JP2013192653A - Control device, control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transfer X-ray image data acquired by X-ray irradiation securely and speedily via a radio communication path.SOLUTION: A control device is a control device in an X-ray imaging system including: an X-ray generating means; an X-ray sensor for detecting X rays emitted from the X-ray generating means and generating X-ray image data; and a communication means for transmitting the X-ray image data by radio communication and communicating with the X-ray sensor. The control device decides whether or not the radio communication in another X-ray imaging system interrupts the radio communication in the X-ray imaging system based on the result of measurement of signals transmitted from a communication means or X-ray sensor in the other X-ray imaging system and measured by at least one of the communication means or X-ray sensor in the X-ray imaging system. If it is decided that the radio communication in the other X-ray imaging system interrupts the radio communication in the X-ray imaging system, the control device transmits a control signal to stop the X-ray irradiation in the other X-ray imaging system to a control device in the other X-ray imaging system when the X-ray generating means emits X rays.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for performing X-ray imaging and transmitting and receiving captured images by wireless communication.

  In an X-ray imaging system, there is a technique for transmitting captured X-ray image data using a wireless LAN. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of such an X-ray imaging system. The control device 101 is connected to the display device 106, the high voltage generation device 104, and an access point (AP) 103 to control each device. AP indicates an access point serving as a base station in the wireless LAN. The high pressure generator 104 has a function of driving an X-ray generator 105 that generates X-rays. The X-ray sensor 102 operates as a wireless LAN terminal (STA), and performs wireless connection with the AP 103 to transfer X-ray image data.

  X-ray imaging is performed by irradiating X-rays from the X-ray generator 105 under the control of the control device 101. The X-ray sensor 102 receives irradiated X-rays and converts them to X-ray image data, and then transmits the X-ray image data to the control apparatus 101 via the AP 103 using a wireless LAN. The control device 101 generates an X-ray image based on the transmitted X-ray image data and displays it on the display device 106.

  At this time, for example, when there are a plurality of X-ray imaging systems in the vicinity, radio wave interference may occur in the wireless communication path. For example, consider a case where a plurality of the X-ray imaging systems of FIG. 1 are installed adjacent to each other as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram in which the X-ray imaging system of FIG. 1 is used as the first X-ray imaging system 202 and the second X-ray imaging system 203, and the respective control devices 208 and 209 are connected by the backbone network 201. . The control devices 208 and 209 correspond to the control device 101 in FIG. 1, the X-ray sensors 204 and 205 correspond to the X-ray sensor 102 in FIG. 1, and the APs 206 and 207 correspond to the AP 103 in FIG.

  In such a situation, the radio wave transmitted from the X-ray sensor 204 or AP 206 of the second X-ray imaging system 203 is received at a certain level or higher by the X-ray sensor 205 or AP 207 of the first X-ray imaging system 202. May be. Similarly, when radio waves transmitted from the X-ray sensor 205 or AP 207 of the first X-ray imaging system 202 are received at a certain level or higher by the X-ray sensor 204 or AP 206 of the second X-ray imaging system 203. There is. Therefore, if these devices transmit signals on the same channel at the same time, interference may occur.

  When radio wave interference occurs, a communication method with a low transmission rate may be selected to enable communication even with a low signal-to-interference power ratio. In this case, the transfer time of X-ray image data becomes long. Further, depending on the degree of radio wave interference, communication itself may not be possible, and X-ray image data may not be transferred.

  Further, in the system as shown in FIG. 2, carrier sense may be performed to detect communication in another system, temporarily stop transmission of X-ray image data, and wait for transmission. In this case, the transfer time becomes longer by the time when this transmission wait occurs.

  On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes a method for preventing radio wave interference between communication systems using a wireless LAN. Patent Document 1 describes a method of preventing communication quality deterioration due to radio wave interference by using a radio channel in the same frequency band and mediating communication time with adjacent access points. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the access point arbitration device allocates a communicable time to each AP, and waits for communication of another AP during a period in which one AP is permitted to communicate. Take control.

JP 2004-048356 A

  In the X-ray imaging system, data transmitted and received between the AP 103 and the X-ray sensor 102 can be broadly classified into two types: transmission / reception of communication control and application control command signals and X-ray image data. The transfer of X-ray image data tends to be strongly influenced by the occurrence of radio wave interference due to the large amount of data, while the data for communication control and application control may be retransmitted. In many cases, a communication rate as low as a certain level may be used.

  The X-ray imaging system is a system specialized for X-ray imaging involving X-ray irradiation, and unnecessary irradiation should be suppressed. Therefore, X-ray image data acquired by one-time irradiation is reliably and rapidly transferred to the control device, and a situation in which X-ray image data needs to be re-acquired by transmission failure of X-ray image data is avoided. Is required. For this reason, at the time of transmitting the X-ray image data by wireless communication, interference from other systems should be prevented. That is, it is important to prepare a wireless environment in consideration of the relationship between wireless communication and applications. However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that arbitration control considering the relationship between wireless communication and an application has not been studied.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to reduce the risk of radio wave interference even when X-ray imaging systems are installed adjacent to each other. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for reliably and rapidly transferring X-ray image data acquired by X-ray irradiation via a wireless communication path.

