JP2009080103A - Cassette system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the weight of a cassette system comprising a cassette for detecting radiation image information and a control unit for communicating with a console being connected to the cassette. <P>SOLUTION: The control unit 33 including electronic components such as an interface circuit 75, a cassette controller 46, and a communication unit 48, is separably connected to the cassette 24 which includes a radiation detector 40 by connectors 206A and 206B and a cable 202. Therefore, the amount of radiation shield object for shielding an electronic component from radiation X can be reduced, and hence the weight of the cassette 24 and the cassette system 10 can be reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a cassette system including a cassette having a radiation detector that detects radiation transmitted through a subject and converts the radiation into radiation image information.

  2. Description of the Related Art In the medical field, radiographic imaging apparatuses that irradiate a subject with radiation and guide the radiation transmitted through the subject to a radiation detector to take a radiographic image are widely used. In this case, as a radiation detector, a conventional radiation film in which a radiation image is exposed and recorded, or radiation energy as a radiation image is stored in a phosphor and irradiated with excitation light, and the radiation image is then emitted as a stimulating light. A storage phosphor panel that can be taken out as is known. These radiation detectors supply a radiation film on which a radiographic image is recorded to a developing device to perform development processing, or supply a stimulable phosphor panel to a reading device to perform reading processing so that a visible image is obtained. A radiographic image is obtained.

  On the other hand, in an operating room or the like, it is necessary to be able to immediately read out and display a radiation image from a radiation detector after imaging in order to perform a quick and accurate treatment on a patient. Radiation detection using a solid state detector that converts radiation directly into an electrical signal, or converts radiation into visible light with a scintillator, and then converts it into an electrical signal and reads it out A vessel has been developed.

  In Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 12, a cable 302 with a connector having a connector 300 is connected, and a battery 304, an image memory 305, a drive circuit, an amplification amplifier, an AD conversion circuit, and a serialization circuit are mounted. A cassette (electronic cassette) 306 including an electric substrate 303 is disclosed. Further, the connector 310 or the wireless module 330 of the cable 308 with the connector is connected to the connector 300, and the control unit 314 with the power supply unit 312 is connected via the cable 308 or the wireless terminal 322, and the cable 316 is connected to the control unit 314. An X-ray imaging system to which an X-ray generator 318 including an X-ray tube 317 is connected is disclosed. The control unit 314 is provided with a monitor 320 and a storage device 338, and a captured image is displayed and stored.

  In the technique according to Patent Document 1 configured as described above, since the cable 302 with a connector is attached to the cassette 306, there is a problem in that it becomes an obstacle when the cassette 306 is transported.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a cassette that transmits captured radiographic image information to a control device by wireless communication. In the technique according to Patent Document 2, the cable does not get in the way.

  However, in the technique according to Patent Document 2, since the image data is wirelessly transmitted to the control unit, the cable does not get in the way, but after the electronic cassette is once set between the patient and the bed, the cassette is controlled. When communicating with the control unit, if the directivity of the cassette antenna does not match the directivity of the control unit antenna, the transmission / reception sensitivity is significantly reduced. To solve this problem, increasing the radio wave transmission intensity from the antenna increases the power consumption of the electronic cassette. In particular, in the cassette according to Patent Document 2, it is extremely difficult to change the orientation of the cassette in order to increase the antenna transmission / reception sensitivity after the cassette is once set between the patient and the bed. It is more difficult to change the orientation of the cassette when it is in the middle or when it is an elderly person or the like. Note that Patent Document 1 does not consider such disadvantages.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a cassette in which an extension unit with a handle including a battery circuit, a data recording unit, and a wireless communication circuit is configured to be detachable by a connector with respect to a basic imaging unit having an X-ray detection panel.

JP 2004-173907 A Japanese Patent No. 3494683 JP 2003-248060 A

  The cassette disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above is mounted with electronic components such as an electric substrate and an image memory in addition to the X-ray detection array, and the cassette disclosed in Patent Document 2 has solid state detection for detecting X-rays. In addition to the elements, electronic components such as an image memory, a scan pulse generator, and a transfer register are mounted. The cassette disclosed in Patent Document 3 constitutes a communication circuit unit and a power circuit unit in addition to the X-ray detection panel. Electronic components are mounted.

  However, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, an electronic component mounted on a cassette is exposed because X-rays are directly exposed during imaging, and the electronic component is deteriorated or damaged by the exposure.

  In order to avoid deterioration or damage of the electronic component, it is necessary to protect the electronic component from X-ray exposure, and it is necessary to use an X-ray shielding structure such as a lead plate. However, the disadvantage is that the lead plate is heavy and the weight of the entire cassette becomes heavy.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cassette system that can reduce the weight of the cassette and the cassette system.

