JP2010264000A - Radiation image detector and radiation image capturing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a radiation image detector which enables quick imaging and enables a user to continue remaining imaging work when a remaining battery level is low in imaging by saving a power consumption of an embedded power source and a radiation image capturing system. <P>SOLUTION: In the radiation image detector including a power source unit for supplying electric power to respective units inside the radiation image detector, a detecting unit for detecting a remaining battery level of the power source unit, and a control unit for controlling the respective units inside the radiation image detector, the control unit selects either an imageable state or a standby state for imaging in which the power consumption is less than that of the imageable state for an imaging unit based on the detected result by the detecting unit and moves to the selected state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable radiographic image detector and a radiographic imaging system using the radiographic image detector.

  Conventionally, for the purpose of disease diagnosis and the like, a radiographic image taken using radiation represented by an X-ray image has been widely used.

  Conventionally, such medical radiographic images have been photographed using a film as a photoconductor, but in recent years, digitization of radiographic images has been realized. For example, radiation transmitted through a subject can be converted into stimulable fluorescence. After being stored in the photostimulable phosphor sheet on which the body layer is formed, the photostimulable phosphor sheet is scanned with a laser beam, thereby photoelectrically converting the photostimulated light emitted from the photostimulable phosphor sheet. Thus, a CR (Computed Radiography) device that obtains image data has become widespread.

  Furthermore, in place of the CR device, a device using a solid state imaging device (FPD) as a detector for detecting irradiated radiation and acquiring it as digital image data has appeared, similar to the cassette of the CR device. In addition, a cassette type FPD (hereinafter referred to as an FPD cassette) configured to be portable is also used.

  The FPD cassette, which is this radiation image detector, has an internal power supply in order to take advantage of the portable type. For the purpose of reducing the power consumption of this power supply, the radiographable state and the power consumption from the radiographable state are reduced. 2. Description of the Related Art A radiation image detector that has two operation states of a few imaging standby states and enters an imaging standby state when the end of imaging is detected is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-208319 A

  In an FPD cassette having an internal power supply unit as described above, frequent battery replacement and charging are obstacles to rapid imaging and diagnosis. However, since the FPD cassette is compatible with the conventional apparatus, it is difficult to change the size of the casing and increase the size, and it is not easy to enclose a larger and larger capacity power source. Therefore, there is an urgent need to reduce power consumption in the FPD cassette.

  For example, when multiple shots are required, if the remaining power of the power supply is reduced on the way, and shooting cannot be continued, the shooting may be interrupted or retaken at a later date due to battery replacement or charging. This is not preferable because it increases the burden on the subject who is the subject.

  The radiation image detector described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 sets the imaging standby state with less power consumption than the imaging enabled state when the end of imaging is detected, and can save power. Since the camera is in a standby state, there may be a slight lack of speed in continuous shooting.

  In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention enables rapid imaging, and radiation that allows the remaining imaging operation to be continued even if the remaining power of the power source is low due to the power saving of the built-in power supply. The object is to obtain an image detector and a radiographic imaging system.

  Said subject is achieved by the following structures.

  (1) A radiographic image detector having an imaging unit that detects radiation emitted from a radiation generation device and transmitted through a subject to generate image data, and the imaging state and the imaging are possible as the operation state of the imaging unit An imaging standby state with less power consumption than the state, a power supply unit that supplies power to each unit in the radiation image detector, a detection unit that detects the remaining power of the power supply unit, and the radiation image detector A control unit that controls each of the units, and the control unit selects and shifts the imaging unit to either the imaging ready state or the imaging standby state based on the detection result of the detection unit. A radiation image detector characterized by.

  (2) The radiation image detector includes a communication unit that transmits the image data, and the detection unit detects a remaining amount of power of the power supply unit after the transmission of the image data by the communication unit. The radiation image detector according to (1), wherein the radiation image detector is provided.

  (3) The control unit is configured to determine whether the remaining amount of power detected by the detection unit is in a state where the number of shootable times is sufficient, a state where the number of shootable times is small, and whether shooting is not possible or whether shooting is possible. And (1) characterized in that the photographing ready state is selected when the number of possible photographings is sufficient, and the photographing standby state is selected when the number of photographings is small. Or the radiographic image detector as described in said (2).

  (4) Radiation comprising a radiation generator, the radiation image detector according to any one of (1) to (3), and a console that communicates with the radiation image detector. Image shooting system.

