JP2009258060A - Radiation image imaging system and method for driving the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to acquire the presence or absence of calibration operation in regard to characteristics of a radiation detecting part. <P>SOLUTION: This radiation image imaging system has a radiation detecting part 1015 including a phosphor 1012 for converting incident radiation into light, and a photoelectric conversion part 1013 for converting the light converted by the phosphor 1012, into an electric signal by a plurality of pixels to image a radiation image; a planar light emitter 1014 illuminating the plurality of pixels in the photoelectric conversion part 1013; an illumination image acquiring part 107 for acquiring an illumination image imaged by the photoelectric conversion part 1013 based on the light emitted by the planar light emitter 1014; an illumination image comparing part 110 for comparing at least two illumination images acquired at different timing in the illumination image acquiring part 107; and a characteristic determining part 111 for determining whether the characteristics of the radiation detecting part 1015 have changed based on the compared result of the illumination image comparing part 110. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing system that captures (captures) a radiographic image and a driving method thereof.

  Generally, a radiographic imaging system (including a radiographic imaging apparatus) is used in medical radiography and industrial nondestructive radiography. Here, an example of the usage pattern will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a conventional example and an example of a schematic configuration of a radiographic imaging apparatus.
In the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1100 illustrated in FIG. 8, a grid 1111, a phosphor 1112, a photoelectric conversion unit 1113, and a planar light emitter 1114 are configured inside the housing 1110. Here, the phosphor 1112 and the photoelectric conversion unit 1113 constitute a radiation detection unit 1115. Further, the inside of the housing 1110 is shielded from external light. Moreover, the photoelectric conversion unit 1113 is formed of, for example, a glass substrate.

  When the radiation 1200A is emitted from the radiation source 1200 to the subject 1000, the radiation 1200A is intensity-modulated and scattered according to the structure of the subject 1000 due to the interaction (scattering, absorption, etc.) with the subject 1000, and the radiation is emitted as a radiation image. Incident on the detector 1115.

  Before the radiation (radiation image) enters the radiation detection unit 1115, unnecessary scattered radiation generated from the subject 1000 is removed in the grid 1111, and then the radiation (radiation image) is applied to the phosphor 1112 of the radiation detection unit 1115. Is incident. Since the phosphor 1112 has a characteristic of emitting fluorescence having an intensity proportional to the radiation dose, a radiation image incident through the grid 1111 is converted into a visible light image in the phosphor 1112. The visible light image is detected and captured as a radiation image (analog radiation image) composed of an analog signal by the photoelectric conversion unit 1113.

  Thereafter, the analog radiation image is converted into a digital signal (digital radiation image) by the A / D conversion unit 1120 and stored in the memory 1130. The digital radiation image stored in the memory 1130 is subjected to image processing in the image processing unit 1140. In this case, as the image processing, for example, as processing for correcting the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 1115, processing for correcting variation in gain, processing for correcting offset, and the like can be cited.

  The digital radiographic image subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 1140 is output from the communication unit 1150 to the outside of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1100. The control unit 1160 controls the overall operation of the radiation detection unit 1115 and the planar light emitter 1114. For example, the control unit 1160 performs various controls such as a method for driving the radiation detection unit 1115 and performing a calibration operation described later.

Here, advantages of using the photoelectric conversion unit 1113 will be described below.
First, since an image can be directly acquired as digital data, image processing is facilitated, and improper shooting condition correction and image enhancement of a region of interest can be easily performed. Further, by using a communication line such as the Internet, a specialist doctor in a large hospital can make a diagnosis for a patient in a remote place where the specialist doctor is absent. If digital image data is stored on a magneto-optical disk or the like, the storage space can be reduced compared to storing a film. In addition, since past images can be easily searched by cooperating with the database, it is possible to present a reference image more easily than when searching for a film.

  In FIG. 8, a planar light emitter 1114 is a light source that emits light for giving a uniform illuminance distribution to the photoelectric conversion unit 1113. When the planar light emitter 1114 emits light from the glass substrate back surface 1113B side of the photoelectric conversion unit 1113, a plurality of pixels formed on the glass substrate surface 1113A are illuminated. As a radiographic imaging apparatus having the above-described configuration, for example, the following Patent Document 1 is helpful.

  In order to use the radiographic imaging apparatus 1100 having the above-described configuration while maintaining the expected performance, it is necessary to calibrate the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 1115 that changes over time. Usually performed by the user (eg, a radiologist working at a hospital). In addition, the frequency of calibration work is currently up to the operation rules of the facility. In other words, depending on the operation rules of the facility, there are some facilities that are implemented every day at the start of business, and other facilities that are implemented once every six months.

  Here, as an example of the calibration work, a case where a correction image for correcting the gain variation of the radiation detection unit 1115 is acquired will be described.

  In general, when acquiring a correction image for correcting variation in gain, first, the user places the radiation source 1200 and the radiation image capturing apparatus 1100 at appropriate positions. In this case, the appropriate position is, for example, a position where the radiation 1200A emitted from the radiation source 1200 is irradiated to the entire radiation detection unit 1115. Next, the user sets the tube voltage and tube current of the radiation source 1200 related to generation of the radiation 1200 </ b> A to appropriate values, and actually irradiates the radiation 1200 </ b> A toward the radiation detection unit 1115. At this time, the subject 1000 is irradiated without being arranged. Then, the image obtained by this irradiation is digitized and subjected to image processing, whereby a correction image for correcting gain variation is acquired.

Japanese Patent No. 3684010

  Thus, the calibration work is a troublesome work for the user, and it is a heavy burden for the user to perform this calibration work every day at the start of work. Further, as described above, the purpose of the calibration work is to calibrate the characteristics of the radiation detector that changes over time. Therefore, in the present situation, the user is performing the calibration work in accordance with the operation rules even though it is not necessary to carry out when there is no temporal change of the radiation detection unit.