  A cassette system according to the present invention includes a cassette having a radiation detector that detects radiation that has passed through a subject and converts the radiation into radiation image information, and is detachable and detachable from the cassette, and a power source is supplied to the radiation detector. And a control unit that controls the radiation detector and receives the image information.

  According to this invention, since the control unit on which the electronic component is mounted is configured to be separated from the cassette having the radiation detector, the amount of the X-ray shielding object that shields the electronic component from the X-ray is reduced. As a result, the cassette and the cassette system can be reduced in size and weight. For example, when a cassette is sandwiched between a subject (patient or the like) and a bed, the cassette itself is small and lightweight, so it is easy to put the cassette under the subject.

  In this case, the control unit includes a power supply battery and a wireless unit that wirelessly transmits the image information to the external control device, so that the posture of the control unit can be easily changed during shooting. be able to. As a wireless system, a sound wave such as a radio wave using an antenna, a light using an LED, or an ultrasonic wave using an ultrasonic transducer can be employed. When the antenna is used, the directivity with the antenna of the external control device can be matched by changing the attitude of the control unit. In this case, radio wave reception sensitivity can be increased, so that power consumption can be saved.

  Further, the cassette and the control unit can be freely attached and detached through a cable and at least one connector, so that handling becomes convenient. For example, when the connector is provided in the cassette, the cassette basically includes a radiation detector section, a connector, and a casing thereof, so that the space inside the casing can be effectively used.

  Furthermore, the cable can be easily accommodated in the control unit by being configured so that the cable can be unwound freely by a winder attached to the control unit.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit and / or the external control device is provided with means for notifying the field intensity information of the wireless transmission. The control unit can be arranged at a position where the electric field strength is high by utilizing the means for notifying.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the control unit or the cassette is provided with means for detecting whether or not the control unit is separated from the cassette. By using this means, it is possible to confirm whether or not the control unit and the cassette are separated at the time of photographing.

  According to this invention, since the control unit on which the electronic component is mounted is configured to be separated from the cassette having the radiation detector, the amount of the X-ray shielding object that shields the electronic component from the X-ray is reduced. As a result, the cassette and the cassette system can be reduced in size and weight.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a cassette system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings by giving preferred embodiments in relation to a radiographic imaging system in which the cassette system is used.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an operating room 13 in which a radiographic imaging system 12 using a cassette system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. Here, the cassette system 10 includes a cassette 24 and a control unit 33 connected to the cassette 24 via a cable 202.

  In the operating room 13, in addition to the radiographic imaging system 12 provided with the cassette system 10, an operating table 16 on which the patient 14 lies is arranged, and an instrument on which various instruments used by the doctor 18 for surgery are placed. A table 20 is disposed on the side of the operating table 16. In addition, around the operating table 16, various devices necessary for an operation, such as an anesthesia machine, an aspirator, an electrocardiograph, and a blood pressure monitor, are arranged.

  The radiographic imaging system 12 includes a cassette that includes an imaging device 22 for irradiating a patient 14 with radiation X having a dose according to imaging conditions, and a radiation detector (described later) that detects the radiation X transmitted through the patient 14. A cassette system 10 including a (radiation detection cassette) 24, a display device 26 that displays a radiation image based on the radiation X detected by the radiation detector, and an image processing device that controls the imaging device 22, the cassette 24, and the display device 26. As a console 28 (external control device).

  Signals are transmitted and received by wireless communication indicated by broken lines between the console 28, the imaging device 22, the control unit 33, and the display device 26. In the example of FIG. 1, an example using a radio wave is shown, but the radio communication is not limited to a radio wave, but light using an LED or the like, or a sound wave such as an ultrasonic wave using an ultrasonic transducer can be used.

  The imaging device 22 is connected to the free arm 30 and can be moved to a desired position according to the imaging region of the patient 14 and can be retracted to a position that does not obstruct the operation by the doctor 18. Similarly, the display device 26 is connected to the free arm 32 and can be moved to a position where the doctor 18 can easily confirm the captured radiographic image.

  2 and 3 are partially cut perspective views of the cassette system 10 according to the present embodiment. As described above, the cassette system 10 includes the cassette 24 and the control unit 33. The cassette 24 constituting the cassette system 10 includes a casing 34 made of a material that transmits the radiation X. Inside the casing 34, a grid 38 for removing scattered radiation of the radiation X by the patient 14 from the irradiation surface 36 side of the casing 34 to which the radiation X is irradiated, and a radiation detector 40 for detecting the radiation X transmitted through the patient 14. And the lead plate 42 which absorbs the back scattered radiation of the radiation X is arrange | positioned in order. Note that the irradiation surface 36 of the casing 34 may be configured as a grid 38. A connector (male connector) 206A is attached to one side surface of the casing 34 in the length direction. That is, the cassette 24 is substantially composed of only the radiation detector section having the radiation detector 40, the connector 206 </ b> A, and the casing 34. Therefore, the cassette 24 itself can be reduced in size and weight. Further, the space inside the casing 34 can be effectively used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a connector (female connector) 206B connected to the control unit 33 via the cable 202 is connected to the connector 206A. The connector 206A and the connector 206B form a set of connectors 206.

