JP2010125275A - Portable radiography apparatus and radiography system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a portable radiography apparatus and a radiography system, preventing malfunction due to erroneous operation during a predetermined period. <P>SOLUTION: An electronic cassette 20 includes: an operating part 50 operated in selecting an intended function from a plurality of different functions related to radiography; and a cassette control part 120 controlling to select a function of invalidating the control by operation to the operating part 50 during the predetermined period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable radiographic imaging device and a radiographic imaging system.

  In recent years, a flat panel detector (FPD) has been put into practical use, in which a radiation sensitive layer is arranged on a thin film transistor (TFT) active matrix substrate, and radiation can be directly converted into digital data. It is also referred to as a portable radiographic image capturing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as “electronic cassette”) that generates image information indicating a radiographic image represented by the radiation and stores the generated image information in a predetermined storage area. ) Has been put to practical use.

  By the way, this type of electronic cassette includes a switch, a key, a touch panel, and the like, and is provided with an operation unit that receives instructions for controlling an FPD and other electronic devices mounted on the electronic cassette. However, there has been a possibility that the operation unit may be erroneously operated due to an erroneous operation during a period from completion of preparation for imaging (for example, preparation for radiation irradiation) to completion of imaging.

As a technique for preventing an erroneous operation of an electronic cassette, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for preventing an erroneous operation during movement by disabling the screen switching key when an electronic cassette having a screen switching key is in a moving state. Has been. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an image photographing apparatus that stops photographing when it detects that there is body movement, and performs photographing when there is no body movement.
JP 2006-158508 A JP 2007-82907 A

  However, the techniques of Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 have a problem that malfunction due to an erroneous operation on an electronic cassette during a predetermined period cannot be prevented.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a portable radiographic image capturing apparatus and a radiographic image capturing system capable of preventing malfunction due to erroneous operation during a predetermined period. Objective.

  In order to achieve the above object, the portable radiographic image capturing device according to claim 1 is predetermined with operation means operated when selecting a target function from a plurality of different functions related to radiographic image capturing. Control means for controlling the function to be effective only during the predetermined period, and the control means to be selected by the control means when the operation means is operated. And executing means for executing the functions.

  According to the portable radiographic image capturing apparatus of claim 1, the operation unit is operated when selecting a target function from a plurality of different functions related to radiographic image capture, and is controlled by the control unit during a predetermined period. A function that is controlled so that a function that should be effective only during the predetermined period is selected, and that is controlled by the control means when the operation means is operated by the execution means. Is executed.

  As described above, according to the portable radiographic image capturing device of claim 1, control is performed so that a function that should be effective only during the predetermined period is selected and selected during the predetermined period. Since the function controlled as described above is executed when the operating means is operated, it is possible to prevent a malfunction due to an erroneous operation during a predetermined period.

  The portable radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 can be executed by the execution unit between the start of radiographic image capture and the end of radiographing, as in the second aspect of the invention. Control may be performed so as to change various functions. Thereby, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to an erroneous operation from the start of radiographic image capture to the end of radiographing. In addition, it is possible to select an optimum function from time to time, and it is possible to prevent an unnecessary function from being selected by mistake.

  On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the portable radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 3 includes an operation unit operated when selecting a target function from a plurality of different functions related to radiographic image capturing, Control means for controlling so that a function for invalidating control by operation on the operation means is selected during a predetermined period, and control to be selected by the control means when the operation means is operated Execution means for executing the functions performed.

  According to the portable radiographic image capturing apparatus of claim 3, the operation unit is operated when selecting a target function from a plurality of different functions related to radiographic image capture, and is controlled by the control unit during a predetermined period. A function that disables the control by the operation on the operation means is selected, and the function controlled to be selected by the control means when the operation means is operated by the execution means. Executed.

  As described above, according to the portable radiographic imaging device of the third aspect, the control is performed so that the function for invalidating the control by the operation on the operation means is selected during the predetermined period. Since the controlled function is executed when the operating means is operated, it is possible to prevent malfunction due to an erroneous operation during a predetermined period.

