JP2018094307A - Radiographic apparatus and method for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable confirmation of correct identification information even in any timing after radiation exposure.SOLUTION: A radiographic apparatus detects radiation exposure, films a radiation image by imaging intensity distribution of radiation penetrating a subject in accordance with detection of radiation exposure, updates identification information on the radiation image in accordance with the detection of radiation exposure, and notifies the identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus that acquires an intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through a subject as an image and a control method thereof.

  A radiation imaging apparatus that generates a radiation image by digitizing an intensity distribution of radiation irradiated from a radiation generation apparatus and transmitted through a subject, and a radiation imaging system using the apparatus have been commercialized. Such a radiation imaging apparatus operates in a console connection mode in which a console is connected and in a stand-alone mode in which the console is disconnected.

  In the console connection mode, the radiation imaging apparatus performs radiation imaging by performing synchronous communication with the radiation generation apparatus under control from the console, and transfers the acquired radiation image to the console for image processing and storage. The console operates on a personal computer and is realized by an application that provides functions such as a user interface, image processing, and image display. The console performs image processing on the radiation image transferred from the radiation imaging apparatus and displays it on a display device such as a display.

  In the stand-alone mode, the radiation imaging apparatus and the console are not connected at the time of imaging, and the radiation imaging apparatus performs imaging alone and holds the obtained radiation image in a nonvolatile memory in the radiation imaging apparatus. By connecting the radiation imaging apparatus to the console at an arbitrary timing after imaging, the radiation image held in the memory is transferred to the console. In the stand-alone mode, there is a demerit that the user cannot immediately check the image, but there is an advantage that it is possible to operate easily without having to carry a console like a personal computer. Such a form of radiography is similar to that of radiography using a film cassette. However, while film cassettes need to carry as many cassettes as the number of shots, radiation imaging devices can hold multiple images in the internal memory, so the user can carry multiple images just by carrying one radiation imaging device. Radiographic images can be taken. When imaging is performed in the stand-alone mode, it is necessary to associate the imaging order with the radiographic image when the radiographic image held in the memory is taken into the console or the like.

  Patent Document 1 describes a radiation detection cassette that uses a counter value that is counted up for each imaging as information for associating imaging information with an image. The radiation cassette adds the counter value to the radiation image as identification information and stores it in the image memory, and transmits the counter value to the connected display device for display. At the time of imaging, the user records the counter value displayed on the display device in association with the imaging conditions, subject information, etc., so that the imaging order and the radiation image stored in the image memory are linked. Can be attached.

JP 2000-217807 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, there is no description about the temporal relationship between radiation imaging and counting up of the counter value. Problems occur when the timing of radiography and counter value update is inappropriate. For example, when counting up the counter value before shooting, the user records the counter value before shooting. When imaging is performed due to erroneous detection of radiation irradiation and the user does not notice this, a necessary radiographic image is associated with a counter value that is further counted up than the counter value recorded by the user. In addition, when counting up at the timing when the radiation image is stored in the nonvolatile memory, the user records the counter value after the imaging is completed. In this case, depending on the time taken from the completion of radiation irradiation to the completion of storage of the radiation image in the memory, the user may see and record the counter value before counting up. In the above case, an unintended counter value is given to the radiation image.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to enable correct identification information to be confirmed at any timing after radiation irradiation.

In order to achieve the above object, a radiation imaging apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has the following arrangement. That is,
Detection means for detecting radiation exposure;
In accordance with detection of radiation irradiation by the detection means, imaging means for capturing a radiation image by imaging the intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through the subject;
Updating means for updating identification information relating to a radiation image in response to detection of irradiation of the radiation by the detection means;
Informing means for informing the identification information.

  According to the present invention, the user can confirm correct identification information at any timing after radiation irradiation.

The figure which shows the structural example of the radiography system by embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the radiography system by embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structural example of the radiography apparatus by embodiment. The figure which shows the operation | movement timing of each part of the radiography apparatus by embodiment. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of imaging | photography of a radiography apparatus. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement at the time of the radiographic image transfer of a radiography apparatus. The block diagram explaining a radiation sensor part and an irradiation detection part.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, radiation may be any of alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays, X-rays, and the like.