  The control unit 33 includes a battery 44 that is a power source of the cassette 24, a cassette control unit 46 that drives and controls the radiation detector 40 with electric power supplied from the battery 44, and between the cassette control unit 46 and the cable 202. And the communication unit 48 as a wireless unit having a built-in antenna are accommodated. The battery 44 may be provided outside as a separate body.

  One end of the cable 202 is connected to the interface circuit unit 75, and the other end of the cable 202 is connected to the connector 206B. The cable 202 is configured to be housed in a housing portion (concave portion) 207 provided on the back surface of the connector 206A.

  As shown in FIG. 3, after the connector 206B on the control unit 33 side is connected (fitted) to the connector 206A of the cassette 24, as shown in FIG. 3), the claw portions (engagement portions) 208 provided at both ends in the length direction of the connector 206B are recessed portions (engagement portions) provided at both ends in the length direction of the control unit 33. ) 210 is engaged, the control unit 33 is locked to the cassette 24 and the cassette system 10 is integrated.

  Note that the state of FIG. 3 corresponds to the photographing enabled state, and the state of FIG. 4 corresponds to the portable state or the storage state. Of course, as shown in FIG. 5, the cassette 24 and the control unit 33 can be carried or stored in two divided states. 2 shows a state in which the connector 206B is removed from the main body side of the control unit 33 in the state of FIG. In the state of FIG. 5, the battery 44 can be charged by connecting only the control unit 33 to a charging device (not shown).

  The communication unit 48 externally controls a signal including information on the radiation X detected by the radiation detector 40 (a signal acquired from the radiation detector 40 through the connector 206 (206A, 206B), the cable 202, and the interface circuit unit 75). Data is transmitted to and received from the console 28 as a device.

  An antenna 212 (to be described later) is printed on the circuit board constituting the communication unit 48.

  Therefore, the direction of the antenna 212 can be easily changed by changing the direction of the control unit 33.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the circuit configuration of the cassette system 10 including the radiation detector 40 and the control unit 33.

  The radiation detector 40 has a photoelectric conversion layer 61 made of a material such as amorphous selenium (a-Se) that senses the radiation X and generates electric charges on an array of thin film transistors (TFTs) 62. After the generated charge is stored in the storage capacitor 63, the TFT 62 is sequentially turned on for each row, and the charge is read as an image signal. In FIG. 6, only the connection relationship between one pixel 60 including the photoelectric conversion layer 61 and the storage capacitor 63 and one TFT 62 is shown, and the configuration of the other pixels 60 is omitted. Amorphous selenium must be used within a predetermined temperature range because its structure changes and its function decreases at high temperatures. Therefore, it is preferable to provide means for cooling the radiation detector 40 in the cassette 24.

  A gate line 64 extending in parallel with the row direction and a signal line 66 extending in parallel with the column direction are connected to the TFT 62 connected to each pixel 60. Each gate line 64 is connected to the line scan driving unit 68 in the interface circuit unit 75 through the connector 206 (206A, 206B), and each signal line 66 is connected to the inside of the interface circuit unit 75 through the connector 206 (206A, 206B). Are connected to a multiplexer 76 that constitutes the reading circuit.

  Control signals Von and Voff for controlling on / off of the TFTs 62 arranged in the row direction are supplied from the line scan driving unit 68 to the gate line 64. In this case, the line scan driving unit 68 includes a plurality of switches SW1 for switching the gate lines 64 and an address decoder 70 for outputting a selection signal for selecting one of the switches SW1. An address signal is supplied to the address decoder 70 from the cassette control unit 46 through the interface circuit unit 75.

  Further, the charge held in the storage capacitor 63 of each pixel 60 flows out to the signal line 66 through the TFTs 62 arranged in the column direction. This electric charge is amplified by the amplifier 72 constituting the interface circuit unit 75. A multiplexer 76 is connected to the amplifier 72 via a sample and hold circuit 74. The multiplexer 76 includes a plurality of switches SW2 that switches the signal line 66 and an address decoder 78 that outputs a selection signal for selecting one of the switches SW2. An address signal is supplied from the cassette control unit 46 to the address decoder 78. An A / D converter 80 is connected to the multiplexer 76, and radiation image information converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 80 is supplied from the interface circuit unit 75 to the cassette control unit 46. The cassette control unit 46 is connected to the communication unit 48.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory circuit block diagram of the radiographic image capturing system 12 including the imaging device 22, the cassette system 10 including the cassette 24 and the control unit 33, the display device 26, and the console 28. The console 28 is connected to a radiology information system (RIS) 29 for comprehensively managing radiographic image information and other information handled in the radiology department in the hospital. A medical information system (HIS) 31 for comprehensively managing information is connected.