  In addition, the portable radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 or 3, as in the invention according to claim 4, irradiates radiation for performing radiographic imaging during the predetermined period. The period from the completion of preparation to the completion of the radiographic imaging may be used. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a malfunction due to an erroneous operation after the preparation of radiation irradiation for performing radiographic imaging is completed until the radiographic imaging is completed.

  Further, the portable radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 or 3 detects the radiation transmitted through the subject and converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal as in the invention according to claim 5. The predetermined period may be a period from the start of conversion of radiation into an electrical signal by the radiation detection unit until the radiographic imaging is completed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a malfunction due to an erroneous operation from when the conversion of the radiation into an electrical signal is started by the radiation detection means until the radiographic imaging is completed.

  Further, the portable radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 or 3 detects the radiation transmitted through the subject and converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal as in the invention according to claim 6. And a radiation detection means for outputting the electrical signal to a predetermined storage area, and the output of the electrical signal to the storage area by the radiation detection means is started during the predetermined period. It may be until radiographic imaging is completed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a malfunction due to an erroneous operation from when the output of the electrical signal to the storage area by the radiation detection means is started until the radiographic imaging is completed.

  On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, a radiographic imaging system according to a seventh aspect includes a portable radiographic imaging device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and the portable radiographic image. And a communication device that controls the control unit to select a function that should be effective by performing communication with the imaging device.

  Therefore, the radiographic image capturing system of the present invention operates in the same manner as the portable radiographic image capturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 of the present invention. Similar effects can be obtained. Further, it is possible to control so that a function to be effective for the control means is selected by communication.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation due to an erroneous operation during a predetermined period.

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

  [First Embodiment]

  First, the configuration of the radiographic image capturing system 10 (hereinafter also referred to as “imaging system 10”) according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a state where the imaging system 10 is installed in the operating room as an example of a state where the imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment is arranged.

  The imaging system 10 captures a radiographic image by the operation of a doctor 12 or a radiographer. The imaging system 10 detects an operating table 16 on which the patient 14 is placed, a radiation irradiation device 18 that irradiates the patient 14 with radiation X having a radiation dose according to the imaging conditions, and the radiation X transmitted through the patient 14. An electronic cassette 20 that performs imaging by storing image information indicating a radiation image corresponding to the detected radiation dose in a predetermined storage area, and a display that displays a radiation image obtained by imaging with the electronic cassette 20 The apparatus 22, a cradle 24 that charges a battery 44 (see FIG. 2) built in the electronic cassette 20, and a console 26 that controls the radiation irradiation device 18, the electronic cassette 20, and the display device 22 are provided. In the imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, radio communication using radio waves is performed between the radiation irradiation device 18, the electronic cassette 20, the display device 22, and the console 26. The optical wireless communication used may be performed.

  In the operating room shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the imaging system 10, an instrument table 28 on which various instruments used by the doctor 12 for surgery are placed on the side of the operating table 16. In addition, various devices necessary for the operation such as an anesthesia machine, an aspirator, an electrocardiograph, a sphygmomanometer, and the like are arranged around the operating table 16 (these devices are omitted in FIG. 1). .

  The radiation irradiation device 18 is connected to the free arm 30 and can be moved to a desired position according to the imaging region of the patient 14 and can be retracted to a position that does not interfere with the operation by the doctor 12. Similarly, the display device 22 is connected to the free arm 32 and can be moved to a position where the doctor 12 can easily confirm the captured radiographic image.

  FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view showing the configuration of the electronic cassette 20 according to the first exemplary embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the electronic cassette 20 includes a housing 34 made of a material that transmits the radiation X. An imaging device 36 is housed inside the housing 34, and the scattered radiation of the radiation X by the patient 14 from the irradiation surface 35 side of the housing 34 irradiated with the radiation X as a member constituting the imaging device 36. A grid 38 for removing the radiation X, a radiation detector 40 for detecting the radiation X transmitted through the patient 14, and a lead plate 42 for absorbing the back scattered radiation of the radiation X are arranged in this order. In addition, the imaging apparatus 36 includes a battery 44 that is a power source of the electronic cassette 20, an electronic cassette control unit 46 that drives and controls the radiation detector 40 with electric power supplied from the battery 44, and radiation X detected by the radiation detector 40. And a transceiver 48 that transmits and receives a signal including the above information to and from the console 26.

