JP2010187734A - Radiation image capturing apparatus and radiation image capturing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image capturing apparatus which satisfactorily carries out radio communication even when the radiation image capturing apparatus is arranged on a conventional bucky imaging table and facilitates confirmation that the radiation image capturing apparatus is selected as a radiation image capturing apparatus used for photography. <P>SOLUTION: The radiation image capturing apparatus includes a strap having the antenna part that projects from an enclosure and carries out radio transmission of generated radiation image data and the display part that displays whether or not the radiation image capturing apparatus is selected as a radiation image capturing apparatus used for photography. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable radiographic imaging device that performs wireless communication, and a radiographic imaging system that uses the radiographic imaging device.

  In the field of medical diagnosis, a reading device that reads radiation image data by scanning a phosphor plate built in a CR cassette with excitation light, and a control device (console for acquiring radiation image data read by the reading device) ) And a CR (Computed Radiography) system have been put into practical use (see Patent Document 1).

  Further, in place of the above-described CR cassette, radiation detection elements that are two-dimensionally arranged on the substrate are built in, and radiation signals that can output an electrical signal corresponding to the radiation dose applied to the radiation detection elements can be output. An FPD (Flat Panel Detector) device as an image pickup device has been proposed. If this FPD is used, radiation image data can be obtained directly without the need for a reading device that reads the radiation image by irradiating excitation light, so the system itself can be made smaller than when a CR cassette is used. It is also possible to perform photographing work smoothly.

  Due to these merits, there is a desire to replace an existing CR system constructed with a CR cassette with an FPD. From the viewpoint of suppressing the initial introduction cost, it is preferable that both can be used at the beginning instead of replacing them all at once.

  Improvement in semiconductor technology makes it possible to reduce the size and weight, and it is possible to adopt a portable FPD with a wireless communication unit that is the same size as a CR cassette. If such an FPD is used, it was used in a conventional CR system. Equipment such as a radiation irradiating unit for irradiating radiation and a Bukki photographing stand to which a CR cassette is attached can be used as it is in an FPD, and both can be mixed.

  In Patent Document 2, a cassette type FPD that is portable and capable of wireless communication has been devised in order to enable rapid and wide range imaging. Further, in Patent Document 2, an extension cable is connected to the FPD in order to prevent image performance deterioration due to the influence of radio waves during wireless communication, influence on other devices, and irradiation of electromagnetic waves to patients. A directional antenna is provided at the end of the cable. And the display part which displays the receiving sensitivity of an antenna is provided in the extension cable.

  When a plurality of photographing devices and FPDs (sensor units) are provided, the selection switches provided corresponding to the respective FPDs are pressed, so that the FPDs corresponding to the selection switches are in a ready state. An imaging system that shifts other FPDs to a sleep state is disclosed (see Patent Document 3).

JP 2002-158820 A JP 2003-210444 A JP 2000-308630 A

  When photographing using the FPD, it is necessary to take a timing related to photographing with the radiation irradiation apparatus. When taking the timing, the control terminal selects an FPD used for shooting in advance and establishes a communication link. In the case of an imaging system using a plurality of FPDs, it is necessary to confirm whether the FPD is selected and the communication link is established. In particular, when an FPD of a wireless communication system is used, it may be difficult to accurately grasp where the FPD actually exists even if the presence of the selected FPD can be confirmed on the network. In addition, when a plurality of FPDs exist at a short distance such as in the same photographing room, it is difficult to grasp which FPD is the selected FPD.

  Therefore, in order for the operator to confirm whether or not the FPD is actually selected, it is necessary to visually confirm the identification ID number assigned to the exterior of the FPD and the lighting of the incidental LED. However, in order to use the FPD in a mixed manner with the system constructed with the CR cassette as described above, it is necessary to insert the FPD into an existing cassette insertion slot provided in the Buki shooting table at the time of shooting. .

  The cassette size is standardized, and the cassette insertion slot of the Bukki shooting stand is in line with the standard size. It is relatively easy to use on a table. However, on the other hand, the insertion direction and the mounting state of other components around the insertion port are varied depending on the type of the Buki shooting table.

  In such a case, the identification ID assigned to the exterior of the FPD or the lighting of the incidental LED may not be confirmed in a state where the FPD is attached to the photographing stand with a configuration near the insertion slot. In such a case, it is necessary for the operator to take out the FPD again from the insertion port and confirm it, and then insert it again.

