JP2010032268A - Transportable radiological image conversion apparatus, information processor, and housing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To communicate through the use of appropriate radio waves without having to burden users. <P>SOLUTION: A GPS 96 of an electronic cassette 52 obtains position information indicating the position of the presence of a self-apparatus. A communication system determination part 98 determines a communication system corresponding to a country including a position indicated by obtained position information and predetermined by a radio frequency band, a modulation system and radio wave output. An electric power supply control part 100 supplies electric power for a transmitter/receiver 92 using the communication system determined by the communication system determination part 98. The transmitter/receiver 92 transmits created radiological image information to a console 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable radiation image conversion device, an information processing device, and a storage device.

  In recent years, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) capable of directly converting X-rays into digital data by placing an X-ray sensitive layer on a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) active matrix substrate has been put into practical use. 2. Description of the Related Art A portable radiographic image conversion apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “electronic cassette”) that generates image information indicating a radiographic image represented by the emitted radiation and stores the generated image information has been put into practical use.

  Considering the situation when using an electronic cassette, it is convenient to adopt a wireless data communication form, so a radiation detection system that transmits image information wirelessly is known (Patent Document 1).

Regarding radio waves, the frequency band, modulation method, radio wave output, etc. that can be used in the Radio Law are determined for each country, and appropriate operation is required. In the case of a wireless communication electronic cassette fixed in a hospital, the radio wave to be used may be optimized at the time of shipment or installation.
Japanese Patent No. 349463

  However, for example, when a wireless communication electronic cassette is installed in a mobile body that can move beyond the country, such as a medical diagnostic vehicle or a luxury passenger ship with medical equipment, radio waves to be used are set for each moving country. There is a problem that the user is burdened because it is necessary.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is capable of performing communication using an appropriate radio wave without burdening the user, a portable radiographic image conversion apparatus, an information processing apparatus, and An object is to provide a storage device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a portable radiographic image conversion device according to a first invention includes an electronic circuit that generates image information indicating a radiographic image corresponding to a radiation dose irradiated from the outside, and the device itself. The position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means based on a predetermined correspondence relationship between the position information acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating the position, and a plurality of areas and frequency bands of a plurality of radio waves. Determining means for determining a frequency band of the radio wave, a communication means capable of performing communication using the frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves, and a frequency band determined by the determining means. Communication control means for controlling the communication means so as to transmit image information generated by the electronic circuit using radio waves.

  According to the portable radiographic image conversion device according to the first aspect of the invention, the location information acquisition means acquires location information indicating the location where the device is present. The frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the area including the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit based on the predetermined correspondence between the plurality of areas and the frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves by the determining unit To decide.

  Then, the communication control unit controls the communication unit to transmit the image information generated by the electronic circuit using the radio wave of the frequency band determined by the determination unit.

  In this way, by transmitting image information indicating a radiographic image using the frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the region including the position where the device exists, an appropriate radio wave can be transmitted without burdening the user. Can be used for communication.

  The determining means according to the first invention is acquired by the position information acquiring means based on a predetermined correspondence relationship between a plurality of areas and a plurality of combinations of radio frequency bands, modulation schemes, and radio wave outputs. A combination of a radio frequency band, a modulation method, and a radio wave output corresponding to a region including a position indicated by the position information is determined, and the communication unit determines the combination of the radio frequency band, the modulation method, and the radio wave output. The communication control means transmits the image information generated by the electronic circuit using the combination of the radio wave frequency band, the modulation method, and the radio wave output determined by the determination means. Thus, the communication means can be controlled. Thereby, it is possible to perform communication using an appropriate combination of the frequency band of the radio wave, the modulation method, and the radio wave output with respect to the region including the position where the own apparatus exists.

  The above area represents a country, and the correspondence can be determined according to the restriction of radio waves according to the laws of the country. As a result, communication can be performed using radio waves appropriate to the laws of the country including the position where the device exists.

  The position information can be position information obtained from GPS.

  The communication control unit can control to prohibit communication by the communication unit when the position information is not acquired by the position information acquisition unit. As a result, communication using inappropriate radio waves can be prevented.

  In addition, the portable radiographic image conversion apparatus that controls to prohibit communication by the communication means is generated by an electronic circuit for a removable storage medium when the position information is not acquired by the position information acquisition means. Storage control means for storing the processed image information can be further included. As a result, communication using inappropriate radio waves can be prevented, and image information can be input to an external device using a removable storage medium.

  In addition, the portable radiographic image conversion device that controls to prohibit communication by the communication means described above, when the position information is not acquired by the connection terminal for connecting the removable communication cable and the position information acquisition means And a wired communication control means for transmitting the image information generated by the electronic circuit via the communication cable. As a result, communication using inappropriate radio waves can be prevented and image information can be transmitted via the communication cable.

  In addition, the portable radiographic image conversion device that controls to prohibit communication by the communication means described above, when the position information is not acquired by the optical communication means capable of performing optical communication and the position information acquisition means, An optical communication control unit that controls the optical communication unit to transmit the image information generated by the electronic circuit can be further included. As a result, communication using inappropriate radio waves can be prevented and image information can be transmitted by optical communication.

  The information processing apparatus according to the second invention is based on a predetermined correspondence relationship between position information acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating a position where the apparatus exists and a plurality of areas and a plurality of frequency bands of radio waves. Communication with the determination means for determining the frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the region including the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means, and using the frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves. Radio waves in the frequency band determined by the determining means are transmitted from a portable radiographic image conversion apparatus including a communication means capable of generating and an electronic circuit that generates image information indicating a radiation image corresponding to the radiation dose irradiated from the outside. And a communication control means for controlling the communication means so as to receive the image information, and a display means for displaying the image information received by the communication means. To have.

  According to the information processing apparatus according to the second invention, the position information indicating the position where the own apparatus exists is acquired by the position information acquisition means. The frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the area including the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit based on the predetermined correspondence between the plurality of areas and the frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves by the determining unit To decide.

  Then, the communication control unit controls the communication unit to receive the image information from the portable radiographic image conversion apparatus using the radio wave of the frequency band determined by the determination unit. The image information received by the communication means is displayed by the display means.

  In this way, by receiving image information indicating a radiographic image using the frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the region including the position where the device exists, an appropriate radio wave can be transmitted without burdening the user. Can be used for communication.

  An accommodation apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention is an accommodation apparatus capable of accommodating a portable radiographic image conversion apparatus in which an electronic circuit that generates image information indicating a radiation image corresponding to a radiation dose irradiated from the outside is accommodated. The position information acquisition means acquires position information indicating the position where the device is present, and the position information acquisition means based on a predetermined correspondence between a plurality of regions and a plurality of frequency bands of radio waves. Determining means for determining the frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the region including the position indicated by the position information acquired by the communication means, communication means capable of performing communication using the frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves, Communication control means for controlling the communication means so as to receive the image information from the portable radiographic image conversion device using radio waves in the frequency band determined by the determination means. It is.

  According to the accommodation device pertaining to the third aspect of the invention, the location information acquisition means acquires location information indicating the location where the device is present. The frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the area including the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit based on the predetermined correspondence between the plurality of areas and the frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves by the determining unit To decide.