  In addition, an operation unit 50 that is operated when selecting a target function from a plurality of different functions related to radiographic imaging is provided on one side surface 34A of the housing 34. The operation unit 50 includes a power switch for switching power on and off, an instruction key for instructing transmission of image information to the console 26, a photographing mode for setting the electronic cassette 20 in a photographing state, and the electronic cassette 20 An example is a mode selection switch that switches between maintenance modes in which maintenance can be performed. In addition, the “plurality of different functions” includes a function for invalidating control by operation on the operation unit 50 and a function for enabling control by operation on the operation unit 50.

  In addition, a semicircular grip 52 having both ends fixed to one side 34 </ b> A is provided on one side 34 </ b> A of the housing 34 so as to straddle the operation unit 50. The grip 52 has a structure that can be gripped by the user by placing a finger.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The radiation detector 40 built in the electronic cassette 20 is configured by laminating a photoelectric conversion layer that absorbs radiation X and converts it into charges on a TFT active matrix substrate 90. 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 X, a charge corresponding to the amount of irradiated radiation. By generating a certain amount of charge (electron-hole pairs) internally, the irradiated radiation X is converted into a charge. The radiation detector 40 is indirectly charged using a phosphor material and a photoelectric conversion element (photodiode) instead of the radiation-charge conversion material that directly converts the radiation X such as amorphous selenium into an electric charge. May be converted to As phosphor materials, gadolinium sulfate (GOS) and cesium iodide (CsI) are well known. In this case, radiation X-light conversion is performed by a fluorescent material, and light-charge conversion is performed by a photodiode of a photoelectric conversion element.

  Further, on the TFT active matrix substrate 90, a pixel portion 96 (FIG. 5) provided with a storage capacitor 92 for storing the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer and a TFT 94 for reading out the charge stored in the storage capacitor 92. In FIG. 5, photoelectric conversion layers corresponding to the individual pixel units 96 are schematically shown as photoelectric conversion units 98.) A large number of photoelectric conversion layers are arranged in a matrix, and the photoelectric cassette 20 is exposed to radiation X irradiated with the radiation X. The electric charge generated in the conversion layer is accumulated in the accumulation capacitor 92 of each pixel unit 96. As a result, the image information carried on the radiation X irradiated to the electronic cassette 20 is converted into charge information and held in the radiation detector 40.

  The TFT active matrix substrate 90 has a plurality of gate wirings 100 extending in a certain direction (row direction) for turning on / off the TFTs 94 of the individual pixel portions 96, and a direction orthogonal to the gate wiring 100 ( A plurality of data wirings 102 are provided for reading out stored charges from the storage capacitor 92 through the TFTs 94 extending in the column direction and turned on. Individual gate lines 100 are connected to a gate line driver 104, and individual data lines 102 are connected to a signal processing unit 110. When charges are stored in the storage capacitors 92 of the individual pixel portions 96, the TFTs 94 of the individual pixel portions 96 are sequentially turned on in units of rows by a signal supplied from the gate line driver 104 via the gate wiring 100. The charge stored in the storage capacitor 92 of the pixel unit 96 for which is turned on is transmitted as a charge signal through the data wiring 102 and input to the signal processing unit 110. Accordingly, the charges accumulated in the storage capacitors 92 of the individual pixel portions 96 are sequentially read out in units of rows.

  FIG. 4 shows an equivalent circuit diagram focusing on one pixel portion of the radiation detector 40 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the source of the TFT 94 is connected to the data line 102, and the data line 102 is connected to the signal processing unit 110. The drain of the TFT 94 is connected to the storage capacitor 92 and the photoelectric conversion unit 98, and the gate of the TFT 94 is connected to the gate wiring 100.