  The imaging apparatus 22 receives an imaging condition by radio communication from the imaging switch 82, a radiation source 84 that outputs radiation X, and the console 28, and transmits and receives an imaging completion signal and the like by radio communication to the console 28. 86 and a radiation source control unit 88 that controls the radiation source 84 based on the imaging start signal supplied from the imaging switch 82 and the imaging conditions supplied from the transceiver 86.

  The cassette 24 accommodates the radiation detector 40 and the connector 206A.

  The control unit 33 accommodates a battery 44, a cassette control unit 46, a communication unit 48, and an interface circuit unit 75.

  The cassette controller 46 is detected by the radiation signal detector 40 and the address signal generator 90 that supplies an address signal to the address decoder 70 of the line scan driver 68 and the address decoder 78 of the multiplexer 76 that constitute the interface circuit unit 75. An image memory 92 for storing the radiographic image information, and a cassette ID memory 94 for storing cassette ID information for specifying the cassette 24.

  The communication unit 48 includes a transmission / reception control circuit 211. The transmission / reception control circuit 211 is electrically connected to the cassette control unit 46 to receive a transmission request signal from the console 28 by wireless communication. On the other hand, the cassette ID information stored in the cassette ID memory 94 and the radiation image information stored in the image memory 92 are transmitted by wireless communication. The communication unit 48 includes a field intensity display unit 209 in addition to the transmission / reception control circuit 211. Further, a proximity switch 215 is connected to the communication unit 48.

  The radiation detector 40 connected to the interface circuit unit 75, the cassette control unit 46, the communication unit 48, and the interface circuit unit 75 of the control unit 33 is supplied with power from the battery 44. When a high voltage is required, a high voltage generation circuit is provided in the interface circuit unit 75, and the high voltage generated by the high voltage generation circuit is applied to the radiation detector 40 as a bias or the like.

  The display device 26 includes a receiver 96 that receives radiation image information from the console 28, a display control unit 98 that performs display control of the received radiation image information, and a display that displays the radiation image information processed by the display control unit 98. Part 99.

  The console 28 transmits / receives necessary information including radiographic image information to / from the imaging device 22, the control unit 33 of the cassette 24, and the display device 26 by radio communication, and imaging necessary for imaging by the imaging device 22. An imaging condition management unit 101 that manages conditions, an image processing unit (image processing unit) 102 that performs image processing on radiation image information transmitted from the cassette 24, an image memory 103 that stores processed radiation image information, and imaging A patient information management unit 104 that manages patient information of the subject patient 14, a cassette information management unit (management means) 105 that manages cassette information including the cumulative exposure dose transmitted from the cassette 24, and an electric field intensity meter 126 , An electric field intensity measuring unit 124 and an electric field intensity notifying unit 128 are provided.

  The console 28 may be installed outside the operating room 13 as long as it can transmit and receive signals to and from the imaging device 22, the control unit 33, and the display device 26 by wireless communication.

  The imaging conditions are conditions for determining a tube voltage, a tube current, an irradiation time, and the like for irradiating radiation X having an appropriate dose to an imaging region of the patient 14. And conditions such as a photographing method. The patient information is information for identifying the patient 14 such as the name, sex, and patient ID number of the patient 14. The imaging ordering information including these imaging conditions and patient information can be set directly on the console 28 or supplied to the console 28 from the outside via the RIS 29. The cassette information is cassette ID information for specifying the cassette 24 or the like.

  The radiographic imaging system 12 including the cassette system 10 of the present embodiment is basically configured as described above, and the operation thereof will be described next.

  The radiographic image capturing system 12 is installed in the operating room 13 and is used, for example, when a radiographic image needs to be captured during surgery of the patient 14 by the doctor 18. Therefore, the patient information of the patient 14 to be imaged is registered in advance in the patient information management unit 104 of the console 28 prior to imaging. In addition, when an imaging part and an imaging method are determined in advance, these imaging conditions are registered in the imaging condition management unit 101 in advance. In the state where the above preparatory work is completed, the operation for the patient 14 is performed.

  When radiographing is performed during surgery, the doctor 18 or the radiographer in charge takes the cassette with the irradiation surface 36 of the cassette 24 facing the imaging device 22 at a predetermined position between the patient 14 and the operating table 16. 24 is installed. In this way, when the cassette 24 is sandwiched between the patient 14 and the operating table 16 and used for imaging, the cassette 24 itself is small and lightweight, so that the cassette 24 can be easily placed under the patient 14.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 33 including the communication unit 48 connected to the cassette 24 through the cable 202 is separated from the cassette 24 (FIG. 3). To place.

