JP2017127415A - X-ray diagnostic system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent unnecessary X-ray exposure and improve efficiency of an X-ray examination.SOLUTION: An X-ray diagnostic system 1 at least includes an X-ray tube 11, a communication circuit 75, a communication establishment circuit 73, a determination circuit 77, and a system control circuit 71. The X-ray tube 11 generates an X-ray. The communication circuit 75 communicates with a portable wireless FPD 100 capable of performing radio communication. The communication establishment circuit 73 establishes communication between the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit 75. The determination circuit 77 determines whether or not the X-ray tube 11 faces the wireless FPD 100. When the wireless FPD 100 is paired with the communication circuit 75, and it is determined that the X-ray tube 11 faces the wireless FPD 100 the system control circuit 71 permits X-ray exposure from the X-ray tube 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic system.

  X-ray diagnosis using a wireless FPD (Flat Panel Detector) capable of wireless communication is performed. At this time, in order to read image data from the wireless FPD, it is necessary to establish communication (pairing) between the wireless FPD and the X-ray diagnostic system. However, whether the wireless FPD to be used is paired or not cannot be determined from the external appearance of the X-ray tube, the wireless FPD, or the like, and must be determined by operating a console provided in a separate operation room or the like. Don't be. Therefore, there is a risk of causing unnecessary exposure by performing X-ray exposure on a wireless FPD that has not been paired.

JP 2012-152461 A

  An object of the embodiment is to provide an X-ray diagnostic system capable of preventing unnecessary X-ray exposure and improving the efficiency of X-ray inspection.

  The X-ray diagnosis system according to the present embodiment includes a communication unit for communicating between an X-ray tube that generates X-rays, a portable X-ray detector capable of wireless communication, and the X-ray detector. A communication establishment unit that establishes communication with the communication unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are facing each other, and the X-ray detector and the communication unit A control unit that permits exposure of X-rays from the X-ray tube when it is determined that communication between the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector is facing each other. It has.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray diagnostic system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the X-ray tube holder and the bed according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view of the X-ray tube holder, the wireless FPD, and the bed according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining pairing processing by the communication establishment circuit of FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining pairing cancellation processing by the communication establishment circuit of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a typical flow of X-ray examination performed in accordance with the control of the system control circuit of the X-ray diagnostic system of FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the determination process in step S5 of FIG. 6, and is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement in which the X-ray tube is not directly facing the wireless FPD. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the determination process in step S5 of FIG. 6, and is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement in which the X-ray tube faces the wireless FPD. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the determination processing in step S5 of FIG. 6, and is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement in which the wireless FPD is not directly facing the X-ray tube. FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 and showing an example of an arrangement in which the wireless FPD faces the X-ray tube. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a wireless FPD switching process according to the present embodiment in time series. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the application of the wireless FPD switching process according to the present embodiment in time series. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the switching process of the X-ray diagnostic system according to the present embodiment in time series. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the application of the switching process of the X-ray diagnostic system according to the present embodiment in time series. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the pairing cancellation restriction process according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a scene in which a pairing cancellation operation is performed within the X-ray examination period. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the pairing cancellation restriction process according to the present embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating a scene in which a pairing cancellation operation is performed outside the X-ray examination period.

  The X-ray diagnostic system according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an X-ray diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray diagnostic system 1 according to this embodiment includes an X-ray tube holder 10, a high voltage generator 30, a bed 50, and a console 70 that are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly. For example, the X-ray tube holder 10, the high voltage generator 30 and the bed 50 are installed in the imaging room, and the console 70 is installed in a control room adjacent to the imaging room.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the X-ray tube holder 10 and the bed 50 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray tube holder 10 is a holder that holds the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray tube holder 10 is supported movably on the ceiling by a guide rail (not shown). A bed 50 is installed on the floor below the X-ray tube holder 10. The bed 50 includes a top plate 51 on which a subject such as a patient P is placed, and a base 53 for moving the top plate 51. Here, the major axis direction of the top plate 51 is referred to as the Z-axis direction, the vertical direction is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the direction horizontally orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is referred to as the X-axis direction. The bed 50 moves the top 51 in accordance with an instruction from an input circuit 81 provided on the console 70 or an operation console (not shown) installed in the photographing room.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a high voltage generator 30 is connected to the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator 30 generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator 30 includes an X-ray control circuit 31 and a high voltage generator 33. The X-ray control circuit 31 operates the high-voltage generator 33 when a permission signal for permitting X-ray exposure is supplied from the console 70. The X-ray control circuit 31 stops the high voltage generator 33 when a non-permission signal indicating that X-ray exposure is not permitted is supplied from the console 70. When the permission signal is supplied, the X-ray control circuit 31 supplies the drive signal to the high voltage generator 33 when the imaging signal is supplied from the console 70 and exposes the X-ray from the X-ray tube 11. Let me. Specifically, the high voltage generator 33 receives a drive signal from the X-ray control circuit 31 and applies a high voltage to the X-ray tube 11 to supply a filament heating current. The X-ray tube 11 emits X-rays in response to application of a high voltage and supply of a filament heating current. The X-ray control circuit 31 generates an X-ray exposure synchronization signal triggered by the supply of the imaging signal from the console 70 when the permission signal is supplied. The X-ray exposure synchronization signal is supplied to the wireless FPD 100 via the communication circuit 75.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray tube holder 10 is provided with a tube sensor 13. The tube sensor 13 is a position sensor that detects at least one of the position and orientation of the X-ray tube 11 and outputs an electrical signal indicating the position and orientation (hereinafter referred to as a tube position signal). The tube sensor 13 is connected to the console 70 via a wire or wirelessly. The tube position signal is supplied to a determination circuit 77 included in a console 70 described later. The tube sensor 13 may be of any type as long as it can detect at least one of the position and orientation of the X-ray tube 11. For example, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor may be used. The X-ray tube holder 10 is provided with a communication indicator 15. The communication indicator 15 receives an operation of a user such as a medical worker, and receives an electric signal for requesting communication establishment (pairing) between the wireless FPD 100 and the X-ray diagnosis system 1 (hereinafter referred to as a tube pairing signal). Output). Further, the communication indicator 15 receives an operation of the user and outputs an electric signal (hereinafter referred to as a tube release signal) for requesting cancellation of pairing. The communication indicator 15 is connected to the console 70 via a wired or wireless connection. The tube pairing signal and the tube release signal are supplied to a communication establishment circuit 73 mounted on the console 70 described later.