  In addition, when the radiographic imaging device is continuously used without performing calibration work, the characteristics of the radiation detector changes with time, so the contrast of the radiographic image obtained by irradiating with radiation decreases. It will follow. Therefore, in this case, the user performs the calibration work after noticing the decrease in contrast. That is, the user visually observes the radiographic image obtained by actual imaging and performs the calibration work after noticing the decrease in contrast. Therefore, in this case, since a normal radiation image is acquired again after the calibration operation, the subject has to be re-irradiated with radiation, and the subject has been wasted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to enable a user to grasp the presence or absence of calibration work for the characteristics of a radiation detection unit.

  The radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes a conversion unit that converts incident radiation into light and a plurality of pixels, and converts the light converted by the conversion unit into an electrical signal by the plurality of pixels. Radiation detecting means including an imaging means for capturing a radiation image based on the radiation; and an illuminating means provided in a light shielding housing together with the radiation detecting means, and illuminating the plurality of pixels of the imaging means, An illumination image acquisition unit that acquires an illumination image captured by the imaging unit based on light illuminated by the illumination unit, and an illumination image that stores a plurality of illumination images acquired at different timings in the illumination image acquisition unit Results of comparison by storage means, illumination image comparison means for comparing at least two illumination images stored in the illumination image storage means, and comparison by the illumination image comparison means Based on, and a characteristic determination means for determining whether the characteristics of the radiation detecting means is changed.

  Another aspect of the radiographic imaging system of the present invention is configured to include a conversion unit that converts incident radiation into light and a plurality of pixels, and the light converted by the conversion unit is electrically used by the plurality of pixels. Radiation detection means including an imaging means for converting the signal into a radiographic image based on the radiation, and the radiation detection means together with the radiation detection means are provided in a light shielding casing, and illuminates the plurality of pixels of the imaging means. Illumination means, illumination image acquisition means for acquiring an illumination image captured by the imaging means based on light illuminated by the illumination means, and illumination image storage for storing the illumination image acquired by the illumination image acquisition means Means, radiation image storage means for storing the radiation image captured by the imaging means based on light converted from radiation by the conversion means, and the illumination image storage A defect occurs in the conversion means based on the result of the comparison by the image comparison means for comparing the illumination image stored in the stage and the radiation image stored in the radiation image storage means; Failure determination means for determining whether or not the

  The driving method of the radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes a conversion unit that converts incident radiation into light and a plurality of pixels, and the light converted by the conversion unit is converted into an electrical signal by the plurality of pixels. Illumination for illuminating the plurality of pixels of the imaging means provided in a light shielding casing together with the radiation detection means, and radiation detection means including imaging means for imaging a radiographic image based on the radiation A radiation image capturing system including: an irradiating step of illuminating the plurality of pixels of the image capturing means using the illuminating means; and the image capturing means based on light illuminated by the illuminating means An illumination image acquisition step of acquiring an illumination image captured in step (a) and a plurality of illumination images acquired at different timings in the illumination image acquisition step. The radiation image storage step, the illumination image comparison step for comparing at least two illumination images stored in the illumination image storage means, and the result of comparison by the illumination image comparison step, the radiation detection means And a characteristic determination step for determining whether or not the characteristic of the current has changed.

  Another aspect of the method for driving a radiographic imaging system according to the present invention includes a conversion unit that converts incident radiation into light and a plurality of pixels, and the light converted by the conversion unit is converted into the plurality of light beams. A plurality of pixels of the image pickup means provided in a light shielding case together with a radiation detection means including an image pickup means for picking up a radiographic image based on the radiation by converting into an electrical signal by a pixel; A method of driving a radiographic image capturing system including an illuminating unit for illuminating an illumination image, the illumination image acquiring step for acquiring an illumination image captured by the imaging unit based on light illuminated by the illuminating unit, and the illumination Based on the illumination image storage step of storing the illumination image acquired in the image acquisition step in the illumination image storage means, and the light converted from the radiation by the conversion means A radiation image storage step for storing the radiation image captured by the imaging unit in a radiation image storage unit; an illumination image stored in the illumination image storage unit; and a radiation image stored in the radiation image storage unit And a defect determination step of determining whether or not the conversion means has a defect based on the result of the comparison in the image comparison step.

  According to the present invention, the user can grasp the presence or absence of calibration work for the characteristics of the radiation detection unit.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As embodiments of the present invention to be described below, modes mainly used in medical radiography will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to use of medical radiography, but industrial nondestructive radiography. It is also possible to apply to times.

(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, a grid 1011, a phosphor 1012, a photoelectric conversion unit 1013, and a planar light emitter 1014 are configured inside the housing 101. Here, the phosphor 1012 and the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 constitute a radiation detection unit 1015. Further, the inside of the housing 101 is shielded from external light. In addition, the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 is formed of, for example, a glass substrate.

  The radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 includes an A / D conversion unit 102, a memory 103, an image processing unit 104, a communication unit 105, and a control unit 106, similarly to the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1100 illustrated in FIG. . Furthermore, the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 includes an illumination image acquisition unit 107, an A / D conversion unit 108, an illumination image storage unit 109, an illumination image comparison unit 110, and a characteristic determination unit 111.

  The radiation source 201 generates radiation 201 </ b> A such as X-rays, for example, and emits radiation 201 </ b> A to the subject 1000 when performing radiography of the subject 1000. Of the radiation 1200 </ b> A emitted from the radiation source 1200 to the subject 1000, the radiation that has passed through the subject 1000 enters the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 as a radiation image.

  The radiation (radiation image) incident on the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 enters the inside of the housing 101 and enters the radiation detection unit 1015 via the grid 1011. At this time, unnecessary scattered radiation generated from the subject 1000 is removed from the grid 1011. The grid 1011 is composed of, for example, a lead plate or an aluminum plate. The grid 1011 may be built in the housing 101 as shown in FIG. It may be.

  The phosphor 1012 is conversion means for converting incident radiation (radiation image) into light. Specifically, the phosphor 1012 has a characteristic of emitting fluorescence having an intensity proportional to an irradiation dose of incident radiation (radiation image), and the phosphor 1012 has incident radiation (radiation) based on this characteristic. Image) to visible light (visible light image). The phosphor 1012 is made of, for example, an intensifying screen or CsI (cesium iodide).