  The signal processing unit 110 includes a sample hold circuit 112 for each data wiring 102. The charge signal transmitted through each data line 102 is held in the sample hold circuit 112. The sample hold circuit 112 includes an operational amplifier 112A and a capacitor 112B, and converts the charge signal into an analog voltage. In addition, the sample hold circuit 112 is provided with a switch 112C as a reset circuit that shorts both electrodes of the capacitor 112B and discharges the charge accumulated in the capacitor 112B.

  A multiplexer 114 and an A / D converter 116 are sequentially connected to the output side of the sample and hold circuit 112, and the charge signals held in the individual sample and hold circuits are converted into analog voltages and sequentially (serially) to the multiplexer 114. ) And is converted into digital image information by the A / D converter 116.

  A line memory 118 is connected to the signal processing unit 110 (see FIG. 3), and image information output from the A / D converter 116 of the signal processing unit 110 is sequentially stored in the line memory 118. The line memory 118 has a storage capacity capable of storing image information indicating a radiation image for a predetermined number of lines, and each time the charge is read out line by line, the read image information for one line is stored in the line memory. 118 are sequentially stored.

  The line memory 118 is connected to a cassette control unit 120 that controls the operation of the entire electronic cassette 20. The cassette control unit 120 is realized by a microcomputer, and a wireless communication control unit 122 is connected thereto. The wireless communication control unit 122 is connected to the antenna 20A, and controls transmission of various kinds of information to and from an external device via the antenna 20A.

  An operation unit 50 is connected to the cassette control unit 120. Therefore, the cassette control unit 120 can grasp the operation state of the user with respect to the operation unit 50.

  Further, the electronic cassette 20 includes a battery 44 that is a rechargeable secondary battery, and includes the various circuits and elements described above (gate line driver 104, signal processing unit 110, line memory 118, wireless communication control unit 122, The microcomputer functioning as the cassette control unit 120 is operated by the electric power supplied from the battery 44.

On the other hand, the console 26 is configured as a server computer, and includes a display 136 (see also FIG. 1) for displaying an operation menu, a captured radiographic image, and the like, and a plurality of keys. And an operation panel 140 (see also FIG. 1) for inputting operation instructions.
The console 26 includes a CPU 128 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a ROM 130 that stores various programs including a control program in advance, a RAM 132 that temporarily stores various data, and an HDD that stores and holds various data. (Hard disk drive) 134, a display driver 138 that controls display of various information on the display 136, an operation input detection unit 142 that detects an operation state of the operation panel 140, and the antenna 26A. Wireless communication of various information such as exposure conditions and status information of the radiation irradiation device 18 is performed with the radiation irradiation device 18 via the antenna 26B, and is connected to the antenna 26B and between the electronic cassette 20 via the antenna 26B. A wireless communication control unit 144 that performs wireless communication of various types of information such as image information; It is equipped with a.

  The CPU 128, the ROM 130, the RAM 132, the HDD 134, the display driver 138, the operation input detection unit 142, and the wireless communication control unit 144 are connected to each other via the system bus BUS. Therefore, the CPU 128 can access the ROM 130, the RAM 132, and the HDD 134, controls the display of various information on the display 136 via the display driver 138, and controls the user for the operation panel 140 via the operation input detection unit 142. And the control of transmission / reception of various information with the radiation irradiation device 18 and the electronic cassette 20 via the wireless communication control unit 144.

  On the other hand, the radiation irradiating device 18 is connected to an imaging button 150 that is pressed by a photographer when performing imaging, a radiation source 152 that outputs radiation X, an antenna 18A, and the console 26 via the antenna 18A. A wireless communication control unit 154 that wirelessly communicates various information such as exposure conditions and state information of the radiation irradiation device 18, and a radiation source control unit 156 that controls the radiation source 152 based on the received exposure conditions It is equipped with. The radiation source control unit 156 is also realized by a microcomputer, stores the received exposure conditions, and irradiates the radiation X from the radiation source 152 based on the stored exposure conditions.

  It should be noted that the shooting button 150 according to the present embodiment is in a state of being pressed down to an intermediate position (hereinafter referred to as “half-pressed state”) and in a state of being pressed down to a final pressed position that exceeds the intermediate position (hereinafter referred to as “ It is configured to be able to detect a two-stage pressing operation of “fully pressed state”.