  1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating a configuration example of a radiation imaging system according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a configuration example when the radiation imaging apparatus 101 operates in a stand-alone mode in which radiation imaging is performed without communication connection with an external apparatus. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example in the case where a radiation image taken by the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is transmitted to the console 201 in the stand-alone mode.

  In FIG. 1, when radiography is performed in the stand-alone mode, a radiographic apparatus 101 in a state where radiographing is possible is arranged at a location where radiographing is performed, and the subject is placed between the radiographic apparatus 101 and the radiation tube 102. 103 is arranged. When the irradiation instruction including the imaging condition is transmitted from the control device 104 to the radiation generation apparatus 105, the radiation generation apparatus 105 irradiates the radiation according to the imaging condition instructed from the radiation tube 102. When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 detects radiation irradiation, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 starts radiography and acquires a radiation image of the subject 103. When performing imaging continuously, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is made ready for imaging again, and acquisition of the next radiation image is continued in the same procedure as described above. When radiation imaging is performed in rounds, the radiation tube 102, the radiation generation device 105, and the control device 104 may be configured by a single round-the-wheel, in which case the radiographer 101 At the same time, the round-trip car is moved to the shooting location.

  FIG. 2 shows a configuration when the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the console 201 are communicably connected after performing radiation imaging, and a radiation image is transferred from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to the console 201. After imaging, the user connects the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to the console 201 so as to be communicable. Connection is performed using a wired / wireless LAN or a dedicated interface. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 transfers the captured radiographic image to the console 201 by a user operation on the console 201. The console 201 can display the radiographic image transferred to a display device (not shown). In addition, when the radiation imaging apparatus 101 operates with a battery, a charging device 202 for charging the battery is installed. The charging device 202 may be configured to charge a battery removed from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 or may be connected to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to charge the battery. Further, the charging device 202 is communicably connected to the console 201, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is communicably connected to the charging apparatus 202, so that the radiation imaging apparatus 101 can communicate with the console 201 via the charging apparatus 202. The form which becomes may be sufficient.

  FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 in the present embodiment. In this configuration, radiography without the console 201, that is, radiography in the stand-alone mode can be performed.

  The radiation imaging apparatus 101 includes a battery 301 as a power supply source. The battery 301 may be built in the radiation imaging apparatus 101 or may be configured to be detachable. The power supply unit 302 receives supply of power from the battery 301, generates necessary power, and supplies it to each unit in the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The operation unit 303 is realized by a mechanical switch or the like, and accepts user operations such as a user operation for changing a power supply state of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and switching an imaging mode, and a preparation start of an imaging operation. The photographing mode includes a console connection mode in which communication is established with the console 201 that is an external device, and a stand-alone mode that does not communicate with the console 201 that is an external device. The operation unit 303 may be configured by a single switch that can perform a plurality of operations, or may be configured by a plurality of switches to which individual operations are assigned. For operations such as a change in power supply state or a change in shooting mode that would reduce erroneous operations as much as possible for safety, a long press of a switch or simultaneous pressing of a plurality of switches may be assigned.

  The radiation sensor unit 304, the radiation sensor drive unit 305, and the radiation image generation unit 307 image the intensity distribution of radiation that has passed through the subject (the subject 103) in response to detection of radiation irradiation by the irradiation detection unit 306. This is a configuration for taking a radiation image. The radiation sensor unit 304 has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix. Each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element and a thin film transistor (TFT). The radiation sensor unit 304 outputs the accumulated charge of each pixel to the radiation image generation unit 307 by the scanning of the radiation sensor driving unit 305. The radiation image generation unit 307 generates a radiation image by converting the charge amount read from each pixel of the radiation sensor unit 304 into digital image data. The irradiation detection unit 306 detects the start of radiation irradiation in order to detect the start timing of imaging, and outputs a detection signal (hereinafter referred to as a radiation detection signal). For example, the irradiation detection unit 306 has a function of detecting a current (for example, a bias current) flowing in the radiation sensor unit 304, and detects a start of radiation irradiation by detecting a change in current that occurs when radiation is irradiated. To do. Details of the radiation detection will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The first memory 308 is a memory that temporarily stores the radiographic image generated by the radiographic image generation unit 307, and includes a volatile memory such as a DRAM that has a high access speed. However, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory may be used as the first memory 308 if there is a sufficient access speed. The correction processing unit 309 reads out the radiation image held in the first memory 308 and performs correction processing. In the correction processing unit 309, for example, processing for removing a dark current component included in a radiation image, processing for correcting variation in gain for each pixel, and the like are performed. As the dark current image used for removing the dark current component, a photographed image acquired without radiation irradiation at a predetermined timing prior to photographing may be used, or there is no radiation irradiation for each radiation photographing. The captured image acquired in step 1 may be used.

