JP2007333384A - Radiographic image detector and radiographic image photographing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiographic image detector and a radiographic image photographing system which, when photographing using a radiographic image detector requiring battery charging or replacing, can reduce deterioration in members and an increase in power consumption by bringing the radiographic image detector to an optimum operating condition after battery charging or replacing. <P>SOLUTION: The radiographic image detector 5 for obtaining radiographic image information by detecting irradiated radiation comprises a rechargeable or replaceable rechargeable battery 21 which has a plurality of operating conditions and supplies electric power to various parts, a control section 27 for controlling the electric power supply from the rechargeable battery 21, and an input operation section 26 for selectively setting an operating condition. The control section 27 controls the electric power supply from the rechargeable battery 21 so that the operating condition selected by the input operation section 26 is achieved when the charging or replacing of the rechargeable battery 21 is completed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic image detector and a radiographic imaging system, and more particularly, a radiographic image detector that can be used repeatedly by charging or replacing a battery, and a radiographic imaging system to which such a radiographic image detector is applied. It is about.

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

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

In such a cassette-type radiographic image detector, it is necessary to provide a power source for driving the radiographic image detector, and a configuration including a built-in battery, a removable battery, and the like is conceivable. In fact, there is known a battery that includes a detachable battery as a power source, and that can be used repeatedly by replacing the battery with a new one as appropriate (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-181942 A

  However, for example, if it becomes necessary to charge or replace the battery during continuous shooting, it is possible to shift to the next shooting as soon as the battery is fully charged or replaced. It is desirable from the viewpoint of photographing efficiency and the like. However, for example, photodiodes and thin film transistors (hereinafter referred to as “TFTs”) that constitute the radiation image detector are not stabilized immediately after the power supply is stopped, and are not stabilized immediately after the power supply is restarted. There is a problem that it takes time to start up to a possible state.

  On the other hand, if the state in which power is always supplied to all parts of the radiation image detector is maintained, the power consumption increases, and particularly in the radiation image detector that is driven by an internal battery without supplying power from an external power source, There is also a problem that it can be driven only for a short period of time and the work efficiency is lowered.

  Furthermore, some members constituting the radiation image detector deteriorate with time in a state where electric power is supplied, such as a photodiode or a TFT. Therefore, for example, if the power supply state is maintained with respect to such a member when photographing is not performed for a long period of time, there is a problem that the life of the radiation image detector is shortened due to deterioration of these members. is there.

  Also, charging and replacement of the battery is often performed at night when shooting is not performed.In such a case, the power supplied to each part of the radiation image detector is stopped, or the power consumption is reduced as much as possible. It is preferable to keep the operating state low.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and when performing imaging using a radiation image detector that needs to be charged or replaced, after charging or replacing the battery. It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiographic image detector and a radiographic image capturing system that can suppress deterioration of members and increase in power consumption by setting the radiographic image detector to an optimal operation state.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a radiological image detector that detects radiation and obtains radiographic image information.
Has multiple operating states,
A power supply source having a rechargeable or replaceable battery and supplying power to a plurality of driving units;
Selection setting means for selectively setting the operation state;
And a control unit that controls operating states of the plurality of driving units so as to be in an operation state selected by the selection setting unit when charging or replacement of the battery is completed.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the charging or replacement of the battery serving as the power supply source is completed, the control unit drives each drive so that the radiation image detector enters the operation state set by the selection setting unit. The operation state of the unit is controlled.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image detector according to the first aspect, the operation state includes a photographing ready state, a photographing standby state in which power consumption is less than the photographing capable state, and all the driving units. It is one of the imaging | photography pause states which stopped the electric power supply with respect to.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, as the operation state of the radiation image detector, the radiographable state, the radiographing standby state with less power consumption than the radiographable state, and radiographing in which the power supply to all the drive units is stopped And a dormant state.

The invention according to claim 3 is the radiological image detector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the radiographing standby state has a plurality of modes with different power consumption as the imaging standby state,
The control unit may change an operating state of each driving unit for each mode.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, there are a plurality of modes with different power consumption amounts as the imaging standby state, and the control unit emits radiation from the power supply source so that power corresponding to each mode is supplied from the power supply unit. The power supply to each part of the image detector is controlled.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image detector according to any one of the first to third aspects, the selection setting unit includes a basic state setting unit or the battery that presets the operation state. This is a post-condition setting means for setting an operation state after completion of charging or replacement.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, as the selection setting means, at least one of a basic state setting means for presetting the operating state and a post-condition setting means for setting the operating state after completion of charging or replacement of the battery Thus, the state of the radiation image detector or the state after completion of charging and replacement can be set by these selection setting means.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image detector according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the posterior state setting means includes the photographing state, the photographing, as the operation state. Any one of a standby state and the photographing pause state can be selected and set.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, the operation state of the radiation image detector can be selected and set by the posterior state setting means so as to be any one of the imaging enabled state, the imaging standby state, and the imaging suspension state. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image detector according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit performs the plurality of operations while charging or replacing the battery. The operating state of each of the drive units is changed so that the shooting standby mode with the least power consumption among the shooting standby modes is achieved.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, while the battery is being charged or replaced, the control unit changes the operating state of each driving unit so as to be in the shooting standby mode with the least power consumption. It has become.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the radiological image detector according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the control unit pauses the imaging while charging or replacing the battery. The operation state of each of the drive units is controlled so as to be in a state.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the control unit controls the operating state of each driving unit so as to be in a shooting pause state while the battery is being charged or replaced.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the radiation image detector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the irradiated radiation is detected, the radiation is converted into an electrical signal and accumulated, It is a cassette type flat panel detector that reads out stored electrical signals and acquires radiation image information.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, a cassette-type flat panel detector (FPD) is used as the radiation image detector.