  A wireless FPD (Flat Panel Detector) 100 is disposed at a position facing the X-ray tube 11. The wireless FPD 100 is a portable X-ray detector capable of wireless communication. Wireless FPDs 100 of various sizes are prepared depending on the imaging region and the like. The wireless FPD 100 detects X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 11 and transmitted through the patient P, and generates X-ray image data regarding the patient P. Specifically, the wireless FPD 100 has a plurality of detector pixels (not shown) arranged on a two-dimensional plane. Each detector pixel has a scintillator and a photoelectric conversion element. A scintillator is a substance that converts X-rays into fluorescence. The scintillator converts incident X-rays into a number of fluorescent photons according to the intensity of the incident X-rays. The photoelectric conversion element is a circuit element that amplifies fluorescence and converts it into an electric signal. For example, a photodiode is used as the photoelectric conversion element. The electrical signals stored in the plurality of detector pixels are read out via a thin film transistor switch or the like at a timing synchronized with the X-ray exposure synchronization signal from the console 70, and X-ray attenuation by the patient P is performed by the A / D conversion element. Is converted into digital data (X-ray image data).

  As shown in FIG. 1, a detector sensor 103 is provided in the wireless FPD 100. The detector sensor 103 is a position sensor that detects at least one of the position and orientation of the wireless FPD 100 and outputs an electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as a detector position signal) indicating at least one of the position and orientation of the wireless FPD 100. The detector sensor 103 is connected to the console 70 via a wired or wireless connection. The detector position signal is supplied to a determination circuit 77 included in a console 70 described later. The detector sensor 103 may be of any type as long as it can detect at least one of the position and orientation of the wireless FPD 100. For example, an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor may be used. The wireless FPD 100 is provided with a communication indicator 105. The communication indicator 105 receives an operation of a user such as a medical worker and outputs an electrical signal (hereinafter referred to as a detector pairing signal) for requesting pairing with the X-ray diagnostic system 1. The communication indicator 105 receives an operation of the user and outputs an electric signal (hereinafter referred to as a detector release signal) for requesting release of pairing. The communication indicator 105 is connected to the console 70 via a wired or wireless connection. The detector pairing signal and the detector release signal are supplied to a communication establishment circuit 73 mounted on the console 70 described later.

  The console 70 is a computer device that controls the X-ray diagnostic system 1. The console 70 includes a communication establishment circuit 73, a communication circuit 75, a determination circuit 77, an image processing circuit 79, an input circuit 81, a display circuit 83, and a main memory circuit 85 with a system control circuit 71 as a center. The system control circuit 71, the communication establishment circuit 73, the communication circuit 75, the determination circuit 77, the image processing circuit 79, the input circuit 81, the display circuit 83, and the main memory circuit 85 are connected to each other via a bus so that they can communicate with each other. Yes.

  The communication establishment circuit 73 establishes (pairs) communication between the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit 75. Specifically, the communication establishment circuit 73 receives the supply of the tube pairing signal from the communication indicator 15 and the detector pairing signal from the communication indicator 105, controls the communication circuit 75, and the wireless FPD 100 Communication with the communication circuit 75 is established. Further, the communication establishment circuit 73 receives at least one of the tube release signal from the communication indicator 15 and the detector release signal from the communication indicator 105 to control the communication circuit 75, and controls the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit. Cancel pairing with 75.

  The communication circuit 75 is an interface circuit that performs data communication with the wireless FPD 100 via radio. For example, the communication circuit 75 collects X-ray image data from the wireless FPD 100. Further, the communication circuit 75 supplies an X-ray exposure synchronization signal or the like to the wireless FPD 100.