  Next, the identification information regarding the radiation image is updated according to the detection of radiation irradiation by the irradiation detection unit 306, and the radiographic image captured according to the detection is associated with the updated identification information and held. The configuration will be described. The second memory 310 stores the radiographic image corrected by the correction processing unit 309. When radiation imaging is performed in the stand-alone mode, the operation of turning off the power of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be considered while moving to the next imaging location or until the imaging is terminated and communication connection is established with the console 201. It is done. Even in that case, since the second memory 310 needs to hold the radiation image, the second memory 310 needs to be a nonvolatile memory. The count unit 311 acquires the number of radiation images held in the second memory 310 at the start of the stand-alone mode, generates a count value, receives the radiation detection signal from the irradiation detection unit 306, and calculates the count value. Update. The second memory 310 associates and stores the count value updated according to the radiation detection signal and the radiation image obtained by the radiation imaging started by the radiation detection signal. In this way, the second memory 310 and the count unit 311 provide a configuration in which identification information related to the captured radiographic image is associated with the image and held in the memory. The count value updated by the count unit 311 is an example of identification information. The count unit 311 is an example of a configuration that updates a count value that is identification information in response to detection of radiation irradiation by the irradiation detection unit 306.

  The first notification unit 312 notifies the user of the state of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The first notification unit 312 can notify, for example, a power supply state, an internal state related to photographing, a communication state, a remaining battery level, and the like. The first notification unit 312 may be a display device such as an LED, or may be a notification device such as a buzzer or a speaker. The 2nd alerting | reporting part 313 alert | reports the identification information mentioned above, and notifies a user of the count value which the count part 311 hold | maintains in this embodiment. The second notification unit 313 may notify the user with a notification sound such as a voice, or may notify the user using a display device such as a 7-segment LED or a liquid crystal display. In addition, the second notification unit 313 may be used to notify the user of the current shooting mode (for example, the stand-alone mode or the console connection mode). Furthermore, the second notification unit 313 may also have a function of notifying information related to an error when an error occurs. For example, when an error occurs in the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the second notification unit 313 displays the error code, or notifies the error content or an instruction to the user.

  The communication unit 314 provides an interface for communicating with an external device such as the console 201 in a wired or wireless manner. In the case of the stand-alone mode, the captured image is stored in the second memory 310. Therefore, the communication unit 314 may be disabled (non-operation) so that communication is not performed. Even in the stand-alone mode, if the communication unit 314 is enabled and the radiation image is stored in the second memory 310 and the image can be transmitted to the console 201, the image is automatically transmitted to the console 201. You may make it transmit. The transfer control unit 315 performs control for transferring the radiation image stored in the second memory 310 to the console 201.

  Each functional unit described above may be realized by a computer (not shown) executing a program stored in a memory (not shown), or may be realized by dedicated hardware. Further, it may be realized by cooperation of software and hardware.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for further explaining the radiation sensor unit 304 and the irradiation detection unit 306. The drive circuit 701 and the bias power supply 703 are included in the radiation sensor drive unit 305, and the readout circuit 702 is included in the radiation image generation unit 307.

  The radiation sensor unit 304 includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, and each pixel includes a photoelectric conversion element and a TFT. Although FIG. 7 deals with an example in which pixels are arranged in 3 rows and 3 columns, this embodiment can be applied to an arbitrary number of pixels. The photoelectric conversion elements and TFTs included in the pixels of i rows and j columns (1 ≦ i ≦ 3, 1 ≦ j ≦ 3) are referred to as conversion elements Cij and transistors Tij, respectively, and are collectively referred to as conversion elements C and transistors T, respectively. Call it. One drive line Dri and one bias line Bsi are arranged for the pixels in the i-th row (1 ≦ i ≦ 3). The drive lines Dr1 to Dr3 and the bias lines Bs1 to Bs3 are collectively referred to as the drive line Dr and the bias line Bs, respectively. One signal line Sgj is arranged for the pixels in the j-th column (1 ≦ j ≦ 3). The signal lines Sg1 to Sg3 are collectively referred to as a signal line Sg.