The invention according to claim 9 is the radiation image detector according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A console having communication means capable of communicating with the radiation image detector;
Selection setting means for selecting and setting the operating state of the radiation image detector,
The control unit controls the power supply source so as to be in an operation state selected by the selection setting unit when charging or replacement of the battery is completed.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the operation state when the charging or replacement of the battery of the radiation image detector having a plurality of operation states is completed is arbitrarily selected and set by the selection setting means.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic imaging system according to the ninth aspect, the selection setting unit is installed in the console.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the operation state when the battery charging or replacement of the radiation image detector having a plurality of operation states is completed is selected and set by the selection setting means of the console.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic image capturing system according to the ninth or tenth aspect, the radiographic image detector communicates with the console, the remaining battery level, It is characterized by comprising communication means capable of transmitting at least one of the completion of charging or replacement of the battery and the operating state of the radiation image detector to the console.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the radiological image detector communicates with the console through the communication means, the remaining battery level, the completion of charging or replacement of the battery, and the operating status of the radiographic image detector. At least one of them is sent to the console.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the radiographic image capturing system according to the eleventh aspect, the console transmits the battery remaining state, completion of charging or replacement of the battery, and the radiation transmitted from the communication unit. A display unit capable of displaying at least one of the operation states of the image detector is provided.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, at least one of the remaining battery level, the completion of charging or replacement of the battery, and the operating state of the radiographic image detector transmitted from the communication unit of the radiographic image detector. Is displayed on the display unit.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the charging or replacement of the battery is completed, the operation state set by the selection setting unit is set. The image detector can be brought into a desired operation state in accordance with the frequency of photographing, the time during which charging is performed, and the like. For this reason, there is an effect that it is possible to perform efficient photographing work while suppressing wasteful power consumption and preventing deterioration of a member such as a photodiode or a TFT.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operation state of the radiation image detector includes an imaging standby state and an imaging pause state in addition to the imaging enabled state. For this reason, after completing the charging or replacement of the battery, the radiological image detector can be put in the most suitable state according to the usage status, etc., and efficient photographing work can be performed while suppressing wasteful power consumption. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, the photographing standby state has a plurality of modes. For this reason, after completing the charging or replacement of the battery, the radiological image detector can be put in the most suitable state according to the usage status, etc., and efficient photographing work can be performed while suppressing wasteful power consumption. There is an effect that can be.

  In particular, photodiodes, TFTs, and the like take time to be stabilized again in a state suitable for photographing once power supply is stopped. On the other hand, these have the property of deteriorating over time when power is supplied. Therefore, it is preferable not to stop the power supply to the photodiode or TFT in a shooting environment where shooting is continuously performed with a short break, etc. When it is an environment, it is preferable to stop the power supply to these. Further, it is preferable to suppress power consumption by stopping power supply as much as possible for a member that consumes particularly high power, such as a signal readout circuit. Therefore, it is possible to perform more efficient photographing work by switching the supply of electric power according to the property of each member.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operation state after charging and replacement of the battery of the radiographic image detector can be arbitrarily set in advance by the basic state setting means, so that the optimum operation state according to conditions such as imaging frequency Can be set to be in an operating state after the completion of charging or the like. In addition, it is possible to set the operation state of the radiation image detector after completion of charging or the like by the post-condition setting means, for example, whether the battery charging or replacement completion time is daytime The operation state can be arbitrarily set according to the time condition such as whether it is nighttime or the like. For this reason, the radiation image detector can be put into the most suitable operating state according to the frequency and time conditions of the imaging, and an efficient imaging operation can be performed while reducing wasteful power consumption. There is an effect.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since it is highly possible to shift to the shooting operation after the charging or replacement of the battery is completed, it is possible to set either the shooting enabled state or the shooting standby state. There is an effect that an efficient shooting operation can be performed. In addition, since it is possible to set in advance whether to perform imaging immediately or to stand by with low power consumption for the time being, after the battery has been charged or replaced, the radiological image detector is set to the frequency of the imaging. It is possible to keep the most suitable operating state according to time conditions such as whether it is daytime or nighttime, and wasteful power consumption can be suppressed.

  The radiation image detector incorporates a member that consumes much power, such as a signal readout circuit. In addition, when the power supply state such as a photodiode or TFT is maintained, it deteriorates with time. According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to minimize the amount of power consumption during a period in which photographing is not performed during charging or replacement of the battery, and power supply to the photodiode and the TFT can be performed. Since the operation is stopped, it is possible to reduce power consumption and prevent deterioration of photodiodes, TFTs, and the like.

  In addition, when the power supply is completely stopped, a signal from an external device cannot be received, and when imaging is started again, a radiographer or other operator who performs imaging performs a radiation image detector. However, if the power consumption is set to a mode that minimizes power consumption, the power supply to the power consuming components such as signal readout circuits, photodiodes, TFTs, etc. The communication unit is in a state where power is supplied. For this reason, it is also possible to receive a signal from an external device while charging or replacing the battery, and immediately switch to the next shooting after charging or replacing the battery, reducing work efficiency. There is no.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the imaging is suspended during the period when the imaging is not performed, that is, while the battery is being charged or replaced, the power consumption of the radiation image detector is suppressed. In addition, there is an effect that it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the photodiode, the TFT and the like.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the radiation image detector is a cassette type FPD, it can be easily carried regardless of the photographing location, and the degree of freedom of photographing is improved. Even when such a radiographic image detector is used for imaging, it is useless because the radiographic image detector is placed in an imaging state or an imaging standby state in accordance with the usage state after the battery is charged or replaced. There is an effect that it is possible to perform efficient photographing work while suppressing power consumption.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when radiographic imaging is performed using a radiographic image detector that can be repeatedly used by charging or exchanging the battery, the charging or exchanging of the battery is completed. The operation setting state can be set by the selection setting means. For this reason, it is possible to arbitrarily set the operation state of the radiation image detector, and there is an effect that it is possible to perform efficient imaging work while suppressing wasteful power consumption.