  The determination circuit 77 determines whether or not the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other. Specifically, the determination circuit 77 determines whether the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other based on the tube position signal from the tube sensor 13 and the detector position signal from the detector sensor 103. Determine whether. The determination circuit 77 includes a processing device (processor) such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and a storage device (memory) such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The determination process is executed. The determination circuit 77 is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or another complex programmable logic device (Complex Programmable) that realizes the determination process. It may be realized by a logic device (CPLD) or a simple programmable logic device (SPLD).

  The image processing circuit 79 includes, as hardware resources, a processor such as a CPU, GPU, or MPU and a memory such as a ROM or RAM. The image processing circuit 79 performs various image processing such as scattered radiation correction on the X-ray image data collected from the wireless FPD 100 by the communication circuit 75. The image processing circuit 79 may be realized by an ASIC, FPGA, CPLD, or SPLD that realizes the image processing.

  Specifically, the input circuit 81 includes an input device and an input interface circuit. The input device accepts various commands from the user. As an input device, a keyboard, a mouse, various switches, and the like can be used. The input interface circuit supplies an output signal from the input device to the system control circuit 71 via the bus.

  The display circuit 83 displays various information. For example, the display circuit 83 displays X-ray images corresponding to the X-ray image data collected from the wireless FPD 100 by the communication circuit 75 and the X-ray image data subjected to image processing by the image processing circuit 79. Specifically, the display circuit 83 includes a display interface circuit and a display device. The display interface circuit converts data representing a display target into a video signal. The display signal is supplied to the display device. The display device displays a video signal representing a display target. As the display device, for example, an arbitrary display such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, or a plasma display can be used as appropriate.

  The main storage circuit 85 is a storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. Further, the main storage circuit 85 may be a drive unit that reads / writes various information from / to a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or a flash memory. For example, the main memory circuit 85 stores a control program of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 and the like.

  The system control circuit 71 functions as the center of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 and controls each part in the X-ray diagnostic system 1. For example, the system control circuit 71 controls the X-ray control circuit 31 according to the presence / absence of pairing by the communication establishment circuit 73 and the determination result by the determination circuit 77. When the communication circuit 75 and the wireless FPD 100 are paired and the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other, the system control circuit 71 sends a permission signal for permitting X-ray exposure to the X-ray control circuit 31. To supply. When the communication circuit 75 and the wireless FPD 100 are not paired, or when the communication circuit 75 and the wireless FPD 100 are paired but the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are not directly facing each other, a non-permission signal indicating that X-ray exposure is not permitted Is supplied to the X-ray control circuit 31. The system control circuit 71 includes a CPU or MPU processor and a memory such as a ROM or a RAM as hardware resources. Specifically, the system control circuit 71 reads out a control program stored in the main storage circuit 85 and develops it on the memory, and controls each part of the X-ray diagnosis system 1 according to the developed control program.

  Hereinafter, details of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. First, the positional relationship between the X-ray tube holder 10, the wireless FPD 100, and the bed 50 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a side view of the X-ray tube holder 10, the wireless FPD 100, and the bed 50. As shown in FIG. 3, an X-ray tube 11 is attached to the distal end portion of the X-ray tube holder 10. The X-ray tube holder 10 is supported by a guide rail (not shown) so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The X-ray tube holder 10 or the X-ray tube 11 is provided with a position sensor for detecting the position of the X-ray tube 11 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction as the tube sensor 13. A tube position signal indicating the position of the X-ray tube 11 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction output from the position sensor is input to the determination circuit 77 via the system control circuit 71. A user such as a medical worker performs positioning of the X-ray tube 11 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction by pushing or pulling the X-ray tube holder 10 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray tube holder 10 supports the X-ray tube 11 such that it can expand and contract in the Y-axis direction. For example, the X-ray tube holder 10 has a multi-stage slide rail (not shown) that can expand and contract in the Y-axis direction. The user positions the X-ray tube 11 in the Y-axis direction by extending or contracting the X-ray tube holder 10 in the Y-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray tube holder 10 supports an X-ray tube 11 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis R1 provided in parallel to the X axis. The rotation angle around the rotation axis R1 defines the direction of the X-ray tube 11. The direction of the X-ray tube 11 is defined by, for example, a rotation angle around the rotation axis R1 with the angle at which the X-ray emission port 17 provided in the X-ray tube 11 faces downward being 0 degrees. The X-ray tube holder 10 or the X-ray tube 11 is provided with an angle sensor as a tube sensor 13 for detecting a rotation angle around the rotation axis R1 of the X-ray tube 11. The tube position signal indicating the rotation angle output from the angle sensor is input to the determination circuit 77 via the system control circuit 71. The user adjusts the direction of the X-ray tube 11 by rotating the X-ray tube 11 around the rotation axis R1.

  Although the X-ray tube holder 10 is provided on the ceiling, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray tube holder 10 may be provided on the floor so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base 53 supports the top plate 51 so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction. In addition, the base 53 supports the top plate 51 so as to be movable up and down in the Y-axis direction. In accordance with an instruction via a console (not shown) provided around the bed 50 by a user such as a medical worker, the base 53 moves the top plate 51 up and down in the Y-axis direction or slides in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the user adjusts the position of the top board 51. The position of the top plate 51 is detected by, for example, a rotary encoder attached to a motor built in the base 53. A pulse signal from the rotary encoder is input to the determination circuit 77 via the system control circuit 71.