  (5) A radiation image detector, a radiation image detector having an imaging unit that generates image data by detecting radiation emitted from the radiation generator and transmitted through the subject, and a console that communicates with the radiation image detector The radiographic image detector includes a radiographable state as an operation state of the imaging unit, and a radiographing standby state that consumes less power than the radiographable state, and the radiographic image detector A power supply unit that supplies power to each of the units, a detection unit that detects a remaining amount of power of the power supply unit, a control unit that controls each unit in the radiation image detector, and a communication unit that communicates with the console; The control unit transmits the detection result of the detection unit to the console by the communication means, and the console is based on the transmitted detection result of the detection unit. Determining whether the imaging unit of the radiological image detector is in an imaging enabled state or the imaging standby state, and transmits the determination result to the radiological image detector, and the control unit is transmitted A radiographic imaging system characterized in that, based on the result of the determination, the imaging unit selects and shifts either the imaging enabled state or the imaging standby state.

  (6) The radiographic imaging system according to (5), wherein the detection unit detects a remaining amount of power of the power supply unit after transmitting the image data to the console.

  (7) The console includes the transmitted detection result of the detection unit in a state where the number of shootable times is sufficient, a state where the number of shootable times is small, a state where shooting is not possible or whether shooting is possible or not (5) or (5), wherein the photographing ready state is selected when the number of possible photographings is sufficient, and the photographing standby state is selected when the number of photographings is small. The radiographic imaging system according to (6) above.

  According to the present invention, radiation image detection that enables rapid imaging while allowing the remaining imaging operation to be continued even when the remaining amount of power is low during imaging due to power saving of the built-in power supply. And a radiographic imaging system can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a FPD cassette and a console. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of an FPD cassette. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement outline of the radiographic imaging system containing the radiographic image detector which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation | movement outline of the radiographic imaging system containing the radiographic image detector which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the operation | movement outline of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the operation | movement outline of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on this Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a radiographic imaging system according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the radiographic imaging system according to the present embodiment is a system that assumes radiographic imaging performed in a hospital or clinic, and includes an FPD cassette 6 that is a radiographic image detector and the FPD cassette. A console 7 which is a control device capable of wireless communication with the cassette 6 is provided. An imaging room 100 includes an imaging operation device 4 that performs operations related to radiography, an access point 5 for performing wireless communication, a radiation irradiation device 3, and a router 9.

  The access point 5 has a function of relaying these communications when the FPD cassette 6 and the console 7 communicate wirelessly within a predetermined area of the imaging room provided with the radiation irradiation device 3.

  In the radiographic imaging system according to the present embodiment, the communication method between the FPD cassette 6 and the console 7 is preferably the ZigBee method or the Bluetooth method, which is low power consumption for command communication, and transmission of the captured detailed image. For this purpose, a high-speed wireless LAN (for example, a communication system conforming to IEEE801.11a / b / g / n) or a certified wireless USB is preferable, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a system that communicates with one kind of wireless communication system. There may be. Further, a communication system that directly performs wireless communication between the FPD cassette 6 and the console 7 without passing through the access point 5 may be used, or a wired communication method may be used.

  The radiation irradiation device 3 is configured to irradiate a patient 12 as a subject (photographer) lying on the supine imaging table 11 with radiation (for example, X-rays). A radiation image detector mounting port 11a for mounting the FPD cassette 6 is provided below the. The radiation irradiation device 3 is controlled by the imaging operation device 4 to perform radiation imaging under predetermined imaging conditions.

  As shown in the figure, the photographing operation device 4, the access point 5, and the console 7 are configured to be connected through a network NW. Although not shown, the radiographic imaging system is connected via a network NW with an HIS (Hospital Information System) that centrally manages patient diagnosis information and accounting information, and an RIS (Radiology Information System) that manages information about radiology. It is connected. The network NW 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.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the FPD cassette 6 and the console 7.

  The FPD cassette 6 includes an imaging unit 6A, a control unit 60, an image storage unit 660, a power source 66 as a power source, a constant voltage generation unit 67, a power state detection unit 68, a transmission / reception unit 65, and the like.

  The imaging unit 6A has a function of acquiring a radiation image signal. The control unit 60 has a function of comprehensively controlling each unit of the FPD cassette 6, a ROM that stores a control program and data, a CPU that executes control of the control unit 60 according to the control program, and a CPU that is used as a work area And the like. The image storage unit 660 includes a RAM that stores an image signal captured by the imaging unit 6A. The transmission / reception unit 65 communicates with the console 7 and the like. The power source 66 supplies power to each part of the FPD cassette 6, and may be a rechargeable or replaceable battery, a capacitor or the like in addition to the battery. The constant voltage generation unit 67 is connected to the power supply 66, generates a plurality of types of voltages, and supplies them to the imaging unit 6A.