  According to the invention described in claim 10, when radiographic imaging is performed using a radiographic image detector that can be used repeatedly by charging or replacing the battery, the charging or replacement of the battery is completed. The operating state can be arbitrarily set from the console. For this reason, the operator can easily perform an efficient photographing operation while suppressing unnecessary power consumption by operating the console.

  According to the invention described in claim 11, since the remaining battery level of the radiation image detector, the completion of charging or replacement of the battery, and the operation state of the radiation image detector are transmitted to the console, Information about the state of the radiation image detector can be collected and grasped at the console. For this reason, there exists an effect that it is convenient when managing a radiographic image detector collectively by a console.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the battery remaining state of the radiation image detector, the completion of charging or replacement of the battery, and the operation state of the radiation image detector can be displayed on the display unit. However, the information regarding the state of the radiation image detector can be easily confirmed on the console, which is advantageous when the radiation image detector is collectively managed by the console.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of a radiographic imaging system to which a radiographic image detector according to the present invention is applied.

  The radiographic image capturing system 1 according to the present embodiment is a system that is applied in, for example, radiographic image capturing performed in a hospital. As shown in FIG. The radiographing operation device 3 that performs operations related to radiographic imaging, the base station 4 for performing communication by a wireless communication system such as a wireless local area network (LAN), and the radiographic image detector 5 and radiographic image detection A console 6 that performs image processing and the like of the radiation image detected by the device 5 is connected through a network 7. A radiographic image capturing apparatus 10 is connected to the imaging operation apparatus 3 via a cable 8 to irradiate a patient as the subject 9 with radiation and capture a radiographic image. The radiographic image capturing apparatus 10 and the radiographic image detector 5 are installed, for example, in one radiographing room 11 one by one. The radiographic image capturing apparatus 10 is operated by the radiographing operation apparatus 3 and the radiographic image detector 5 performs radiographic image detection. Radiation image information can be obtained by detecting. A plurality of radiation image detectors 5 may be provided in one imaging room 11.

  Here, the network 7 may be a dedicated communication line for the system, but is an existing line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) for reasons such as a low degree of freedom in the system configuration. Is preferred. In addition to what was illustrated here, the network 7 may be connected to a plurality of imaging operation devices 3, radiographic image detectors 5, and consoles 6 that operate the radiographic imaging devices 10 in other imaging rooms 11.

  First, the imaging operation device 3 is configured by an operation panel or the like, and operates the radiographic imaging device 10, for example, an input operation unit for inputting signals such as imaging conditions, a display for displaying information such as imaging conditions, various instructions, and the like. And a power supply unit for supplying power to the radiation image capturing apparatus 10 (none of which are shown).

  The radiographic imaging device 10 is disposed inside a radiographing room 11 and has a radiation source 12, and radiation is generated when a tube voltage is applied to the radiation source 12. As the radiation source 12, for example, a radiation tube is used, and the radiation tube generates radiation by accelerating electrons generated by thermal excitation with a high voltage to collide with the cathode.

  Next, the radiation image detector 5 detects the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 12 of the radiation image capturing apparatus 10 and transmitted through the subject 9, and acquires a radiation image. It arrange | positions in the irradiation range of the radiation irradiated from. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiation image detector 5 is arranged between the subject 9 and the bed 13 on which the subject 9 is placed. For example, a detector mounting port (not shown) for mounting the radiation image detector 5 may be provided below the bed, and the radiation image detector 5 may be mounted on the detector mounting port. .

  The radiation image detector 5 is a flat panel type radiation image detector 5. Hereinafter, the structure of the radiation image detector 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation image detector 5 includes a casing 14 that protects the inside, and is configured to be portable as a cassette.

  An imaging panel 15 that converts irradiated radiation into an electrical signal is formed in layers inside the housing 14. A light emitting layer (not shown) that emits light according to the intensity of incident radiation is provided on the radiation irradiation side of the imaging panel 15.

  The light emitting layer is generally called a scintillator layer. For example, a phosphor is a main component, and based on incident radiation, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 300 nm to 800 nm, that is, visible light to ultraviolet light to infrared light. It is designed to output electromagnetic waves (light).

The phosphor used in the light emitting layer is, for example, a material having CaWO ₄ or the like as a base, or a luminescent center substance activated in a base such as CsI: Tl, Gd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, or ZnS: Ag. Things can be used. Further, when the rare earth element is M, a phosphor represented by a general formula of (Gd, M, Eu) ₂ O ₃ can be used. In particular, CsI: Tl and Gd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb are preferable because of high radiation absorption and luminous efficiency, and by using these, a high-quality image with low noise can be obtained.

  The electromagnetic wave (light) output from the light emitting layer is converted into electric energy and accumulated on the surface opposite to the surface on which the radiation of the light emitting layer is irradiated, and an image signal based on the accumulated electric energy is stored. A signal detection unit 151 that performs output is formed.

  Here, the circuit configuration of the imaging panel 15 will be described. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the photoelectric conversion unit for one pixel constituting the signal detection unit 151.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration of the photoelectric conversion unit for one pixel is a photodiode 152 and a thin film transistor (hereinafter referred to as “TFT”) 153 that extracts electrical energy accumulated in the photodiode 152 as an electrical signal by switching. It consists of and. The extracted electrical signal is amplified by an amplifier 154 to a level that can be detected by the signal readout circuit 17. The amplifier 154 is connected to a reset circuit (not shown) composed of a TFT 153 and a capacitor, and a reset operation for resetting the accumulated electrical signal is performed by switching on the TFT 153. The photodiode 152 may simply be a photodiode having a regulation capacitance, or may include an additional capacitor in parallel so as to improve the dynamic range of the photodiode 152 and the photoelectric conversion unit.

  FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit diagram in which such photoelectric conversion units are two-dimensionally arranged. Between the pixels, the scanning lines Ll and the signal lines Lr are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other. A TFT 153 is connected to the photodiode 152 described above, and one end of the photodiode 152 on the side to which the TFT 153 is connected is connected to the signal line Lr. On the other hand, the other end of the photodiode 152 is connected to one end of an adjacent photodiode 152 arranged in each row, and is connected to a bias power source 155 through a common bias line Lb. One end of the bias power source 155 is connected to the control unit 27, and a voltage is applied to the photodiode 152 through the bias line Lb according to an instruction from the control unit 27. The TFTs 153 arranged in each row are connected to a common scanning line Ll, and the scanning line Ll is connected to the control unit 27 via the scanning drive circuit 16. Similarly, the photodiodes 152 arranged in each column are connected to a signal readout circuit 17 that is connected to a common signal line Lr and controlled by the control unit 27. In the signal readout circuit 17, an amplifier 154, a sample hold circuit 156, an analog multiplexer 157, and an A / D converter 158 are arranged on a common signal line Lr in order from the imaging panel 23.

  Note that the TFT 153 may be either an inorganic semiconductor type used in a liquid crystal display or the like, or an organic semiconductor type.

  Moreover, although the case where the photodiode 152 as a photoelectric conversion element was used was illustrated in the present embodiment, a solid-state imaging element other than the photodiode may be used as the photoelectric conversion element.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the side of the signal detection unit 151 sends a pulse to each photoelectric conversion element to scan and drive each photoelectric conversion element, and the photoelectric conversion element is stored in each photoelectric conversion element. A signal readout circuit 17 for reading out electrical energy is arranged.

  The radiation image detector 5 includes an image storage unit 18 including a rewritable read-only memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a flash memory. The image storage unit 18 is output from the imaging panel 15. The stored image signal is stored. The image storage unit 18 may be a built-in memory or a removable memory such as a memory card.

  Further, the radiation image detector 5 includes a plurality of drive units (for example, a scanning drive circuit 16, a signal readout circuit 17, a communication unit 24 (described later), an image storage unit 18, and a charge amount detection that constitute the radiation image detector 5. A rechargeable battery 21 is provided as a power supply source for supplying power to a unit (not shown), an indicator 25 (described later), an input operation unit 26 (described later), the imaging panel 15 and the like.

  As the rechargeable battery 21, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, a small sealed lead battery, a lead storage battery, a fuel battery, or a solar battery can be applied.

  A terminal 22 for charging is formed at one end of the housing 14. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiation image detector 5 is attached to a charging device 23 such as a cradle connected to an external power source. Thus, a terminal (not shown) on the charging device 23 side and a terminal 22 on the housing side are connected to charge the rechargeable battery 21. Note that the shape of the rechargeable battery 21 as the power supply source is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 2. For example, a plate-shaped battery may be provided in parallel with the imaging panel 15. By forming the battery in such a shape, the area of the imaging panel 15 can be increased, and the imageable area can be widened.

  Further, the radiation image detector 5 is provided with a communication unit 24 (see FIG. 5) that transmits and receives various signals to and from an external device such as the console 6. For example, the communication unit 24 transfers an image signal output from the imaging panel 15 to the console 6 or receives a shooting start signal transmitted from the console 6 or the like.

  Further, an indicator 25 for displaying the charging status of the rechargeable battery 21 and various operation statuses is provided at one end of the surface of the housing 14, so that the operator can charge the rechargeable battery 21 of the radiation image detector 5. Can be visually confirmed.

  An input operation unit 26 is provided outside the housing 14 as selection setting means for setting the operation state of the radiation image detector 5 in advance. In the present embodiment, the operation state of the radiation image detector 5 includes an operation state such as an imaging enabled state, an imaging standby state, and an imaging suspension state.

  The imaging possible state is a state in which all the driving units used for a series of imaging operations among the members constituting the radiation image detector 5 are operating, that is, the scanning driving circuit 16, the signal readout circuit 17, and the photodiode 152. The TFT 153, the image storage unit 18, and the communication unit 24 are in a state where power is supplied to all of the driving units used for a series of imaging operations, and initialization of image information and irradiation radiation that are a series of imaging operations. It is possible to perform various operations such as accumulation of electric energy generated according to the above, reading of an electric signal, and transfer of an image signal. In the initialization, the reset operation and the idle reading operation in the imaging panel 15 are performed.

  In the present embodiment, the shooting standby state includes a first shooting standby mode that consumes less power than the shooting enabled state, and a second shooting standby mode that consumes less power than the first shooting standby mode. It is selectable.

  The first shooting standby mode is a state in which all the drive units used for a series of shooting operations are started up except for the signal readout circuit 17 that can be quickly started to a shooting ready state. This is a shooting standby state in which it is possible to perform. Specifically, power is supplied to the scanning drive circuit 16, the photodiode 152, the TFT 153, the image storage unit 18, and the communication unit 24. The second shooting standby mode is a state in which only the image storage unit 18 which is a part related to image storage and the communication unit 24 which is a part related to transfer of image information to the outside and signal reception from the outside are started up. This is a shooting standby state in which power consumption cannot be performed immediately and power consumption is very low.

  Further, the imaging suspension state is a complete power saving state in which all the power supply to each drive unit of the radiation image detector 5 is stopped.