  The photoelectric conversion unit 1013 includes, for example, a plurality of pixels. The photoelectric conversion unit 1013 converts visible light (visible light image) converted by the phosphor 1012 into an electrical signal by the plurality of pixels, and a radiation image based on radiation (radiation image) incident on the radiation detection unit 1015. It is an imaging means for performing imaging. Specifically, the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 captures a visible light image converted by the phosphor 1012 as a radiation image (analog radiation image) including an analog signal. The photoelectric conversion unit 1013 is configured, for example, by forming a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon on a glass substrate.

  Furthermore, the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 converts light illuminated by a planar light emitter 1014 described later into an electrical signal using a plurality of pixels, and an illumination image (analog illumination image) including analog signals based on the illuminated light. ).

  The planar light emitter 1014 is an illuminating unit that is provided in a light shielding case (inside the case 101) together with the radiation detection unit 1015, and illuminates a plurality of pixels included in the photoelectric conversion unit 1013. Specifically, the planar light emitter 1014 emits light for giving a uniform illuminance distribution to the pixels of the photoelectric conversion unit 1013. As the planar light emitter 1014, it is preferable to apply any one of EL (Electro Luminescence), LED (Light Emitting Diode), and fluorescent tube. In addition, as this planar light-emitting body 1014, it is not limited to this, You may form with another structure.

  As a method for illuminating a pixel with the planar light emitter 1014, when the pixel of the photoelectric conversion portion 1013 has a transparent electrode, it is possible to illuminate directly from the glass substrate back surface 1013B side through the glass substrate. In addition, in the case where the pixel of the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 does not have a transparent electrode, light that has passed through a gap between adjacent pixels is diffusely reflected by the phosphor 1012, thereby indirectly from the glass substrate surface 1013 A side. Can be illuminated. Further, if the illuminance distribution of the planar light emitter 1014 is not sufficiently uniform, the illuminance distribution can be made uniform by making the glass substrate back surface 1013B a diffusion surface.

  The A / D conversion unit 102 is an image conversion unit that converts an analog radiation image captured by the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 into a radiation image (digital radiation image) including a digital signal.

  The memory 103 is a radiographic image storage unit that stores the digital radiographic image converted by the A / D conversion unit 102, for example. At this time, the memory 103 stores the image data of the radiation image.

  For example, the image processing unit 104 performs image processing on a digital radiographic image stored in the memory 103. At this time, as the image processing, for example, processing for correcting gain variation, processing for correcting offset, and the like are performed as processing for correcting the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 1015.

  For example, the communication unit 105 performs processing for transmitting various types of information such as a digital radiographic image stored in the memory 103 and a result of determination by the characteristic determination unit 111 described below to the outside of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100. At this time, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark), an optical fiber, a camera link, or the like can be applied as a communication interface in the communication unit 105, but is not particularly limited to these interfaces.

  The control unit 106 controls the overall operation of the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 including the radiation detection unit 1015 and the planar light emitter 1014.

  The illumination image acquisition unit 107 performs processing for acquiring an analog illumination image captured by the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 based on the light illuminated by the planar light emitter 1014.

  The A / D conversion unit 108 is an image conversion unit that converts the analog illumination image acquired by the illumination image acquisition unit 107 into an illumination image (digital illumination image) including a digital signal. When the A / D conversion unit 108 has the same function as the A / D conversion unit 102, the A / D conversion unit 108 and the A / D conversion unit 102 are combined into one A / D conversion unit. A form in which processing is also performed in the D conversion unit may be used.

  The illumination image storage unit 109 stores the digital illumination image acquired by the illumination image acquisition unit 107 and converted by the A / D conversion unit 108. The illumination image storage unit 109 stores a plurality of digital illumination images based on analog illumination images acquired at different timings in the illumination image acquisition unit 107. At this time, the illumination image storage unit 109 stores the image data of the illumination image. The illumination image storage unit 109 may be a device similar to the memory 103 described above, or may be a general storage device such as an HDD. Furthermore, the memory 103 may be used as an alternative to the illumination image storage unit 109.

  The illumination image comparison unit 110 performs processing for comparing at least two digital illumination images stored in the illumination image storage unit 109. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the illumination image comparison unit 110 compares a reference digital illumination image (reference illumination image) stored in the illumination image storage unit 109 with a certain timing. A process of comparing the target digital illumination image (comparison illumination image) is performed.

Here, an example of the acquisition timing (imaging timing) of the reference illumination image will be described.
The acquisition timing of the reference illumination image acquired by the illumination image acquisition unit 107 is determined by the control of the control unit 106. In this case, for example, the reference illumination image is acquired at a timing that serves as a reference for the characteristic change of the radiation detection unit 1015 when the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 is shipped from the factory or when the hospital is installed, and is stored in the illumination image storage unit 109. The In addition, for example, the reference illumination image may be acquired at a timing after the user performs a calibration operation.
In addition, the acquisition timing of the reference illumination image may be automatically determined by the control of the control unit 106 or may be determined in response to an instruction to capture the reference illumination image from the user. . Here, in a case where the determination is made in response to an instruction to capture the reference illumination image from the user, for example, the CPU 203 detects a reference illumination image capture instruction input from the operation device 206 shown in FIG. Then, triggered by receiving the reference illumination image capturing instruction from the CPU 203, the control unit 106 determines the acquisition timing of the reference illumination image.

Next, an example of acquisition timing (imaging timing) of the comparative illumination image will be described.
The acquisition timing of the comparative illumination image is also determined by the control of the control unit 106, similarly to the acquisition timing of the reference illumination image. For example, the comparative illumination image is acquired at the time of activation of the radiographic imaging device 100 or at the timing of radiographic imaging of the patient if used in a hospital and is stored in the illumination image storage unit 109. .