  Further, the power supply 66 is connected to a power supply state detection unit 68 that is a detection unit that detects the voltage of the power supply 66. The voltage of the power supply 66 detected by the power supply state detection unit 68 is transmitted to the control unit 60.

  The console 7 includes a console control unit 70, a transmission / reception unit 75, a display unit 77, an input operation unit 78, and an image storage unit 760. The console control unit 70 has a function of comprehensively controlling each unit of the console 7, a ROM that stores a control program, data, and the like, a CPU that executes control of the console control unit 70 according to the control program, and a CPU serving as a work area It consists of RAM to be used.

  The display unit 77 is composed of, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and in accordance with an instruction of a display signal sent from the console control unit 70, an image signal captured by the FPD cassette 6 Various screens such as information, patient list, various messages and images 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 console control unit 70 as input signals. The input operation unit 78 may be configured by a so-called touch panel. Then, information on photographing conditions is input by the input operation unit 78. The imaging condition information here refers to radiation dose, radiation detection sensitivity information, and the like. For example, the radiation dose irradiated from the radiation irradiation device 3 varies depending on the imaging region and the patient's condition. The radiation detection sensitivity information corresponds to the FPD cassette 6 used for imaging, and has different radiation detection sensitivities depending on the type of the light emitting layer 64 used in the FPD cassette 6 and the performance of the detection element 620.

  The image storage unit 760 is an image signal obtained by the imaging unit 6A, image data obtained based on the image signal, an image signal obtained by processing by the console 7, an image data obtained based on the image signal, or the like. It consists of a RAM or a ROM for storing. The transmission / reception unit 75 performs communication with the FPD cassette 6 and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the FPD cassette 6.

  As shown in the figure, the FPD cassette 6 has a casing 61 that protects the inside, and is configured to be transportable as a cassette, that is, portable. An imaging panel 62 that converts irradiated radiation into an electrical signal is formed in layers inside the casing 61. A light emitting layer 64 that emits light in accordance with the intensity of incident radiation is provided on the radiation irradiation side of the imaging panel 62. Further, the overall size of the imaging panel corresponds to a shooting size such as a large angle, half cut, or six cut.

  The light emitting layer 64 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 a visible ray. Outputs electromagnetic waves (light) over light.

  The imaging panel 62 is provided on the surface of the light emitting layer 64 opposite to the surface on which the radiation is irradiated, and electromagnetic waves (light) output from the light emitting layer 64 are converted into electric energy and accumulated. Detection elements that output image signals based on electrical energy are arranged in a matrix. The charges accumulated in the imaging panel 62 are read out by the scanning drive circuit 609 and the readout circuit 608. The imaging panel 62, the scanning drive circuit 609, and the readout circuit 608 are collectively referred to as an imaging unit 6A (see FIG. 2). The read image signal and the image data obtained based on the image signal are stored in the image storage unit 660 and transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 65 to the console 7 via the access point 5 under the control of the control unit 60. .

  The power source 66 supplies power to each part of the FPD cassette 6, and may be a rechargeable or replaceable battery, a capacitor or the like in addition to the battery. The power supply 66 is connected to a power supply state detector 68 (see FIG. 2) (not shown).

  4 and 5 are flowcharts showing an example of an outline of the operation of the radiographic imaging system including the radiographic image detector according to the present exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, an outline of the operation will be described according to the flow shown in FIGS. Although the following operations on the radiation image detector side are not individually described, they are comprehensively controlled by the control unit 60.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, in the FPD cassette 6 used for shooting, the main switch attached to the FPD cassette 6 is turned on, but the imaging unit 6A such as the imaging panel 62 is not activated (OFF state). ).

  In addition, in advance, the console 7 selects the examination site in response to the patient information search and the examination information result from the RIS that manages the above-mentioned radiation medical care information, and the FPD cassette 6 used for imaging is selected. It is assumed that the radiographic image detector mounting opening 11a (see FIG. 1), which is the imaging position, is arranged.

  In the FPD cassette 6, first, the power supply state detection unit 68 detects a power supply voltage (for example, in the case of a battery, the voltage of the battery) (step S201). Next, it is determined whether or not the power supply voltage value V detected by the control unit 60 is lower than a predetermined voltage value V2 (step S202).

