JP5239623B2 - Radiation image generation system and radiation image detector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiation image generation system and a radiation image detector.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a means for acquiring a medical radiation image, a radiation image detector in which a solid-state imaging device called a so-called flat panel detector (FPD) is two-dimensionally arranged is known. In such a radiation image detector, the radiation energy is directly converted into charges using a photoconductive material such as a-Se (amorphous selenium) as a radiation detection element, and the charges are arranged two-dimensionally. A direct readout method that reads out electrical signals in pixel units by switching elements for signal readout, such as TFT (Thin Film Transistor), or radiation energy is converted into light by a scintillator, and this light is arranged two-dimensionally. It is known that there is an indirect type that is converted into electric charge by a photoelectric conversion element such as a photodiode and read out as an electric signal by a TFT or the like.

  In recent years, portable radiation image detectors have been developed that incorporate a battery as an internal power feeding means and are driven without a cable.

  In the case of such a radiation image detector driven by a battery, in order to prevent the battery from being consumed as much as possible, lengthen the charge cycle and enable long-term imaging, it is generally not used for imaging. It is preferable not to supply power to each function unit (so-called shooting pause mode), and to supply power to each function unit only during use to set the shooting mode and perform shooting.

  In this regard, an imaging unit (radiation image detector) for capturing a subject image and an instruction unit (console) for instructing imaging are provided, and when information necessary for imaging such as imaging region information of the subject is input, predetermined A configuration is disclosed in which the imaging unit is driven in response to the input of the above information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In addition, a system is disclosed in which a transition timing for transitioning to a photographing pause mode can be set for each photographing apparatus in accordance with the frequency of use of photographing apparatuses connected to a medical network. (For example, see Patent Document 2).
JP 2000-139889 A US Pat. No. 6,879,661

However, when an FPD is used as the radiation image detector, the characteristics of the radiation image detector vary depending on the power supply state and power supply time to the radiation detection elements and the electronic components such as TFTs constituting the pixels.
In other words, the characteristics of the radiation image detector are easily affected by temperature. When power is supplied to each function unit and the radiation image detector is set to the imaging mode, the temperature inside the radiation image detector rises and power supply to each function unit is stopped. Then, when the radiographic image detector is set to the imaging pause mode, the temperature decreases. For this reason, if the imaging mode and the imaging pause mode are repeated each time imaging is performed, the temperature inside the radiographic image detector is not stabilized, and the characteristics of the radiographic image detector change every time imaging is performed.

  In order to cancel such a change in temperature characteristics so as not to affect the diagnostic image and to obtain a high-definition image, multiple times of dark reading are performed at the time of photographing (immediately before or after photographing) It is conceivable that the average value is calculated as an offset correction value, and the offset correction is appropriately performed using the offset correction value.

  However, if dark reading for obtaining an offset correction value is performed for each photographing, power is consumed each time. For this reason, when the radiation image detector is driven by a battery, if the number of times of obtaining a correction value for performing an appropriate correction increases even if the radiography image detector is switched to the imaging pause mode at the end of imaging for power saving, There is a problem that the battery power is consumed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and minimizes the power consumption of the internal power supply means when performing radiographic imaging using a radiation image detector that can be driven by the internal power supply means. An object of the present invention is to provide a radiological image generation system and a radiological image detector that can obtain a high-definition image suitable for diagnosis while suppressing.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
A portable radiation image detector that includes internal power supply means and generates image data based on a signal from the radiation detection element; a console that causes the portable radiation image detector to acquire image data based on imaging order information; In a radiological image generation system for controlling the power supply state of a portable radiographic image detector based on imaging order information,
The imaging order information includes at least one of patient identification information, modality type information, and imaging part information, and the at least one information is the same between one imaging and the next imaging The portable radiographic image detector is characterized in that it is maintained in a power supply state in a photographing mode capable of photographing after completion of one photographing .

Another aspect of the present invention is:
In a portable radiographic image detector that includes internal power supply means, acquires imaging order information from the outside, generates image data based on a signal from the radiation detection element, and controls the power supply state based on the imaging order information.
The imaging order information includes at least one of patient identification information, modality type information, and imaging part information, and the at least one information is the same between one imaging and the next imaging Is characterized in that the power supply state of the photographing mode capable of photographing is maintained after completion of one photographing .