  The wireless FPD 100 can be placed at any position on the top 51 in accordance with the position of the imaging region of the patient. The wireless FPD 100 is provided with a position sensor for detecting the position of the wireless FPD 100 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction as the detector sensor 103. A detector position signal indicating a position in the X-axis direction and Z-axis direction of the wireless FPD 100 output from the position sensor is input to the determination circuit 77 via the system control circuit 71. Further, the wireless FPD 100 is provided with an acceleration sensor or the like for detecting the orientation of the wireless FPD 100 as the detector sensor 103. The orientation of the wireless FPD 100 is defined by, for example, the angle of the normal line of the detection surface 101 with respect to the detection surface 101 of the wireless FPD 100. A detector position signal indicating the direction of the wireless FPD 100 output from the acceleration sensor is input to the determination circuit 77 via the system control circuit 71.

  Next, the pairing process by the communication establishment circuit 73 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in order to perform X-ray imaging, the wireless FPD 100 is brought into the imaging room by a user such as a medical worker. The wireless FPD 100 is provided with a communication indicator 105 (not shown in FIG. 4), and the communication indicator 105 has a button (hereinafter referred to as a detector button) B1. The X-ray tube holder 10 or the X-ray tube 11 is provided with a communication indicator 15 (not shown in FIG. 4), and the communication indicator 15 has a button (hereinafter referred to as a tube button) B2. . A user such as a medical worker presses the detector button B1 and the tube button B2 for pairing. The tube pairing signal is supplied to the communication establishment circuit 73 when the tube button B2 is pressed, and the detector pairing signal is supplied to the communication establishment circuit 73 when the detector button B1 is pressed. In response to the supply of the tube pairing signal and the detector pairing signal, the communication establishment circuit 73 pairs the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit 75. Specifically, the communication establishment circuit 73 waits for reception of the other pairing signal for a predetermined reception period after receiving one of the tube pairing signal and the detector pairing signal. When the communication establishment circuit 73 receives the other pairing signal within the reception period, the communication establishment circuit 73 pairs the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit 75. That is, the user does not need to press the tube button B2 and the detector button B1 at the same time, and may press the tube button B2 and the detector button B1 at different times within the reception period.

  When pairing is performed, the communication establishment circuit 73 supplies a completion signal to the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105. When receiving the completion signal, each of the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105 notifies that the pairing is completed. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the communication indicator 15 turns on a light source such as an LED (light emission diode) provided in the X-ray tube holder 10 or the X-ray tube 11. The light source may be provided on the tube button B2. Similarly, the communication indicator 105 turns on a light source such as an LED provided on the detector button B1 of the wireless FPD 100 as shown in FIG. By turning on the light source in this way, the user can know the completion of pairing. The light source of the tube button B2 and the light source of the detector button B1 are preferably lit in the same color such as predetermined green. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the pairing state at a glance.

  Next, the pairing cancellation processing by the communication establishment circuit 73 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a user such as a medical worker presses at least one of the tube button B2 and the detector button B1 to cancel pairing. The tube release signal is supplied to the communication establishment circuit 73 when the tube button B2 is pressed during pairing, and the detector release signal is supplied to the communication establishment circuit 73 when the detector button B1 is pressed. Upon receiving at least one of the tube release signal and the detector release signal, the communication establishment circuit 73 releases the pairing between the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit 75. Note that the communication establishment circuit 73 may cancel the pairing only when both the tube release signal and the detector release signal are received.

  When the pairing is canceled, the communication establishment circuit 73 supplies a completion signal to the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105. When receiving the completion signal, each of the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105 notifies that the pairing cancellation is completed. The light source of the tube button B2 and the light source of the detector button B1 are preferably lit in the same color, such as a predetermined red color, which is different from that used during pairing. Thereby, the user can visually recognize the cancellation of the pairing at a glance. As another notification mode for canceling the pairing, the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105 may turn off the light source of the tube button B2 and the light source of the detector button B1 that are turned on.

  In order to prevent erroneous operation of the tube button B2 and the detector button B1, each of the tube button B2 and the detector button B1 is not operated by a single press, but is pressed twice or by a long press. You may make it operate with. A fingerprint sensor may be provided in each of the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105. In this case, each of the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105 records a plurality of fingerprint patterns related to a plurality of medical workers in advance, and converts the fingerprint patterns detected by the fingerprint sensor into a plurality of pre-recorded fingerprint patterns. Match. When the detected fingerprint pattern matches any of a plurality of pre-recorded fingerprint patterns, each of the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105 receives an operation of a medical worker having the fingerprint. Thereby, each operation of the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105 can be limited to a specific medical worker.

  In addition, the pairing operation and the pairing release operation are performed by pressing the detector button B1 and the tube button B2. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a keyboard or an input panel is provided in the X-ray tube holder 10 (or the X-ray tube 11) or the wireless FPD 100, and an identification number or the like of the X-ray diagnosis system 1 or the wireless FPD 100 is input by operating the keyboard or the input panel. It may be done by.