  The control unit 60 in the FPD cassette 6 compares the detected voltage value V of the battery with, for example, V1 and V2 values (V1> V2) obtained in advance through experiments or the like, and classifies them into three states. It is like that. That is, a state in which the number of shootable times is sufficient (V> V1), a state in which the number of shootable times is small (V1 ≧ V ≧ V2), and a state in which shooting is not possible or whether shooting is possible (V <V2). ) (Hereinafter, this state is referred to as a state incapable of photographing).

  The reason why the power supply voltage is detected is that there is a correlation between the power supply voltage and the remaining power level, and the remaining power level can be estimated by detecting the power supply voltage.

  In the FPD cassette 6, when the power supply voltage value V is lower than the predetermined voltage value V2 in step S202 (step S202; Yes), the FPD cassette 6 determines that the power supply of the FPD cassette 6 is non-photographable, and the non-photographable information is displayed on the console. 7 (step S241), and the operation is terminated.

  If the voltage value V of the power supply is higher than the predetermined voltage value V2 (step S202; No), the power supply of the FPD cassette 6 has a sufficient number of possible shootings or a state where the remaining number of possible shootings remains. Judgment is made and information indicating that photographing is possible is transmitted to the console 7 (step S203).

  The console 7 determines whether the received information is non-shootable information or shootable information (step S101). When the non-shootable information is received (step S101; Yes), the process ends and when the shootable information is received (step S101). In step S101; No), a command to turn on the imaging unit 6A is transmitted from the console 7 (step S103). When the FPD cassette 6 receives this command, power is supplied to each unit of the imaging unit 6A including the imaging panel 62, and the imaging unit 6A is turned on (step S204).

  When the imaging unit 6A is turned ON, the constant voltage generation unit 67 shown in FIG. 2 is driven to generate a plurality of voltages, and power is supplied to the imaging panel 62, the scanning drive circuit 609, the readout circuit 608, etc. at a predetermined voltage. Is to do.

  Thereafter, the FPD cassette 6 transmits information that the imaging unit 6A has been turned on to the console 7 (step S205), and the console 7 receives the information and confirms that the FPD cassette is in a ready state on the accompanying display unit. Displayed (step S105).

  On the other hand, the radiation irradiating apparatus 3 waits for the first-stage SW1 of the two-stage switch to be in the imaging standby state to be turned on (step S301). When the stage SW1 is turned on (step S301; Yes), the console 7 is notified that the first stage SW1 of the switch is turned on (step S302).

  When the console 7 receives information on the ON state of the switch SW1 from the radiation irradiation device 3, the console 7 transmits a request for imaging preparation to the FPD cassette 6 (step S106). When the FPD cassette 6 receives the imaging preparation request from the console 7, it resets the accumulated charge (step S206). The reset of accumulated charge is to sweep out and clear the charge already accumulated in the imaging panel in the FPD cassette 6 due to dark current noise or the like.

  The FPD cassette 6 transmits that the preparation for photographing has been completed after the stored charge is reset (step S207). The console 7 releases the interlock of the radiation irradiating apparatus 3 in response to completion of the imaging preparation of the FPD cassette 6 (step S108). That is, the irradiation prohibition lock of the radiation irradiation apparatus 3 is released. At this time, imaging conditions such as the radiation dose irradiated by the radiation irradiation device 3 are transmitted.

  When the interlock is released, the radiation irradiation apparatus 3 waits for the second-stage SW2 of the two-stage switch connected to the radiation irradiation apparatus 3 to be turned on (step S303), and the second stage of the switch When the eye SW2 is turned on (step S303; Yes), the fact that the second stage SW2 of the switch is turned on is transmitted to the console 7 (step S304).

  Thereafter, radiation is exposed (step S310), and the imaging panel in the FPD cassette 6 converts the light output from the light emitting layer into electrical energy and accumulates it. That is, image information is accumulated in the imaging panel (step S210).

  The radiation irradiating apparatus 3 finishes and stops the radiation exposure under the predetermined imaging conditions (step S311).

  Thereafter, the flow shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when shooting is completed, an image reading request is transmitted wirelessly from the console 7 to the FPD cassette 6 (step S110). When the FPD cassette 6 receives the request, image reading is performed ( Step S211). This image reading is to read out the electric charges accumulated in the individual pixels of the image pickup panel by the scanning drive circuit and the reading circuit and store them in the image storage unit. The read image signal is RAW as image data. It is preferable to generate and store image data and thinned image data. The image data is not limited to this, and may be compressed image data.

  When the image reading in the FPD cassette 6 is completed (step S212), the fact that the image reading is completed is transmitted from the FPD cassette 6 to the console 7 (step S213). When the completion of image reading is received on the console 7 side, a transmission request for the photographed image is transmitted from the console 7 to the FPD cassette 6 (step S114). When the FPD cassette 6 receives an image transmission request from the console 7, it transmits image data (RAW image data and thinned image data) (step S 215), and the console 7 receives the image data.