  At this time, the test radio signal is supplied from the test radio signal generator 220 of the transmission / reception control circuit 211 of the communication unit 48 to the antenna 212, the test radio wave is emitted from the antenna 212, and the direction and arrangement position of the communication unit 48, that is, the control unit. The arrangement positions of the 33 antennas 212 are determined so that the reception intensity of the radio waves from the antenna 212 received by the transceiver 100 of the console 28 is maximized.

  More specifically, the control unit 33 is positioned and arranged so that the arrangement position having the highest electric field strength is obtained while viewing the pointer of the electric field intensity meter 126 or the display of the electric field intensity display unit 209.

  Next, after moving the photographing device 22 to a position facing the cassette 24, the photographing switch 82 is operated to perform photographing.

  When the photographing switch 82 is operated, as shown in FIG. 3, a proximity switch 215 is provided on the surface 214 facing the connector 206B of the control unit 33 (the proximity switch 215 is provided on the connector 206B (cassette 24) side). Therefore, when the proximity switch 215 is not in the off state, that is, the control unit 33 is not detached from the connector 206B and is attached to the connector 206B. When 215 is in the on state, this on state is detected by the communication unit 48 constituting the control unit 33.

  The transmission / reception control circuit 211 of the communication unit 48 that has detected that the proximity switch 215 is on is connected to the radiation source controller 88 and / or the console 28 of the transceiver 86 of the imaging device 22 via the transceiver 100 of the console 28. Is notified in advance to the imaging condition management unit 101 (that the proximity switch 215 is in the ON state).

  As a result, when the imaging switch 82 is operated, the radiation source controller 88 reads “Please remove the control unit from the cassette. Irradiation is performed with the imaging switch turned on (closed)” from a speaker (not shown) of the imaging apparatus 22. I can't do it. " As described above, by providing the proximity switch 215 in the control unit 33, when it is detected that the control unit 33 is not separated from the connector 206B (cassette 24), the operation of the photographing switch 82 may be invalidated. it can.

  The proximity switch 215 functions as a means (a separation detecting unit) that detects whether the control unit 33 is separated from the cassette 24 (connector 206B).

  When the proximity switch 215 is in the OFF state and the control unit 33 is separated from the cassette 24 (connector 206B), this is notified in advance to the radiation source control unit 88 and / or the imaging condition management unit 101. Is done. Therefore, in this case, triggered by the operation of the imaging switch 82, the radiation source control unit 88 of the imaging apparatus 22 captures the patient 14 from the imaging condition management unit 101 of the console 28 via the transceivers 100 and 86. The patient 14 is irradiated with radiation X having a predetermined dose by acquiring imaging conditions related to the region by wireless communication and controlling the radiation source 84 in accordance with the acquired imaging conditions.

  The radiation X transmitted through the patient 14 is irradiated with the radiation detector 40 after the scattered radiation is removed by the grid 38 of the cassette 24, and converted into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion layer 61 of each pixel 60 constituting the radiation detector 40. It is converted and held as a charge in the storage capacitor 63. Next, the charge information, which is the radiation image information of the patient 14 held in each storage capacitor 63, is in accordance with the address signal supplied from the address signal generator 90 constituting the cassette controller 46 to the line scan driver 68 and the multiplexer 76. Read out.

  That is, the address decoder 70 of the line scan driver 68 outputs a selection signal according to the address signal supplied from the address signal generator 90 to select one of the switches SW1, and the TFT 62 connected to the corresponding gate line 64. A control signal Von is supplied to the gates of the two. On the other hand, the address decoder 78 of the multiplexer 76 outputs a selection signal in accordance with the address signal supplied from the address signal generation unit 90, sequentially switches the switch SW2, and is connected to the gate line 64 selected by the line scan driving unit 68. Radiation image information that is charge information held in the storage capacitor 63 of each pixel 60 is sequentially read out via the signal line 66.

  The radiation image information read from the storage capacitor 63 of each pixel 60 connected to the selected gate line 64 of the radiation detector 40 is amplified by each amplifier 72 and then sampled by each sample and hold circuit 74. The signal is supplied to the A / D converter 80 via the multiplexer 76 and converted into a digital signal. The radiation image information converted into the digital signal is temporarily stored in the image memory 92 of the cassette control unit 46.

  Similarly, the address decoder 70 of the line scan driving unit 68 sequentially switches the switch SW 1 according to the address signal supplied from the address signal generating unit 90, and the storage capacitor 63 of each pixel 60 connected to each gate line 64. The stored radiation image information, which is charge information, is read through the signal line 66 and stored in the image memory 92 of the cassette control unit 46 through the multiplexer 76 and the A / D converter 80.