  As described above, the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105 for pairing and pairing release are provided in the X-ray tube holder 10 (or the X-ray tube 11) and the wireless FPD 100, so that the user Can perform the pairing operation and the release operation while in the shooting room. Accordingly, it is not necessary to move to the control room for pairing and pairing cancellation, so that pairing and pairing cancellation can be performed more easily than in the past.

  Next, an operation example of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a typical flow of an X-ray examination performed under the control of the system control circuit 71 of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, first, the system control circuit 71 waits for the start of the X-ray examination (step S1). In step S1, the system control circuit 71 waits for an X-ray examination start instruction from the user via the input circuit 81, for example. The instruction to start the X-ray inspection is performed, for example, by pressing a mechanical inspection start button provided on the console 70 or the like or a software inspection start button displayed on the display circuit 83.

  When an instruction to start X-ray examination is input (step S1: YES), the system control circuit 71 causes the communication establishment circuit 73 to perform pairing processing (step S2). In step S2, the communication establishment circuit 73 waits for a pairing instruction to be given. As described above, the user instructs communication establishment by pressing the tube button B2 and the detector button B1 in the photographing room. In response to pressing of the tube button B2, the communication indicator 15 supplies a tube pairing signal, and in response to pressing of the detector button B1, the communication indicator 105 supplies a detector pairing signal to the communication establishment circuit 73.

  The system control circuit 71 supplies a stop signal to stop the X-ray exposure to the X-ray control circuit 31 when an X-ray examination start instruction is input (step S1: YES). The X-ray control circuit 31 that has received the stop signal shifts to the stop mode. In the stop mode, the X-ray control circuit 31 does not operate the high voltage generator 33 and performs X-ray exposure even when an imaging signal for instructing X-ray imaging is supplied via the input circuit 81 or the like. Not performed.

  When a pairing instruction is given (step S2: YES), the communication establishment circuit 73 performs a pairing process (step S3). In step S <b> 3, the communication establishment circuit 73 receives the supply of the tube pairing signal from the communication indicator 15 and the detector pairing signal from the communication indicator 105 as described above, and the communication establishment circuit 73 performs communication between the communication circuit 75 and the wireless FPD 100. Establish communication (pairing). Since the pairing process is as described above, a description thereof is omitted here.

  When pairing is performed, the user arranges the wireless FPD 100 and the X-ray tube 11 so that the wireless FPD 100 and the X-ray tube 11 face each other in order to perform X-ray imaging.

  When step S3 is performed, the system control circuit 71 causes the determination circuit 77 to perform collection processing (step S4). In step S4, the determination circuit 77 collects the tube position signal from the tube sensor 13 and the detector position signal from the detector sensor 103 in real time. The tube position signal and the detector position signal may be collected by the determination circuit 77 immediately after the start of step S1.

  When step S4 is performed, the determination circuit 77 performs a determination process (step S5). In step S5, the determination circuit 77 determines whether or not the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other based on the tube position signal and the detector position signal.

  Here, the determination process in step S5 will be described with reference to FIG. 7, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement in which the X-ray tube 11 is not directly facing the wireless FPD 100. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 7 and showing an example of an arrangement in which the X-ray tube 11 faces the wireless FPD 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless FPD 100 is arranged with the detection surface 101 facing the X-ray tube 11, but when the exit port 17 of the X-ray tube 11 does not face the detection surface 101, the X-ray tube 11. Is not directly facing the wireless FPD 100. In this case, the wireless FPD 100 cannot detect X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 11. Therefore, when it is determined that the X-ray tube 11 does not face the wireless FPD 100, X-ray exposure should not be permitted. As shown in FIG. 8, when the wireless FPD 100 is arranged with the detection surface 101 facing the X-ray tube 11, and the emission port 17 of the X-ray tube 11 faces the detection surface 101, the X-ray tube 11 is wireless. It can be said that it is facing the FPD 100. In this case, the wireless FPD 100 can detect X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 11. Therefore, when it is determined that the X-ray tube 11 is facing the wireless FPD 100, X-ray exposure may be permitted.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement in which the wireless FPD 100 is not directly facing the X-ray tube 11. FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9 and showing an example of an arrangement in which the wireless FPD 100 faces the X-ray tube 11. As shown in FIG. 9, when the exit port 17 of the X-ray tube 11 faces the patient P, but the detection surface 101 of the wireless FPD 100 does not face the exit port 17, the wireless FPD 100 moves toward the X-ray tube 11. It can be said that they are not facing each other. In this case, the wireless FPD 100 cannot detect X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 11. Therefore, when it is determined that the wireless FPD 100 does not face the X-ray tube 11, X-ray exposure should not be permitted. As shown in FIG. 10, when the exit port 17 of the X-ray tube 11 faces the patient P and the detection surface 101 of the wireless FPD 100 faces the exit port 17, the wireless FPD 100 faces the X-ray tube 11. It can be said that. In this case, the wireless FPD 100 can detect X-rays generated from the X-ray tube 11. Therefore, when it is determined that the wireless FPD 100 is directly facing the X-ray tube 11, X-ray exposure may be permitted.