  The characteristic determination unit 111 performs a process of determining whether or not the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has changed based on the comparison result by the illumination image comparison unit 110.

  Here, an example of a comparison method by the illumination image comparison unit 110 and a determination process related to the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 by the characteristic determination unit 111 will be described.

First, the first example will be described.
In the first example, the illumination image comparison unit 110 compares the average value of the pixel values of the reference illumination image with the average value of the pixel values of the comparison illumination image, and calculates the difference between the average values calculated as a result of the comparison. Notify the characteristic determination unit 111. The characteristic determination unit 111 determines whether or not the difference between the average values notified from the illumination image comparison unit 110 is within a preset threshold range. In this case, the characteristic determination unit 111 determines that the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has not changed over time when the difference between the average values is within the threshold range, and is within the threshold range. If not, it is determined that the characteristics of the radiation detector 1015 have changed over time.

Subsequently, a second example will be described.
In the second example, the illumination image comparison unit 110 compares the variance value of the pixel value of the reference illumination image with the variance value of the pixel value of the comparison illumination image, and calculates the difference between the variance values calculated as a result of the comparison. Notify the characteristic determination unit 111. The characteristic determination unit 111 determines whether or not the difference between the variance values notified from the illumination image comparison unit 110 is within a preset threshold range. In this case, the characteristic determination unit 111 determines that the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has not changed with time when the difference between the variance values is within the threshold range, and is within the threshold range. If not, it is determined that the characteristics of the radiation detector 1015 have changed over time.

Subsequently, a third example will be described.
In the third example, the illumination image comparison unit 110 compares the maximum value and the minimum value of the pixel value of the reference illumination image with the maximum value and the minimum value of the pixel value of the comparison illumination image, and is calculated as a result of the comparison. The characteristic determination unit 111 is notified of the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value. The characteristic determining unit 111 determines whether or not the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value notified from the illumination image comparing unit 110 is within a preset threshold range. In this case, when the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value is within the threshold range, the characteristic determination unit 111 determines that the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has not changed over time, and is within the threshold range. If it is not within the range, it is determined that the characteristics of the radiation detector 1015 have changed over time.

Subsequently, a fourth example will be described.
In the fourth example, the illumination image comparison unit 110 compares the median of the pixel values of the reference illumination image with the median of the pixel values of the comparison illumination image, and calculates the difference between the medians calculated as a result of the comparison. Notify the characteristic determination unit 111. The characteristic determining unit 111 determines whether or not the median difference notified from the illumination image comparing unit 110 is within a preset threshold range. In this case, the characteristic determination unit 111 determines that the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has not changed over time when the difference between the medians is within the threshold range, and is within the threshold range. If not, it is determined that the characteristics of the radiation detector 1015 have changed over time.

Subsequently, a fifth example will be described.
In the fifth example, the illumination image comparison unit 110 compares all pixel values of the reference illumination image with all pixel values of the comparison illumination image, and calculates a difference between all pixel values calculated as a result of the comparison. Notify the characteristic determination unit 111. The characteristic determination unit 111 determines whether or not the difference between all pixel values notified from the illumination image comparison unit 110 is within a preset threshold range. In this case, the characteristic determination unit 111 determines that the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has not changed over time when the difference between all the pixel values is within the threshold range, and is within the threshold range. If not, it is determined that the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 1015 have changed over time.

Subsequently, a sixth example will be described.
In the sixth example, the illumination image comparison unit 110 compares the histogram of pixel values of the reference illumination image with the histogram of pixel values of the comparison illumination image, and determines the difference between the histograms calculated as a result of the comparison as a characteristic determination unit. 111 is notified. The characteristic determination unit 111 determines whether or not the histogram difference notified from the illumination image comparison unit 110 is within a preset threshold range. In this case, the characteristic determination unit 111 determines that the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has not changed over time when the difference between the histograms is within the threshold range, and is not within the threshold range. In this case, it is determined that the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 1015 have changed over time.

  Note that the above-described comparison method of the illumination image comparison unit 110 and the determination process related to the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 by the characteristic determination unit 111 are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.

  Then, the result of determination by the characteristic determination unit 111 is transmitted to the outside of the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 via the communication unit 105.

  Next, a radiographic image capturing system including the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the radiographic imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the same components as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The radiographic imaging system 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 shown in FIG. Further, the radiation imaging system 10 is provided with a radiation generator 202 and an imaging button 211 as a configuration related to the radiation source 201 shown in FIG. Further, the radiographic imaging system 10 includes a CPU 203, a memory 204, a storage device 205, an operation device 206, a display device 207, a bus 208, a communication device 209, and a communication interface 210. ing.

  The radiation generator 202 is a device for generating radiation from the radiation source 201. The imaging button 211 is a button for instructing the radiation generator 202 to generate radiation.

  The CPU 203 controls the overall operation of the radiation image capturing system 10 in an integrated manner. The memory 204 stores, for example, programs and data necessary for control performed by the CPU 203. In addition, the memory 204 stores a radiographic image or an illumination image captured (captured) by the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 or various types of information transmitted from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 as necessary.

  The storage device 205 stores a radiographic image or an illumination image captured (captured) by the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 or various types of information transmitted from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100.

  The operation device 206 is operated when the user gives an input instruction to the radiographic imaging system 10. For example, the operation device 206 is operated when performing various settings in radiography.

  The display device 207 displays, for example, various types of information including a radiographic image related to the subject 1000 acquired by radiography and various setting information in radiography.

  The bus 208 is a bus for connecting the radiation generating apparatus 202, the CPU 203, the memory 204, the storage device 205, the operation device 206, the display device 207, and the communication device 209 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The communication device 209 is a device for communicating with the radiation image capturing apparatus 100. The communication interface 210 is an interface for connecting the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 and the communication apparatus 209 so that they can communicate with each other. For example, the communication interface 210 notifies the communication device 209 of various image data and various information (including commands) output from the radiographic image capturing device 100, and commands the CPU 203 from the communication device 209 to capture the radiographic image. Notify device 100. The communication interface 210 may be a general interface such as Ethernet, an optical fiber, or a camera link, but is not particularly limited to these interfaces.