  By the way, in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 according to the present embodiment, when the photographing button 150 is pressed halfway by the photographer, the photographing button 150 emits energy for irradiating the radiation source control unit 156 with the radiation X. An accumulation instruction signal (irradiation preparation signal) instructing accumulation in the source 152 is output, and the accumulation instruction signal is transmitted to the console 26 via the wireless communication control unit 154 and the antenna 18A. When the accumulation instruction signal is input, the radiation source control unit 156 performs control so that the energy is accumulated in the radiation source 152. When the CPU 128 of the console 26 receives the accumulation instruction signal, the radio communication control unit 144 and the electronic cassette 20 via the antenna 26B. The cassette control unit 120 of the electronic cassette 20 considers that the preparation for irradiation of the radiation X is completed in the radiation irradiation device 18 by receiving the accumulation instruction signal.

  The imaging button 150 outputs an irradiation instruction signal instructing the radiation source control unit 156 to irradiate the radiation X when it is fully pressed by the photographer. In response to this, the radiation source control unit 156 performs control so that radiation is emitted from the radiation source 152 using energy stored in the radiation source 152.

  Next, a processing routine of the electronic cassette 20 when the power of the electronic cassette 20 is turned on will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the electronic cassette control processing program executed by the cassette control unit 120 of the electronic cassette 20 at this time, and the program is a microcomputer that implements the cassette control unit 120. Is stored in advance in a predetermined area of the memory included in the memory.

  In step 200 of the figure, completion of preparation for radiation X irradiation in the radiation irradiation device 18 is awaited. That is, in this step 200, it waits for the reception of the accumulation instruction signal transferred from the console 26, and determines that the preparation for irradiation of the radiation X is completed by receiving the accumulation instruction signal. In the electronic cassette control processing program, the process of waiting for completion of preparation for irradiation of the radiation X in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 is applied as the process of step 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a process of waiting for installation on the operating table 16 or a process of waiting for the radiation irradiation device 18 to be turned on, or may be a process of waiting for completion of a process that can be prepared for imaging. Any processing may be used.

  In the next step 202, control is performed so that a function for invalidating control by an operation on the operation unit 50 (a function for locking the operation unit 50) is selected. Thereby, the operation unit 50 is locked by the cassette control unit 120 so that an input operation on the operation unit 50 is impossible. For example, when the operation unit 50 includes a dial, a key, and a switch, these are mechanically locked. When the operation unit 50 includes a touch panel, the touch panel is controlled to be unusable. In this step 202, an example is given in which the operation unit 50 is locked so that an input operation on the operation unit 50 is impossible. However, the operation unit 50 is not locked and is accepted by the operation unit 50. The inputted input operation may be invalidated. In this case, an input operation is received by the operation unit 50, and a signal according to the input operation is not output to the cassette control unit 120. An input operation is received by the operation unit 50, and a signal according to the input operation is received by the cassette control unit 120. And the cassette control unit 120 invalidates the signal. Thus, in this step 202, it is only necessary to perform control so that control by an input operation on the operation unit 50 becomes invalid.

  In the next step 204, the completion of photographing is waited. In the electronic cassette 20 according to the first embodiment, image information output from the signal processing unit 110 is included in a predetermined storage area (here, included in the microcomputer) of the cassette control unit 120 via the line memory 118. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined time (for example, image information is stored in a predetermined storage area after the shooting button 150 is fully pressed) is released. When a predetermined time) elapses, the photographing may be completed, or image information for the number of sheets designated by the user (for example, four sheets) is predetermined by the cassette control unit 120 via the line memory 118. The shooting may be completed by being stored in the stored storage area.

  In the next step 206, control is performed so that a function for enabling control by operation on the operation unit 50 (function for unlocking the operation unit 50) is selected, and then the electronic cassette control processing program is terminated. . The cassette control unit 120 releases the locked state of the operation unit 50 through the process of step 206.

  In the imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the console 26 performs wireless communication with the electronic cassette 20 while the operation unit 50 is locked, thereby operating the imaging device 36 (for example, the electronic cassette 20 (Power on / off) is controlled.