  First, the input operation unit 26 sets, as a basic state setting unit, which is a basic state selection setting unit, which operation state of the radiation image detector 5 is set to be an imaging enabled state or each imaging standby mode. Can be done. Here, the basic state is an operation state that is selected unless any setting change is made. For example, when the radiographic image detector 5 is used in a situation where the frequency of imaging is low, the second imaging standby mode is selected and set as a basic state so that the power of the photodiode 152 and the TFT 153 is reduced. It is possible to protect a member that deteriorates with time due to supply, and to save power. On the other hand, when the radiation image detector 5 is used in a situation where imaging is frequently performed, it takes time to start up by selecting and setting the imaging enabled state or the first imaging standby mode. Thus, power is supplied to such photodiodes and TFTs, and it is possible to perform rapid and efficient photographing. In the present embodiment, since the radiation image detector 5 supplies power to each drive unit by the rechargeable battery 21, it is essential to realize a rapid and efficient imaging operation while suppressing power consumption. As a state, it is preferable that the first photographing standby mode is selected and set. When there is no scheduled shooting, the shooting pause state may be selected as the basic state.

  In addition, the input operation unit 26 sets the operation state of the radiation image detector 5 to the imaging ready state after charging the rechargeable battery 21 as an a posteriori state setting unit that is a selection setting unit for the a posteriori state. Or a shooting pause state can be selected and set. The posterior state refers to a state after the rechargeable battery 21 is charged, and the posterior state can be arbitrarily set, so that a situation such as whether or not shooting is scheduled immediately after the rechargeable battery 21 is charged, and a time period during which charging is performed. It is possible to keep the optimum operating state according to the above.

  The content that can be input from the input operation unit 26 is not limited to the selection setting of the operation state, but allows an operator such as a radiologist to input and set imaging conditions, patient identification information, and the like. May be.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the radiation image detector 5 includes a control device 28 having a control unit 27 configured by, for example, a general-purpose CPU, ROM, RAM, or the like (all not shown). The control unit 27 reads out a predetermined program stored in the ROM, develops it in the work area of the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes according to the program.

  The radiation image detector 5 includes a charge amount detection unit (not shown), and the control unit 27 is configured to send the charge status of the rechargeable battery 21 detected by the charge amount detection unit as an electrical signal. The unit 27 displays the charge amount of the rechargeable battery 21 on the indicator 25 based on the transmitted signal.

  Further, when the control unit 27 determines that the charge amount of the rechargeable battery 21 is reduced to a predetermined level or less based on the detection result by the charge amount detection means and needs to be charged, the fact is notified via the communication unit 24. This signal is transmitted to the console 6. Furthermore, when it is determined that charging of the rechargeable battery 21 is completed based on the detection result by the charge amount detection means, the control unit 27 transmits a signal to that effect to the console 6 via the communication unit 24. ing. Note that the charge amount of the rechargeable battery 21 may be transmitted to the console 6 via the communication unit 24 as needed.

  In addition, the operating state of the radiation image detector 5 is transmitted to the console 6 by the control unit 27 via the communication unit 24 as needed.

  In addition, information input from the input operation unit 26 and signals received from the communication unit 24 are sent to the control unit 27, and the control unit 27 controls each unit based on the transmitted signals. Is supposed to do.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, when an instruction to select and set the shooting enabled state, the first shooting standby mode, the second shooting standby mode, and the shooting pause state is input from the input operation unit 26, the input signal is transmitted to the control unit. The control unit 27 supplies power from the rechargeable battery 21 so that the basic state of the radiation image detector 5 and the posterior state after completion of charging are in an operating state according to this input signal. Power is appropriately supplied to each drive unit of the radiation image detector 5 by controlling.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 27 controls the image storage unit 18 and the image storage unit 18 so that the radiographic image detector 5 is in the second imaging standby mode in which the power consumption is the lowest during the charging of the rechargeable battery 21. Power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 21 only to the communication unit 24 to control the operating state of each drive unit.

  For example, when the basic state of the radiation image detector 5 is set to the second imaging standby mode by the selection setting from the input operation unit 26, the imaging enabled state is further selected as the posterior state, or communication is performed. When the unit 24 receives a shooting start signal for instructing to start shooting from an external device such as the console 6, the second shooting standby mode is changed to the first shooting standby mode and further to the shooting ready state step by step. The control unit 27 may control the power supply from the rechargeable battery 21 to supply each drive unit with the necessary power so as to be switched. In this case, power may be supplied to all the driving units used for a series of shooting operations so that the shooting can be performed directly from the second shooting standby mode instead of switching in stages. . When the first shooting standby mode is set as the basic state from the input operation unit 26, the first shooting standby mode is selected when the shooting enabled state is selected as the posterior state or when a shooting start signal is received. Alternatively, the control unit 27 may control the power supply from the rechargeable battery 21 so that power is sequentially supplied to each drive unit so as to switch from the shooting state to the photographing enabled state.

  The control unit 27 drives the scanning drive circuit 16 to send a pulse to each photoelectric conversion element to scan and drive each photoelectric conversion element. Then, the image signal read out by the signal readout circuit 17 that reads out the electrical energy accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element is sent to the control unit 27. The control unit 27 stores the sent image signal in the image storage unit 18. Further, the image signal stored in the image storage unit 18 is appropriately sent to the console 6 via the communication unit 24.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the console 6 includes a control device 30 having a control unit 29 configured by, for example, a general-purpose CPU, ROM, RAM, or the like (all not shown). 29 reads out a predetermined program stored in the ROM, expands it in the work area of the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes according to the program.

  Further, the console 6 communicates with the input operation unit 31 for inputting various instructions, the display unit 32 for displaying images, various messages, and the like, and the signal transmission / reception with the external device such as the radiation image detector 5. Part 33 and the like.

  The input operation unit 31 includes, for example, an operation panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and outputs, to the control unit 29, a key press signal pressed by the operation panel or the keyboard or an operation signal from the mouse as an input signal. It is supposed to be.