  Further, when a plurality of images are taken with one FPD, there is a problem that it is unclear whether the selected state is continued or released.

  Further, when the FPD is inserted into the cassette insertion slot, there is a problem that the state of wireless communication is deteriorated depending on the structure around the cassette insertion slot.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention can perform radio communication satisfactorily even when a radiographic imaging device is used on an existing Bukki imaging table, and the radiographic imaging device can be used for radiography. It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiographic image capturing apparatus that can easily confirm that it is selected as an image capturing apparatus.

1. An imaging panel that performs imaging based on incident radiation to acquire radiation image data, a housing that houses the imaging panel, and an antenna unit that protrudes from the housing and wirelessly transmits the generated radiation image data A radiographic imaging device having a strap,
The housing is of a size that can be inserted into a BUCKI photographing table having a standard size large opening, and the strap is provided with a display unit that displays whether or not it is selected as a radiographic imaging device used for photographing. A radiographic imaging apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The radiographic imaging device according to 1 above,
A Bukki imaging table having a standard size large opening into which the radiographic imaging device can be inserted;
And a control terminal for selecting a radiographic imaging device used for imaging.

  According to the present invention, even when a radiographic imaging device is used for an existing Buki imaging stand, the FPD has a strap provided with an antenna unit and a display unit, so that wireless communication can be performed satisfactorily. It is possible to easily confirm that the radiographic image capturing apparatus is selected as a radiographic image capturing apparatus used for imaging.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the radiographic imaging system 1 in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the radiographic imaging system 1 in a modification. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part configuration of a console 7. FIG. It is a selection screen which selects FPD6 used for imaging | photography. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of FPD6. It is a perspective view of FPD6. It is a perspective view of FPD6 which expanded FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of a strap. It is a figure which shows the state which is loading FPD6 in the mounting part 110. FIG. It is a figure which shows the state at the time of loading FPD6 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the other modification of a strap.

  Although the present invention will be described based on an embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment.

  A radiographic imaging system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a radiographic image capturing system 1 in the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic imaging system 1 includes an imaging operation device 4 that performs operations related to radiographic imaging, an access point 5 that performs wireless communication by, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and a radiographic imaging device. 6 (hereinafter simply referred to as “FPD 6”) is connected to a console 7 for performing image processing on radiation image data generated through the network N. Although not shown here, the radiographic imaging system 1 includes an HIS (Hospital Information System) that centrally manages patient diagnosis information and accounting information, and an RIS (Radiology Information System) that manages radiological information and a network N. Connected through. The network N may be a communication line dedicated to the system, but is preferably an existing line such as Ethernet (registered trademark) because the degree of freedom of the system configuration is low.

  Reference numeral 100 denotes a photographing room. The imaging room 100 includes a radiation irradiation device 3, an imaging operation device 4, an access point 5 that performs wireless communication, and a HUB 9 that connects these.

  The radiation irradiating apparatus 3 is configured to irradiate a patient P, who is a subject lying on the Bukki imaging table 11, and a mounting unit 110 for mounting the FPD 6 is provided below the Bukki imaging table 11. Is provided. The radiation irradiation device 3 is controlled by the imaging operation device 4 to perform radiation imaging under predetermined imaging conditions. The opening 110a of the mounting portion 110 has a dimension that allows insertion and removal of a standardized CR or FPD cassette.

  Further, the synchronization of the imaging timing between the radiation irradiation device 3 and the FPD 6 loaded in the mounting unit 110 may be performed by wireless communication via the access point 5 between them.

  The access point 5 has a function of relaying these communications when the FPD 6 and the console 7 communicate wirelessly within a predetermined area of the imaging room provided with the radiation irradiation device 3. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system is a general-purpose wireless LAN (for example, a communication system conforming to IEEE 802.11a / b / n).

  As an embodiment other than the wireless LAN, a system using UWB (Ultra Wide Band) may be used as shown in the modification of FIG. In addition, it is particularly preferable to use WUSB (Wireless USB) among UWB. In the example shown in FIG. 2, instead of the access point 5. A WUSB host device 51 connected to the console 7 with a USB cable or the like is used. In addition, it replaces with description by attaching | subjecting the same code | symbol to the apparatus same as the structure shown in FIG. In addition to those using radio waves (spatial waves), wireless communication using optical wireless communication (for example, IrDA) using infrared rays or visible light (laser, etc.), acoustic communication using sound waves or ultrasonic waves is not limited thereto. You may make it do.