  As described above in detail, in the electronic cassette 20 according to the first embodiment, a predetermined period (from the completion of preparation for irradiation of the radiation X in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 to the completion of imaging). In addition, since the function that disables the control by the operation on the operation unit 50 is selected, the function controlled to be selected is executed when the operation unit 50 is operated. It is possible to prevent malfunction due to erroneous operation during a given period.

  [Second Embodiment]

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the imaging system according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here. In the second embodiment, only parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view showing the configuration of the electronic cassette 20B according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the electronic cassette 20B is different from the electronic cassette 20 described in the first embodiment only in that an operation unit 50B is provided instead of the operation unit 50. . Note that the operation unit 50B according to the second embodiment is configured by one push-type switch, and is obtained by photographing a plurality of different functions related to radiographic image photographing (in the second embodiment, photographing). A function for executing transmission of the image information to the console 26 (hereinafter also referred to as “first function”) and a function for turning on / off the power (hereinafter also referred to as “second function”). It is operated when selecting the target function from (Function).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of an electronic cassette control processing program executed by the cassette control unit 120 of the electronic cassette 20B when the accumulation instruction signal transferred from the console 26 is received. The information is stored in advance in a predetermined area of a memory included in the microcomputer that implements the unit 120.

  In step 300 of the figure, completion of preparation for irradiation of radiation X in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 is waited, and in the next step 302, after preparation for irradiation of radiation X in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 is completed, imaging is completed. Control is performed so that the first function is selected as a function that should be valid only during the period. As a result, the operation unit 50B functions as a transmission execution switch for executing transmission of image information obtained by photographing to the console 26. When the operation unit 50B is operated, the cassette control unit Transmission of image information to the console 26 is executed by 120.

  In the next step 304, the completion of photographing is waited. In the electronic cassette 20 according to the second embodiment, the image information output from the signal processing unit 110 is included in a predetermined storage area (here, included in the microcomputer) of the cassette control unit 120 via the line memory 118. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined time (for example, image information is stored in a predetermined storage area after the shooting button 150 is fully pressed) is released. The photographing may be completed when a predetermined time) elapses.

  In the next step 306, control is performed so that the second function is selected as a function that should be effective only during a period other than the period from when preparation for irradiation of the radiation X is completed in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 until imaging is completed. After the execution, the electronic cassette control processing program is terminated. By the processing in step 306, the operation unit 50B functions as a power switch for turning on / off the power. When the operation unit 50B is operated, the cassette control unit 120 turns the power on / off. Switching is performed.

  Note that in the second embodiment, the console during the period from the preparation for irradiation of the radiation X in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 to the completion of the imaging, that is, while the operation unit 50B functions as a transmission start switch. By performing wireless communication with the electronic cassette 20, the electronic cassette 20 is controlled so that the power of the electronic cassette 20 is turned on / off.

  As described above in detail, in the electronic cassette 20B according to the second embodiment, a predetermined period (from the completion of preparation for irradiation of the radiation X in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 to the completion of imaging). In addition, control is performed such that a function that should be valid only during the predetermined period is selected, and the function controlled to be selected is executed when the operation unit 50B is operated. It is possible to prevent malfunction due to an erroneous operation for a predetermined period.

  [Third Embodiment]

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the configuration of the imaging system according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here. In the third embodiment, only parts different from the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the electronic cassette control processing program executed by the cassette control unit 120 of the electronic cassette 20 when the accumulation instruction signal transferred from the console 26 is received. The information is stored in advance in a predetermined area of a memory included in the microcomputer that implements the unit 120.

  In step 300 in the figure, the image information is stored from the signal processing unit 110 via the line memory 118 in order to store the image information in a predetermined storage area (here, a memory included in the microcomputer of the cassette control unit 120). In the next step 302, control is performed so that a function for invalidating control by an operation on the operation unit 50 (a function for locking the operation unit 50) is selected. Thereby, the operation unit 50 is locked by the cassette control unit 120 so that an input operation on the operation unit 50 is impossible.