  The conversion element C converts the radiation applied to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 into electric charges. The conversion element C may convert radiation directly into electric charges, or may convert light converted from radiation into electric charges by a scintillator (not shown). The first electrode (for example, cathode) of the conversion element C is connected to the first main electrode of the transistor T, and the second electrode (for example, anode) of the conversion element C is connected to the bias line Bs.

  The transistor T functions as a switch element for connecting the conversion element C and the signal line Sg. Instead of the transistor T, another switch element may be used. The first main electrode (for example, source) of the transistor T is connected to the first electrode of the conversion element C, the second main electrode (for example, drain) of the transistor T is connected to the signal line Sg, and the control electrode (for example, gate) of the transistor T ) Is connected to the drive line Dr. When the transistor T is on (conductive state), an electric signal based on the charge accumulated in the conversion element C is transferred to the signal line Sg.

  The drive circuit 701 outputs a drive signal having a conduction voltage and a non-passage voltage to the drive line Dr, and switches between the conduction state and the non-conduction state of the transistor T. When the drive circuit 701 supplies the conduction voltage to the drive line Dr, an electric signal based on the electric charge accumulated in the conversion element is transferred to the signal line Sg via the transistor T connected to the drive line Dr. The charged charge is removed. The readout circuit 702 reads out an electrical signal from the signal line Sg and digitizes it to generate radiation image data. The readout circuit 702 can include, for example, an amplification circuit for amplifying the read electrical signal, a sample hold circuit for sampling and holding the amplified signal, an A / D converter for converting the held analog signal into a digital signal, and the like. .

  The bias power supply 703 supplies a bias voltage to be applied to the bias line Bs. When a bias voltage is applied to the conversion element C, the semiconductor layer of the conversion element C is depleted, and the conversion element can convert radiation or light into electric charges. The bias lines Bs1 to Bs3 merge into one bias line BsC. The bias power supply 703 can supply a bias voltage to each of the bias lines Bs1 to Bs3 by applying a bias voltage to the bias line BsC.

  The irradiation detection unit 306 determines radiation irradiation based on a current value (hereinafter referred to as bias current value) of a current (hereinafter referred to as bias current) flowing through the bias line BsC. In other words, the irradiation detection unit 306 determines whether radiation has been applied using the fact that a current flows through the bias line BsC when the radiation sensor unit 304 is irradiated with radiation. When the irradiation detection unit 306 detects radiation irradiation, it outputs a radiation detection signal to the radiation sensor driving unit 305 and the counting unit 311. When the radiation sensor driving unit 305 receives the radiation detection signal, the radiation sensor driving unit 305 controls the driving circuit 701 to start the photographing operation by stopping the idle reading operation and starting accumulation for photographing. Further, the identification information regarding the radiation image is updated according to the radiation detection signal. In other words, the idle reading operation is stopped and the identification information (count value) regarding the radiographic image is updated. In other words, the accumulation (imaging operation) for imaging is started, and the identification information (count value) regarding the radiographic image is updated. In other words, when receiving the radiation detection signal, the count unit 311 increments the count value as identification information by one.

  A radiation imaging operation in the stand-alone mode of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing the operation timing of each part when the radiation imaging apparatus 101 executes the radiation imaging operation in the stand-alone mode. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the radiation imaging operation in the stand-alone mode of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The operation shown in FIG. 5 is executed when the imaging mode is switched to the stand-alone mode in the active radiography apparatus 101 or when the radiography apparatus 101 is activated in the stand-alone mode.

  The user first obtains necessary imaging information with the console 201, and then, for example, takes a radiological imaging device 101, a radiation generating device 105, a control device 104, a radiation tube 102, etc. Move to. The user turns on the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and operates the operation unit 303 to switch the imaging mode of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to an imaging mode without the console 201, that is, a stand-alone mode.