  The radiation image information stored in the image memory 92 is transmitted to the console 28 by wireless communication via the antenna 212 of the communication unit 48. The radiographic image information transmitted to the console 28 is received by the transceiver 100 and subjected to predetermined image processing in the image processing unit 102 and then associated with the patient information of the patient 14 registered in the patient information management unit 104. Stored in the image memory 103.

  The radiographic image information subjected to the image processing is transmitted from the transceiver 100 to the display device 26. The display device 26 that has received the radiation image information by the receiver 96 controls the display unit 99 by the display control unit 98 and displays the radiation image on the display unit 99. The doctor 18 performs the operation while checking the radiation image displayed on the display unit 99.

  In this case, in the radiographic imaging system 12, signals are transmitted and received between the control unit 33 of the cassette 24 and the console 28, between the imaging device 22 and the console 28, and between the console 28 and the display device 26. For example, these cables are not arranged on the floor surface of the operating room 13, and there is no possibility of hindering the work of the doctor 18 or the like.

  Moreover, in the case of a configuration in which the antenna is housed in the cassette as in the prior art, an antenna having a specification corresponding to the frequency and wavelength used for the desired wireless transmission is arranged due to the arrangement of the battery and the like. However, in the cassette system 10 according to this embodiment, the antenna 212 is provided in the communication unit 48 in the control unit 33, and the control unit 33 and the cassette 24 are electrically connected via the cable 202. Therefore, an antenna having a shape corresponding to a desired frequency and wavelength can be easily configured. For this reason, it is also possible to obtain an effect that the stability of communication between the communication unit 48 in the control unit 33 and the console 28 can be improved and a favorable radiation image can be displayed.

  As described above, the cassette system 10 according to the above-described embodiment includes the cassette 24 having the radiation detector 40 that detects the radiation X transmitted through the patient 14 as a subject and converts the radiation X into radiation image information. And a control unit 33 that supplies power to the radiation detector 40 from the battery 44 and controls the radiation detector 40 to receive the radiation image information at the time of attachment.

  According to the cassette system 10, the control unit 33 on which electronic components such as the interface circuit unit 75, the cassette control unit 46, and the communication unit 48 are mounted can be separated from the cassette 24 having the radiation detector 40. Thus, the amount of radiation shielding material such as a lead plate that shields the electronic components from the radiation X can be reduced, and as a result, the cassette 24 and the cassette system 10 can be reduced in size and weight.

  In this case, the control unit 33 connected to the cassette 24 through the cable 202 includes a battery 44 and a communication unit 48 that transmits the image information to the external control device via the antenna 212. The attitude of the antenna 212 can be easily changed by changing the attitude of the control unit 33. Thereby, it is easy to match the directivities of the antennas between the communication unit 48 and the console 28, wireless communication can be performed with high efficiency, and power consumption of the battery 44 can be saved.

  Further, since the cassette 24 and the control unit 33 are configured to be freely detachable through the cable 202 and at least one pair of connectors 206 (206A, 206B), handling becomes convenient. In this case, since the control unit 33 is separated from the cassette 24 at the time of imaging, damage to the control unit 33 due to the radiation X can be reduced.

  The console 28 will be described in further detail with respect to the positioning and arrangement of the control unit 33 so that the electric field intensity is at the highest arrangement position while looking at the pointer of the electric field intensity meter 126 or the display of the electric field intensity display unit 209. An electric field intensity measuring unit 126 (electric field intensity measuring / determining unit) 124, an electric field intensity meter 126 including a VU meter, and an electric field intensity notifying unit 128 are provided. On the other hand, the communication unit 48 of the control unit 33 is provided with a test radio signal generation unit 220, a test switch button 205, and an electric field strength display unit 209.

  In this case, the electric field strength display unit 209 (electric field strength information notification unit) of the control unit 33 is provided on each of the six outer surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped control unit 33 as shown in FIG. 8A, for example. In FIG. 8A, when the electric field strength is good (greater than a predetermined strength), six green LEDs (light-emitting diodes) on the side where the letter “G” is displayed are turned on simultaneously. When the electric field strength is poor (below the predetermined strength), six red LEDs on the side where the letter “N” is displayed are turned on simultaneously.

  Further, a concave portion 216 (see FIG. 8A) is provided on the opposing surface 214 of the control unit 33 facing the cassette 24 (connector 206B), and a test connected to the test radio wave signal generating portion 220 is provided at the bottom of the concave portion 216. A switch button 205 is provided.

  In the radiographic imaging system 12 of FIG. 7 configured as described above, the control unit 33 is removed from the connector 206B before imaging, and the cassette 24 and the control unit 33 are separated from each other through the cable 202. As shown in FIG. When the test switch button 205 is pressed by the doctor 18 or the like when positioning the 33 (communication unit 48) on the operating table 16, the test radio wave signal generation unit 220 is activated and the transmission / reception control circuit 211 of the communication unit 48 is passed through the antenna 212. A predetermined test radio wave is emitted.