  In addition, it is preferable to transmit the thinned image data first and then transmit the RAW image data for the transmission of the image from the FPD cassette 6 to the console 7.

  Next, a transmission request for dark image data is made from the console 7 to the FPD cassette 6 (step S116), and when this is received by the FPD cassette 6, the FPD cassette 6 acquires dark image data (step S217). Acquisition of dark image data means acquisition of offset data for each pixel that has not been exposed to radiation. The imaging panel is driven for a predetermined time without exposure to radiation, and each pixel of the imaging panel is acquired. The accumulated charge is read out by a scanning drive circuit and a readout circuit and stored in an image storage unit.

  After the dark image data is acquired, the dark image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 6 to the console 7 (step S218) and received by the console 7.

  On the console 7 side, the image is corrected based on the received image data and dark image data, a preview image is displayed on the display unit (step S119), and the image data is stored (step S120). The image data is preferably stored in, for example, a server arranged on the network, but may be stored in a storage unit in the console 7.

  On the other hand, the FPD cassette 6 detects the power state after transmitting the dark image data in step S218 (step S219). Here, as in step S201, the power supply state detection unit 68 detects the power supply voltage value V (battery voltage in this example).

  The console 7 determines whether or not the photographing is finished (step S123). If the photographing is finished (step S123; Yes), the termination information is transmitted to the FPD cassette 6 (step S124) and the processing is finished. If the photographing is not finished (step S123; No), the photographing continuation information is transmitted to the FPD cassette 6 (step S125).

  The FPD cassette 6 determines whether or not the photographing is finished based on the end information or the photographing continuation information transmitted from the console 7 (step S221). In the case of end information (step S221; Yes), the process ends. In the case of the shooting continuation information (step S221; No), it is determined whether or not the power supply voltage value V detected in step S219 is higher than a predetermined voltage value V1 (step S222). When the power supply voltage value V is higher than the predetermined voltage value V1 (step S222; Yes), information indicating that the power supply has a margin is transmitted to the console 7 (step S242), and the process returns to step S205. In other words, when the power supply voltage value V is higher than the predetermined voltage value V1, it is determined that the number of shootable times is sufficient and the imaging unit 6A is left in the shootable state (ON state).

  If the power supply voltage value V is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage value V1 (step S222; No), it is determined whether the power supply voltage value V detected in step S219 is equal to or lower than the voltage value V1 and equal to or higher than the voltage value V2 (step S223). ). When the power supply voltage value V is equal to or lower than the voltage value V1 and equal to or higher than the voltage value V2 (step S223; Yes), the energization to the imaging unit 6A is cut off (step S224), and the process returns to step S201. That is, when the power supply voltage value V is equal to or lower than the voltage value V1 and equal to or higher than the voltage value V2, it is determined that the number of shootable times is small, and the imaging unit 6A is in a shooting standby state with less power consumption than the shootable state ( OFF state).

  When the power supply voltage value V is equal to or lower than the voltage value V1 and not equal to or higher than the voltage value V2 (step S223; No), it is determined that photographing is not possible, and information indicating that photographing is not possible is transmitted to the console 7 (step S243). And exit. The FPD cassette 6 that has been determined to be uncapable of photographing cannot be selected for photographing until it is recharged.

  On the other hand, on the console 7 side, after the shooting continuation information is transmitted in step S125, the power supply of the FPD cassette 6 has a margin based on the power margin information or the non-shooting information of the FPD cassette 6 transmitted from the FPD cassette 6. In the case (step S126; Yes), it returns to step S105 and performs the above-mentioned operation. When the imaging impossible information has been received (step S127; Yes), the process ends. When there is no power margin information and non-shooting information (step S126; No and step S127; No), the process returns to step S101 and the above-described operation is performed.

  The above is one example of the outline of the operation of the radiographic imaging system having the radiographic image detector according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  As described above, the FPD cassette that is the radiation image detector according to the present embodiment has the power supply state detection unit 68 that detects the state of the power supply unit, and the power supply state detected by the power supply state detection unit after imaging. If the number of shootable times is considered to be sufficient, the imaging unit is set in the shootable state (ON state), and if the number of shootable times is considered to be small, the shooting standby state with low power consumption (OFF) State).