  Then, the communication control means controls the communication means so as to receive image information from the portable radiographic image conversion device, using the radio wave in the frequency band determined by the determination means.

  In this way, by receiving image information indicating a radiographic image using the frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the region including the position where the device exists, an appropriate radio wave can be transmitted without burdening the user. Can be used for communication.

  According to the portable radiographic image conversion apparatus according to the present invention, the image information indicating the radiographic image is transmitted to the user by using the frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the region including the position where the apparatus exists. There is an effect that communication can be performed using an appropriate radio wave without imposing a burden.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the accommodation apparatus according to the present invention, the image information indicating the radiographic image is received using the frequency band of the radio wave corresponding to the region including the position where the own apparatus is present, thereby enabling the user. There is an effect that communication can be performed using an appropriate radio wave without imposing a burden.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the radiation information system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing each component of a radiation information system 10 (hereinafter also referred to as “RIS10” (RIS: Radiology Information System)) according to the first embodiment.

  The RIS 10 is a system for managing information such as medical appointment reservations and diagnostic records in the radiology department, and constitutes a part of a hospital information system (HIS: Hospital Information System).

  The RIS 10 includes a plurality of imaging request input terminals 12 (hereinafter also referred to as “input terminals 12”), a RIS server 14, and a plurality of radiographic imaging systems 18 (hereinafter also referred to as “imaging systems 18”). It is comprised including.

  The RIS server 14 manages the entire RIS 10 and is configured to be capable of mutual communication with each input terminal 12 and the imaging system 18 via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable 20. The RIS server 14 is connected to a HIS server 24 that manages the entire HIS.

  The input terminal 12 is used by a doctor 26 (see FIG. 2) and a radiographer to input and view diagnostic information and facility reservations. A radiographic imaging request (imaging reservation) is also input to the input terminal 12. Made from. Each input terminal 12 is composed of a personal computer with a display device, and is connected to the RIS server 14 via a LAN to enable mutual communication.

  The RIS server 14 receives an imaging request from each input terminal 12 and manages a radiographic imaging schedule in the imaging system 18 and includes a database 28.

  The database includes information on the patient 30, such as attribute information (name, sex, date of birth, age, blood, patient ID, etc.), medical history, medical history, radiation images taken in the past, etc. of the patient 30 (see FIG. 2). And information regarding the electronic cassette 52 such as the identification number, model, size, sensitivity, usable imaging part (content of imaging request that can be supported), start date of use, number of times of use, etc. It is comprised including.

  The imaging system 18 captures a radiographic image by an operation of a doctor 26 or a radiographer according to an instruction from the RIS server 14. The imaging system 18 includes an imaging device 54 that irradiates a patient 30 as a subject with radiation X having a radiation dose according to imaging conditions, and a radiation detector that detects the radiation X transmitted through the patient 30 and converts the radiation X into radiation image information. An electronic cassette 52 (described later), a display device 56 for displaying a radiographic image based on the radiation X detected by the radiation detector, and a main power supply 94 (see FIG. 4) built in the electronic cassette 52. And an electronic cassette 52, an imaging device 54, a display device 56, and a console 62 that controls the cradle 60. Signal transmission / reception is performed between the electronic cassette 52 and the console 62 by wireless communication. Signals are transmitted and received by wired communication using a LAN cable or the like between each of the imaging device 54, the display device 56, and the cradle 60 and the console 62.

  FIG. 2 shows a state in which the photographing system 18 is installed in an operating room 64 as a photographing room as an example of the state in which the photographing system 18 according to the first embodiment is arranged. In the operating room 64 of FIG. 2, in addition to the imaging system 18, an operating table 66 on which the patient 30 lies is disposed, and an instrument table 68 on which various instruments used by the doctor 26 for surgery are placed. It is arranged on the side. Further, around the operating table 66, various devices such as an anesthesia machine, an aspirator, an electrocardiograph, a sphygmomanometer and the like necessary for the operation are arranged (these devices are omitted in FIG. 2). .

  The imaging device 54 is connected to the universal arm 70 and can be moved to a desired position corresponding to the imaging region of the patient 30 and can be retracted to a position that does not obstruct the operation performed by the doctor 26. Similarly, the display device 56 is connected to the free arm 72 and can be moved to a position where the doctor 26 can easily check the captured radiographic image.

  In the example of FIG. 2, the imaging system 18 is installed in the operating room 64, but the imaging system 18 may be installed in another place such as an imaging room installed exclusively for radiographic imaging. Further, the electronic cassette 52 is not limited to the case where it is used in the operating room 64, and can be applied to, for example, examinations and rounds in hospitals.

  FIG. 3 shows a diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the electronic cassette 52.

  As shown in the figure, the electronic cassette 52 includes a housing 74 made of a material that transmits the radiation X. Inside the housing 74, a grid 78 for removing scattered radiation of the radiation X by the patient 30 from the irradiation surface 76 side of the housing 74 irradiated with the radiation X, and radiation detection for detecting the radiation X transmitted through the patient 30. A vessel 80 (radiation conversion panel) and a lead plate 82 that absorbs backscattered rays of radiation X are sequentially arranged. Note that the irradiation surface 76 of the housing 74 may be configured as a grid 78.

  In addition, a case 84 that houses various circuits including a microcomputer (described later) is disposed inside the housing 74. In order to avoid various circuits housed in the case 84 from being damaged by the radiation X irradiation, it is desirable to arrange a lead plate or the like on the irradiation surface 76 side of the case 84.

  Next, the configuration of the electrical system of the electronic cassette 52 and the console 62 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the radiation detector 80 of the electronic cassette 52 is configured by laminating a photoelectric conversion layer that absorbs radiation and converts it into charges on a TFT active matrix substrate 81. The photoelectric conversion layer is made of amorphous a-Se (amorphous selenium) containing, for example, selenium as a main component (for example, a content rate of 50% or more), and when irradiated with radiation, the amount of charge corresponding to the amount of irradiated radiation. The generated radiation (electron-hole pair) is internally generated to convert the irradiated radiation into charges. In addition, on the TFT active matrix substrate 81, a pixel unit 40 including a storage capacitor 34 for storing the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer and a TFT 36 for reading the charge stored in the storage capacitor 34 (FIG. 4). In FIG. 5, a large number of photoelectric conversion layers corresponding to the individual pixel portions 40 are schematically shown as photoelectric conversion portions 38), and a large number of photoelectric conversion layers are arranged in a matrix. The electric charges generated in the above are stored in the storage capacitors 34 of the individual pixel units 40. As a result, the image information carried on the radiation applied to the electronic cassette 52 is converted into charge information and held in the radiation detector 80.

  The TFT active matrix substrate 81 has a plurality of gate lines 42 extending in a certain direction (row direction) for turning on / off the TFTs 36 of the individual pixel units 40, and a direction (column direction) orthogonal to the gate lines 42. And a plurality of data wirings 44 for reading out stored charges from the storage capacitor 34 through the TFT 36 which is extended and turned on. Individual gate lines 42 are connected to a gate line driver 46, and individual data lines 44 are connected to a signal processing unit 48. When charges are accumulated in the storage capacitors 34 of the individual pixel units 40, the TFTs 36 of the individual pixel units 40 are sequentially turned on in units of rows by a signal supplied from the gate line driver 46 via the gate wiring 42. The charge accumulated in the storage capacitor 34 of the pixel unit 40 for which is turned on is transmitted as a charge signal through the data wiring 44 and input to the signal processing unit 48. Accordingly, the charges accumulated in the storage capacitors 34 of the individual pixel portions 40 are sequentially read out in units of rows.