A case where a radiographic image of the subject 1000 is captured will be described below.
First, when the user aligns the subject 1000 with the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 and then presses the imaging button 211, the CPU 203 detects that the imaging button 211 has been pressed, and instructs the start of the imaging operation.

  Specifically, the CPU 203 gives an imaging preparation instruction to the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 in response to a request for starting an imaging operation from the user by pressing the imaging button 211. Receiving this imaging preparation instruction, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 prepares the subject 1000 for imaging. Thereafter, the CPU 203 controls the operation of the radiation generator 202 to generate radiation from the radiation source 201.

  The radiation (radiation image) transmitted through the subject 1000 is detected by the radiation detection unit 1015 of the radiation image capturing apparatus 100, and is acquired in the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 as a digital radiation image by the method described above. Thereafter, the radiographic image acquired by the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 is stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204) via the communication apparatus 209.

  In addition, the radiation image stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204) is transmitted to the display device 207 via the bus 208 and displayed as necessary. Thereby, the user can browse the radiographic image captured by the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100.

  In the radiographic image capturing system 10 of this embodiment, the storage device 205 and the memory 204 can also store information on the characteristic determination result of the radiation detection unit 1015 output from the communication unit 105 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100. . That is, the characteristic determination result of the radiation detection unit 1015 determined by the characteristic determination unit 111 can be stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204) and displayed on the display device 207. Therefore, the user can obtain information on whether or not the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 1015 have changed over time via the display device 207. Thereby, the user can perform appropriate measures such as performing a calibration operation related to the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 1015 based on the provision of the information.

  Next, a processing procedure in the driving method of the radiation image capturing system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  FIGS. 3A and 3B are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the driving method of the radiographic imaging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the processes illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B are performed in the radiation image capturing apparatus 100 illustrated in FIG.

First, a flowchart relating to photographing of the reference illumination image shown in FIG. 3A will be described.
In step S <b> 101 of FIG. 3A, the control unit 106 determines whether or not to perform the above-described shooting of the reference illumination image.

  As a result of the determination in step S101, if the reference illumination image is to be captured, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, the control unit 106 performs control to execute capturing of the reference illumination image. In this case, the control unit 106 performs control to illuminate a plurality of pixels included in the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 using the planar light emitter 1014. Then, the control unit 106 causes the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 to capture (capture) a reference illumination image based on the light illuminated by the planar light emitter 1014. At this time, the reference illumination image is composed of an analog signal.

  Subsequently, in step S103, the illumination image acquisition unit 107 performs a process of acquiring the reference illumination image captured (captured) in step S102. Thereafter, the reference illumination image acquired by the illumination image acquisition unit 107 is digitized by the A / D conversion unit 108 and then stored in the illumination image storage unit 109.

  When the process of step S103 is completed, or when it is determined in step S101 that the reference illumination image is not taken, the flowchart shown in FIG.

Next, a flowchart relating to the photographing of the comparative illumination image shown in FIG. 3-2 will be described.
In step S201 in FIG. 3B, the control unit 106 determines whether or not to execute the above-described comparison illumination image capturing.

  If the result of determination in step S201 is that a comparative illumination image is to be taken, processing proceeds to step S202. When the processing proceeds to step S202, the control unit 106 performs control to execute capturing of a comparative illumination image. In this case, the control unit 106 performs control to illuminate a plurality of pixels included in the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 using the planar light emitter 1014. Then, the control unit 106 causes the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 to capture (capture) a comparative illumination image based on the light illuminated by the planar light emitter 1014. At this time, the comparative illumination image is an analog signal.

  Subsequently, in step S203, the illumination image acquisition unit 107 performs processing for acquiring the comparative illumination image captured (captured) in step S202. Thereafter, the comparison illumination image acquired by the illumination image acquisition unit 107 is digitized by the A / D conversion unit 108 and then stored in the illumination image storage unit 109.

  Subsequently, in step S204, the illumination image comparison unit 110 performs a process of comparing the reference illumination image and the comparison illumination image stored in the illumination image storage unit 109. As a comparison method in this case, for example, various comparison methods shown as the first to sixth examples described above can be applied. Furthermore, for example, the present invention can be applied to a mode in which a plurality of comparison illumination images are captured in step S202 and the reference illumination image is compared with the plurality of comparison illumination images.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 205, the characteristic determination unit 111 performs a process of determining whether or not the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has changed based on the comparison result by the illumination image comparison unit 110. Thereafter, information on the determination result by the characteristic determination unit 111 is transmitted to the outside of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 via the communication unit 105. Specifically, information of the determination result by the characteristic determination unit 111 transmitted via the communication unit 105 is stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204) via the communication device 209, and then displayed as necessary. Displayed on the device 207.

  When the process of step S205 is completed, or when it is determined in step S201 that the comparison illumination image is not taken, the flowchart shown in FIG.