  In order to achieve the above object, a control device according to the present invention detects an X-ray generation unit and X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation unit, generates X-ray image data, and wirelessly communicates the X-ray image. A control device in an X-ray imaging system including an X-ray sensor that transmits data and a communication unit that performs communication, and the communication unit of another X-ray imaging system in at least one of the communication unit and the X-ray sensor Or based on the observation result of the signal transmitted from the X-ray sensor, it is arranged adjacent to the determination means for determining whether the other X-ray imaging system is arranged adjacent to the X-ray imaging system. Control for stopping X-ray irradiation from the X-ray generation means of the other X-ray imaging system when the X-ray generation means is irradiated with X-rays when the other X-ray imaging system is present signal , And a transmission means for transmitting to the controller of the other X-ray imaging system.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the risk of radio wave interference in an environment where X-ray imaging systems that transmit data by wireless communication are installed adjacent to each other.

The figure which shows the structural example of an X-ray imaging system. The figure which shows the example of arrangement | positioning of a X-ray imaging system. The block diagram which shows the function structural example of a control apparatus. The figure which shows an example of an adjacent system management table. The sequence diagram which shows the adjacent system search method in wired connection. The flowchart which shows the adjacent system search method in a wireless connection. The flowchart which shows the determination operation | movement of an adjacent system. The flowchart which shows the transmission operation | movement of a WAIT signal. The figure which shows an example of the format of a WAIT signal.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<< Embodiment 1 >>
(System configuration)
In the following description, the system as shown in FIG. 2 is used. That is, the system includes an X-ray imaging system 202 and another X-ray imaging system 203 existing in the vicinity thereof. The X-ray imaging system 202 includes a control device 208, an X-ray sensor 204, and an AP 206 that is a communication device on the other side of the X-ray sensor 204. The other X-ray imaging system 203 includes a control device 209, an X-ray sensor 205, and an AP 207 that is a communication device of the other party of wireless communication of the X-ray sensor 205. That is, each X-ray imaging system has the configuration of the X-ray imaging system shown in FIG. The system also includes a server device 210.

  The control device 208 of the X-ray imaging system 202, the control device 209 of the other X-ray imaging system 203, and the server device 210 are configured to be communicable with each other by wired communication through the backbone network 201. Further, the server device 210 operates as a database for collecting and collectively managing X-ray image data captured in each X-ray imaging system, for example.

(Configuration of control device)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the control apparatus 101 (that is, the control apparatus 208 of the X-ray imaging system 202 or the control apparatus 209 of another X-ray imaging system 203) of the X-ray imaging system of the present embodiment. FIG. The control device 101 uses an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse and a display device such as a display, and activates an X-ray imaging application, for example, according to a user operation. Then, after the preparation for X-ray imaging is completed, the control device 101 controls the X-ray generator 105 that generates X-rays via the high-pressure generator 104, and outputs X-rays to the X-ray sensor 102. Irradiate. Thereafter, the X-ray image data sent from the X-ray sensor 102 via the AP 103 is displayed on the display and is simultaneously stored in the internal storage device.

  For this operation, the control device 101 includes, for example, an imaging system control unit 301, a storage device 302, a temporary storage unit 303, an operation system control unit 304, a display system control unit 305, an X-ray irradiation control unit 306, and an AP control unit 307. , NW control unit 308, and timer / clock unit 309. NW is a network. Hereinafter, each functional unit will be described in detail.

  The imaging system control unit 301 is a control unit that controls other functional units. Further, in addition to the control of the functional units inside the control device 101, a function of executing imaging flow control for performing a series of X-ray imaging in the X-ray imaging system may be provided. The storage device 302 stores various programs and various data. For example, the imaging system control unit 301 executes a program stored in the storage device 302 and executes various controls. For example, X-ray image data acquired by X-ray imaging is also stored in this storage device. The storage device 302 is composed of, for example, a hard disk or a memory, and information stored therein is not erased even after the power is turned off.

  The temporary storage unit 303 is a storage unit that temporarily stores parameter information and the like used in each functional block, and includes, for example, a semiconductor memory. For example, the adjacent system management table described later with reference to FIG. 4 is stored in the temporary storage unit 303. Note that this management table may be stored in the storage device 302. Further, the management table may be divided and the divided data may be stored in each of the storage device 302 and the temporary storage unit 303. In this case, for example, data that is unlikely to be changed, such as an SSID column 401 described later, is stored in the storage device 302, and data that is highly likely to be changed, such as the active column 407 and the CH column 406, is temporarily stored. You may make it memorize | store in 303. FIG.