  Although not shown, the signal processing unit 48 includes an amplifier and a sample-and-hold circuit provided for each data wiring 44, and after the charge signal transmitted through each data wiring 44 is amplified by the amplifier, It is held in the sample hold circuit. In addition, a multiplexer and an A / D converter are connected in order to the output side of the sample and hold circuit, and the charge signals held in the individual sample and hold circuits are input to the multiplexer in order (serially) for A / D conversion. It is converted into digital radiographic image information by the instrument.

  An image memory 50 is connected to the signal processing unit 48, and radiation image information output from the A / D converter of the signal processing unit 48 is sequentially stored in the image memory 50. The image memory 50 has a storage capacity capable of storing radiation image information for a plurality of frames, and the radiation image information obtained by imaging is sequentially stored in the image memory 50 every time a radiographic image is captured. .

  The radiation detector 80, the gate line driver 46, the signal processing unit 48, and the image memory 50 correspond to the electronic circuit of the present invention.

  The electronic cassette 52 includes a plurality of transceivers 92. The plurality of transceivers 92 communicate with each other by radio waves defined by combinations of different radio frequency bands, modulation schemes, and radio wave outputs. Each transceiver 92 is connected to the communication control unit 90. In response to a data transmission request from the console 62, the communication control unit 90 transmits the radiation image information stored in the image memory 50 to the console 62 by any of the transceivers 92.

  The electronic cassette 52 is provided with a main power supply unit 94. The main power supply unit 94 includes various circuits and elements (a gate line driver 46, a signal processing unit 48, an image memory 50, a GPS 96, a communication control unit 90, and a power supply). Power is supplied to a microcomputer functioning as the supply control unit 100 or the like, and various circuits and elements are operated by the power supplied from the main power supply unit 94. Further, the TFT active matrix substrate 81 of the radiation detector 80 is supplied with electric power from the main power supply unit 94 and generates a charge having an amount corresponding to the amount of irradiated radiation. The main power supply unit 94 includes a battery (a rechargeable secondary battery) so as not to impair the portability of the electronic cassette 52, and is configured to supply power from the charged battery to various circuits and various elements. ing.

  A secondary battery electrode (not shown) provided on the surface of the electronic cassette 52 is connected to the main power supply unit 94 via a conductor. The secondary power supply of the main power supply unit 94 is charged by the electric power supplied from the cradle 60 through the secondary battery electrode.

  The electronic cassette 52 is provided with a GPS 96, and the GPS 96 measures GPS position information indicating a position where the own apparatus exists. The GPS 96 is connected to a communication system determination unit 98. The communication system determination unit 98, as will be described below, uses a radio frequency band, a modulation system, and a radio wave output used by a plurality of transceivers 92. One of a plurality of communication methods defined by the combination is determined.

  First, the communication method determining unit 98 has a communication method defined by a combination of a radio frequency band, a modulation method, and a radio wave output as a medical wireless method recognized by the radio wave law for each country for each country. Correspondingly determined communication method determination table is stored in advance, and for each country, a country area determination table in which a range of GPS position information that is a country area is determined in advance is stored. .

  Based on the GPS position information obtained from the GPS 96 and the country area determination table, the communication method determination unit 98 specifies to which country the position where the device is located belongs. In addition, the communication method determination unit 98 uses the radio frequency band, the communication method recognized in the radio law of the country where the position where the device exists based on the specified country and the communication method determination table. A communication method defined by a combination of a modulation method and a radio wave output is determined.

  In addition, each transmission / reception is performed so that each of the wireless communication systems used by the plurality of transmitters / receivers 92 is a medical wireless system recognized by the Radio Law regarding the radio wave of any country described above. A machine 92 is configured.

  In addition, when the GPS position information is not obtained by the GPS 96, the communication method determination unit 98 determines to prohibit wireless communication.

  The communication method determination unit 98 and the main power supply unit 94 are connected to the power supply control unit 100. The power supply control unit 100 controls the power supply from the main power supply unit 94 to only the transceiver 92 corresponding to the communication method determined by the communication method determining unit 98 among the plurality of transmitters / receivers 92. The wireless communication by the transceiver 92 corresponding to the determined communication method is made possible. Further, the power supply control unit 100 controls so that the power from the main power supply unit 94 is not supplied to any of the transceivers 92 when the communication method determination unit 98 determines to prohibit the wireless communication. In this state, wireless communication by any of the transceivers 92 cannot be performed.

  The power supply control unit 100 stores in advance a correspondence relationship between the communication method determined by the communication method determination unit 98 and the transceiver 92 corresponding to the communication method.

  Further, the communication method determining unit 98 of the electronic cassette 52 is connected to the output control unit 102. The output control unit 102 outputs information indicating the communication method determined by the communication method determining unit 98 to the console 62 via a cable (not shown) in response to a communication method output request from the console 62.

  The electronic cassette 52 is provided with a memory card 104 as a removable storage medium. The image memory 50 and the communication method determination unit 98 are connected to a storage control unit 106 that stores data in the memory card 104. The storage control unit 106 causes the memory card 104 to store the radiation image information stored in the image memory 50 when the communication method determination unit 98 determines to prohibit wireless communication.

  The communication control unit 90, the communication method determination unit 98, the output control unit 102, and the storage control unit 106 are realized by a microcomputer, and the power supply control unit 100 is realized by a switching circuit.

  The console 62 includes an operation unit 118, and the operation unit 118 includes a keyboard (not shown) including a plurality of keys. Various instructions and information including a shooting instruction input by the user operating the keyboard are input to the communication method acquisition unit 110 and the communication control unit 128.

  The communication method acquisition unit 110 of the console 62 is connected to the output control unit 102 of the electronic cassette 52 via a cable. When the electronic cassette 52 and the console 62 are connected by a cable and a communication method acquisition instruction is input from the operation unit 118, information indicating the communication method determined by the communication method determining unit 98 of the electronic cassette 52 is displayed. , Acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 110 of the console 62.

  The console 62 includes a plurality of transceivers 112. The plurality of transmitters / receivers 112 are medical wireless systems approved by the Radio Law of each country, similar to the electronic cassette 52, and are defined by combinations of different radio frequency bands, modulation systems, and radio wave outputs. Communication is performed by radio wave.

  The console 62 is provided with a power supply unit 114. The power supply unit 114 is always connected to a commercial power supply, rectifies and transforms the power supplied from the commercial power supply, and various circuits and elements (communication method acquisition unit 110, power supply control unit 116, readout unit 120, Operation unit 118, image memory 122, display unit 126, display control unit 124, communication control unit 128, etc.). Various circuits and elements are operated by electric power supplied from the power supply unit 114.

  The communication method acquisition unit 110 and the power supply unit 114 of the console 62 are connected to the power supply control unit 116, and the power supply control unit 116 acquires information acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 110 among the plurality of transceivers 112. In such a state that only the transmitter / receiver 112 corresponding to the communication method indicated by is controlled so that power from the power supply unit 114 is supplied, and wireless communication by the transmitter / receiver 112 corresponding to the communication method indicated by the acquired information is possible. To do. In addition, when the communication method acquisition unit 110 acquires information indicating that wireless communication is prohibited, the power supply control unit 116 does not supply any power to the transmitter / receiver 112 from the power supply unit 114. Control is performed so that wireless communication by any of the transceivers 112 cannot be performed.

