the access point 421 is configured to change the channel to be used among the allocated channels.

  Therefore, the access point 421 that has detected the radar can change another access point only by changing the use channel among the channels assigned by the management apparatus 440 even if the use channel of the other access point 421 is unknown. A channel that is not used by 421 and that does not interfere with the detected radar can be set as a used channel.

Further, in the present embodiment, only when the number of access points 421 managed by the management device 440 is updated and the allocated channel is notified to each access point 421, the management device 440 is not connected between the access point 421. Communication takes place.
Therefore, the management apparatus 440 included in the radiographic image capturing system 400 according to the present embodiment does not need to transmit a use channel change request, a use channel inquiry, or the like to the access point 421, and thus simplifies processing by the management apparatus 440. can do.

  According to the radiographic imaging system 400 according to the present embodiment described above, the management apparatus 440 allocates a plurality of channels to each access point 421 and the condition that the same channel is not allocated to two or more access points 421. And an allocation channel to be allocated to the access point 421 is notified to the access point 421 by referring to allocation pattern information created in advance according to a predetermined allocation condition including When the access point 421 detects the radar, the assigned channel notified by the management device 440 indicates the channel set as the use channel of the access point 421 in order to avoid interference with the detected radar. Is configured to change within.

As a result, the access point 421 that has detected the radar can change the other access points only by changing the use channel among the assigned channels assigned from the management apparatus 440 even if the use channel of the other access point 421 is unknown. A channel that is not used by the point 421 and that does not interfere with the radar can be set as a used channel.
Therefore, the wireless communication between the access point 421 whose channel has been changed and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the wireless communication between the other access point 421 and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 interfere with each other. Even if the radiographing rooms R1 are close to each other, wireless communication interference does not occur between the radiographing rooms R1. Therefore, the radio communication between the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 and the access point 421 can be prevented. Speed reduction can be suppressed.

In addition, according to the present embodiment, the predetermined allocation condition further includes a condition that adjacent channels are not allocated to the same access point when the channels are arranged in the order of the center frequency.
Therefore, even when a channel that can interfere with the detected radar extends over two adjacent channels, a channel that does not interfere with the radar can be set as a use channel.

Further, according to the present embodiment, there are a plurality of types of allocation pattern information corresponding to the number of access points 421 that can be managed by the management apparatus 440, and the management apparatus 440 manages the access points 421 managed by the management apparatus 440. When the number is updated, the access point 421 is notified of the channel to be allocated to the access point 421 with reference to the allocation pattern information of the type corresponding to the updated number.
Therefore, even if the number of access points 421 managed by the management device 440 varies, a channel that is not used by other access points 421 and that does not interfere with the radar is used as a channel used by each access point 421. Can be set.

  Moreover, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be changed as appropriate.

  The access points 121, 421, etc. are configured to be connected to the network N via the repeater 120. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the access points 121, 421, etc. are directly connected to the network N. It may be configured.

  In addition, the console 130 and the management devices 140 and 440 are provided separately. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by adding the functions of the management devices 140 and 440 to the console 130, The access points 121 and 421 may be managed. In this case, as in the above-described embodiment, when one radiographic imaging system 100, 400 includes a plurality of consoles 130, the management device 140 is connected to any one of the plurality of consoles 130. , 440 may be added and the access points 121 and 421 may be managed by any one of the consoles 130.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, when the channels that can interfere with the detected radar are over a plurality of channels, and there are a plurality of access points 121 that use any one of the plurality of channels as a use channel, After a radar detection notification is received from any one of the plurality of access points 121, there is an access point 121 that does not transmit a radar detection notification among the plurality of access points 121 even after a certain time has elapsed. For example, the management apparatus 140 may be configured to transmit a channel change request to the access point 121 that has not transmitted the radar detection notification.
Specifically, for example, the use channel of the access point 121 (for example, the access point 121a) managed by the management apparatus 140 is “52CH” and the use channel of the access point 121 (for example, the access point 121b) is “54CH”. , And the channels that can interfere with the predetermined radar are “52CH” and “54CH”, the radar from the access point 121b is received even after a certain time has elapsed after receiving the radar detection notification from the access point 121a. When the detection notification cannot be received, the management apparatus 140 may be configured to transmit a channel change request not only to the access point 121a that has transmitted the radar detection notification but also to the access point 121b.

  It can be used in the field of radiographic imaging (especially in the medical field).

1 Radiation imaging apparatus 100,400 Radiation imaging system 130 Console (external device)
121, 421 Access point 140, 440 Management device 141, 441 Control unit (update means, selection means, request means, inquiry means, second update means, determination means, notification means, acquisition means)
142,442 Storage section (storage means)
143,443 communication unit (request means, inquiry means, notification means)
1211 Control unit (notification means, change means, answer means, second change means, transmission means)
1214 Wired communication unit (notification means, response means, transmission means)
1215 Radar detection unit (detection means)
4211 Control unit (setting means)
R1 shooting room

Claims (5)

Multiple imaging rooms for radiographic imaging,
A radiographic imaging apparatus that performs radiographic imaging in the imaging room;
A plurality of access points capable of wireless communication with the radiographic imaging device and relaying communication between the radiographic imaging device and an external device;
A management device for managing the plurality of access points;
With
The access point is
Installed in each of the plurality of shooting rooms,
Detection means for detecting radar in the channel used by the access point;
A notification means for transmitting a radar detection notification to the management device when a radar is detected by the detection means;
A change means for changing a use channel of the access point in response to the use channel change request when a use channel change request is received from the management device;
With
The management device
Storage means for storing channel information including empty channel information relating to empty channels that are not used by any of the plurality of access points, and non-interfering channel information relating to non-interfering channels that do not interfere with radar detected by the detecting means When,
Updating means for updating the non-interference channel information included in the channel information in response to the radar detection notification;
Selection means for selecting a channel that is the empty channel and the non-interfering channel with reference to channel information including the non-interfering channel information updated by the updating means;
Request means for transmitting the use channel change request for changing the use channel of the access point that has transmitted the radar detection notification to the channel selected by the selection means, to the access point;
A radiographic imaging system comprising: The management device
Inquiry means for inquiring of the access channel to the access point;
A second update unit that updates the empty channel information included in the channel information in response to the response to the inquiry from the access point;
With
The access point is
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising answering means for notifying a use channel of the access point as the answer. The inquiry means, in response to the radar detection notification, inquires of the access channel other than the access point that has transmitted the radar detection notification among the plurality of access points,
The selecting means refers to channel information including the non-interference channel information updated by the updating means and the empty channel information updated by the second updating means, and the selecting means is the empty channel and the non-interactive channel information. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 2, wherein a channel that is an interference channel is selected. The inquiry means inquires of the access channel to the plurality of access points in advance regardless of the radar detection notification,
The selecting means refers to channel information including the non-interference channel information updated by the updating means and the empty channel information updated by the second updating means, and the selecting means is the empty channel and the non-interactive channel information. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 2, wherein a channel that is an interference channel is selected. The access point is
A second changing means for changing a channel used by the access point in order to avoid interference with the radar when a radar is detected by the detecting means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the changed use channel changed by the second changing means to the management device;
The management means includes
A determination unit that determines whether the changed use channel transmitted by the transmission unit is included in the channel selected by the selection unit;
The requesting means transmits the use channel change request when the judging means judges that the changed use channel is not included in the selected channel. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

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