  Specifically, in step S <b> 5, the determination circuit 77 determines whether the spatial position and direction in the horizontal direction (Z-axis direction and X-axis direction) between the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 match. In the determination of the coincidence of the spatial position in the horizontal direction, the determination circuit 77 compares, for example, the position of the X-ray tube 11 with respect to the Z axis and the position of the wireless FPD 100 with respect to the Z axis, It is determined whether or not the position of the wireless FPD 100 with respect to the Z axis substantially matches. Similarly, the determination circuit 77 compares the position of the X-ray tube 11 with respect to the X-axis and the position of the wireless FPD 100 with respect to the X-axis in the determination of the coincidence of the spatial positions in the horizontal direction, It may be determined whether or not the position of the wireless FPD 100 with respect to the X axis substantially matches. In determining the coincidence of the directions, the determination circuit 77 compares the direction of the X-ray tube 11 and the direction of the wireless FPD 100 to determine whether or not the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 face each other. For example, it is determined whether or not the rotation angle of the X-ray tube 11 about the rotation axis R1 substantially matches a rotation angle corresponding to a preset imaging angle, and the inclination angle of the wireless FPD 100 is an inclination corresponding to the imaging angle. It is determined whether or not the angle substantially matches. When the rotation angle of the X-ray tube 11 about the rotation axis R1 does not substantially match the rotation angle corresponding to the imaging angle, or when the inclination angle of the wireless FPD 100 does not substantially match the inclination angle corresponding to the imaging angle, the determination circuit 77. Determines that the exit port 17 of the X-ray tube 11 and the detection surface 101 of the wireless FPD 100 do not face each other. When the rotation angle of the X-ray tube 11 about the rotation axis R1 substantially matches the rotation angle corresponding to the imaging angle and the inclination angle of the wireless FPD 100 substantially matches the inclination angle corresponding to the imaging angle, the determination circuit 77 Then, it is determined that the emission port 17 of the X-ray tube 11 and the detection surface 101 of the wireless FPD 100 face each other.

  Based on the determination result of the spatial position in the horizontal direction and the determination result of the orientation, the determination circuit 77 determines whether or not the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other. Specifically, when the determination circuit 77 determines that the spatial positions of the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 in the horizontal direction are substantially the same and the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 face each other, It is determined that the tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other. In this case, a permission signal is supplied to the X-ray control circuit 31 by the system control circuit 71 as described later, and X-ray exposure is permitted. In other cases, that is, when it is determined that the spatial positions of the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 in the horizontal direction do not substantially match, or when it is determined that the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are not facing each other, the determination circuit 77. Determines that the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 do not face each other. In this case, a stop signal is supplied to the X-ray control circuit 31 by the system control circuit 71 as described later, and X-ray exposure is limited.

  When it is determined in step S5 that the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are not facing each other (step S5: NO), the determination circuit 77 returns to step S4 and determines the position signal of the X-ray tube 11 and the position signal of the wireless FPD 100. Are collected (step S4), and it is determined whether or not the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other (step S5).

  If it is determined in step S5 that the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other (step S5: YES), the system control circuit 71 permits X-ray exposure (step S6). In step S <b> 6, the system control circuit 71 supplies a permission signal for permitting X-ray exposure to the X-ray control circuit 31. Then, the system control circuit 71 waits for an X-ray imaging instruction from the user via the input circuit 81.

  When the user gives an instruction for radiography via the input circuit 81, the system control circuit 71 supplies an imaging signal to the X-ray control circuit 31. When the imaging signal is supplied, the X-ray control circuit 31 performs X-ray imaging (step S7). In step S <b> 7, the X-ray control circuit 31 controls the high voltage generator 33 according to a preset X-ray condition and emits X-rays from the X-ray tube 11. X-rays exposed from the X-ray tube 11 pass through the patient and are detected by the wireless FPD 100. The wireless FPD 100 generates X-ray image data corresponding to the detected X-ray.

  When step S7 is performed, the system control circuit 71 waits for an instruction to end the X-ray examination (step S8). In step S8, the system control circuit 71 waits for an X-ray examination end instruction from the user via the input circuit 81, for example. The instruction to end the X-ray inspection is performed by pressing a mechanical inspection end button provided on the console 70 or the like or a software inspection end button displayed on the display circuit 83, for example. When the inspection end instruction is not given (step S8: NO), steps S4, S5, S6, S7 and S8 are repeated.

  Then, the system control circuit 71 ends the X-ray inspection after waiting for an instruction to end the X-ray inspection (step S8: YES).

  This is the end of the description of the operation example of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  The flow of the above X-ray inspection is a typical example, and the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the order of the pairing (steps S2 and S3) and the determination of confrontation (steps S4 and S5) may be switched.