  The power supply control unit 116 stores in advance a correspondence relationship between the communication method acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 110 and the transceiver 112 corresponding to the communication method.

  When the communication control unit 128 receives the imaging completion notification from the imaging device 54, the reading unit 120 of the console 62 transmits a data transmission request to the electronic cassette 52 by any of the transceivers 112. Further, the reading unit 120 reads out radiation image information received by any of the transceivers 112.

  The console 62 includes a memory reader 108 into which the memory card 104 can be loaded. The reading unit 120 reads out the radiation image information stored in the memory card 104 loaded in the memory reader 108 via the memory reader 108.

  In addition, an image memory 122 is connected to the reading unit 120, and radiation image information read by the reading unit 120 is stored in the image memory 122.

  A display control unit 124 is connected to the image memory 122, and the display control unit 124 displays the radiation image information stored in the image memory 122 on a display unit 126 configured by a display.

  In addition, a communication control unit 128 is connected to the image memory 122. The communication control unit 128 outputs the radiation image information stored in the image memory 122 to an external device such as the RIS server 14 or the display device 56. When an imaging instruction is input by the operation unit 118, the communication control unit 128 outputs the imaging instruction to the imaging device 54, and when an imaging completion notification is received from the imaging device 54, the radiographic image information by the reading 120 is read. It controls reading, reading of radiation image information from the image memory 122, and output of radiation image information to an external device. As an external device, in addition to the RIS server 14 and the display device 56, a printing device that prints an image represented by the radiation image information on a sheet-like print medium, a CD-R or other known information recording medium for the radiation image information And an information recording device for recording information on a radiographic image, a communication device for transmitting radiation image information to an information processing device connected via a communication network, and the like.

  The reading unit 120, the communication method acquisition unit 110, the display control unit 124, and the communication control unit 128 are realized by a microcomputer, and the power supply control unit 116 is realized by a switching circuit.

  Next, the overall operation of the RIS 10 according to the first embodiment will be briefly described.

  The input terminal 12 accepts an imaging request from the doctor 26 or a radiologist. In the imaging request, the date and time of imaging by the electronic cassette 52 and the imaging conditions {the part to be imaged, the angle and the number, the tube voltage for irradiating the radiation X, the tube current, the irradiation time, the size and sensitivity of the electronic cassette 52, etc.} It is specified.

  The input terminal 12 notifies the RIS server 14 of the contents of the accepted imaging request. The RIS server 14 records the contents of the imaging request notified from the input terminal 12 in the database 28.

  The console 62 accesses the RIS server 14 to acquire the content of the imaging request from the RIS server 14 and displays the content of the imaging request on the display unit 126.

  Further, in the electronic cassette 52, the communication system setting processing routine shown in FIG. 5 is executed by the microcomputer that implements the communication system determining unit 98 and the power supply control unit 100.

  First, in step 150, position information indicating the position where the own apparatus exists measured by the GPS 96 is acquired. Then, in step 152, it is determined whether or not position information has been acquired in step 150. If position information has not been acquired, power supply to all the transceivers 92 is stopped in step 154. Then, wireless communication by the transceiver 92 is prohibited, and the communication method setting processing routine is ended.

  If it is determined in step 152 that the location information has been acquired, the device exists in step 156 based on the location information acquired in step 150 and the country region determination table stored in advance. Identify the country to which the location belongs.

  Then, based on the communication method determination table stored in advance, the communication method corresponding to the country to which the position of the own device specified in step 156 belongs is defined by the radio frequency band, the modulation method, and the radio wave output. Determine the communication method. In the next step 160, the power supply from the main power supply unit 94 is supplied to the transmitter / receiver 92 using the radio wave of the communication method determined in step 156, and the communication method setting processing routine is ended.

  By executing the above communication method setting processing routine, the transmitter / receiver 92 that performs wireless communication by the communication method recognized by the radio law of the country to which the position of the own device belongs becomes ready for wireless communication.

  In addition, when the doctor 26 or the radiologist inputs a communication method acquisition instruction using the operation unit 118 of the console 62 in a state where the electronic cassette 52 and the console 62 are connected by a cable, the communication determined by the electronic cassette 52 is performed. Information indicating the method is acquired by the console 62. Then, the console 62 controls the transmitter / receiver 112 that uses the radio waves of the acquired communication method to supply power from the power supply unit 114. As a result, the transmitter / receiver 112 that performs wireless communication by a communication method approved in the radio law of the country to which the position of the device belongs belongs to a state in which wireless communication is possible.

  Next, when the doctor 26 or the radiologist instructs the radiographing of the radiographic image from the operation unit 118 based on the content of the radiographing request displayed on the display unit 126, the radiation X is emitted from the radiation source of the imaging device 54 to the patient 30. Irradiated. The radiation X passes through the patient 30, and after the scattered radiation is removed by the grid 78 of the electronic cassette 52, the radiation X is irradiated to the radiation detector 80, and is electrically supplied by the photoelectric conversion layer of each pixel unit 40 constituting the radiation detector 80. The signal is converted into a signal and held as a charge in the storage capacitor 34 (see FIG. 4). Next, the charge information which is the radiation image information of the patient 30 held in each storage capacitor 34 is transmitted as a charge signal through the data wiring 44 by the signal supplied from the gate line driver 46 and input to the signal processing unit 48. The

  The radiographic image information read out from the storage capacitor 34 of each pixel unit 40 is amplified by each amplifier in the signal processing unit 48, then sampled by each sample hold circuit, and sent to the A / D converter via the multiplexer. Supplied and converted into a digital signal.

  The radiation image information converted into the digital signal is temporarily stored in the image memory 50 of the electronic cassette 52.

  When the console 62 receives a photographing completion notification from the photographing device 54, the console 62 transmits a data transmission request to the electronic cassette 52 via the transceiver 112 that is in a wireless communicable state.

  When the electronic cassette 52 receives a data transmission request from the console 62 via the transceiver 92 that is ready for wireless communication, the electronic cassette 52 transmits the radiation image information stored in the image memory 50 via the transceiver 92. And transmitted to the console 62 by wireless communication.

  The radiographic image information transmitted from the electronic cassette 52 is received by the transceiver 112 of the console 62, subjected to predetermined image processing, and stored in the image memory 122 in a state associated with the patient information of the patient 30. The

  The radiographic image information subjected to the image processing is displayed on the display unit 126 and transmitted from the communication control unit 128 to the display device 56. The display device 56 that has received the radiation image information displays the radiation image on a display unit (not shown). The doctor 26 performs the operation while confirming the radiation image displayed on the display unit of the display device 56.

  Further, when it is determined to prohibit wireless communication, the electronic cassette 52 causes the storage controller 106 to store the radiation image information stored in the image memory 50 in the memory card 104. Then, when imaging is completed, the doctor 26 or the radiologist removes the memory card 104 from the electronic cassette 52 and loads the memory card 104 into the memory reader 108 of the console 62. The console 62 reads out the radiation image information stored in the memory card 104, performs predetermined image processing, and stores the radiation image information in the image memory 122 in a state associated with the patient information of the patient 30.