  The display unit 32 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like, and in accordance with instructions of a display signal output from the control unit 29, a radiographic image such as a thumbnail image or an input Various types of information such as various types of information input from the operation unit 31 are displayed. In the present embodiment, in addition to the radiation image information sent from the radiation image detector 5, the charging amount of the rechargeable battery 21 of the radiation image detector 5 and the charging of the rechargeable battery 21 are completed on the display unit 32. Various information sent via the communication unit 24 of the radiation image detector 5 such as whether or not the operation state of the radiation image detector 5 is displayed. In addition, the content displayed on the display part 32 is not limited to what was illustrated here, More information may be displayed. Also, not all of the examples illustrated here may be displayed, and at least one of these may be displayed.

  The communication unit 33 communicates various information with the radiation image detector 5 via the base station 4 by a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN.

  A signal input from the input operation unit 31 or a signal received from the outside via the communication unit 33 is sent to the control unit 29. Further, the control unit 29 performs a predetermined image processing based on, for example, the radiation image information detected by the radiation image detector 5 to obtain a thumbnail image or a radiation image desired by a doctor or the like.

  Next, the operation of the radiation image capturing system 1 to which the radiation image detector 5 according to the present embodiment is applied will be described.

  First, the radiation image detector 5 is selected and set based on an input from the input operation unit 26 as to whether the basic state is an imaging ready state, an imaging standby state, or an imaging pause state.

  When the charge amount detection means detects that the charge amount of the rechargeable battery 21 of the radiation image detector 5 is equal to or less than a predetermined amount necessary for photographing and the like, a signal to that effect is sent to the control unit 27. The unit 27 displays the fact on the indicator 25 and transmits it to the console 6. When the console 6 receives a signal from the control unit 27, the console 6 warns the operator by displaying on the display unit 32 that the rechargeable battery 21 needs to be charged. The charging amount of the rechargeable battery 21 may be sent as a signal to the console 6 as needed, and the charging amount of the rechargeable battery 21 may be displayed on the display unit 32 as needed based on the sent signal.

  When the operator charges the rechargeable battery 21 in response to the display of the indicator 25 or the warning from the console 6, when the radiation image detector 5 is placed on the charging device 23, the terminal of the charging device 23 and the radiation The terminal 22 of the image detector 5 is electrically connected and charging of the rechargeable battery 21 is started. During charging, the control unit 27 controls the operating state of each driving unit so that the radiation image detector 5 is in the imaging pause state.

  When the charging of the rechargeable battery 21 is completed, the control unit 27 transmits a message to that effect to the console 6. In addition, the control unit 27 supplies necessary power to each unit from the rechargeable battery 21 so as to be in a set post-condition, and controls the operating state of each drive unit. In other words, when the input operation unit 26 is set so that the posterior state after the completion of charging becomes the photographing enabled state, the control unit 27 applies the rechargeable battery to all the driving units used for a series of photographing operations. Power is supplied from 21. When the first shooting standby mode is set, the control unit 27 supplies power from the rechargeable battery 21 to the scanning drive circuit 16, the photodiode 152, the TFT 153, the image storage unit 18, and the communication unit 24. Supply. Furthermore, when the second shooting standby mode is set, the control unit 27 supplies power from the rechargeable battery 21 to the image storage unit 18 and the communication unit 24. Further, when the photographing pause state is selected, the control unit 27 does not supply power from the rechargeable battery 21 to each drive unit.

  When the operation state of the radiation image detector 5 becomes a predetermined operation state set in advance as a basic state or an operation state set as a posterior state, the control unit 27 notifies the console 6 via the communication unit 24 to that effect. Send.

  The console 6 includes the radiographic image information obtained by the radiographic image detector 5, whether or not the charging of the rechargeable battery 21 is completed, the operating state of the radiographic image detector 5, and the rechargeable battery 21 of the radiographic image detector 5. Various information such as the amount of charge is sent from the control unit 27 of the radiation image detector 5 via the communication unit 24 as needed, and the information is appropriately displayed on the display unit 32.

  When the radiographic image detector 5 is ready for radiographing, the radiographic image detector 5 performs initialization operations such as resetting of image information accumulated for new radiographing and idle reading. When imaging is started and radiation is emitted from the radiation source 12, the scanning drive circuit 16 sends a pulse to each photoelectric conversion element to scan and drive each photoelectric conversion element, and is stored in each photoelectric conversion element. The image signal is acquired by reading out the electrical energy by the signal readout circuit 17. The acquired image signal is stored in the image storage unit 18 and then appropriately transferred to the console 6 or the like.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since power is supplied to each unit so that the radiation image detector is in the imaging ready state, the imaging standby state, and the imaging pause state, when the imaging is not performed immediately, the photodiode 152, By preventing power from being supplied to the TFT 153, the photodiode 152 and the TFT 153 can be prevented from deteriorating and the life of the radiation image detector 5 can be extended. In addition, since power is not supplied to the signal reading circuit 17 or the like that consumes much power in the shooting standby state or shooting pause state, power consumption can be reduced, and a large number of shootings can be performed with one charge.

  Furthermore, there are two shooting standby modes as shooting standby states. In the first shooting standby mode, power is supplied to the photodiode 152, the TFT 153, etc. that take time until the power is once turned on once the power supply is stopped. The power supply is stopped only for the signal readout circuit 17 that consumes a large amount of power. For this reason, if the first photographing standby mode is set after the battery is charged or replaced, it is possible to immediately shift to the photographing state while suppressing power consumption. On the other hand, in the second shooting standby mode, power is supplied only to a minimum part such as the communication unit 24 for receiving a signal from the outside. The power supply to the photodiode 152, the TFT 153, and the like that are deteriorated is stopped. For this reason, if the second shooting standby mode is set, it is possible to easily shoot by transmitting a signal from the outside when restarting shooting while minimizing power consumption and preventing deterioration of the photodiode 152 and TFT 153. Therefore, efficient shooting can be performed.