  The operation system control unit 304 controls an input interface for performing information input and operation input from the user. Specifically, for example, an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse is connected, an operation from a user using the input device is detected, and a command corresponding to the operation is acquired. The operation system control unit 304 includes, for example, an interface function such as USB or PS / 2 that can be connected to various operation input devices. The display system control unit 305 is a functional block that controls an interface with a display that performs visual display to the user. The display system control unit 305 visually displays on the display the information input and operation from the user or the execution status of the application being executed.

  The X-ray irradiation control unit 306 performs control to irradiate X-rays from the X-ray generator 105 in order to execute X-ray imaging. The X-ray irradiation control unit 306 is connected to, for example, the high-pressure generator 104 and controls the high-pressure generator 104 to emit X-rays from the X-ray generator 105. The AP control unit 307 controls the AP 103. For example, in order to acquire X-ray image data from the X-ray sensor 102, it is required to establish a wireless connection between the AP 103 and the X-ray sensor 102. The AP control unit 307 sets wireless LAN communication parameters and the like necessary for establishing a wireless connection in the AP 103. The communication parameter includes, for example, a wireless LAN standard to be used and a wireless channel to be used.

  The NW control unit 308 controls connection with the backbone network. As shown in FIG. 2, when a plurality of X-ray imaging systems are installed, the control devices 208 and 209 are connected to the backbone network via the NW control units 308, so that these X-ray imaging systems are mutually connected. Communication is possible. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the control devices 208 and 209 are connected to the backbone network via the NW control unit 308, and also communicate with the server device 210 functioning as a database, for example. Further, network devices other than the server device 210 and the control devices 208 and 209 may be connected to the backbone network.

  The timer / clock unit 309 includes a clock function indicating date and time and a timer capable of measuring a certain period of time. For example, information such as date and time, time, and timer required according to an instruction from the imaging system control unit 301 is obtained. provide.

  In the above description, the X-ray irradiation control unit 306, the AP control unit 307, and the NW control unit 308 have been described as individual functional blocks. However, the control apparatus 101 includes a single control unit that has all these functions. May be included. In addition, a general-purpose network such as Ethernet (registered trademark) may be used as an interface with the outside, and the high-voltage generator 104, the AP 103, and the backbone network may be connected using a HUB or the like. Good.

(Operation of control device)
The control device 208 of the X-ray imaging system 202 according to this embodiment detects the presence of another adjacent X-ray imaging system 203, and the detected other X-ray imaging system has a format as shown in FIG. Create a management table. Then, when the X-ray imaging is performed according to the management table, the control device 208 transmits a control signal instructing other X-ray imaging systems not to perform X-ray imaging, so that the X image captured by the own system is acquired. Interference with wireless communication for transmitting line image data is suppressed. The management table will be described first, and then the management table creation procedure and the X-ray imaging procedure will be described.

(Adjacent system management table)
FIG. 4 shows an adjacent system management table held inside each of the control devices 208 and 209. The control devices 208 and 209 detect neighboring systems by exchanging information in S503 in FIG. 5 and collecting information in S603 in FIG. 6 to be described later, and create, update, and hold a management table based on the information obtained there. The control devices 208 and 209 use this management table to control execution of X-ray imaging, that is, execution of X-ray irradiation in the own system and the adjacent system. The management table also records the state of the system including the control device itself that holds the management table, and this management table is also disclosed to the control device in another X-ray imaging system.

  In the management table, the SSID column 401 is information that identifies each X-ray imaging system and indicates the SSID of the AP accommodated in the X-ray imaging system. Here, the SSID is an identifier of an AP used for the wireless LAN standard, and is information for identifying a wireless network formed by the AP. In this system, as described above, the SSID may be used to identify the X-ray imaging system. The wired search column 402 is information indicating whether or not an X-ray imaging system has been detected via the backbone network (wired connection). For a system detected via a wired connection, “◯” is held as a value, and “x” is held otherwise. A wireless search column 403 indicates whether an X-ray imaging system has been detected via wireless communication. For a system detected via wireless communication, “o” is held as a value, and “x” is held otherwise. The information 402 and 403 may be represented by “1” and “0”, for example, instead of “◯” and “x”.

  The used bandwidth column 404 indicates the bandwidth of the wireless channel used in the wireless communication of each X-ray imaging system. For example, when the 40 MHz band of the extension band in IEEE802.11n is used, “40 MHz” is set; otherwise, “20 MHz” is set. The bandwidth of 20 MHz is a bandwidth defined by each standard of IEEE802.11a / b / g / n. The used frequency band column 405 indicates the frequency band of the wireless channel used for wireless communication in the adjacent system. For example, “5 GHz” is used when a frequency band of 5 GHz, which is a frequency band defined by IEEE802.11a / n, is used, and “2.4 GHz” is used otherwise. Note that the 2.4 GHz frequency band is a frequency band defined by the respective standards of IEEE802.11b / g / n.