  As described above in detail, in the electronic cassette of the radiation information system according to the first embodiment, the position of the own apparatus is acquired using GPS, and in the radio law of the country to which the position where the own apparatus exists belongs. By deciding the recognized radio frequency band, modulation method, and communication method specified by radio wave output, and transmitting radiation image information using the decided communication method, without burdening the user Communication can be performed using appropriate radio waves.

  In addition, the console acquires the communication method approved by the Radio Law of the country to which the device is located from the electronic cassette, and receives the radiographic image information using the acquired communication method, thereby enabling the user to Communication can be performed using an appropriate radio wave without burdening the mobile phone.

  When the GPS position information is not acquired from the GPS, it is possible to prevent communication using inappropriate radio waves by performing control so as to prohibit communication by the transceiver. When communication by the transceiver is prohibited, the radiation image information can be stored in the memory card, and the radiation image information can be input to the console via the memory card.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the radiographic image information stored in the image memory 50 is stored in the memory card 104 when the wireless communication is determined to be prohibited has been described as an example. Without being limited thereto, the radiation image information stored in the image memory 50 may be transferred to the console by other data transfer means. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the electronic cassette 52 includes a wired communication control unit 180 that performs communication via a communication cable (not shown) that can be attached to and detached from the connection terminal 181, and the console 62 is connected to the connection terminal 183. What is necessary is just to comprise so that the wired communication control part 180 which communicates via the communicated cable (illustration omitted) may be provided. In this case, when imaging is completed, the doctor 26 or the radiologist connects the communication cable connected to the console 62 to the connection terminal 181 of the electronic cassette 52, and connects the console 62 to the electronic cassette 52 via the communication cable. Send a data transmission request. The electronic cassette 52 transmits the radiation image information stored in the image memory 50 by the wired communication control unit 180 via the communication cable. The console 62 transmits the radiation image by the wired communication control unit 182 via the communication cable. The image information is received, and the received radiation image information is read by the reading unit 120. The communication cable may be an optical cable.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the electronic cassette 52 is provided with an infrared communication unit 184 that performs infrared communication (IrDA) and an infrared communication control unit 186 that controls communication by the infrared communication unit 184. What is necessary is just to comprise so that the infrared communication part 188 which performs communication (IrDA), and the infrared communication control part 190 which controls communication by the infrared communication part 188 may be provided. In this case, when imaging is completed, the doctor 26 or the radiologist makes the infrared communication unit 184 of the electronic cassette 52 and the infrared communication unit 188 of the console 62 face each other and transmits data from the console 62 to the electronic cassette 52 by infrared communication. Send a send request. The electronic cassette 52 transmits the radiation image information stored in the image memory 50 by the infrared communication unit 184, and the console 62 receives the radiation image information by the infrared communication unit 188 and receives the radiation image information received by the reading unit 120. Read image information.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which becomes the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that a GPS is provided on the console side to determine a communication method.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the console 262 of the imaging system according to the second embodiment includes a memory reader 108, a plurality of transceivers 112, a power supply unit 114, an operation unit 118, a reading unit 120, an image memory 122, display control. Unit 124, display unit 126, communication control unit 128, GPS 296, communication method determination unit 310, output control unit 312, and power supply control unit 316. The console 262 corresponds to the information processing apparatus of the present invention.

  The GPS 296 measures GPS position information indicating a position where the own apparatus exists. The GPS 296 is connected to the communication method determination unit 310, and the communication method determination unit 310 is used in the plurality of transceivers 112 by the same method as the communication method determination unit 98 described in the first embodiment. Any one of a plurality of communication systems defined by a combination of a radio frequency band, a modulation system, and a radio wave output is determined.

  Further, the communication method determination unit 310 determines to prohibit wireless communication when GPS position information is not obtained by the GPS 296.

  The communication method determination unit 310 and the power supply unit 114 are connected to the power supply control unit 316, and the power supply control unit 316 corresponds to the communication method determined by the communication method determination unit 310 among the plurality of transceivers 112. Control is performed so that power from the power supply unit 114 is supplied to only the transceiver 112 that performs the wireless communication by the transceiver 112 corresponding to the determined communication method. In addition, the power supply control unit 316 controls so that the power from the power supply unit 114 is not supplied to any transceiver 112 when the communication method determination unit 310 determines to prohibit wireless communication, It is assumed that wireless communication by any transceiver 112 cannot be performed.

  The communication method determination unit 310 is connected to the output control unit 312. The output control unit 312 outputs information indicating the communication method determined by the communication method determining unit 310 to the electronic cassette 252 via a cable (not shown) in response to a communication method output request from the electronic cassette 252.

  The electronic cassette 252 includes a communication control unit 90, a plurality of transceivers 92, a main power supply unit 94, a memory card 104, a storage control unit 106, a communication method acquisition unit 298, and a power supply control unit 300.

  The communication method acquisition unit 298 is connected to the output control unit 312 of the console 262 via a cable. When the communication method acquisition unit 298 detects that the electronic cassette 252 and the console 262 are connected by a cable, the communication method acquisition unit 298 outputs a communication method output request to the console 262 and is determined by the communication method determination unit 310 of the console 262. Information indicating the communication method is acquired via a cable.

  The communication method acquisition unit 298 and the main power supply unit 94 of the electronic cassette 252 are connected to the power supply control unit 300, and the power supply control unit 300 is acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 298 among the plurality of transceivers 92. Control is performed so that power from the main power supply unit 94 is supplied only to the transmitter / receiver 92 corresponding to the communication method indicated by the received information, and wireless communication by the transmitter / receiver 92 corresponding to the communication method indicated by the acquired information is possible. State. Further, the power supply control unit 300 is configured such that when no information indicating that wireless communication is prohibited is acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 298, no power is supplied from the main power supply unit 94 to any transceiver 92. And wireless communication by any of the transceivers 92 cannot be performed.

  Since the other configuration of the radiation information system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the operation of the radiation information system according to the second embodiment will be described.

  When the console 262 is turned on, a communication method setting processing routine is executed by a program that implements the communication method determination unit 310 and the power supply control unit 316 as follows.

  First, the position information indicating the position where the own apparatus is measured by the GPS 96 is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the position information can be acquired. If the position information cannot be acquired, the power supply to all the transceivers 112 is stopped and the wireless communication by the transceivers 112 is prohibited. The communication method setting processing routine is terminated.

  If it is determined that the position information has been acquired, the country to which the position where the device exists belongs is specified based on the acquired position information. Then, the radio frequency band, the modulation method, and the radio wave output are determined as the communication method corresponding to the country to which the position of the specified device belongs, and the power is supplied to the transceiver 112 that uses the radio wave of the determined communication method. The power from the unit 114 is supplied, and the communication method setting processing routine is terminated.

  By executing the above communication method setting processing routine, the transceiver 112 that performs wireless communication according to the communication method recognized in the radio law of the country to which the device belongs belongs to a state in which wireless communication is possible.