  A characteristic of UWB is that it can communicate at high speed, but has a small output of radio waves. In addition, since the frequency of the radio wave is relatively high, straightness is strong. Therefore, there is a disadvantage in that attenuation due to an obstacle between communication terminals is large. However, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, both the FPD 6 and the access point 5 are provided in the photographing room 100. In the present embodiment, since the antenna unit AN is provided on a strap 602a (or 602b) protruding from a case 601 described later, it is possible to avoid the BUCK imaging table 11 itself from becoming an obstacle, and there is no problem. Communication can be performed. The characteristic that the WUSB radio wave output is weak can be said to be a preferable characteristic when the patient P considers the influence on the medical device such as a pacemaker. Further, since the FPD 6 is portable, the power supply is mainly performed by the internal power supply unit 67. Considering the capacity of the power supply unit 67, it is required that the power consumption is small. In this respect, UWB is preferable.

  In the description of FIG. 1, an example in which communication is performed by wireless communication via the wireless access point 5 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a connection connector is provided at the back of the mounting unit 110, and the FPD 6 is connected to the mounting unit 110. By loading the BUCKY photographing stand 11, wired communication with the network N may be made via the connection connector.

[Console 7]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the console 7 functioning as a “control terminal”. As shown in FIG. 3, the console 7 includes a control unit 74, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 75, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 76, a display unit 77, an input operation unit 78, a communication unit 79, a storage unit 70, and the like. Each part is connected by a bus 71.

  The display unit 77 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like, and according to instructions of a display signal sent from the control unit 74, the patient list, various messages and images, Various screens are displayed.

  The input operation unit 78 includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and outputs a key press signal pressed by the keyboard and an operation signal from the mouse to the control unit 74 as input signals. The input operation unit 78 outputs position information input by touching a transparent sheet panel covering the display screen of the display unit 77 with a finger or a dedicated stylus pen to the control unit 74 as an input signal. You may be comprised with the touch panel.

  The storage unit 70 stores characteristic information of the FPD 6. Here, the characteristic information includes characteristics of an FPD imaging element and a scintillator panel described later. The image processing unit 72 uses the characteristic information of the FPD 6 stored in the storage unit 70 for the radiation image data acquired from the FPD 6 to perform gain correction or offset correction of the radiation image data, correction of defective pixels, and the like. Image processing can be performed. If the characteristic information of each FPD 6 is different in a system using a plurality of FPDs 6, each FPD 6 is managed with an identification ID, and the characteristic information is stored in the storage unit 70 in association with the identification ID. Image processing may be performed on the image data based on the characteristic information.

  The communication unit 79 communicates with each device connected to the network N. The communication unit 79 communicates various information with the FPD 6 through the access point 5 connected to the network N by a wireless communication method such as a wireless LAN.

  The control unit 74 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like, and is configured to read a predetermined program stored in the ROM 76, develop it in a work area of the RAM 75, and execute various processes according to the program.

  In the radiographic imaging system, a unique identification ID is assigned to each FPD 6. The storage unit 70 stores unique conversion sensitivity characteristics corresponding to a plurality of signal readout circuits 674 (described later) of each FPD 6. Then, the control unit 74 performs sensitivity correction on the image data acquired by referring to the conversion sensitivity characteristic.

  FIG. 4 is a selection screen for selecting the FPD 6 used for photographing. As shown in the figure, when a plurality of FPDs 6 are registered in one console 7, a plurality of FPDs 6 are displayed in the registration list 775 together with identification IDs and the like. The operator selects the FPD 6 to be used for shooting from the list based on the shooting order, and then presses the selection execution button 776 to perform selection.

  Information such as the size and identification ID of the FPD 6 as shown in FIG. 4 is stored in a management server (not shown) or the storage unit 70 of the console 7.

[FPD6]
The FPD 6 serving as a radiographic image capturing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the FPD 6, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the FPD 6, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control system of the FPD 6 includes a control unit 64, a RAM 65, a ROM 66, an imaging panel 62, a storage unit 60, a power supply unit 67, a wireless communication unit 69, and the like. Yes.