  In the above embodiment, the wireless FPD 100 is placed on the top plate 51. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, when a bucky mechanism is provided between the top plate 51 and the base 53 of the bed 50, the wireless FPD 100 may be disposed in the bucky mechanism. The bucky mechanism is a mechanical device that supports the container so as to be slidable in the Z-axis direction, and the wireless FPD 100 is disposed in the container. In this case, the detector sensor 103 is preferably provided at an arbitrary location of the bucky mechanism.

  In the present embodiment, when X-ray imaging is performed on a plurality of imaging regions having different imaging ranges, a plurality of wireless FPDs 100 having different detection ranges are used. Hereinafter, switching of the wireless FPD 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the switching process of the wireless FPD 100 according to the present embodiment in time series. A solid timeline depicted in FIG. 11 indicates a paired state, and a broken timeline indicates a non-paired state. As shown in FIG. 11, it is assumed that X-ray imaging has been performed using a first wireless FPD (hereinafter referred to as a first FPD). When switching to another second wireless FPD (hereinafter referred to as the second FPD), the user releases the pairing between the first FPD and the X-ray diagnostic system 1 by operating the tube button or the detector button of the first FPD. To do. In this case, since the pairing between the X-ray diagnostic system 1 and the first FPD is released, X-ray exposure is not permitted as described above, and misfiring to the first FPD can be avoided. The user operates the detector button and the tube button of the second FPD to be used next to pair the second FPD and the X-ray diagnostic system 1 and arranges the second FPD so as to face the X-ray tube 11. . Thereby, as described above, X-ray exposure is permitted, and X-ray imaging using the second FPD becomes possible.

  However, there is a possibility that the user forgets to release the button of the first FPD or feels bothered by the releasing operation.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the application of the switching process of the wireless FPD 100 according to the present embodiment in time series. As shown in FIG. 12, it is assumed that X-ray imaging has been performed using the first FPD. When performing X-ray imaging using the second FPD, the pairing operation of the second FPD is performed without performing the releasing operation of the first FPD. In this case, the communication establishment circuit 73 automatically cancels communication establishment between the first FPD and the X-ray diagnosis system 1 when the pairing signal from the communication indicator 105 of the second FPD is supplied. 2FPD and X-ray diagnostic system 1 are paired. As described above, the pairing operation in the second FPD also serves as the pairing cancellation operation of the first FPD, thereby reducing the process of the pairing cancellation operation of the first FPD. Therefore, the efficiency of switching work of the wireless FPD 100 is improved and the reliability is also improved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the single X-ray diagnostic system 1 is mentioned, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. That is, a single wireless FPD 100 can be used by switching between a plurality of X-ray diagnostic systems 1.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the switching process of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 in time series. A solid timeline depicted in FIG. 13 indicates a paired state, and a broken timeline indicates a non-paired state. As shown in FIG. 13, communication with the wireless FPD 100 is first established in a first X-ray diagnostic system (hereinafter referred to as system A). As described above, the pairing operation is performed by a manual operation using the tube button and the detector button of the system A by the user. When the X-ray imaging in the system A is completed, the pairing between the system A and the wireless FPD 100 is released. As described above, the pairing release operation is performed by a manual operation on the tube button or the detector button of the system A by the user. Then, the user moves to an imaging room in which a second X-ray diagnostic system (hereinafter referred to as “system B”) is installed, and the system B and the wireless FPD 100 are paired. As described above, the pairing operation is performed by a manual operation on the tube button and the detector button of the system B by the user.

  However, there is a possibility that the user forgets the pairing cancellation operation or feels troublesome in the pairing cancellation operation.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the application of the switching process of the X-ray diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment in time series. As shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that X-ray imaging has been performed using the wireless FPD 100 in the system A. When performing X-ray imaging in the system B, the wireless FPD 100 moves to the system B without performing the pairing cancellation operation of the wireless FPD 100, and performs the pairing operation of the wireless FPD 100. In this case, the communication establishment circuit 73 is triggered by the supply of the detector pairing signal from the communication indicator 105 of the wireless FPD 100 and the tube pairing signal from the communication indicator 15 of the system B. And the pairing of the system A are automatically canceled and the wireless FPD 100 and the system B are paired. As described above, since the pairing operation in the wireless FPD 100 also serves as the pairing cancellation operation of the system A, the process of the pairing cancellation operation of the wireless FPD 100 can be reduced.

  It should be noted that the timing of the pairing release processing was not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment. However, depending on the state of the X-ray diagnostic system, there are situations where it is better to limit the pairing cancellation processing. For example, when the pairing of the wireless FPD 100 is released even though the patient is placed on the top board 51, the risk of unnecessary exposure to the patient increases. In order to reduce the risk of unnecessary exposure, the communication establishment circuit 73 according to the present embodiment may accept the pairing release operation limited to outside the X-ray examination period. The X-ray inspection period is set to a period from when the X-ray inspection start instruction is given in step S1 of FIG. 10 until the X-ray inspection end instruction is made in step S8.