  In this way, when the power supply state has a sufficient number of times that imaging can be performed, the imaging unit of the FPD cassette is kept in the ON state, and a sequence that can quickly respond to the next imaging or the like is obtained. The physical burden on a subject can be minimized. In the case of a power supply state in which the number of shootable times is small, the next shooting operation can be continued by setting the imaging unit to an OFF state and suppressing wasteful power consumption, due to interruption of shooting, etc. The physical burden on the subject can be reduced. In addition, by changing the shooting procedure before the FPD cassette 6 is in a shooting-disabled state, the operator, who is often overlooked, can be made aware of the power supply state, so that early charging is possible. Can be encouraged.

  In addition, by setting the detection timing of the power supply state detection unit after the transmission of image data, the remaining amount of power after one shooting sequence is detected, and the remaining amount of power can be measured more accurately. It is possible to prevent the subsequent shooting from being hindered. Moreover, it can be set as simple control by classifying the power supply state detected by the detection unit into three types.

  In the above embodiment, the control unit 60 in the FPD cassette 6 that is a radiation image detector selects either the imaging ready state (ON state) or the imaging standby state (OFF state) of the imaging unit 6A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may be adopted in which either one of the imaging enabled state and the imaging standby state is selected for the imaging unit 6A in the FPD cassette 6 by an instruction from the console 7 side.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing another example of the outline of the operation of the radiographic imaging system including the radiographic image detector according to the present exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, another example of the outline of the operation will be described according to the flow shown in FIGS. Also in this example, the FPD cassette 6 used for shooting has the main switch attached to the FPD cassette 6 turned on, but the imaging unit 6A such as the imaging panel 62 is not activated (OFF state). It shall be.

  In addition, in advance, the console 7 selects the examination site in response to the patient information search and the examination information result from the RIS that manages the above-mentioned radiation medical care information, and the FPD cassette 6 used for imaging is selected. It is assumed that the radiographic image detector mounting opening 11a (see FIG. 1), which is the imaging position, is arranged.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, first, a power supply state detection command is transmitted from the console 7 to the FPD cassette 6 (step S151). In the FPD cassette 6 that has received the power supply state detection command, the power supply state detection unit 68 detects the power supply voltage (for example, battery voltage in the case of a battery) (step S251). Next, information on the detected power supply voltage V is transmitted to the console 7 (step S252).

  The console 7 determines whether or not the transmitted power supply voltage value V is lower than a predetermined voltage value V2 (step S152).

  The console 7 compares the received power supply voltage value V with, for example, the values of V1 and V2 (V1> V2) obtained in advance through experiments or the like, and classifies them into three states. That is, a state in which the FPD cassette 6 can take a number of shots (V> V1), a state in which the number of shots that can be taken is small (V1 ≧ V ≧ V2), and a state in which shooting is not possible or whether shooting is indefinite (V <V2) (hereinafter, this state is referred to as a state incapable of photographing).

  In the console 7, when the power supply voltage value V is lower than the predetermined voltage value V2 in step S152 (step S152; Yes), it is determined that the power supply of the FPD cassette 6 is in a shooting disabled state, and a shooting disabled command is issued. 6 (step S191), and the operation is terminated.

  When the voltage value V of the power supply is higher than the predetermined voltage value V2 (step S152; No), the FPD cassette 6 has a power supply that has a sufficient number of possible shootings, or a state that the number of possible shootings is small. Judgment is made, and a command to turn on the imaging unit 6A is transmitted from the console 7 to the FPD cassette 6 (step S153).

  When the FPD cassette 6 receives an imaging impossible command (step S253; Yes), the process ends. When the imaging impossible command is not received (step S253; No), the imaging unit ON command is received and the imaging panel 62 is included. Power is supplied to each unit of the imaging unit 6A, and the imaging unit 6A is turned on (step S254).

  After that, the FPD cassette 6 transmits information that the imaging unit 6A is turned on to the console 7 (step S255), and the console 7 receives the information and confirms that the FPD cassette is in a ready state on the accompanying display unit. It is displayed (step S155).

  On the other hand, the radiation irradiating apparatus 3 waits for the first-stage SW1 of the two-stage switch to be in the imaging standby state to be turned on (step S301). When the stage SW1 is turned on (step S301; Yes), the console 7 is notified that the first stage SW1 of the switch is turned on (step S302).

  When the console 7 receives the information on the ON state of the switch SW1 from the radiation irradiation device 3, the console 7 transmits a request for imaging preparation to the FPD cassette 6 (step S156). When the FPD cassette 6 receives the imaging preparation request from the console 7, it resets the accumulated charge (step S256).