  In the next step 304, the end of the reading mode is waited, and in the next step 306, a function for enabling control by an operation on the operation unit 50 (a function for unlocking the operation unit 50) is selected. After performing the control, the electronic cassette control processing program is terminated. The cassette control unit 120 releases the locked state of the operation unit 50 by the process of step 306.

  As described above in detail, in the electronic cassette 20 according to the third embodiment, a predetermined storage area (here, the cassette control unit 120) of the electrical signal (here, image information) by the radiation detector 40. The function for invalidating the control by the operation on the operation unit 50 is selected from the start of the output to the memory included in the microcomputer) until the radiographic imaging is completed (in the readout mode). In addition to the control, the control by the operation on the operation unit 50 is performed in a period other than the period from the completion of the radiation preparation for performing radiographic imaging until the radiographic imaging is completed (when not in the readout mode). The function to be enabled is controlled to be selected, and the function controlled to be selected is executed when the operation unit 50 is operated. It is possible to prevent malfunction due to erroneous operation of the mode to.

  The electronic cassette 10 according to the third embodiment has been described with reference to an example in which the operation unit 50 is locked in the reading mode. However, the electronic cassette 10 is not limited to this, for example, in addition to the reading mode. The operation unit 50 may be locked in the transmission mode in which the image information 20 is transmitted to the console 26, or the operation unit 50 may be locked only in the transmission mode. In this case, it is considered that photographing has been completed when image information is stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, HDD 134) of the console 26.

  Further, the operation unit 50 may be locked between the start of conversion of the radiation X into an electrical signal by the radiation detector 40 and the completion of imaging. In this case, it is considered that photographing is completed when an electrical signal (image information) is stored in a predetermined storage area (for example, a memory included in the microcomputer of the cassette control unit 120).

  As described above, the operation unit 50 is locked during the predetermined period, so that it is possible to prevent malfunction due to an erroneous operation during the predetermined period.

  In the third embodiment, the operation unit 50 is locked in the read mode, and the lock state of the operation unit 50 is released in a mode other than the read mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this. First, during the read mode, control is performed such that a function that should be effective only in the read mode (as an example, the first function described in the second embodiment) is selected. Control is performed so that a function that is to be effective only in a mode other than the reading mode (for example, the second function described in the second embodiment) is selected, and the function controlled to be selected is operated. It may be executed when the unit 50 is operated.

  In addition, from the start of the conversion of the radiation X to the electrical signal by the radiation detector 40 to the completion of the imaging, the imaging is completed after the conversion of the radiation X to the electrical signal by the radiation detector 40 is started. Control is performed so that a function that should be effective only during the period until the image is selected, and a period other than the period from when the conversion of the radiation X into the electrical signal is started by the radiation detector 40 until the imaging is completed. In addition, a function that should be enabled only during a period other than the period from when the conversion of the radiation X into an electrical signal is started by the radiation detector 40 until the completion of imaging is selected and selected. The controlled function may be executed when the operation unit 50 is operated. In this case, for example, noise generated due to power supply fluctuation due to mode change due to erroneous operation of the operation unit 50 between the start of conversion of the radiation X into an electrical signal by the radiation detector 40 and the completion of imaging. Can be prevented from being superimposed on the electrical signal.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using said each embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in each said embodiment. Various changes or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and forms to which the changes or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  In addition, each of the above embodiments does not limit the invention described in the claims, and all combinations of features described in each of the above embodiments are indispensable for solving means of the invention. Not always. Each of the above embodiments includes inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by a combination according to the situation in a plurality of disclosed constituent requirements. Even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in each of the above embodiments, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration in which these some constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example in which the radiation button 18 is included in the radiation irradiation device 18 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the imaging button 150 is connected to the console 26. May be provided. Further, without providing the imaging button 150, an instruction to prepare for the irradiation of radiation X and an instruction to irradiate the radiation X may be given to the radiation irradiation device 18 via the operation panel 140 of the console 26. In addition, the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 may be instructed to prepare for the irradiation of radiation X via the operation panel 140 of the console 26, and the irradiation button 150 may be instructed to irradiate the radiation X with the imaging button 150. The radiation irradiation apparatus 18 may be instructed to prepare for the radiation X irradiation, and the radiation X irradiation instruction may be performed via the operation panel 140 of the console 26.