  In addition, when the electronic cassette 252 and the console 262 are connected by a cable, information indicating the communication method determined in the console 262 as described above is acquired by the electronic cassette 252. Then, the electronic cassette 252 is controlled to supply power from the main power supply unit 94 to the transmitter / receiver 92 that uses radio waves of the communication method indicated by the acquired information. As a result, the transmitter / receiver 92 that performs wireless communication by a communication method recognized in the radio law of the country to which the device belongs belongs to a state in which wireless communication is possible.

  In addition, about the other effect | action of the radiation information system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, since it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above in detail, according to the console of the radiation information system according to the second embodiment, the position of the own apparatus is obtained using GPS, and the radio law of the country to which the position where the own apparatus belongs belongs. Determine the communication method defined by the radio frequency band, modulation method, and radio wave output approved in, and burden the user by receiving radiation image information using the determined communication method Communication can be performed using an appropriate radio wave.

  In addition, the electronic cassette acquires the communication method approved by the Radio Law in the country to which the device is located from the console, and transmits the radiation image information using the acquired communication method, thereby enabling the user Communication can be performed using an appropriate radio wave without burdening the mobile phone.

  Next, a third embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which has the structure similar to 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The third embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that GPS is provided on both the electronic cassette side and the console side, and the communication method is determined on both sides.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic cassette 352 of the photographing system according to the third embodiment includes a communication control unit 90, a plurality of transceivers 92, a main power supply unit 94, a GPS 96, and a communication method determination unit 98. A power supply control unit 100, a memory card 104, and a storage control unit 106.

  The console 362 also includes a memory reader 108, a plurality of transceivers 112, a power supply unit 114, a GPS 296, a communication method determination unit 310, and a power supply control unit 316.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the electronic cassette 352 executes a communication method setting processing routine, thereby performing a wireless communication with a transmitter / receiver 92 that performs wireless communication according to a communication method recognized in the radio law of the country to which the device belongs. However, wireless communication is possible.

  When the power is turned on, the console 362 executes the communication method setting processing routine in the same manner as in the second embodiment, so that the console 362 uses the communication method recognized in the radio law of the country to which the device belongs. The transceiver 112 that performs wireless communication is ready for wireless communication.

  In addition, about another structure and effect | action about the radiation information system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, since it is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which has the same structure as 1st Embodiment and 3rd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The fourth embodiment is mainly different from the third embodiment in that the imaging room is provided in the diagnostic vehicle and the GPS is provided in the diagnostic vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic cassette 452 of the imaging system according to the fourth embodiment includes a communication control unit 90, a plurality of transceivers 92, a main power supply unit 94, a position information acquisition unit 494, and a communication. A system determination unit 98, a power supply control unit 100, a memory card 104, and a storage control unit 106 are provided.

  In a state where the electronic cassette 452 and the diagnostic vehicle are connected by a cable, the position information acquisition unit 494 is connected via a cable to a GPS 496 mounted on the diagnostic vehicle in which the imaging room 43 is provided. The position information acquisition unit 494 acquires GPS position information indicating the position where the own apparatus is present from the GPS 496.

  The console 462 according to the fourth embodiment includes a memory reader 108, a plurality of transceivers 112, a power supply unit 114, an operation unit 118, a reading unit 120, an image memory 122, a display control unit 124, and a display unit. 126, a communication control unit 128, a position information acquisition unit 498, a communication method determination unit 310, and a power supply control unit 316.

  The console 462 and the diagnostic vehicle are connected by a cable, and the position information acquisition unit 498 of the console 462 is connected to the GPS 496 via the cable. The position information acquisition unit 498 acquires GPS position information indicating the position where the own apparatus exists from the GPS 496.

  Since other configurations and operations of the imaging system according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the third embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the diagnostic vehicle is equipped with GPS has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electronic cassette is equipped with GPS in other external devices. GPS position information may be acquired from an external device via a cable. For example, you may make it mount GPS in another mobile body or a portable terminal.

  Moreover, although the case where both the electronic cassette and the console acquire the GPS position information and determine the communication method has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and either the electronic cassette or the console is used. Thus, the GPS position information is acquired to determine the communication method, and on the other hand, the information indicating the determined communication method is acquired in the same manner as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. It may be.

  Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which is 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The fifth embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the electronic cassette transmits the radiation image information to the cradle by wireless communication.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the electronic cassette 52 of the photographing system according to the fifth embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, and the communication control unit 90 of the electronic cassette 52 includes an image memory. When the radiation image information is stored in 50, the radiation image information is transmitted to the cradle 560 by any of the transceivers 92.

  Further, the cradle 560 of the imaging system according to the fifth embodiment includes a memory reader 508, a communication method acquisition unit 510, a plurality of transceivers 512, a power supply unit 514, a power supply control unit 516, and a reading unit. 520, an image memory 522, a communication control unit 528, and a charging unit 530. The cradle 560 corresponds to the storage device of the present invention.

  The communication method acquisition unit 510 of the cradle 560 is connected to the output control unit 102 of the electronic cassette 52 through communication electrodes provided so as to be exposed on the surfaces of the electronic cassette 52 and the cradle 560. When the electronic cassette 52 is housed in the cradle 560 and the electronic cassette 52 and the cradle 560 are electrically connected by the communication electrode, information indicating the communication method determined by the communication method determining unit 98 of the electronic cassette 52 is stored in the cradle 560. Acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 510.

  Similar to the electronic cassette 52, the plurality of transceivers 512 are medical wireless systems that are recognized by the Radio Law for each country, and are each defined by a combination of different radio frequency bands, modulation schemes, and radio wave outputs. Communication is performed by radio wave.

  The power supply unit 514 of the cradle 560 is always connected to a commercial power supply, and rectifies and transforms the power supplied from the commercial power supply, and various circuits and elements (communication method acquisition unit 510, power supply control unit 516) of the cradle 560 , Reading unit 520, image memory 522, communication control unit 528, charging unit 530, etc.).

  The power supply unit 514 is also connected to the charging unit 530, and the charging electrode of the cradle 560 is connected to the charging unit 530 through a conductor. When the electronic cassette 52 is housed in the cradle 560 and the charging electrode on the cradle 560 side is in contact with the charging electrode on the electronic cassette 52 side and is in conduction, the charging unit 530 receives power supplied from the power supply unit 514. Is supplied to the secondary battery of the main power supply unit 94 of the electronic cassette 52 to charge the secondary battery.

  The communication method acquisition unit 510 and the power supply unit 514 of the cradle 560 are connected to the power supply control unit 516, and the power supply control unit 516 acquires information acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 510 among the plurality of transceivers 512. The power supply unit 514 is controlled to supply power only to the transceiver 512 corresponding to the communication method indicated by the state, and wireless communication by the transceiver 512 corresponding to the communication method indicated by the acquired information is possible. To do. In addition, when the information indicating that wireless communication is prohibited is acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 510, the power supply control unit 516 does not supply any power to the transmitter / receiver 512 from the power supply unit 514. Control is performed so that wireless communication by any of the transceivers 512 cannot be performed.

  The reading unit 520 of the cradle 560 reads the radiation image information received by any of the transceivers 512. In addition, an image memory 522 is connected to the reading unit 520, and radiation image information read by the reading unit 520 is stored in the image memory 522.

  The memory reader 508 of the cradle 560 is configured to be loaded with the memory card 104. The reading unit 520 reads the radiation image information stored in the memory card 104 loaded in the memory reader 508 via the memory reader 508 and stores it in the image memory 522.