  When the operation in the stand-alone mode is started, first, the count unit 311 counts the number of images stored in the second memory 310, and sets this as a count value (S501). Then, the count unit 311 notifies (displays) the count value by the second notification unit 313 (S502). In this example, the second notification unit 313 is configured by a display unit using two-digit 7-segment LED, and the numerical value displayed by the 7-segment LED represents the number of images stored in the second memory 310. I will do it. In the example of FIG. 4, no image is stored in the second memory 310 as an initial state, so the count value is 0, and the second notification unit 313 displays “00”.

  When the roundabout radiation generator and the subject are ready, the user operates the operation unit 303 to instruct the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to start preparation for imaging operation (401). In response to the operation, the radiation sensor driving unit 305 drives the radiation sensor unit 304 to start a preparation operation (S503). The user appropriately arranges the radiation tube 102, the subject, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 with respect to the distance and positional relationship according to the subject and the imaging technique.

  In the radiation imaging apparatus 101, when the necessary preparation operation is completed in parallel with the installation (YES in S504), the radiation sensor driving unit 305 and the radiation sensor unit 304 are ready, that is, ready for imaging (402). In this way, the irradiation detection unit 306 enters a state in which radiation irradiation start can be detected, and waits for detection of radiation irradiation (S505). At this time, it is desirable for the first notification unit 312 to notify that the photographing is possible. Also, a sound for notifying that may be generated at the timing when the photographing is possible. In this state, the count value by the count unit 311 and the display unit of the second notification unit 313 remain “00”.

  When the user presses an unillustrated irradiation instruction button of the control device 104, the radiation generation device 105 operates and the radiation tube 102 emits radiation. When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is irradiated with radiation, the irradiation detection unit 306 detects the start of radiation irradiation (403), and outputs a radiation detection signal to the radiation sensor driving unit 305 and the counting unit 311. The count unit 311 receives the radiation detection signal from the irradiation detection unit 306 and counts up the count value (S506). Thereby, the display part of the 2nd alerting | reporting part 313 will show "01" after the timing (403) which detected the irradiation start of a radiation. The user can use this “01” as image identification information. Further, the radiation sensor driving unit 305 receives the radiation detection signal, causes the radiation sensor unit 304 to transition from the radiographable state to the accumulation state, and starts a radiographic operation (S507). The radiation sensor unit 304 that has transitioned to the accumulation state accumulates electric charges generated by radiation irradiation.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a numerical value based on the number of radiographic images held in the second memory 310 is used as identification information related to the radiographic image, and the numerical value is determined according to detection of radiation irradiation. Count up by one. In particular, according to the above operation, the number of radiographic images held in the second memory 310 is used as identification information (count value). Can be grasped immediately.

  In the radiation imaging operation, the radiation sensor driving unit 305 maintains the radiation sensor unit 304 in an accumulated state for a predetermined time, and then drives to read out the charges accumulated in the radiation sensor unit 304. The radiation image generation unit 307 converts the read charges into radiation image data, and sequentially stores the radiation image data in the first memory 308. In addition, the radiation sensor driving unit 305 sets the radiation sensor unit 304 in the accumulation state for the same time as when there is radiation irradiation, and then reads the accumulated charge again to generate offset image data, and the first memory 308. Save to. When the above series of imaging operations is completed (YES in S508), the radiation sensor driving unit 305 and the radiation sensor unit 304 start a preparation operation for the next imaging (S503), and again when the necessary preparation operation is completed. The camera is ready for shooting.

  On the other hand, in response to the end of the imaging operation (YES in S508), the correction processing unit 309 reads out the radiation image and the offset image from the first memory 308 and performs correction processing (S509). Then, the correction processing unit 309 stores the corrected radiographic image in the second memory 310 in association with the current count value held by the count unit 311 (S510). In the example of FIG. 4, the correction processing unit 309 corrects the radiation image stored in the first memory 308 with the offset image stored in the first memory 308, and counts the corrected image as the corrected image in the second memory 310. Stored in association with the count value (01) of the section 311.