  A CH column 406 indicates a channel number used for wireless communication in the adjacent system. For example, “36 ch” is used when a radio channel in the frequency band of 5 GHz defined by IEEE802.11a / n is used, and “1 ch” or “7 ch” is used otherwise. 1ch, 7ch, and the like are wireless channels in the 2.4 GHz frequency band defined by the standards of IEEE802.11b / g / n.

  An operating column 407 indicates whether the X-ray imaging system is currently operating. If the system is in operation, for example, “◯” is held as a value, and “x” is held otherwise. Usually, since the X-ray imaging system is not detected as an adjacent system unless it is in operation, “X” is normally held for the X-ray imaging system detected as an adjacent system. However, when the X-ray imaging cannot be performed for some reason later, the value “x” may be held as in the row of SSID = EFGH.

  The investigation date / time column 408 shows information on the date / time when the adjacent system was searched in accordance with the search method of FIG. 5 or FIG. Each time the survey is repeated, the date and time when the search was last performed is recorded. The adjacent column 409 shows the result of extracting adjacent X-ray imaging systems in the wireless LAN environment based on the information in the survey date / time column 408 from the SSID column 401. That is, the adjacent column 409 indicates whether or not the X-ray imaging system that holds the management table is determined as an X-ray imaging system that can interfere with each other. This determination procedure will be described later. When it is determined that the radiography system is an adjacent X-ray imaging system in the wireless LAN environment, for example, the value “◯” is held, and otherwise “x” is held. Here, the row of SSID = ABCD indicates the status of the own system, and is blank (“-”), for example.

(Neighboring system management table creation procedure)
Next, a procedure for creating the adjacent system management table shown in FIG. 4 will be described. The adjacent system management table is created and updated through searching for another X-ray imaging system from both the wired connection and wireless connection. First, a method for searching for another X-ray imaging system using a wired connection will be described with reference to FIG. The operations described below are respectively executed by the control device 208 of the X-ray imaging system 202 and the control device 209 of another X-ray imaging system 203 connected to the backbone network 201 of FIG. The adjacent system management table shown in FIG. 4 is held by each of these control devices 208 and 209.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation in which the control device 208 of an X-ray imaging system 202 searches for a control device 209 of another X-ray imaging system 203. First, the control device 208 broadcasts a search communication packet to various network devices connected to the backbone network 201 using a specific port number (S501). If the control device 209 connected to the backbone network 201 is in an activated state, the control device 209 receives the communication packet. Then, the port number or the like is analyzed, and the communication packet is specified as a communication packet transmitted from the control device 208 and searching for a control device of another X-ray imaging system.

  Then, the control device 209 transmits a response communication packet to the control device 208 that is the transmission source of the communication packet (S502). Note that a network device that is not a control device such as the server device 210 also receives a communication packet if it is in an activated state. However, even if the communication packet is received and the port number or the like is analyzed, it cannot be recognized what it means. Therefore, a response communication packet is not transmitted to the control device 208 that is the transmission source of the communication packet.

  Upon receiving the response communication packet transmitted from the control device 209, the control device 208 exchanges information with the control device 209 by unicast (S503). Through this information exchange, the control devices 208 and 209 can mutually recognize that the other control device is connected to the backbone network and is in an activated state. Then, by this information exchange, for example, each information (SSID, used bandwidth, used frequency band, channel number in wireless communication) included in the adjacent system management table stored in the respective control devices 208 and 209. Information including is exchanged.

  Here, when a predetermined time or more has elapsed from the date / time in the survey date / time column 408, the adjacent system management table may be updated. In this case, for example, the control device 208 may notify the user to prompt the user to execute the update operation, and automatically update by automatically transmitting a search packet (S501). You may make it do. Next, a method for searching for another X-ray imaging system using wireless connection will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of detecting another X-ray imaging system that is considered to be adjacent to the X-ray imaging system as a wireless LAN environment, that is, that may interfere with wireless communication of the X-ray imaging system. is there. This flow is started when the control device 208 or 209 of any X-ray imaging system is in an activated state. In the following description, it is assumed that the control device 208 executes this flow.

  When the process is started, the control device 208 in the activated state determines whether the adjacent system search process has started (S601). That is, for example, it is determined whether or not an instruction to search for an X-ray imaging system adjacent as a wireless LAN environment is given by a user operation. If there is an instruction to execute search (Yes in S601), the process proceeds to S602. If there is no instruction (No in S601), the instruction standby state is continued.

  If the search is automatically executed regardless of the user's operation, the determination in S601 may be performed depending on whether there is an instruction serving as a trigger for executing the search. For example, the search may be automatically executed when a predetermined time or more has elapsed from the date and time when the latest search was executed to the present among the searches performed in the past. In this case, the control device 208 may generate an instruction that serves as a trigger when the time equal to or longer than a predetermined time has elapsed. Further, the control device 208 may display the fact on the display device 106 when the time equal to or longer than a predetermined time has elapsed, and prompt the user to perform a search again.