  In the present embodiment, two types of shooting standby modes can be selected as the shooting standby state. However, the shooting standby mode is not limited to the two types illustrated here. The imaging standby mode in which the power supply is stopped only for the photodiode 152 and the TFT 153 having a deteriorated property, the power supply is stopped for all but the image storage unit 18 and the communication unit 24, but once the power supply is stopped, the power supply is stopped. It may be possible to select a plurality of types of modes such as a photographing standby mode in which power supply is started earlier than other members only for the photodiode 152 and the TFT 153 that take time to increase. Further, only one of the two shooting standby modes illustrated in the present embodiment may be provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the input operation unit 26 is configured to perform the switching setting as the selection setting unit for selecting the shooting enabled state, various shooting standby states, and the shooting pause state. 26 may be provided separately.

  Further, the selection setting unit is not limited to the case where it is provided in the radiation image detector 5, and for example, the input operation unit 31 of the console 6 may function as the selection setting unit. That is, the input operation unit 31 may set the basic state of the radiation image detector 5 as the basic state setting unit, or may set the operation state after charging as the posterior state setting unit. In addition, a selection setting unit may be provided in the charging device 23 and the like, and may function as a post-condition setting unit that sets a post-condition after completion of charging.

  In the present embodiment, an input operation unit 26 for inputting and setting imaging conditions, patient identification information, various instructions, and the like by an operator such as a radiographer is provided outside the casing 14 of the radiation image detector 5. However, as described above, the selection setting means is provided separately from the means for inputting the imaging conditions or the like, or the input operation section 31 of the console 6 or the like other than the input operation section 26 of the radiation image detector 5 is selected and set. When functioning as a means, the radiation image detector 5 may not include the input operation unit 26.

  Further, in the present embodiment, both the basic state setting means for selecting and setting the basic state and the posterior state setting means for selecting and setting the posterior state are provided as the selection setting means. Only either the basic state setting means or the posterior state setting means may be provided.

  Further, the selection setting means automatically switches the operating state of the radiation image detector 5 after completion of charging or replacement depending on which time zone of the day when the rechargeable battery 21 is charged or replaced. You may do it. That is, for example, if charging or replacement is performed in the daytime, the next shooting is likely to be performed immediately after the completion of charging or replacement, while shooting may not be performed for a while at night. Is expensive. Therefore, for example, when the rechargeable battery 21 is charged or exchanged between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, after the charging or exchange is completed, the photographing ready state or the first photographing standby mode is set, and from 6:00 pm When the rechargeable battery 21 is charged or exchanged before 6 am, it may be set in advance so that the second photographing standby mode or the photographing suspension state is established after the completion of charging or replacement.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the rechargeable battery 21 is provided as a power supply source, but the configuration of the power supply source is not limited to that illustrated here. For example, instead of the rechargeable battery 21, a replaceable disposable battery made of a manganese battery, an alkaline battery, an alkaline button battery, a lithium battery, a silver oxide battery, an air zinc battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a mercury battery, a lead battery, or the like is used. You may make it prepare.

  Moreover, you may comprise the rechargeable battery 21 so that replacement | exchange is possible by pulling out from the side part of the housing | casing 14, for example.

  When the replaceable battery or the replaceable rechargeable battery 21 is used as the power supply source as described above, for example, the operator takes out the battery or the rechargeable battery 21 from the radiation image detector 5 for replacement. When the power of the radiological image detector 5 is turned off during the operation, it is detected that the replacement of the battery is completed and the battery or the rechargeable battery 21 is attached to the radiographic image detector 5. Transition to the state. In this case, when the photographing suspension state is selected as the posterior state by the selection setting means, the replacement of the battery or the rechargeable battery 21 is completed and the battery or the rechargeable battery 21 is attached to the radiation image detector 5. The photographing suspension state in which the power supply to each drive unit is completely stopped is maintained.

  In this case, whether or not the battery has been removed is detected by, for example, a sensor or a mechanical switch provided on a contact portion of the battery or a lid portion of the storage portion for storing the battery, and a signal is sent to the control unit 27. It may be determined by being performed. Further, a switch for switching the power ON / OFF may be provided in the housing 14, and the power may be turned OFF by operating this switch. Further, the power ON / OFF may be switched by a signal from the console 6 or the like. In this way, when the power of the radiation image detector 5 is turned off during the battery replacement, the operation state is set as the post-condition when the battery replacement is completed. If the posterior state is not particularly set, the operation state may be shifted to a preset operation state as a basic state.

  Furthermore, when such a replaceable battery or a replaceable rechargeable battery 21 is used, a reserve power source may be provided in addition to these batteries. When the standby power supply is provided, for example, during the battery replacement, the second photographing standby mode, which is the operation state with the least power consumption, is set, and after the battery replacement is completed, the operation state is set as the post-condition. Also in this case, when the posterior state is not particularly set, the operation state may be shifted to the operation state set in advance as the basic state. Thus, by providing a spare power supply in addition to the replaceable battery or the replaceable rechargeable battery 21, at least the minimum power is supplied to the radiation image detector 5 while the battery or the rechargeable battery 21 is being replaced. Therefore, the image information stored in the image storage unit 18 is not accidentally erased, and a signal from an external device such as the console 6 cannot be received.