  After resetting the accumulated charge, the FPD cassette 6 transmits that the preparation for photographing has been completed (step S257). The console 7 releases the interlock of the radiation irradiation apparatus 3 in response to the completion of the imaging preparation of the FPD cassette 6 (step S158). That is, the irradiation prohibition lock of the radiation irradiation apparatus 3 is released. At this time, imaging conditions such as the radiation dose irradiated by the radiation irradiation device 3 are transmitted.

  When the interlock is released, the radiation irradiation apparatus 3 waits for the second-stage SW2 of the two-stage switch connected to the radiation irradiation apparatus 3 to be turned on (step S303), and the second stage of the switch When the eye SW2 is turned on (step S303; Yes), the fact that the second stage SW2 of the switch is turned on is transmitted to the console 7 (step S304).

  Thereafter, radiation is exposed (step S310), and the imaging panel in the FPD cassette 6 converts the light output from the light emitting layer into electrical energy and accumulates it. That is, image information is accumulated in the imaging panel (step S260).

  The radiation irradiating apparatus 3 finishes and stops the radiation exposure under the predetermined imaging conditions (step S311).

  Thereafter, the flow is as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when shooting is completed, an image reading request is transmitted wirelessly from the console 7 to the FPD cassette 6 (step S160). When the FPD cassette 6 receives this request, image reading is performed ( Step S261).

  When the image reading in the FPD cassette 6 is completed (step S262), the fact that the image reading is completed is transmitted from the FPD cassette 6 to the console 7 (step S263). When the completion of image reading is received on the console 7 side, a transmission request for the photographed image is transmitted from the console 7 to the FPD cassette 6 (step S164). When the FPD cassette 6 receives an image transmission request from the console 7, it transmits image data (RAW image data and thinned image data) (step S 265), and the console 7 receives the image data.

  Next, a transmission request for dark image data is made from the console 7 to the FPD cassette 6 (step S166), and when this is received by the FPD cassette 6, the FPD cassette 6 acquires dark image data (step S267).

  After obtaining the dark image data, the dark image data is transmitted from the FPD cassette 6 to the console 7 (step S268) and received by the console 7.

  On the console 7 side, the image is corrected based on the received image data and dark image data, a preview image is displayed on the display unit (step S169), and the image data is stored (step S170). The image data is preferably stored in, for example, a server arranged on the network, but may be stored in a storage unit in the console 7.

  On the other hand, the FPD cassette 6 detects the power state after transmitting the dark image data in step S218 (step S269). Again, as in step S251, the power supply state detection unit 68 detects the power supply voltage value V (battery voltage in this example), and transmits information on the detected power supply voltage V to the console 7 (step S270). Thereafter, the FPD cassette 6 waits for an instruction from the console 7 (step S271).

  The console 7 determines whether or not the photographing is finished (step S173). If the photographing is finished (step S173; Yes), the termination information is transmitted to the FPD cassette 6 (step S192) and the processing is finished. When the photographing is not finished (step S173; No), it is determined whether or not the detected power supply voltage value V of the FPD cassette 6 transmitted in step S270 is higher than a predetermined voltage value V1 (step S175). When the power supply voltage value V is higher than the predetermined voltage value V1 (step S175; Yes), a command for maintaining the imaging unit in the ON state is transmitted to the FPD cassette 6 (step S193), and the process returns to step S155. That is, when the power supply voltage value V of the FPD cassette 6 is higher than the predetermined voltage value V1, it is determined that the number of shootable times is sufficient, and the imaging unit 6A is maintained in a shootable state (ON state). That's what it means.

  When the power supply voltage value V transmitted in step S270 is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage value V1 (step S175; No), it is determined whether it is equal to or lower than the voltage value V1 and equal to or higher than the voltage value V2 (step S176). When the power supply voltage value V is equal to or lower than the voltage value V1 and equal to or higher than the voltage value V2 (step S176; Yes), an instruction to turn off the imaging unit 6A and turn off the imaging unit 6A is issued to the FPD cassette 6. (Step S194) and return to step S151. That is, when the power supply voltage value V is equal to or lower than the voltage value V1 and equal to or higher than the voltage value V2, it is determined that the number of shootable times is small, and the imaging unit 6A is in a shooting standby state with less power consumption than the shootable state ( OFF state).

  If the power supply voltage value V is equal to or lower than the predetermined voltage value V1 and not equal to or higher than the voltage value V2 (step S176; No), it is determined that photographing is not possible, and the process returns to step S191, and information indicating that photographing is not possible is FPD. It transmits to the cassette 6 (step S191) and ends.