  In S602, the received radio wave is analyzed by the AP accommodated in the system, and the analysis result is acquired. The control device records part or all of the information acquired by the analysis in the adjacent system management table shown in FIG. Then, the process ends.

  The process of S602 is executed as follows, for example. First, the control device 208 causes the AP 206 to receive radio waves over a radio channel used for wireless transfer of X-ray image data, and causes the radio wave environment to be measured. For example, the AP 206 measures external radio noise, radio waves from other X-ray imaging systems 203, and radio waves from wireless LAN systems other than those used in the X-ray imaging system. The radio waves from the other X-ray imaging system 203 include both radio waves transmitted from the AP 207 and radio waves transmitted from the X-ray sensor 205 that is a STA. The measurement result is transmitted to the control device 208, and the control device 208 records information obtained based on the measurement result in the adjacent system management table. That is, for example, when a radio signal from an AP or X-ray sensor of an X-ray imaging system is received at a level equal to or higher than a predetermined power, “◯” is recorded in the radio search field 403 corresponding to that system. If information cannot be acquired via wired communication, information such as the SSID field 401, the used bandwidth field 404, the used frequency band field 405, and the like is created and recorded based on the received radio signal. As a result, the control device 208 can easily grasp whether there is a radio signal from another X-ray imaging system that interferes with the AP 206 by simply referring to the table.

  Furthermore, the control device 208 causes the X-ray sensor 204, which is a STA connected to the AP 206, to receive radio waves via a wireless channel used for wireless transfer of X-ray image data during X-ray imaging, and measure the radio wave environment. Similar to the AP 206, the X-ray sensor 204 measures external radio noise, radio waves from other X-ray imaging systems 203, and radio waves from wireless LAN systems other than those used in the X-ray imaging system. Note that the radio waves transmitted from other X-ray imaging systems 203 include both the radio waves transmitted from the AP 207 and the radio waves transmitted from the X-ray sensor 205 that is a STA. The measurement result by the X-ray sensor 204 is sent to the control device 208 via the AP 206. And the control apparatus 208 records the information obtained based on this measurement result on a management table. In this way, by causing the X-ray sensor 204 to also perform environmental measurement, an X-ray imaging system that could not be detected by the AP 206 and that has a high probability of being present in the vicinity (arranged adjacently). It becomes possible to detect with high accuracy.

  In the process of S602, the control device 208 causes the AP 206 and the X-ray sensor 204, which is a STA connected to the AP 206, to receive radio waves in all radio channels or in usable radio frequency bands, and execute radio wave environment measurement. You may let them.

  Subsequently, the control device 208 determines a value to be recorded in the adjacent field 409 of the adjacent system management table. This determination method will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This flow is started, for example, in a state where the X-ray imaging system 202 and another X-ray imaging system 203 are in operation and the X-ray imaging system 202 is ready to perform X-ray imaging.

  When the process is started, the control device 208 determines whether there is an application activation instruction for determining whether there is an X-ray imaging system arranged adjacent to the wireless LAN environment (S701). If it is determined by the user's operation that the application has been started (Yes in S701), the process proceeds to S702; otherwise (No in S701), the current state is maintained.

  In S <b> 702, the adjacent system management table (FIG. 4) in which the result of collecting information about other X-ray imaging systems using wired communication and wireless communication is recorded is referred to. Then, in the adjacent system management table referenced in S702, it is determined whether there is another X-ray imaging system that has received radio waves on the currently used wireless channel (S703). If there is another X-ray imaging system that has received radio waves on the currently used wireless channel (Yes in S703), the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, when there is no other X-ray imaging system that has received radio waves on the currently used wireless channel (No in S703), there is no adjacent X-ray imaging system as a wireless LAN environment. It is determined that they are not arranged (S708). In S708, the adjacent column 409 in the adjacent system management table of FIG. 4 is recorded as “x” for the detected system.

  In S704, it is determined whether the reception of the radio wave using the wireless LAN standard is recorded in the adjacent system management table referred to in S702 (S704). This determination is executed, for example, by determining whether the information stored in the used bandwidth column 404, the used frequency band column 405, and the CH column 406 is information corresponding to various wireless LANs. For example, if the information recorded in the used frequency band column 405 is neither 2.4 GHz nor 5 GHz, it is determined that the signal is not a wireless LAN standard signal. If it is recorded that a radio wave using the wireless LAN standard has been received (Yes in S704), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, when it is not recorded that the radio wave using the wireless LAN standard has been received (No in S704), it is considered that there is no other adjacent X-ray imaging system that can be a source of interference, and the system is It is determined that they are not arranged adjacent to each other (S708).