  According to the operation as described above, the user confirms “00” of the second notification unit 313 before capturing a radiation image, and after irradiating the radiation, until the next image is captured. For example, “01” can be confirmed by looking at the second notification unit 313 at any timing. In the present embodiment, an example of counting up at the timing of detecting radiation irradiation is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any timing may be used as long as it is between the detection of radiation irradiation and the completion of imaging started by the irradiation of the radiation (until the storage of the image in the first memory 308 is completed). For example, a drive signal that instructs the start of accumulation, which is output from the radiation sensor drive unit 305 to the radiation sensor unit 304, may be used.

  As described above, the user can perform one or a plurality of radiation imaging for the subject. In addition, when taking radiographs of another subject, the location is moved. Further, the power of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be turned off during radiation imaging. When all the imaging is completed, the user connects the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the console 201 which is an external apparatus. As described above, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be automatically connected to the console 201 by setting the radiation imaging apparatus 101 in the charging apparatus 202 that charges the battery. If there is a radiation image (hereinafter referred to as an untransferred image) that has not yet been transmitted to the console 201 in the second memory 310 of the connected radiation imaging apparatus 101, the console 201 reads the untransferred image. . The reading of the untransferred image by the console 201 may be automatically executed in response to the connection between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the console 201, or an interface prompting the user to perform transfer is displayed, and an instruction from the user is displayed. May be received and executed.

  In the present embodiment, reading of an untransferred image by the console 201 is started when the console 201 transmits an instruction to transmit an untransferred image to the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Processing executed when the radiation imaging apparatus 101 receives an instruction to transmit a radiation image (untransferred image) from the console 201 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The transfer control unit 315 waits for a transfer instruction from the console 201 while the communication connection with the console by the communication unit 314 is established (YES in S601) (S602). Note that the transfer control unit 315 may notify the console 201 of the number of untransferred images held in the second memory 310 in response to establishment of communication. In this case, the console 201 can determine whether or not to accept a transfer instruction operation by the user according to the presence or absence of an untransferred image. Thereafter, in S603 to S607, the transfer control unit 315 transfers the radiation image held in the second memory 310 to the console 201 in response to a request (transfer instruction) from the console 201 which is an external device. Then, the transfer control unit 315 deletes the transferred radiation image from the second memory 310. Further, in the present embodiment, the transfer control unit 315 transfers the radiation images in the order from the newest one stored in the second memory 310.

  When a transfer instruction is received from the console 201 (YES in S602), the transfer control unit 315 determines whether an untransferred image is stored in the second memory 310 (S603). When an untransferred image is stored in the second memory 310 (YES in S603), the radiation imaging apparatus 101 displays the number of untransferred images on the second notification unit 313. This display is performed as follows, for example. That is, the transfer control unit 315 causes the count unit 311 to count the number of untransferred images stored in the second memory 310 (S604), and the count unit 311 sends the count value to the second notification unit 313. It is displayed (S605).

  Subsequently, the transfer control unit 315 reads an untransferred image having the maximum associated count value among the untransferred images stored in the second memory 310 and transfers the read image to the console 201 via the communication unit 314. (S606). When the transfer is completed, the transfer control unit 315 deletes the untransferred image to be transferred from the second memory (S607). Next, the transfer control unit 315 determines whether or not a forced termination of transfer is instructed from the console 201 (S608). If the console 201 instructs the forced termination of transfer (YES in S608), the process ends. On the other hand, when the forced termination of transfer is not instructed from the console 201 (NO in S608), the process returns to S603. The transfer control unit 315 again determines whether or not there is an untransferred image in the second memory 310 (S60603). If there is an untransferred image in the second memory 310, the display of the count value is updated. Then, the next untransferred image is transferred (S604 to S607).

  If there is no untransferred image in the second memory 310 (YES in S603), the radiation imaging apparatus 101 displays that the count value is zero and ends the process. In the present embodiment, since there is no untransferred image in the second memory 310, the count value of the count unit 311 becomes zero, and this is displayed by the second notification unit 313 (S609).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the identification information regarding the radiographic image is a numerical value (count value) indicating the number of radiographic images held in the second memory 310, and the counting unit 311 This value is increased by one in response to detection of irradiation. When the radiographic image is transferred to the console 201, the radiographic images are transferred in order from the new radiographic image, that is, in order from the radiographic image having the largest associated numerical value (count value). Thereby, the content (count value) displayed by the second notification unit 313 is always the number of untransferred images in the second memory 310, and is a numerical value associated with the image captured immediately before. As a result, the display of the count value of the second notification unit 313 is very easy for the user to understand. Note that the user can associate the radiographic image and the imaging information on the console 201 based on the transferred radiographic image and the numerical value added to the radiographic image.