  The FPD cassette 6 waits for an instruction from the console 7 in step S271, and is any of the imaging end information, the imaging unit maintained in the ON state, and the imaging unit in the OFF state transmitted from the console 7. After receiving the command transmission, it is first determined whether or not the information is the end of shooting (step S275). In the case of shooting end information (step S275; Yes), the processing ends. If it is not shooting end information (step S275; No), it is determined whether or not it is a command to turn the imaging unit OFF (step S276). If the command is to turn off the imaging unit (step S276; Yes), the energization to the imaging unit 6A is cut off, the imaging unit 6A is turned off (step S277), and the process returns to step S251. If the instruction is to maintain the imaging unit 6A in the ON state (step S276; No), the process returns to step S255 while maintaining the imaging unit 6A in the ON state.

  The above is an example of the operation of selecting the imaging unit in the FPD cassette to either the imaging ready state or the imaging standby state after imaging in accordance with a command from the console side.

  In this manner, on the console side, based on the detection result of the detection unit transmitted from the FPD cassette, it is determined whether the imaging unit of the FPD cassette is in a shooting ready state or a shooting standby state with less power consumption than the shooting enabled state The FPD cassette transmits an instruction to the FPD cassette, and the FPD cassette can obtain the same effect even if the imaging unit is configured to select one of the imaging ready state and the imaging standby state according to the received instruction. it can.

3 Radiation irradiation device 4 Imaging operation device 5 Access point 6 FPD cassette (Radiation image detector)
6A Imaging unit 7 Console 9 Router 11 Standing imaging stand 11a Radiation image detector mounting port 60 Control unit 62 Imaging panel 64 Light emitting layer 65 Transmission / reception unit 66 Power supply 67 Constant voltage generation unit 68 Power supply state detection unit 70 Console control unit 75 Transmission / reception unit 77 Display unit 78 Input operation unit 100 Shooting room 608 Reading circuit 609 Scanning drive circuit 660 Image storage unit 760 Image storage unit NW network

Claims (7)

A radiation image detector having an imaging unit that detects radiation emitted from a radiation generator and transmitted through a subject to generate image data,
The imaging unit has a shooting ready state and a shooting standby state with less power consumption than the shooting enabled state as the operation state of the imaging unit,
A power supply unit for supplying power to each unit in the radiation image detector;
A detection unit for detecting the remaining power of the power supply unit;
A control unit for controlling each part in the radiation image detector,
The radiographic image detector, wherein the control unit selects and shifts one of the imaging enabled state and the imaging standby state based on the detection result of the detection unit. The radiation image detector has a communication unit for transmitting the image data,
The radiological image detector according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a remaining power amount of the power supply unit after the image data is transmitted by the communication unit. The control unit is configured to determine the remaining amount of power detected by the detection unit.
A state where there is a margin for the number of possible shots,
A state where the number of possible shots is small,
Whether it is impossible to shoot or whether shooting is possible or not,
3. The shooting standby state is selected when the number of possible shootings is sufficient, and the shooting standby state is selected when the number of possible shootings is small. 4. Radiation image detector.   A radiographic imaging system comprising: a radiation generator; the radiographic image detector according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and a console that communicates with the radiographic image detector. . A radiation generator;
A radiation image detector having an imaging unit for detecting radiation emitted from the radiation generator and transmitted through the subject to generate image data;
In a radiographic imaging system having a console that communicates with the radiographic image detector,
The radiological image detector has a photographing standby state with less power consumption than the photographing capable state and the photographing capable state as an operation state of the imaging unit,
A power supply unit that supplies power to each unit in the radiation image detector, a detection unit that detects the remaining power of the power supply unit, a control unit that controls each unit in the radiation image detector, and communication with the console Communication means to perform,
The control unit transmits the detection result of the detection unit to the console by the communication means,
The console determines whether the imaging unit of the radiation image detector is in an imaging enabled state or the imaging standby state based on the transmitted detection result of the detection unit, and the determination result is the radiation. Sent to the image detector,
The control unit selects and shifts either the imaging enabled state or the imaging standby state of the imaging unit based on the transmitted determination result.   The radiographic imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the detection unit detects a remaining amount of power of the power supply unit after transmitting the image data to the console. The console displays the transmitted detection result of the detection unit.
A state where there is a margin for the number of possible shots,
A state where the number of possible shots is small,
Whether it is impossible to shoot or whether shooting is possible or not,
7. The photographing standby state is selected when the number of shootable times is sufficient, and the photographing standby state is selected when the number of shootable times is small. Radiation imaging system.

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