  In S705, it is determined whether the radio wave determined to be received in S703 and S704 is a radio wave from a terminal (STA) associated with the AP of the own system (S705). When the radio wave determined to be received in S703 and S704 is a radio wave from an STA belonging to the own system (Yes in S705), the radio wave determined to be received in S703 and S704 is a radio wave generated in the own system. it is conceivable that. For this reason, since it is considered that there is no adjacent “other” X-ray imaging system, it is determined that the system is not arranged adjacently (S708). On the other hand, in other cases, the process proceeds to S706.

  In step S706, it is determined whether a radio wave from an adjacent X-ray imaging system has been received. That is, when radio waves from other than the X-ray imaging system are received (No in S707), the system of the radio wave generation source is not subject to control according to the present embodiment, and thus the systems are arranged adjacent to each other. It is determined that it is not present (S708). When the received radio wave is from the X-ray imaging system (Yes in S707), it is determined that there is an X-ray imaging system arranged adjacently as a wireless LAN environment (S707). Then, for the detected X-ray imaging system, the adjacent column 409 in the adjacent system management table of FIG. 4 is recorded as “◯”.

  The determination method of the adjacent column 409 is not limited to the above-described method. For example, the determination may be made as follows. First, when the wired search column 402 of FIG. 4 is “◯” and the wireless search column 403 is recorded as “X”, the date / time and current date / time information recorded in the survey date / time column 408 regarding these are displayed as a timer / Obtained from the clock unit 309 and compared. If the difference is within a predetermined period, it is determined that there is no X-ray imaging system arranged adjacent to the wireless LAN environment. That is, the adjacent field 409 is recorded as “×”. On the other hand, when there is a difference larger than a predetermined period, it may be determined from the measurement result by causing the AP and the X-ray sensor to measure radio waves to determine whether the wireless LAN environment is arranged again. Then, if it is determined from the measurement result that they are arranged adjacent to each other in the wireless LAN environment, the adjacent field 409 may be set to “◯”.

  The method may not include all the steps described above. For example, the determination in S704 can be omitted by not recording signals of a format other than the wireless LAN in the table at the time of the adjacent system search by wireless connection described in FIG.

(X-ray imaging procedure)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an X-ray imaging procedure for preventing a failure such as radio wave interference when transferring X-ray image data with another X-ray imaging system. In the following description, it is assumed that the X-ray imaging systems 202 and 203 are in operation and the X-ray imaging system 202 is ready to perform X-ray imaging.

  When the process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the control device 208 has been instructed to start an X-ray imaging application (S801). For example, when the X-ray imaging application is started by a user operation (Yes in S801), the process proceeds to S802. Otherwise (No in S801), the current state is maintained. In step S802, it is confirmed whether an adjacent X-ray imaging system is currently operating as a wireless LAN environment. For example, with reference to the adjacent system management table shown in FIG. 4, it is confirmed whether the operating column 407 is “◯” or “×”.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not preparation for X-ray irradiation is completed in X-ray imaging, that is, whether or not irradiation can be performed at any time (S803). If it is determined that X-rays can be irradiated (Yes in S803), the process proceeds to S804; otherwise (No in S803), the current state is maintained. Note that the determination in step S803 is a state in which an X-ray imaging application is activated (Yes in S801), and thereafter, for example, a state in which X-ray irradiation can be performed simply by pressing an irradiation switch. Determine whether it has become. That is, for example, when the setting input for X-ray imaging is completed and all preparations such as alignment between the X-ray generator and the X-ray sensor are completed, the determination in S803 is “Yes”. Become.

  In S804, based on the confirmation result in S802, it is determined whether an X-ray imaging system adjacent as a wireless LAN environment is currently operating. If the adjacent X-ray imaging system is currently operating as a wireless LAN environment (Yes in S804), the process proceeds to S805; otherwise (No in S804), the process proceeds to S808.

  In S805, it is determined whether or not a “WAIT signal” that is a control signal indicating that X-ray irradiation should be temporarily stopped from another X-ray imaging system is received. For example, in FIG. 2, the control device 208 determines whether a WAIT signal is received from the control device 209 via the backbone network 201. If a WAIT signal has been received (Yes in S805), the process proceeds to S806; otherwise (No in S805), the process proceeds to S807. Note that, in the determination of S805, the destination to which the processing should be shifted may be determined based on the content of the received WAIT signal. For example, in the situation where the own system performs wireless communication in the 2.4 GHz band, when receiving a WAIT signal indicating that transmission in the 5 GHz band should be stopped, the control device 208 shifts the processing to S806. Instead, the process may proceed to S807. Similarly, when receiving a WAIT signal indicating that signal transmission should be stopped for a channel number different from the wireless channel number used in the own system, the control device 208 may cause the process to proceed to S807. . Further, even if the channel number included in the WAIT signal is different from the channel number used in the own system, if there is a relationship that causes interference, such as 1ch and 2ch, the control device 208 performs processing. You may make it transfer to S806. As described above, when WAIT signals arrive from systems that have a relationship of causing mutual interference, the process may proceed to S806, and in other cases, the process may proceed to S807.