  In the above-described embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the radiation imaging apparatus 101 transfers untransferred images in descending order of the count value in response to a request for transfer of untransferred images from the console 201. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, when the console 201 determines that there is an untransferred image in the second memory 310, a thumbnail or the like is displayed so that only a necessary image can be selected and transferred, and a radiation image to be transferred is displayed to the user. You may make it select. If there are a large number of untransferred images in the second memory 310, it may take a long time to forcibly transfer all the images. In this way, a mode for selectively transferring untransferred images is provided. Thus, the necessary radiographic image can be transferred quickly. However, in this case, if a radiographic image other than the radiographic image associated with the maximum count value is transferred, the number of radiographic images cannot be directly used as the count value. Therefore, in S501 of FIG. 5, it is necessary to use the maximum value of the count value associated with the radiation image stored in the second memory as the count value.

The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program This process can be realized. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

101: Radiation imaging device, 102: Radiation tube, 103: Subject, 104: Control device, 105: Radiation generation device, 201: Console, 202: Charging device, 301: Battery, 302: Power supply unit, 303: Operation Unit, 304: radiation sensor unit, 305: radiation sensor drive unit, 306: irradiation detection unit, 307: radiation image generation unit, 308: first memory, 309: correction processing unit, 310: second memory, 311: Count unit, 312: first notification unit, 313: second notification unit

Claims (16)

Detection means for detecting radiation exposure;
In accordance with detection of radiation irradiation by the detection means, imaging means for capturing a radiation image by imaging the intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through the subject;
Updating means for updating identification information relating to a radiation image in response to detection of irradiation of the radiation by the detection means;
A radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a notification unit configured to notify the identification information.   The update unit updates the identification information between detection of radiation irradiation by the detection unit and completion of imaging started by irradiation of the radiation. Radiography equipment. The detection means outputs a radiation detection signal for stopping the idle reading of the imaging means and starting accumulation for imaging according to the irradiation detection of the radiation,
The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update unit updates the identification information in accordance with the detection signal.   4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a holding unit that holds the radiation image captured by the imaging unit in a memory in association with the identification information updated by the update unit. 5. Radiography equipment.   The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the identification information is a numerical value based on the number of radiation images held in the memory.   6. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the updating unit counts up the numerical value by one in response to the detection unit detecting radiation irradiation.   The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a notification unit configured to notify the external apparatus of the number of radiation images held in the memory in response to establishment of communication with the external apparatus. . Further comprising transfer means for transferring the radiation image held in the memory in response to a request from an external device;
The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the radiation image transferred by the transfer unit is deleted from the memory.   The radiographic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the transfer unit transfers the radiographic images in order from the newest one stored in the memory when transferring the radiographic images to an external device. The identification information is a numerical value indicating the number of radiation images held in the memory,
The update means increases the numerical value by one in accordance with detection of radiation irradiation by the detection means,
The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the transfer unit sequentially transfers the associated radiographic images in descending order when the images are transferred to the external device.   The said holding | maintenance means, the said alerting | reporting means, and the said update means function when the imaging | photography mode is operate | moving in the stand-alone mode which is not connected with an external apparatus, The function of any one of Claim 4 thru | or 10 characterized by the above-mentioned. The radiation imaging apparatus described.   The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an operation unit that receives a user operation for switching the imaging mode between the stand-alone mode and a mode connected to an external apparatus. A communication means for communicating with an external device;
The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the communication unit is inoperative in the stand-alone mode.   The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies information related to the error when an error occurs. A method for controlling a radiation imaging apparatus, comprising:
A detection step for detecting radiation exposure;
In accordance with detection of radiation irradiation by the detection step, an imaging step of capturing a radiation image by imaging the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the subject;
An update step of updating identification information relating to a radiographic image in response to detection of irradiation of the radiation by the detection step;
And a notification step of notifying the identification information.   The program for making a computer perform each process of the control method of the radiography apparatus described in Claim 15.

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