  According to the first embodiment, since the characteristic determination unit 111 determines whether or not the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 has changed based on the comparison result by the illumination image comparison unit 110, the radiation detection unit The user can grasp the presence / absence of the calibration work for the characteristics. For example, if information on the determination result by the characteristic determination unit 111 is displayed on the display device 207, the user can determine whether or not calibration work is necessary by looking at the information on the determination result. Therefore, the user can save time and labor for performing the calibration work at the start of work, for example, so that the burden on the user is reduced. In addition, when the information of the determination result that the characteristic of the radiation detection unit 1015 is changed is notified, the user performs a calibration operation, and notices that the contrast of the radiographic image is lowered after radiography of the subject. This leads to a reduction in radiation exposure to the subject. Furthermore, since it is possible to accurately determine the timing of the calibration work from the illumination image without taking a radiographic image by radiation irradiation, no user intervention is required. Therefore, for example, it is possible to always use the radiographic imaging device while maintaining the expected performance by determining the timing of the calibration work and providing appropriate information to the user at the time of starting each time. It becomes possible.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a radiographic imaging device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a radiographic imaging system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 4 and 5, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In the first embodiment, the illumination image comparison unit 110 and the characteristic determination unit 111 are configured inside the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100, and information on the determination result of the characteristic determination unit 111 is output from the communication unit 105. The present invention is not necessarily limited to this form. For example, unlike the radiographic image capturing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 4, the illumination image comparing unit 110 and the characteristic determining unit 111 are not configured therein, and the radiographic image capturing apparatus as in the radiographic image capturing system 20 illustrated in FIG. 5. The form which comprises these outside 200 is also applicable.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the reference illumination image and the comparison illumination image stored in the illumination image storage unit 109 are output from the communication unit 105 and stored in, for example, the storage device 205 (or the memory 204). The Then, the illumination image comparison unit 110 accesses the reference illumination image and the comparison illumination image stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204) via the bus 208, and performs a comparison process as in the first embodiment. I do. Furthermore, the result of the comparison by the illumination image comparison unit 110 is notified to the characteristic determination unit 111, and the characteristic determination unit 111 performs the characteristic determination of the radiation detection unit 1015 as in the first embodiment. Information on the determination result by the characteristic determination unit 111 is stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204), and then displayed on the display device 207 as needed to provide information to the user. Note that the processing executed by the illumination image comparison unit 110 and the characteristic determination unit 111 in the present embodiment can be replaced by the CPU 203, for example.

  In addition, regarding the processing procedure in the driving method of the radiation image capturing system 20 according to the second embodiment, the information output from the communication unit 105 is different, except for FIGS. 3-1 and 3 described in the first embodiment. This is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

  According to the second embodiment, an effect similar to the effect in the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Here, in FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Specifically, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 300 according to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 includes the illumination image comparison unit 110 and the characteristic determination unit 111 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. Instead, an image comparison unit 301 and a defect determination unit 302 are configured.

  The image comparison unit 301 is a radiation image captured by the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 based on the illumination image stored in the illumination image storage unit 109 and the light converted from the radiation by the phosphor 1012 stored in the memory 103. This is a comparison with an image. At this time, for example, any or all of an image related to the subject 1000, a gain image, and an offset image can be applied as the radiation image to be compared with the illumination image. Here, the gain image is an image (image data) used for the process of correcting the above-described gain variation, and the offset image is an image (image data) used for the process of correcting the offset. .

  The reason why the image comparison unit 301 compares the illumination image with the radiation image (any or all of the image relating to the subject 1000, the gain image, and the offset image) is to find a defect in the phosphor 1012. .

  Then, the defect determination unit 302 determines whether a defect has occurred in the phosphor 1012 based on the comparison result by the image comparison unit 301.

  Here, an example of a comparison method by the image comparison unit 301 and a determination process related to the defect of the phosphor 1012 by the defect determination unit 302 will be described.

  Specifically, the image comparison unit 301 compares each pixel value of the illumination image with each pixel value of the radiation image (any or all of the image relating to the subject 1000, the gain image, and the offset image). The defect determination unit 302 determines that the phosphor 1012 has deteriorated and a defect has occurred when the pixel value of the illumination image is a normal value but each pixel value of the radiation image is an incorrect value. to decide.

  Moreover, about the structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, it replaces with the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 in the radiographic imaging system 10 which concerns on 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the radiation shown in FIG. The image pickup apparatus 300 is applied.

  In this case, information on the determination result by the defect determination unit 302 is transmitted to the outside of the radiation image capturing apparatus 300 via the communication unit 105. The information of the determination result by the defect determination unit 302 transmitted via the communication unit 105 is stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204) via the communication device 209, and then the display device 207 as necessary. Is displayed. Therefore, the user can grasp the deterioration state of the phosphor 1012 via the display device 207, and can take appropriate measures such as replacement of the phosphor 1012.

  Next, a processing procedure in the driving method of the radiographic imaging system according to the third embodiment will be described.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the driving method of the radiographic imaging system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the processing illustrated in FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2 is performed in the radiation image capturing apparatus 300 illustrated in FIG.

First, a flowchart relating to photographing of an illumination image shown in FIG.
In step S301 in FIG. 7A, the control unit 106 determines whether or not to execute the above-described illumination image shooting.

  As a result of the determination in step S301, when the illumination image is captured, the process proceeds to step S302. In step S302, the control unit 106 performs control to execute shooting of an illumination image. In this case, the control unit 106 performs control to illuminate a plurality of pixels included in the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 using the planar light emitter 1014. Then, the control unit 106 causes the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 to capture (capture) an illumination image based on the light illuminated by the planar light emitter 1014. At this time, the illumination image is composed of an analog signal.

  Subsequently, in step S303, the illumination image acquisition unit 107 performs processing for acquiring the illumination image captured (captured) in step S302. Thereafter, the illumination image acquired by the illumination image acquisition unit 107 is digitized by the A / D conversion unit 108 and then stored in the illumination image storage unit 109.

  When the process of step S303 is completed, or when it is determined in step S301 that the illumination image is not captured, the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

Next, a flowchart relating to radiographic image capturing illustrated in FIG. 7B will be described.
In step S401 in FIG. 7B, the control unit 106 determines whether or not to perform the above-described radiographic image capturing. At this time, radiographic image capturing is any one or all of the image relating to the subject 1000, the gain image, and the offset image.

  As a result of the determination in step S401, if radiographic image capturing is to be executed, the process proceeds to step S402. In step S402, the control unit 106 performs control to perform imaging of a radiation image (any or all of an image related to the subject 1000, a gain image, and an offset image). In this case, the photoelectric conversion unit 1013 captures (shoots) the above-described radiation image based on the visible light (visible light image) converted by the phosphor 1012 based on the radiation emitted from the radiation source 201. At this time, the radiation image is composed of an analog signal.