  In S806, it is determined whether or not a “WAIT cancellation signal” that is a control signal indicating that X-ray irradiation may be performed from another X-ray imaging system that is a transmission source of the WAIT signal (S806). For example, when the control device 208 receives a WAIT cancellation signal from the control device 209 via the backbone network 201, the control device 208 shifts the processing to S807, and otherwise maintains the current state. In step S807, a WAIT signal for temporarily stopping X-ray irradiation is transmitted to another X-ray imaging system. The state of S807 is a state in which another X-ray imaging system adjacent as a wireless LAN environment is currently operating, as determined in S805. For this reason, when X-ray imaging is performed by irradiating X-rays, troubles such as radio wave interference from other X-ray imaging systems may be caused when transmitting X-ray image data acquired by imaging. There is sex. Therefore, in order to prevent the interference such as radio wave interference, the control device 208 stops the irradiation by the other X-ray imaging system. Send to.

  At this time, the control device of the X-ray imaging system of the transmission partner is a control device of the system in which the adjacent column 409 of the adjacent system management table shown in FIG. For example, the control device 208 transmits a WAIT signal after specifying a transmission partner based on the address information acquired in the search sequence of FIG. 5 using the backbone network. At this time, for example, if the SSID column 401 in FIG. 4 is blank and it can be determined from the information in the wireless search column 403 to the investigation date / time column 408 that there is a high possibility of being adjacent, broadcast is performed because the transmission partner cannot be specified. Thus, the WAIT signal may be transmitted.

  In S808, X-ray imaging is actually executed. For example, in the X-ray imaging system 202, X-rays are emitted, X-rays are received by the X-ray sensor 204, X-ray image data is generated, and transmitted to the control device 208 via the AP 206. After performing X-ray imaging, the control device 208 determines whether reception of X-ray image data has been completed (S809). For example, the data is transmitted from the X-ray sensor 204 to the AP 206 using a wireless LAN, and thereafter, the control device 208 determines whether reception of all X-ray image data is completed. If reception of X-ray image data is completed (Yes in S809), the process proceeds to S810, and if not (No in S809), the current state is maintained.

  In S810, it is determined whether the WAIT signal is transmitted in S808. That is, it is determined whether another X-ray imaging system is waiting to receive the WAIT cancellation signal in S806. Immediately before the X-ray irradiation is performed (S807), if a WAIT signal is transmitted (Yes in S810), the process proceeds to S811, and if not (No in S810), the process ends. In S811, a “WAIT cancellation signal” that is a control signal for canceling the X-ray irradiation stop is transmitted to another X-ray imaging system. That is, since X-ray imaging in the own system 202 is completed, a WAIT cancellation signal is transmitted to the other party that transmitted the WAIT signal in order to cancel the WAIT signal transmitted in S807. Thereby, other X-ray imaging systems can perform X-ray imaging.

  With such a process, it is possible to stop the X-ray irradiation and the associated wireless communication by another X-ray imaging system in a stage before the X-ray irradiation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent interference from occurring when transmitting and receiving image data by wireless communication in the own system. Further, it is possible to prevent interference with other systems by transmitting and receiving the WAIT signal. That is, as a whole system, it is possible to prevent excessive X-ray irradiation due to failure of wireless communication.

  As described above, the WAIT signal may include frequency band information and channel number information related to wireless communication in the transmission source system. FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of the frame. In FIG. 9, only the characteristic part is shown, and the detailed part is omitted.

  Reference numeral 1001 denotes the entire WAIT signal, which is roughly divided into a header portion and a payload portion. The header portion describes the address of the other party, broadcast transmission that transmits signals to a plurality of X-ray imaging systems according to values included in the header portion, and unicast that transmits signals to a single X-ray imaging system You can switch between sending. The payload part includes prohibited frequency band information 1002 and prohibited radio channel number information 1003.

  The forbidden frequency band information 1002 and the forbidden radio channel number information 1003 are frequency band and channel number information that is a condition for specifying an X-ray imaging system that should stop X-ray irradiation. That is, the prohibited frequency band information 1002 indicates a frequency band in which transmission of X-ray image data should be temporarily stopped with respect to an adjacent X-ray imaging system. For example, according to the wireless LAN standard, information on either the 2.4 GHz band or the 5 GHz band is included.

  The prohibited wireless channel number information 1003 indicates the channel number of the wireless channel that should temporarily stop transmission of X-ray image data to the adjacent X-ray imaging system. For example, channel information defined in the wireless LAN standard is included. The prohibited radio channel number information 1003 may be information on the range of channels that may interfere with the system that is the transmission source of the WAIT signal.

  By including such information in the WAIT signal, it is possible to prevent unnecessary restriction of X-ray imaging. That is, when one X-ray imaging system transmits and receives image data in the 5 GHz band, while another X-ray imaging system transmits and receives image data in the 2.4 GHz band, these systems do not interfere with each other. Do not stop X-ray imaging if necessary. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessarily long shooting.