  The control unit 64 is composed of, for example, a CPU or the like, reads a control program stored in the ROM 66, develops it in a work area formed in the RAM 65, and controls each unit of the FPD 6 according to the control program. The ROM 66 is configured by a nonvolatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores a control program executed by the control unit 64, various programs, an identification ID of the FPD 6, and the like. The RAM 65 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs that can be executed by the control unit 64 read from the ROM 66, input or output data, parameters, and the like in various processes controlled by the control unit 64. .

  The storage unit 60 includes, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory or a RAM, and can store radiation image data corresponding to a plurality of imagings acquired by reading an electrical signal accumulated in the imaging panel 62. It has become.

  The power supply unit 67 as a battery supplies power to a plurality of drive units (the control unit 64, the imaging panel 62, the storage unit 60, and the like) constituting the FPD 6. The power supply unit 67 is configured by, for example, a spare battery and a rechargeable battery, and the rechargeable battery can be charged by connecting the connector 605 to a cradle (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 6, the FPD 6 includes a housing 601 that protects the inside, and is configured to be portable as a cassette type. By making it portable and optimizing the size according to the standard, it can be loaded into a photographing apparatus such as the Bukki photographing stand 11 constructed with an existing CR system (CR: Computed Radiography). This has the advantage that the CR system can be gradually replaced.

  A casing 601 shown in FIG. 6 is provided with a strap 602a, in which an imaging panel 62 that converts irradiated radiation into an electrical signal is formed in layers. A rectangular parallelepiped casing 601 includes a light receiving surface F (front surface), a back surface B, and four side surfaces. Radiation is irradiated from the Z direction in FIG. A light emitting layer 63 that emits light according to the intensity of incident radiation is provided on the light receiving surface F side of the imaging panel 62.

  The light emitting layer 63 is generally called a scintillator layer. For example, a phosphor is a main component, and based on incident radiation, an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 300 nm to 800 nm, that is, an ultraviolet ray to an infrared ray centered on visible light. Outputs electromagnetic waves (light) over light.

  On the back surface B opposite to the light receiving surface F, a photoelectric conversion unit that converts electromagnetic wave (light) output from the light emitting layer into electric energy and accumulates it, and outputs an image signal based on the accumulated electric energy. Are formed in a matrix. Note that a signal output from one photoelectric conversion unit is a signal corresponding to one pixel serving as a minimum unit constituting the radiation image data. The imaging panel 62 also includes a scanning drive circuit 609 that reads the stored electrical energy, and a signal selection circuit 608 that outputs the stored electrical energy as an image signal.

[Strap 602a]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the strap 602a is provided in the vicinity of the edge E where the two side surfaces S1 and S2 of the housing 601 are in contact. The strap 602a is provided with an antenna portion AN, a display portion LED, and a selection switch SW. In addition, a part of base material of the strap 602a is configured to be translucent so that the display LED can be viewed from both sides of the strap 602a.

  The “antenna unit AN” incorporates a wireless device that performs UWB wireless communication, and converts wireless radio waves into digital signals. The “display unit LED” is composed of a light emitting diode or a small liquid crystal display, and is displayed on the setting screen or the like of FIG. 4 so that the operator can recognize whether or not the device is selected as the FPD 6 used for photographing. 67 power capacity levels can be displayed. The “selection switch SW” can be operated by the operator to turn off / on the power of the FPD 6 or to switch between the ready state and the sleep state. In this embodiment, an example in which a wireless device is incorporated in the antenna unit AN has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the wireless device is provided inside the housing 601 so that only the antenna wiring is provided on the strap 602a. You may do it.

  The base material of the strap 602a is preferably an insulator and made of a flexible material. In particular, the material is selected in consideration of chemical resistance and water repellency. Preferred materials include resin materials such as polycarbonate. The length of the side surface of the housing 601 (Z-direction length) is several tens of millimeters, and the width of the strap 602a is slightly narrower than the side surface of the housing 601. The length of the strap 602a is about a few tens of mm.