  The emitted test radio wave is received by the transmitter / receiver 100 through the antenna 122 of the transmitter / receiver 100 of the console 28, the electric field strength measuring unit 124 measures the electric field strength of the received radio wave (test radio wave), and the measured electric field strength communicates. It is determined whether or not the predetermined electric field strength can be smoothly obtained.

  The determination result is transmitted from the electric field strength notification unit 128 of the console 28 to the communication unit 48 through the transceiver 100 and the antenna 122.

  The communication unit 48 that has received the determination result turns on the LED that indicates that the electric field strength is good or the LED that indicates that the electric field strength is poor on the electric field strength display unit 209 based on the determination result (in FIG. 8A, It shows a state in which the LED is lit when it is good.)

  When the electric field strength is good, “G” may be displayed in multiple steps (stepless) according to the electric field strength, as shown in FIG. 8B. In FIG. 8B, “G” is displayed in three stages when it is good. FIG. 8B shows a state where the green LEDs up to the second level are lit. In the communication unit 48 of FIG. 8B, when all the three green LEDs of “G” in the good state are lit, this indicates that the electric field strength is the highest. The position of the communication unit 48 may be changed, and the communication unit 48 may be arranged in a state where the most good “G” green LEDs are lit.

  The electric field strength determination result may be notified to the doctor 18 or the like by voice. The determination result may be displayed on the display unit 99 of the display device 26.

  Further, the field strength of the received radio wave (test radio wave) measured by the field strength measuring unit 124 of the console 28 is displayed on the field strength meter 126 (field strength information notification means) of the console 28. In addition, the determination result of the electric field intensity can be displayed on the console 28. When positioning the communication unit 48, the doctor 18 or the like can arrange the control unit 33 (communication unit 48) at a position where the electric field strength is strongest while viewing the display on the electric field strength meter 126 of the console 28. The test radio wave may be generated not in the communication unit 48 but in the console 28.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above, Of course, it can change freely in the range which does not deviate from the main point of this invention.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the winder 200 of the flexible cable 202 can be provided integrally with the connector 206 </ b> B constituting the control unit 33. The cable 202 is wound up into the winder 200 through a tension spring member (not shown). The cable 202 drawn out from the winder 200 can be stopped at an arbitrary drawing position similarly to the tape measure. Thus, by comprising, the cable 202 can be easily accommodated in the control unit 33. Note that the winder 200 may be provided on the main body side of the control unit 33 (the side including the cassette control unit 46).

  In the above embodiment, the radiographic image capturing system 12 is used during surgery and the radiographic image is displayed on the display device 26. However, the radiographic image capturing system 12 captures a normal radiographic image other than during surgery. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to the case of performing only.

  The radiation detector 40 accommodated in the cassette 24 converts the dose of the incident radiation X directly into an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion layer 61. Instead of this, the incident radiation X is temporarily converted into visible light by a scintillator. A radiation detector configured to convert the visible light into an electrical signal using a solid-state detection element such as amorphous silicon (a-Si) may be used (see Japanese Patent No. 3494683).

  Also, radiation image information can be obtained using a light conversion type radiation detector. In this light conversion type radiation detector, when radiation is incident on each solid detection element arranged in a matrix, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the dose is accumulated and recorded in the solid detection element. When reading the electrostatic latent image, the radiation detector is irradiated with reading light, and the value of the generated current is acquired as radiation image information. The radiation detector can erase and reuse the radiation image information that is the remaining electrostatic latent image by irradiating the radiation detector with erasing light (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-105297). .

  Further, for example, transmission / reception of signals between the photographing device 22, the display device 26, the console 28, and the like can be performed by wired communication.

  When the cassette system 10 is used in the operating room 13 or the like, blood or other germs may adhere. Therefore, the cassette system 10 can have a waterproof and hermetic structure, and can be repeatedly used by sterilizing and cleaning as necessary.

  The cassette system 10 is not limited to being used in the operating room 13, and can be applied to, for example, medical examinations and rounds in hospitals.

  Further, the wireless communication between the cassette system 10 and the external device may be performed by optical wireless communication using infrared rays or the like instead of normal communication using radio waves.

  It is more preferable that the cassette system 500 is configured as shown in FIG.

  That is, in the cassette system 500, guide lines 504 serving as a reference for the imaging region and the imaging position are formed on the radiation irradiation surface side of the casing 502. By using this guide line 504 to position a subject such as the patient 14 with respect to the cassette 24 and setting an irradiation range of the radiation X, radiation image information can be recorded in an appropriate imaging region.