  Subsequently, in step S403, the A / D conversion unit 102 acquires the radiographic image captured (captured) in step S402 and digitizes the radiographic image. Thereafter, the A / D conversion unit 102 stores the digitized radiographic image in the memory 103.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 404, the image comparison unit 301 compares the illumination image stored in the illumination image storage unit 109 with the radiation image stored in the memory 103.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 405, the defect determination unit 302 performs processing for determining whether or not a defect has occurred in the phosphor 1012 based on the comparison result by the image comparison unit 301. Thereafter, information on the determination result by the defect determination unit 302 is transmitted to the outside of the radiation image capturing apparatus 300 via the communication unit 105. Specifically, information on the determination result by the defect determination unit 302 transmitted via the communication unit 105 is stored in the storage device 205 (or memory 204) via the communication device 209, and then displayed as necessary. Displayed on the device 207.

  When the process of step S405 is completed, or when it is determined in step S401 that radiographic imaging is not performed, the flowchart illustrated in FIG.

  According to the third embodiment, similarly to the effect in the first embodiment described above, the user can grasp the presence / absence of calibration work for the characteristics of the radiation detection unit 1015. In particular, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to determine a defect (deterioration with time) related to the phosphor 1012 of the radiation detection unit 1015. Therefore, in the third embodiment, since it is possible to determine the deterioration of the phosphor 1012 over time, the user can take measures such as requesting maintenance of the radiation detection unit (phosphor) based on the information. It becomes.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the third embodiment, the image comparison unit 301 and the defect determination unit 302 are configured inside the radiographic image capturing apparatus 300, and information on the determination result of the defect determination unit 302 is output from the communication unit 105. The present invention is not necessarily limited to this form. For example, a configuration in which the image comparison unit 301 and the defect determination unit 302 are provided outside the radiation image capturing apparatus 300 as in the second embodiment is also applicable. In this case, the radiation image capturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment does not constitute the image comparison unit 301 and the defect determination unit 302 in FIG. 6, and the illumination stored in the illumination image storage unit 109 from the communication unit 105. The image and the radiation image stored in the memory 103 are transmitted to the outside. In this case, the configuration of the radiographic imaging system according to the fourth embodiment is replaced with the illumination image comparison unit 110 and the characteristic determination unit 111 illustrated in FIG. 5 and the image comparison unit 301 and the defect determination illustrated in FIG. The part 302 is applied.

  In the case of the fourth embodiment, the illumination image stored in the illumination image storage unit 109 is output from the communication unit 105 and stored in the storage device 205 (or memory 204). Further, the radiation image (any or all of the image relating to the subject 1000, the gain image, and the offset image) stored in the memory 103 is output from the communication unit 105 and stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204). Stored.

  Then, the image comparison unit 301 accesses the illumination image and the radiation image stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204) via the bus 208, and performs a comparison process as in the third embodiment. Further, the result of comparison by the image comparison unit 301 is notified to the defect determination unit 302, and the defect determination unit 302 determines the deterioration state of the phosphor 1012. Information on the determination result by the defect determination unit 302 is stored in the storage device 205 (or the memory 204), and then displayed on the display device 207 as needed to provide information to the user. Note that the processing executed by the image comparison unit 301 and the defect determination unit 302 in the present embodiment can be replaced by the CPU 203, for example.

  Further, regarding the processing procedure in the driving method of the radiographic imaging system according to the fourth embodiment, FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2 described in the third embodiment are different except that the information output from the communication unit 105 is different. It is the same as that shown in FIG.

  According to the fourth embodiment, an effect similar to the effect in the third embodiment described above can be obtained.

  3, 3-2, 7-1, and 7-2, which show the driving method of the radiation image capturing system according to each of the above-described embodiments, are performed by the CPU of the computer such as RAM or ROM. This can be realized by executing a program stored in the program. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing the program are included in the present invention.

  Specifically, the program is recorded in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, or provided to a computer via various transmission media. As a storage medium for recording the program, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, a nonvolatile memory card, and the like can be used in addition to the CD-ROM. On the other hand, as the transmission medium of the program, a communication medium in a computer network (LAN, WAN such as the Internet, wireless communication network, etc.) system for propagating and supplying program information as a carrier wave can be used. In addition, examples of the communication medium at this time include a wired line such as an optical fiber, a wireless line, and the like.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to an aspect in which the functions of the radiographic imaging system according to each embodiment are realized by executing a program supplied by a computer. The program is also included in the present invention even when the function of the radiographic imaging system according to each embodiment is realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) or other application software running on the computer. . In addition, when all or part of the processing of the supplied program is performed by the function expansion board or function expansion unit of the computer and the functions of the radiographic imaging system according to each embodiment are realized, the program is not limited to this program. Included in the invention.

  In addition, all of the above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. . That is, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the technical idea or the main features thereof.

It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the radiographic imaging apparatus which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence in the drive method of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence in the drive method of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the radiographic imaging apparatus which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the radiographic imaging apparatus which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence in the drive method of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence in the drive method of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows a prior art example and shows an example of schematic structure of a radiographic imaging device.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Radiation imaging device 101 Case 1011 Grid 1012 Fluorescent substance 1013 Photoelectric conversion part 1014 Planar light-emitting body 1015 Radiation detection part 102 A / D conversion part 103 Memory 104 Image processing part 105 Communication part 106 Control part 107 Illumination image acquisition part 108 A / D conversion unit 109 Illumination image storage unit 110 Illumination image comparison unit 111 Characteristic determination unit 201 Radiation source 201A Radiation 1000 Subject

Claims (13)