In the present embodiment, while the rechargeable battery 21 is being charged, the second shooting standby mode in which power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 21 only to the image storage unit 18 and the communication unit 24 is set. The operation state of the radiation image detector 5 during the charging of 21 is not limited to this. While the rechargeable battery 21 is being charged, it is preferable to be in an operating state with low power consumption, and in particular, it is an operating state with the least power consumption in which power is supplied only to the drive unit that should maintain the minimum power supply. It is preferable.
However, for example, depending on the use situation or the like, the first shooting standby mode or the shooting ready state may be set during charging.
Further, for example, when it is desirable to maintain the operation state before charging depending on the use situation or the like, the operation state before charging may be maintained even during charging. Moreover, you may make it be in the operation state set as a post-condition during charge. That is, when charging is started, the operation state of the radiation image detector 5 is switched to the operation state set as the posterior state, and charging may be performed in this operation state.
Further, when the shooting pause state is selected as the posterior state, the charging pause state during charging may be set.

  When charging is performed by placing the radiation image detector 5 on the charging device 23 such as a cradle, the operating state of the radiation image detector 5 being charged by the charging device 23 is changed as described above. It may be possible to select and set. Moreover, you may enable it to set the operation state of the radiographic image detector 5 currently charging from console 6 grade | etc.,.

  It should be noted that even when a replaceable battery or a replaceable rechargeable battery is provided as a power supply source as described above and power can be supplied from a standby power source during battery replacement, radiation during battery replacement can also be obtained. It is the same that the operation state of the image detector 5 is not limited to the second photographing standby mode.

  In addition, although a charging device such as a cradle is used to charge the rechargeable battery 21, it is charged by receiving power from an external power source by connecting a cord to the terminal of the radiation image detector. It may be. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which charges with the rechargeable battery taken out from the radiation image detector.

  In the present embodiment, power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 21 to each drive unit during and after charging. However, the radiation image detector 5 is connected to an external power source (not shown) during or after charging. When mounted on a charging device 23 such as a cradle, or when connected to an external power source via a cord or the like as described above, each drive unit May be supplied with electric power.

  In the present embodiment, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 10 is operated by the radiographing operation apparatus 3. However, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 10 may be configured to be operated by the console 6 or the like. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the photographing operation device 3, and the system configuration can be simplified.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 27 controls all parts of the radiation image detector 5 such as the scanning drive circuit 16, the signal readout circuit 17, and the communication unit 24 in addition to the power supply from the rechargeable battery 21. However, separate control units may control each part of the radiation image detector 5 such as the power supply from the rechargeable battery 21, the scanning drive circuit 16, the signal readout circuit 17, and the communication unit 24.

It is a figure showing the schematic structure which illustrates one embodiment of a radiographic imaging system concerning the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the principal part structure of the radiographic image detector which concerns on this invention. It is an equivalent circuit block diagram for 1 pixel of the photoelectric conversion part which comprises a photoelectric converting layer. FIG. 4 is an equivalent circuit configuration diagram in which the photoelectric conversion units illustrated in FIG. 3 are two-dimensionally arranged. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the radiographic image detector which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the console which comprises the radiographic imaging system of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radiographic imaging system 2 Server 3 Imaging operation apparatus 4 Base station 5 Radiographic image detector 6 Console 7 Network 10 Radiation imaging apparatus 16 Scan drive circuit 17 Signal read-out circuit 18 Image storage part 21 Rechargeable battery 23 Charging apparatus 24 Communication part 26 Input operation unit 27 Control unit

Claims (12)

In a radiation image detector that detects radiation and obtains radiation image information,
Has multiple operating states,
A power supply source having a rechargeable or replaceable battery and supplying power to a plurality of driving units;
Selection setting means for selectively setting the operation state;
A radiographic image comprising: a control unit that controls operating states of the plurality of driving units so as to be in an operating state selected by the selection setting unit when charging or replacement of the battery is completed. Detector.   The operating state is any one of an imaging enabled state in which radiation can be detected, an imaging standby state in which power consumption is lower than the imaging enabled state, and an imaging suspension state in which power supply to all the driving units is stopped. The radiation image detector according to claim 1. As the shooting standby state, it has a plurality of modes with different power consumption,
The radiographic image detector according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes an operating state of each driving unit for each mode.   The selection setting means is at least one of a basic state setting means for presetting the operation state and a post-state setting means for setting an operation state after completion of charging or replacement of the battery. The radiation image detector as described in any one of Claims 1-3.   The posterior state setting means is capable of selectively setting any one of the photographing enabled state, the photographing standby state, and the photographing suspension state as the operation state. Item 5. The radiation image detector according to any one of Items 4 to 6.   The control unit is configured to change the operating state of each driving unit so that the imaging standby mode with the least power consumption among the plurality of imaging standby modes is performed while the battery is being charged or replaced. The radiation image detector according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein   The said control part controls the operation state of each said drive part so that it may be in the said imaging | photography pause state, while charging or replacing | exchanging the said battery. The radiation image detector according to one item.   2. A cassette-type flat panel detector that detects irradiated radiation, converts the radiation into an electrical signal, accumulates it, and reads the accumulated electrical signal to acquire radiation image information. The radiographic image detector according to any one of claims 7 to 9. The radiation image detector according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
A console having communication means capable of communicating with the radiation image detector;
Selection setting means for selecting and setting the operating state of the radiation image detector,
The radiographic imaging system characterized in that the control unit controls the power supply source so as to be in an operation state selected by the selection setting unit when charging or replacement of the battery is completed.   The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 9, wherein the selection setting unit is installed in the console.   The radiological image detector communicates with the console, and at least one of the remaining battery level, the completion of charging or replacement of the battery, and the operating state of the radiological image detector is selected. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising communication means capable of transmitting to the console.   The console includes a display unit capable of displaying at least one of the remaining battery level transmitted from the communication unit, the completion of charging or replacement of the battery, and the operating state of the radiation image detector. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 11, wherein:

Images