  In the second embodiment, the function of executing transmission of image information obtained by photographing to the console 26 is applied as the first function, and the function of turning on / off the power is applied as the second function. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation unit 50B is provided between the completion of preparation for irradiation of the radiation X in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 and the completion of imaging. The first function is a function that does not interfere with imaging even if it is executed by being operated, and the operation unit 50B is used in a period other than the period from when preparation for irradiation of the radiation X in the radiation irradiation apparatus 18 is completed until imaging is completed. Any function can be applied as the first and second functions as long as the second function is a function that does not interfere with the shooting even if it is executed by operating.

  In the second embodiment, when the function of the operation unit 50B is changed between when the radiation irradiation device 18 completes the preparation of irradiation with the radiation X and when imaging is completed, and during other periods. Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this, and when there are a plurality of imaging stages between the start of radiographic image acquisition and the end of radiography, the cassette control unit 120 performs each imaging stage. The function of the operation unit 50B may be dynamically changed. Accordingly, an appropriate function can be assigned to the operation unit 50B at each shooting stage, and malfunction due to an erroneous operation at each shooting stage can be prevented. In addition, it is possible to select an optimum function from time to time, and it is possible to prevent an unnecessary function from being selected by mistake.

  In addition, the configuration of the imaging system 10 described in the above embodiments (see FIGS. 1 and 3), the configuration of the electronic cassette 20 (see FIGS. 2 to 4), and the configuration of the electronic cassette 20B (FIG. 6). Is an example, and it is needless to say that it can be changed depending on the situation without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  The processing flow of the program described in each of the above embodiments (see FIGS. 5, 7, and 8) is also an example, and unnecessary steps can be deleted without departing from the gist of the present invention. It goes without saying that new steps can be added and the processing order can be changed.

It is a figure which shows the mode of the operating room where the imaging | photography system which concerns on embodiment was installed. It is a fracture perspective view showing the composition of the electronic cassette concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the imaging | photography system which concerns on embodiment. It is an equivalent circuit diagram paying attention to one pixel part of the radiation detector concerning an embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a process flow of an electronic cassette control process program according to the first embodiment. It is a fracture | rupture perspective view which shows the structure of the electronic cassette concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the electronic cassette control processing program which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the electronic cassette control processing program which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

10 Radiation imaging system 18 Radiation irradiation device (radiation irradiation means)
20, 20B Electronic cassette 26 Console (communication device)
50, 50B operation unit (operation means)
120 cassette control unit (control means, execution means)

Claims (7)

Operation means operated when selecting a target function from a plurality of different functions related to radiographic imaging;
Control means for controlling so that a function that should be effective only during the predetermined period is selected during the predetermined period;
Execution means for executing a function controlled to be selected by the control means when the operation means is operated;
A portable radiographic imaging device including:   The portable radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs control so as to change a function executable by the execution unit from the start of radiographic image capturing to the end of radiographic imaging. Operation means operated when selecting a target function from a plurality of different functions related to radiographic imaging;
Control means for controlling so as to select a function for invalidating control by operation on the operation means during a predetermined period;
Execution means for executing a function controlled to be selected by the control means when the operation means is operated;
A portable radiographic imaging device including:   4. The portable radiographic image according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period is a period from completion of radiation preparation for performing radiographic imaging until completion of radiographic imaging. 5. Shooting device. Radiation detection means for detecting radiation that has passed through the subject and converting the detected radiation into an electrical signal;
The portable radiographic image according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the predetermined period is a period from the start of conversion of radiation into an electrical signal by the radiation detection means until the radiographic imaging is completed. Shooting device. Radiation detection means for detecting radiation transmitted through the subject, converting the detected radiation into an electrical signal, and outputting the electrical signal to a predetermined storage area;
The portable type according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the predetermined period is a period from the start of output of an electrical signal to the storage area by the radiation detection means until the radiographic imaging is completed. Radiation imaging device. The portable radiographic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A communication device for controlling the control means to be selected by performing communication with the portable radiographic imaging device; and
Including radiographic imaging system.

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