A conversion unit that converts incident radiation into light and a plurality of pixels, and the light converted by the conversion unit is converted into an electrical signal by the plurality of pixels to capture a radiation image based on the radiation Radiation detecting means including imaging means for performing;
An illumination unit that is provided in a light shielding case together with the radiation detection unit, and illuminates the plurality of pixels of the imaging unit;
An illumination image acquisition means for acquiring an illumination image captured by the imaging means based on light illuminated by the illumination means;
Illumination image storage means for storing a plurality of illumination images acquired at different timings in the illumination image acquisition means;
Illumination image comparison means for comparing at least two illumination images stored in the illumination image storage means;
A radiation image capturing system comprising: a characteristic determination unit that determines whether or not the characteristic of the radiation detection unit has changed based on a result of comparison by the illumination image comparison unit.   The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit that transmits a result of determination by the characteristic determination unit.   The radiation detection unit, the illumination unit, the illumination image acquisition unit, the illumination image storage unit, the illumination image comparison unit, the characteristic determination unit, and the communication unit are configured inside a radiographic image capturing apparatus. The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 2, wherein: The radiation detection means, the illumination means, the illumination image acquisition means, and the illumination image storage means are configured in a radiation image capturing apparatus, and further, the radiation image capturing apparatus includes the illumination image storage. The communication means for transmitting the illumination image stored in the means to the outside is configured,
The illumination image comparison means compares at least two illumination images transmitted from the communication means,
The radiation image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic determination unit determines whether or not the characteristic of the radiation detection unit has changed based on a result of comparison by the illumination image comparison unit. The imaging means is for imaging an image composed of an analog signal,
In the inside of the radiographic imaging device,
Control means for controlling the radiation detection means;
Image conversion means for converting a radiographic image and an illumination image composed of analog signals imaged by the imaging means into a radiographic image and an illumination image composed of digital signals, respectively;
Radiation image storage means for storing a radiation image composed of digital signals converted by the image conversion means;
And image processing means for performing image processing on the radiation image stored in the radiation image storage means,
The radiation image capturing system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the illumination image storage unit stores an illumination image including a digital signal converted by the image conversion unit. A conversion unit that converts incident radiation into light and a plurality of pixels, and the light converted by the conversion unit is converted into an electrical signal by the plurality of pixels to capture a radiation image based on the radiation Radiation detecting means including imaging means for performing;
An illumination unit that is provided in a light shielding case together with the radiation detection unit, and illuminates the plurality of pixels of the imaging unit;
An illumination image acquisition means for acquiring an illumination image captured by the imaging means based on light illuminated by the illumination means;
Illumination image storage means for storing the illumination image acquired by the illumination image acquisition means;
A radiation image storage means for storing the radiation image captured by the imaging means based on light converted from radiation by the conversion means;
Image comparison means for comparing the illumination image stored in the illumination image storage means with the radiation image stored in the radiation image storage means;
A radiographic imaging system comprising: a defect determination unit that determines whether or not a defect has occurred in the conversion unit based on a result of comparison by the image comparison unit.   The radiographic imaging system according to claim 6, further comprising a communication unit that transmits a result of determination by the defect determination unit.   The radiation detection means, the illumination means, the radiation image storage means, the illumination image acquisition means, the illumination image storage means, the image comparison means, the defect determination means, and the communication means are provided inside the radiation image capturing apparatus. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 7, wherein the radiation image capturing system is configured as follows. The radiation detection means, the illumination means, the radiation image storage means, the illumination image acquisition means, and the illumination image storage means are configured inside a radiographic image capturing apparatus, and further to the radiographic image capturing apparatus. Comprises a communication means for transmitting the illumination image stored in the illumination image storage means and the radiation image stored in the radiation image storage means to the outside,
The image comparison unit compares the illumination image and the radiation image transmitted from the communication unit,
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the defect determination unit determines whether or not the conversion unit has a defect based on a result of the comparison by the image comparison unit. The imaging means is for imaging an image composed of an analog signal,
In the inside of the radiographic imaging device,
Control means for controlling the radiation detection means;
Image conversion means for converting a radiographic image and an illumination image composed of analog signals imaged by the imaging means into a radiographic image and an illumination image composed of digital signals, respectively;
The radiographic image storage means stores a radiographic image composed of digital signals converted by the image conversion means, and performs image processing on the radiographic image stored in the radiographic image storage means. And are further configured,
The radiation image capturing system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the illumination image storage unit stores an illumination image including a digital signal converted by the image conversion unit.   The radiographic imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the illuminating means is any one of EL (Electro Luminescence), LED (Light Emitting Diode), and a fluorescent tube. system. A conversion unit that converts incident radiation into light and a plurality of pixels, and the light converted by the conversion unit is converted into an electrical signal by the plurality of pixels to capture a radiation image based on the radiation Radiation detecting means including imaging means for performing;
A radiation image capturing system driving method including: an illumination unit that illuminates the plurality of pixels of the imaging unit, provided in a light shielding case together with the radiation detection unit,
An illumination step of illuminating the plurality of pixels of the imaging means using the illumination means;
An illumination image acquisition step of acquiring an illumination image captured by the imaging unit based on light illuminated by the illumination unit;
An illumination image storage step of storing in the illumination image storage means a plurality of illumination images acquired at different timings in the illumination image acquisition step;
An illumination image comparison step of comparing at least two illumination images stored in the illumination image storage means;
And a characteristic determination step of determining whether or not the characteristic of the radiation detection means has changed based on a result of the comparison in the illumination image comparison step. A conversion unit that converts incident radiation into light and a plurality of pixels, and the light converted by the conversion unit is converted into an electrical signal by the plurality of pixels to capture a radiation image based on the radiation Radiation detecting means including imaging means for performing;
A radiation image capturing system driving method including: an illumination unit that illuminates the plurality of pixels of the imaging unit, provided in a light shielding case together with the radiation detection unit,
An illumination image acquisition step of acquiring an illumination image captured by the imaging unit based on light illuminated by the illumination unit;
An illumination image storage step of storing the illumination image acquired in the illumination image acquisition step in an illumination image storage means;
A radiation image storage step of storing in the radiation image storage means the radiation image captured by the imaging means based on the light converted from radiation by the conversion means;
An image comparison step for comparing the illumination image stored in the illumination image storage means with the radiation image stored in the radiation image storage means;
A method for driving a radiographic imaging system, comprising: a failure determination step for determining whether or not a failure has occurred in the conversion means based on a result of comparison in the image comparison step.

Images