  15 and 16 are diagrams showing an outline of the pairing cancellation restriction process. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a scene where the pairing cancellation operation is performed within the X-ray examination period, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a scene where the pairing cancellation operation is performed outside the X-ray examination period. As shown in FIG. 15, when a pairing cancellation operation is performed via the communication indicator 15 or the communication indicator 105 within the X-ray examination period, that is, a tube release signal or a detector release signal is supplied. In this case, the communication establishment circuit 73 does not execute the pairing cancellation process. In this case, the communication indicator 15 and the communication indicator 105 notify the user that pairing cannot be canceled by emitting music or a warning sound or blinking the light source through the speaker. This can inform the user that pairing cannot be canceled. As shown in FIG. 16, when the pairing cancellation operation is performed via the communication indicator 15 or the communication indicator 105 outside the X-ray examination period, that is, a tube release signal or a detector release signal is supplied. In this case, the communication establishment circuit 73 cancels the pairing between the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit 75. Accordingly, the wireless FPD 100 can be exchanged with another wireless FPD 100. In this way, by enabling pairing cancellation only during the X-ray inspection period, it is possible to prevent erroneous X-ray imaging.

  In the embodiment described above, the X-ray diagnosis system 1 is assumed to be a supine imaging type for X-ray imaging of a patient placed on the bed 50. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the X-ray diagnosis system 1 can be applied to a standing imaging type for X-ray imaging of a standing patient. In the above embodiment, the X-ray diagnosis system is an indoor installation type in which the X-ray tube holder 10 and the bed 50 are installed in the radiographing room. It may be portable and portable.

  As described above, the X-ray diagnosis system 1 according to the present embodiment includes at least the X-ray tube 11, the communication circuit 75, the communication establishment circuit 73, the determination circuit 77, and the system control circuit 71. The X-ray tube 11 generates X-rays. The communication circuit 75 communicates with the portable FPD 100 capable of wireless communication. The communication establishment circuit 73 establishes communication between the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit 75. The determination circuit 77 determines whether or not the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other. The system control circuit 71 permits the X-ray exposure from the X-ray tube 11 when it is determined that the wireless FPD 100 and the communication circuit 75 are paired and the X-ray tube 11 and the wireless FPD 100 are facing each other. To do.

  With the above configuration, unnecessary X-ray exposure in a state where preparation for X-ray imaging is not complete can be avoided. That is, X-ray exposure when the wireless FPD 100 and the X-ray diagnosis system 1 are not paired and X-ray exposure when the wireless FPD 100 and the X-ray tube 11 are not facing each other are avoided. be able to. With the above configuration, in the X-ray diagnostic system 1 that can share a plurality of wireless FPDs 100, a pairing error between the wireless FPD 100 and the X-ray diagnostic system 1 can be avoided. Thereby, high efficiency of the X-ray inspection is achieved.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an X-ray diagnostic system that can prevent unnecessary X-ray exposure and improve the efficiency of X-ray inspection.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... X-ray diagnostic system, 10 ... X-ray tube holder, 11 ... X-ray tube, 13 ... Tube sensor, 15 ... Communication indicator, 17 ... Outlet, 30 ... High voltage generator, 31 ... X-ray control Circuit 33, high voltage generator 50, bed 51, top plate 53 base 53, console 71, system control circuit 73 communication establishment circuit 75 communication circuit 77 determination circuit 79 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS ... Image processing circuit 81 ... Input circuit 83 ... Display circuit 85 ... Main memory circuit 100 ... Wireless 101 ... Detection surface 103 ... Detector sensor 105 ... Communication indicator

Claims (8)

An X-ray tube that generates X-rays;
A communication unit for communicating with a portable wirelessly communicable X-ray detector;
A communication establishment unit for establishing communication between the X-ray detector and the communication unit;
A determination unit for determining whether or not the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are facing each other;
When communication between the X-ray detector and the communication unit is established and it is determined that the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are facing each other, exposure of the X-ray from the X-ray tube is performed. A control unit that permits shooting,
An X-ray diagnostic system comprising:   The determination unit determines whether the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector are facing each other based on at least one of the position and orientation of the X-ray tube and at least one of the position and orientation of the X-ray detector. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein:   The communication establishment unit includes a first communication establishment signal from a first indicator provided in the X-ray tube, and a second communication establishment signal from a second indicator provided in the X-ray detector. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein communication between the X-ray detector and the communication unit is established when the supply is received.   The communication establishment unit includes a first release signal from the first indicator provided in the X-ray tube, and a second release signal from the second indicator provided in the X-ray detector. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein the establishment of communication between the X-ray detector and the communication unit is canceled when any one of the supplies is received.   The communication establishment unit receives the first release signal from the first indicator or the second release signal from the second indicator during the X-ray examination, or the first indication When receiving one of the first release signal from the detector and the second release signal from the second indicator, communication between the X-ray detector and the communication unit is performed. The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 4, wherein the establishment is not canceled.   The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 3, wherein the first indicator and the second indicator have mechanical switches that can be pressed by a user.   The first indicator and the second indicator supply the first communication establishment signal and the second communication establishment signal, respectively, when a specific operation preset in the switch is performed, The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 6.   When the communication establishment unit newly establishes communication with the second X-ray detector in a state where communication is established with the first X-ray detector, the first X-ray detector The X-ray diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the establishment of communication with the detector is canceled.