  FIG. 8 is a view showing a modification of the strap. Except for the shape shown in the figure, the embodiment is the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. A strap 602b shown in FIG. 8 is a loop-shaped strap. The length of the loop to the folded portion is about a few tens of mm. The loop shape has an advantage that the strap can be prevented from being twisted and can be prevented from sagging as compared with the strip-shaped strap 602a shown in FIG. Further, by preventing twisting, there is an advantage that the polarization plane of the radio communication radio wave can be kept constant, and as a result, a stable communication state can be secured.

  Further, in the loop-shaped strap 602b, the position of the strap can be easily maintained at a position corresponding to the side surface of the housing 601 (a region sandwiched between the light receiving surface F and the back surface B). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the strap 602b from interfering when the FPD 6 is loaded into and detached from the mounting portion 110 of the BUCK imaging table 11. In addition, the same display part LED is provided in the front and back, respectively so that display part LED can be visually recognized from the both sides of the strap 602b.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the FPD 6 is loaded in the mounting unit 110. As shown in the figure, the FPD 6 is normally located on the back side of the opening 110a of the mounting portion 110 in the loaded state. In the conventional FPD 6, there is a problem that radio communication radio waves are blocked by the mounting unit 110 or a display unit LED provided on the housing cannot be recognized by the operator when the FPD 6 is mounted on the mounting unit 110. there were. In this embodiment, since the antenna portion AN and the display portion LED are provided on the strap 602b, such a problem can be prevented.

  Next, the effect of providing the straps 602a and 602b on the edge E will be described. FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B, FIG. 10C, and FIG. 10D show the state when the FPD 6 shown in FIG. FIG. The arrows in the figure indicate the loading direction. By providing the strap 602b (the same applies to 602a) on the edge E, the strap 602b can be positioned toward the opening 110a even when the FPD 6 is loaded in the mounting portion 110 having a different shape. As a result, even when the FPD 6 is mounted in the mounting unit 110, the problem that radio communication radio waves are blocked by the mounting unit 110, or the display unit LED provided on the housing cannot be recognized by the operator. Can be prevented.

[Other Modifications with a Selection Switch Consisting of a Pair of Buttons]
Next, another modification of the strap will be described with reference to FIG. Except for the shape shown in the figure, the embodiment is the same as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and FIG. In the embodiment shown in the figure, a selection switch is constituted by a pair of buttons SW1 and SW2. The two buttons SW1 and SW2 are provided at opposite positions when the strap 602b is folded in half, and the operator presses both buttons SW1 and SW2 simultaneously with one hand H as shown in FIG. It is arranged to be able to. Only when both buttons SW1 and SW2 are pressed at the same time, it is configured to function as a selection switch. By doing so, it becomes possible to prevent the selection switch from functioning due to an erroneous operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 System 3 Radiation irradiation apparatus 4 Imaging operation apparatus 5 Access point 51 Host device 51
7 Console 9 HUB
6 Radiation imaging device 601 Case F Light-receiving surface B Back surface E Edge 602a, 602b Strap SW selection switch SW1, SW2 Button LED display unit AN antenna unit 100 Photographing room 11 Bukki imaging table 110 Mounting unit 110a Opening

Claims (7)

An imaging panel that performs imaging based on incident radiation to acquire radiation image data, a housing that houses the imaging panel, and an antenna unit that protrudes from the housing and wirelessly transmits the generated radiation image data A radiographic imaging device having a strap,
The housing is of a size that can be inserted into a BUCKI photographing table having a standard size large opening, and the strap is provided with a display unit that displays whether or not it is selected as a radiographic imaging device used for photographing. A radiographic imaging apparatus characterized by comprising:   The housing has a rectangular parallelepiped shape including a light receiving surface on which radiation is incident, a back surface, and four side surfaces, and the strap is fixed to a twill where two side surfaces of the housing intersect. The radiographic imaging device according to claim 1.   The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the strap has a loop shape.   The radiographic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the strap is provided with a selection switch that is selected by an operator as a radiographic imaging apparatus used for imaging.   The selection switch is a pair of buttons, the buttons are provided at opposite positions when the loop-shaped strap is folded in two, and function by pressing down the pair of buttons together. Item 5. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to Item 3 or 4.   The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a wireless communication system using the antenna unit is a UWB communication system. The radiographic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A Bukki imaging table having a standard size large opening into which the radiographic imaging device can be inserted;
And a control terminal for selecting a radiographic imaging device used for imaging.

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