<< Other Embodiments >>
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

Claims (14)

X-ray generation means and communication means for detecting X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation means to generate X-ray image data and communicating with the X-ray sensor for transmitting the X-ray image data by wireless communication A control device in an X-ray imaging system comprising:
Based on the measurement result of the signal transmitted from the communication means of the other X-ray imaging system or the X-ray sensor in at least one of the communication means and the X-ray sensor, wireless communication of the other X-ray imaging system is performed. Determining means for determining whether to interfere with radio communication of the X-ray imaging system;
When it is determined that the wireless communication of the other X-ray imaging system interferes with the wireless communication of the X-ray imaging system, when the X-ray generation unit emits X-rays, Transmitting means for transmitting a control signal for stopping irradiation of the rays to the control device of the other X-ray imaging system;
A control device comprising: Further comprising confirmation means for confirming whether the other X-ray imaging system with wireless communication determined to interfere with wireless communication of the X-ray imaging system is in operation;
The transmission means irradiates the X-ray generation means with X-rays when there is radio communication determined to interfere with radio communication of the X-ray imaging system and there is the other X-ray imaging system in operation. A control signal for stopping the X-ray irradiation from the X-ray generation means of the other X-ray imaging system is transmitted to the other X-ray imaging system.
The control device according to claim 1. The confirmation means confirms whether the control device is in operation by inquiring of the other X-ray imaging system by wired communication connecting the control device and the control device of the other X-ray imaging system.
The control device according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission means transmits the control signal to the control device of the other X-ray imaging system by wired communication connecting the control device and the control device of the other X-ray imaging system;
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control device. The control device causes the X-ray generation unit to execute X-ray irradiation after the transmission unit transmits the control signal.
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control device. The determination means includes information for identifying another X-ray imaging system via wired communication connecting the control device and the control device of the other X-ray imaging system, and wireless of the other X-ray imaging system. Acquiring at least one of communication and information related to wired communication, and based on the acquired information and the measurement result, wireless communication of the other X-ray imaging system interferes with wireless communication of the X-ray imaging system Determine what to do,
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The control signal includes information on a frequency band and a channel number used in the wireless communication in the X-ray imaging system.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The control signal is unicast toward the other X-ray imaging system.
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control device. The control signal is broadcast to a plurality of other X-ray imaging systems.
The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control device is a control device. The transmission unit transmits a control signal for canceling the stop of X-ray irradiation to the control device of the other X-ray imaging system after the X-ray image data is received by the communication unit.
The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein X-ray generation means and communication means for detecting X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation means to generate X-ray image data and communicating with the X-ray sensor for transmitting the X-ray image data by wireless communication A control device in an X-ray imaging system comprising:
Receiving means for receiving a control signal from a control device of another X-ray imaging system;
Control means for controlling the X-ray generation means in response to the control signal;
Have
The control signal includes an instruction to stop irradiation of X-rays, and information on at least one of a frequency band and a channel number of wireless communication that is a condition for the stop,
The control means stops irradiation of X-rays when the frequency band or channel number of the wireless communication of the X-ray imaging system is included in the frequency band or channel number that is the stop condition included in the control signal. Controlling the X-ray generation means to
A control device characterized by that. X-ray generation means and communication means for detecting X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation means to generate X-ray image data and communicating with the X-ray sensor for transmitting the X-ray image data by wireless communication A control method for a control device in an X-ray imaging system comprising:
Based on the measurement result of the signal transmitted from the communication means of the other X-ray imaging system or the X-ray sensor in at least one of the communication means and the X-ray sensor, the determination means is the other X-ray imaging system. A determination step of determining whether or not the wireless communication interferes with the wireless communication of the X-ray imaging system;
When it is determined that the wireless communication of the other X-ray imaging system interferes with the wireless communication of the X-ray imaging system, the transmission unit causes the other X-ray to be emitted when the X-ray generation unit is irradiated with the X-ray. A transmission step of transmitting a control signal for stopping irradiation of X-rays in the imaging system to a control device of the other X-ray imaging system;
A control method characterized by comprising: X-ray generation means and communication means for detecting X-rays emitted from the X-ray generation means to generate X-ray image data and communicating with the X-ray sensor for transmitting the X-ray image data by wireless communication A control method for a control device in an X-ray imaging system comprising:
A receiving step for receiving a control signal from a control device of another X-ray imaging system;
A control step in which the control means controls the X-ray generation means in response to the control signal;
Have
The control signal includes an instruction to stop irradiation of X-rays, and information on at least one of a frequency band and a channel number of wireless communication that is a condition for the stop,
In the control step, when the frequency band or channel number of the wireless communication of the X-ray imaging system is included in the frequency band or channel number that is the stop condition included in the control signal, X-ray irradiation is stopped. Controlling the X-ray generation means to
A control method characterized by that.   The program for functioning a computer as each means with which the control apparatus of any one of Claim 1 to 11 is provided.

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