  A communication control unit 528 is connected to the image memory 522. The communication control unit 528 outputs the radiation image information stored in the image memory 522 to an external device such as a console.

  The reading unit 520, the communication method acquisition unit 510, and the communication control unit 528 are realized by a microcomputer, and the power supply control unit 516 is realized by a switching circuit.

  In the electronic cassette 52, as in the first embodiment, a communication method setting processing routine is executed, and a transceiver 92 that performs wireless communication by a communication method recognized in the radio law of the country to which the position of the device belongs is Wireless communication is possible.

  When the electronic cassette 52 is accommodated in the cradle 560, the electronic cassette 52 and the cradle 560 are brought into conduction through each of the communication electrode and the charging electrode. At this time, information indicating the communication method determined in the electronic cassette 52 is acquired by the cradle 560. Then, the cradle 560 controls the transmitter / receiver 512 that uses the radio wave of the communication method indicated by the acquired information to supply power from the power supply unit 514. As a result, the transmitter / receiver 512 that performs wireless communication by a communication method recognized in the radio law of the country to which the device belongs belongs to a state in which wireless communication is possible. Further, the secondary battery of the main power supply unit 94 of the electronic cassette 52 is charged by the charging unit 530 of the cradle 560.

  When a radiographic image is taken, radiographic image information is generated in the electronic cassette 52 and temporarily stored in the image memory 50. Then, the radiographic image information is transmitted to the cradle 560 by the transmitter / receiver 92 in a state in which the electronic cassette 52 can perform wireless communication.

  The radiation image information transmitted from the electronic cassette 52 is received by the transmitter / receiver 512 in the cradle 560 capable of wireless communication, subjected to predetermined image processing, and stored in the image memory 522. The radiographic image information subjected to the image processing is transmitted from the communication control unit 528 to the console.

  Further, when it is determined to prohibit wireless communication, the electronic cassette 52 causes the storage controller 106 to store the radiation image information stored in the image memory 50 in the memory card 104. Then, when the imaging is completed, the doctor 26 or the radiologist removes the memory card 104 from the electronic cassette 52 and loads the memory card 104 into the memory reader 508 of the cradle 560. The cradle 560 reads out the radiation image information stored in the memory card 104, performs predetermined image processing, and stores it in the image memory 522.

  As described above, in the cradle of the radiation information system according to the fifth embodiment, the communication method recognized in the radio law of the country to which the position where the device exists belongs is acquired from the electronic cassette, and the acquired communication By receiving radiographic image information using the method, communication can be performed using appropriate radio waves without burdening the user.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the communication method is determined by providing the GPS on the electronic cassette side is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication method is determined by providing the GPS on the cradle side. You may make it do. In this case, as in the second embodiment, the electronic cassette may acquire information indicating the communication method determined from the cradle.

  Similarly to the third embodiment, both the electronic cassette and the cradle may be provided with GPS, and both may determine the communication method. Similarly to the fourth embodiment, the GPS method may be acquired from both the electronic cassette and the cradle from the GPS mounted on the external device to determine the communication method. Further, either one of the electronic cassette and the cradle may acquire GPS position information from the GPS of the external device to determine a communication method, and on the other hand, may acquire information indicating the determined communication method. Good.

  Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In addition, about the part which is 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the sixth embodiment, the electronic cassette is controlled such that communication is performed by any one of the transceivers by switching the connection relationship between the communication control unit and the transceiver. It is mainly different from the form.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic cassette 652 of the imaging system according to the sixth embodiment includes a communication control unit 90, a plurality of transceivers 92, a main power supply unit 94, a GPS 96, and a communication method determination unit 98. An output control unit 102, a memory card 104, a storage control unit 106, a switching control unit 700, and a switching unit 702. The main power supply unit 94 supplies power to each of the plurality of transceivers 92.

  Each transceiver 92 is connected to the communication control unit 90 via the switching unit 702. The switching unit 702 is configured by a switching circuit and switches one transceiver 92 connected to the communication control unit 90 based on an input switching control signal. Note that the switching unit 702 can also switch to a state in which the communication control unit 90 is not connected to any transceiver 92.

  The switching control unit 700 is connected to the communication method determination unit 98 and the switching unit 702. The switching control unit 700 switches the switching control signal so that only the transceiver 92 corresponding to the communication method determined by the communication method determining unit 98 among the plurality of transmitters / receivers 92 is connected to the communication control unit 90. Input to the unit 702 to control switching by the switching unit 702 so that wireless communication by the transceiver 92 corresponding to the determined communication method is possible. Further, the switching control unit 700 switches the switching control signal so that no transceiver 92 is connected to the communication control unit 90 when the communication method determining unit 98 determines to prohibit the wireless communication. 702 is entered, and wireless communication by any transceiver 92 is disabled.

  The switching control unit 700 stores in advance the correspondence between the communication method determined by the communication method determining unit 98 and the transceiver 92 corresponding to the communication method.

  A console 662 of the photographing system according to the sixth embodiment includes a memory reader 108, a communication method acquisition unit 110, a plurality of transceivers 112, a power supply unit 114, an operation unit 118, a reading unit 120, and an image. A memory 122, a display control unit 124, a display unit 126, a communication control unit 128, a switching control unit 716, and a switching unit 718 are provided. The power supply unit 114 supplies power to each of the plurality of transceivers 112.

  Each transceiver 112 is connected to the reading unit 120 via the switching unit 718. The switching unit 718 is configured by a switching circuit, and switches one transceiver 112 connected to the reading unit 120 based on an input switching control signal. Note that the switching unit 718 can also switch to a state in which the reading unit 120 is not connected to any transceiver 112.

  The switching control unit 716 is connected to the communication method acquisition unit 110 and the switching unit 718. The switching control unit 716 switches the switching control signal so that only the transceiver 112 corresponding to the communication method acquired by the communication method acquiring unit 110 among the plurality of transmitters / receivers 112 is connected to the reading unit 120. 718 to control switching by the switching unit 718 so that wireless communication by the transceiver 112 corresponding to the determined communication method is possible. Further, when the information indicating that wireless communication is prohibited is acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 110, the switching control unit 716 sends a switching control signal so that no transceiver 112 is connected to the reading unit 120. The state is input to the switching unit 718 so that wireless communication by any of the transceivers 112 cannot be performed.

  Note that the switching control unit 716 stores in advance the correspondence between the communication method indicated by the information acquired by the communication method acquisition unit 110 and the transceiver 112 corresponding to the communication method.

  In the electronic cassette 652, a communication system setting process routine is executed by the microcomputer that implements the communication system determination unit 98 and the switching control unit 700 as follows.

  First, GPS position information indicating the position where the own apparatus is measured by the GPS 96 is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the GPS position information can be acquired. If the GPS position information cannot be acquired, the switching control unit 702 is controlled so that the communication control unit 90 is not connected to any transceiver 92. Then, wireless communication by the transmitter / receiver 92 is prohibited, and the communication method setting processing routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the GPS position information has been acquired, the country to which the position where the device exists belongs is specified based on the acquired GPS position information. Then, the communication method defined by the radio frequency band, the modulation method, and the radio wave output is determined as the communication method corresponding to the country to which the position of the specified device belongs. Next, the switching unit 702 is controlled so that the transceiver 92 using the radio wave of the determined communication method and the communication control unit 90 are connected, and the communication method setting processing routine is ended.