  The control unit 33, which is a part outside the imaging area of the cassette system 500, is provided with a display unit 506 that displays various information related to the cassette system 500. In the display unit 506, the ID information of the subject as the patient 14 recorded in the cassette 24, the number of uses of the cassette 24, the cumulative exposure dose, and the state of charge of the battery 44 built in the control unit 33 (remaining capacity) The radiographic image information imaging conditions, the positioning image of the subject 14 such as the patient 14 with respect to the cassette 24, and the like are displayed. In this case, for example, the engineer confirms the subject such as the patient 14 according to the ID information displayed on the display unit 506, confirms in advance that the cassette system 500 is in a usable state, and displays the displayed positioning image. Based on the above, it is possible to position the desired imaging region of the subject such as the patient 14 in the cassette 24 and to perform imaging of optimal radiation image information.

  Further, by forming the handle portion 508 in, for example, the control unit 33 of the cassette system 500, the cassette system 500 can be easily handled and carried.

  It is preferable that an input terminal 510 of the AC adapter, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal 512, and a card slot 516 for loading a memory card 514 are disposed on the side of the control unit 33 constituting the cassette system 500. It is.

  The input terminal 510 is connected to the AC adapter from the outside when the charging function of the battery 44 built in the cassette system 500 is deteriorated or when sufficient time for charging the battery 44 cannot be secured. By supplying power, the cassette system 500 can be immediately used.

  The USB terminal 512 or the card slot 516 can be used when the cassette system 500 cannot transmit and receive information by wireless communication with an external device such as the console 28. In other words, by connecting a cable to the USB terminal 512, information can be transmitted / received to / from an external device by wired communication. In addition, information can be transmitted and received by loading a memory card 514 into the card slot 516, recording necessary information on the memory card 514, and then removing the memory card 514 and loading it into an external device.

  Also in this cassette system 500, since the control unit 33 and the cassette 24 can be photographed in a separated state, the amount of X-ray shielding objects that shield the electronic components mounted on the control unit 33 from X-rays can be reduced. The cassette system 500 can be reduced in size and weight.

  As shown in FIG. 11, it is preferable to place a cradle 518 that is loaded with the cassette system 10 and charges the built-in battery 44 at a required location in the operating room 13 or hospital. In this case, the cradle 518 transmits and receives necessary information to and from external devices such as the RIS 29, the HIS 31, and the console 28 using not only the charging of the battery 44 but also the wireless communication function or the wired communication function of the cradle 518. You may do it. The information to be transmitted and received can include radiation image information recorded in the cassette system 10 loaded in the cradle 518.

  In addition, a display unit 520 is disposed in the cradle 518, and the display unit 520 displays necessary information including the charged state of the loaded cassette system 10 and the radiation image information acquired from the cassette system 10. It may be.

  In addition, a plurality of cradle 518 is connected to a network, the charging state of the cassette system 10 loaded in each cradle 518 is collected via the network, and the location of the cassette system 10 in a usable charging state can be confirmed. It can also be configured.

It is explanatory drawing of the operating room where the radiographic imaging system which uses the cassette system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention was installed. It is a partially cutaway perspective explanatory view of a cassette system in which a control unit and a cassette are not connected. It is a partially cutaway perspective explanatory view of a cassette system in which a control unit and a cassette are connected at the time of photographing. It is a perspective explanatory view of a cassette system in which a control unit and a cassette are integrally connected. It is a perspective explanatory view of a cassette system in a state where a control unit is removed. It is a circuit block diagram of a cassette system. It is block explanatory drawing of the radiographic imaging system shown in FIG. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a control unit with electric field strength information notification means. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a control unit with field strength information notification means of another example. It is a block diagram of the other example of a cassette system. It is a block diagram of the further another example of a cassette system. It is a block diagram of the cradle which charges a cassette system. It is explanatory drawing of the radiographic imaging apparatus which concerns on a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,500 ... Cassette system 12 ... Radiographic imaging system 14 ... Patient 24, 306 ... Cassette 28 ... Console 33 ... Control unit 48 ... Communication unit 202 ... Cable 206, 206A, 206B ... Connector

Claims (6)

A cassette having a radiation detector that detects radiation transmitted through the subject and converts it into radiation image information;
A control unit that is detachable and separable from the cassette, supplies power to the radiation detector, and controls the radiation detector to receive the image information;
A cassette system comprising: The cassette system according to claim 1,
The cassette system includes: a battery for supplying power; and a wireless unit that wirelessly transmits the image information to an external control device. The cassette system according to claim 1 or 2,
The cassette system is characterized in that the cassette and the control unit are configured to be freely attached and detached through a cable and at least one connector. The cassette system according to claim 3,
The cassette system according to claim 1, wherein the cable is unwound and freely wound on a winder attached to the control unit. In the cassette system according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
Means for notifying the control unit or the external control device of the information on the field intensity of the wireless transmission is provided. In the cassette system according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
A cassette system characterized in that the control unit or the cassette is provided with means for detecting whether or not the control unit is separated from the cassette.

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