  By executing the above communication method setting processing routine, the transmitter / receiver 92 that performs wireless communication by the communication method recognized in the radio law of the country to which the device belongs belongs to the communication control unit 90 and can perform wireless communication. It becomes a state.

  In addition, when the doctor 26 or the radiologist inputs a communication method acquisition instruction through the operation unit 118 of the console 662 in a state where the electronic cassette 652 and the console 662 are connected by a cable, the communication determined in the electronic cassette 652 is performed. Information indicating the method is acquired by the console 662. In the console 662, switching by the switching unit 718 is controlled so that the reading unit 120 is connected to the transceiver 112 that uses radio waves of the communication method indicated by the acquired information. As a result, the transmitter / receiver 112 that performs wireless communication by a communication method approved in the radio law of the country to which the position of the device belongs belongs to a state in which wireless communication is possible.

  Since other operations of the radiation information system according to the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the communication method is determined by providing the GPS on the electronic cassette side is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the console is similar to the second embodiment. A communication method may be determined by providing a GPS on the side. Further, as in the third embodiment, both the electronic cassette and the console may be provided with GPS, and both may determine the communication method. Similarly to the fourth embodiment, the GPS method may be acquired from both the electronic cassette and the cradle from the GPS mounted on the external device to determine the communication method. Further, either one of the electronic cassette and the console acquires GPS position information from the GPS of the external device to determine the communication method, and on the other hand, acquires information indicating the determined communication method. Good. Further, as in the fifth embodiment, the electronic cassette may be configured to transmit the radiation image information to the cradle.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, wireless communication is performed between the electronic cassette and the console or cradle, and wired communication is performed between the console and another device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and wireless communication may be performed between the console and other devices. In this case, in each of the imaging device, the display device, and the RIS server, as described above, the communication method is determined or the determined communication method is acquired, and transmission / reception using the communication method is performed. Wireless communication may be performed depending on the machine.

  In addition, as a plurality of communication systems recognized for each country, a plurality of transceivers using a plurality of communication systems defined by different combinations of radio frequency bands, modulation systems, and radio wave outputs, an electronic cassette and a console or a cradle However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the modulation method and radio wave output are common for the multiple communication methods permitted by the radio law of the target countries, the modulation method and radio wave output are common and the radio frequency band is A plurality of different transceivers may be provided in the electronic cassette and the console or cradle.

  In addition, the case where a plurality of transceivers are provided in the electronic cassette and the console or the cradle has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single transceiver capable of switching a plurality of communication methods is provided. The electronic cassette and the console or cradle may be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radiation information system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows the mode of the operating room where the radiographic imaging system which concerns on 1st Embodiment was installed. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the electronic cassette concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of the electronic cassette and console which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the communication system setting process routine in the electronic cassette concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of the electronic cassette and console which concern on other embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of the electronic cassette and console which concern on other embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of the electronic cassette and console which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of the electronic cassette and console which concern on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of the electronic cassette and console which concern on 4th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of the electronic cassette and cradle which concern on 5th Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electric system of the electronic cassette and console which concern on 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Radiation information system 18 Radiographic imaging system 52,252,352,452,652 Electronic cassette 54 Imaging device 60,560 Cradle 62,262,362,462,662 Console 80 Radiation detector 90 Communication control part 92 Transceiver 94 Main Power supply 96 GPS
98, 310 Communication method determination unit 100 Power supply control unit 104 Memory card 106 Storage control unit 110, 298, 510 Communication method acquisition unit 112, 512 Transceiver 114, 514 Power supply unit 116, 300, 316, 516 Power supply control unit 180 Wired communication control unit 181 Connection terminal 184 Infrared communication unit 186 Infrared communication control unit 494, 498 Position information acquisition unit 700, 716 Switching control unit 702, 718 Switching unit

Claims (10)

An electronic circuit that generates image information indicating a radiation image according to the radiation dose irradiated from the outside;
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating a position where the own apparatus exists;
Based on a predetermined correspondence relationship between a plurality of areas and a plurality of radio wave frequency bands, the radio wave frequency band corresponding to the area including the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit is determined. A decision means to
Communication means capable of performing communication using frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves;
Communication control means for controlling the communication means to transmit image information generated by the electronic circuit using radio waves in a frequency band determined by the determination means;
A portable radiographic image conversion apparatus. The determining unit is configured to obtain the position information acquired by the position information acquiring unit based on a predetermined correspondence relationship between the plurality of areas and a plurality of combinations of radio frequency bands, modulation schemes, and radio wave outputs. Determining a combination of the frequency band, modulation method, and radio wave output of the radio wave corresponding to the region including the position shown
The communication means can perform communication using the plurality of combinations of the frequency band, modulation method, and radio wave output of the radio wave,
The communication control unit controls the communication unit to transmit image information generated by the electronic circuit using a combination of the frequency band, modulation method, and radio wave output of the radio wave determined by the determination unit. The portable radiographic image conversion apparatus according to claim 1. Said area represents a country,
The portable radiographic image conversion apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the correspondence is determined in accordance with radio wave restrictions according to national laws and regulations.   The portable radiographic image conversion apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the position information is position information obtained from GPS.   5. The communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the communication control unit performs control so as to prohibit communication by the communication unit when the position information is not acquired by the position information acquisition unit. Portable radiographic image converter.   The portable type according to claim 5, further comprising storage control means for storing image information generated by the electronic circuit in a removable storage medium when the position information is not acquired by the position information acquisition means. Radiation image conversion device. A connection terminal for connecting a removable communication cable;
6. The portable type according to claim 5, further comprising wired communication control means for transmitting image information generated by the electronic circuit via the communication cable when the position information is not acquired by the position information acquisition means. Radiation image conversion device. An optical communication means capable of performing optical communication;
6. The optical communication control unit according to claim 5, further comprising: an optical communication control unit that controls the optical communication unit to transmit image information generated by the electronic circuit when the position information is not acquired by the position information acquisition unit. Portable radiographic image converter. Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating a position where the own apparatus exists;
Based on a predetermined correspondence between a plurality of areas and a plurality of radio wave frequency bands, the frequency band of the radio waves corresponding to the area including the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit is determined. A decision means to
Communication means capable of performing communication using frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves;
From the portable radiographic image conversion device provided with an electronic circuit that generates image information indicating a radiographic image according to the radiation dose irradiated from the outside, the image information using the radio wave of the frequency band determined by the determining means Communication control means for controlling the communication means to receive
Display means for displaying the image information received by the communication means;
An information processing apparatus including: A storage device capable of storing a portable radiographic image conversion device in which an electronic circuit that generates image information indicating a radiation image corresponding to a radiation dose irradiated from the outside is stored,
Position information acquisition means for acquiring position information indicating a position where the own apparatus exists;
Based on a predetermined correspondence relationship between a plurality of areas and a plurality of radio wave frequency bands, the radio wave frequency band corresponding to the area including the position indicated by the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit is determined. A decision means to
Communication means capable of performing communication using frequency bands of the plurality of radio waves;
Communication control means for controlling the communication means so as to receive the image information from the portable radiographic image conversion device, using radio waves in the frequency band determined by the determination means;
Containing device.

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