According to the present invention, the relationship between one shooting and the next shooting is determined based on the shooting order information. For example, when a plurality of shootings are continuously performed, the power supply state is maintained so as to maintain the shooting mode. To control.
As a result, the temperature change in the radiation image detector can be minimized and the change in characteristics can be reduced. Therefore, an appropriate correction can be performed without acquiring an offset correction value (dark reading value) for each imaging. It can be carried out. For this reason, while being able to obtain a high-definition image, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption, and it is possible to maintain a long radiographable time of the radiological image detector even when driven by the internal power feeding means. There is an effect.

  In addition, when the mode selection means is provided, the operator can select whether to switch to the shooting pause mode or to maintain the shooting mode after one shooting, so that it can be used according to the usage mode of the operator. There is an effect that a flexible response becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a radiation image generation system and a radiation image detector according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. However, embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the illustrated examples.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a main configuration of a radiation image generation system according to the present embodiment.
In this embodiment, the radiographic image generation system 1 includes an FPD cassette 2 that is a portable radiographic image detector, and a console 5 that can communicate with the FPD cassette 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the FPD cassette 2 is provided, for example, in an imaging room R1 that performs imaging of a subject (an imaging target site of a patient M) that is a part of a patient (not shown) by irradiating radiation. Reference numeral 5 is provided corresponding to the photographing room R1.

In the present embodiment, a case in which one radiographing room R1 is provided in the radiographic image generation system and three FPD cassettes 2 are arranged in the radiographing room R1 will be described as an example. The number of FPD cassettes 2 provided in each photographing room is not limited to the illustrated example.
Further, when there are a plurality of shooting rooms R1, the consoles 5 do not have to be provided corresponding to the respective shooting rooms R1, and even if one console 5 is associated with the plurality of shooting rooms R1. Good.

In the radiographing room R1, there are provided a bucky device 3 having a cassette holder 48 capable of loading and holding the FPD cassette 2, and a radiation generator 4 having a radiation source such as an X-ray tube for irradiating the subject with radiation. Yes. The cassette holding unit 48 is for loading the FPD cassette 2 at the time of photographing.
In the present embodiment, the FPD cassette 2 includes tags (not shown) in which unique information is stored as will be described later, and the FPD cassette 2 is located near the cassette holding portion 48 of the bucky device 3. A tag reader 60 for reading the attached tag is provided. The tag reader 60 transmits predetermined instruction information on radio waves or the like via a built-in antenna (not shown), reads a tag built in the FPD cassette 2, and loads the FPD cassette 2 loaded in the cassette holding unit 48. To detect.
Information read by the tag reader 60 is transmitted to the FPD cassette 2 in a wireless manner. The tag reader 60 may transmit the read information to the operation device 7 and the console 5 in addition to the FPD cassette 2.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a case where one of the bucky devices 3a for standing position photography and one of the bucky devices 3b for standing position photography are provided in the photographing room R1, but in the photographing room R1. The number of the bucky devices 3 provided in is not particularly limited. Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which one radiation generation device 4 is provided corresponding to each Buckie device 3 is illustrated, but for example, one radiation generation device 4 is provided in the imaging room R1. One radiation generator 4 may correspond to the plurality of bucky devices 3, and may be used by appropriately moving the position or changing the radiation irradiation direction.

  In addition, since the radiographing room R1 is a room that shields radiation, and radio waves for radio communication are also cut off, the radiographing room R1 includes these when the FPD cassette 2 and an external device such as the console 5 communicate with each other. A wireless access point (base station) 6 for relaying the communication is provided.

In the present embodiment, a front room R2 is provided adjacent to the photographing room R1. In the anterior chamber R2, a radiographer, doctor, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “operator”) controls the tube voltage, tube current, irradiation field stop, etc. of the radiation generator 4 that irradiates the subject with radiation. An operation device 7 for operating the device 3 is disposed.
A control signal for controlling the radiation irradiation conditions of the radiation generating device 4 is transmitted from the console 5 to the operation device 7. The radiation irradiation conditions of the radiation generating device 4 are transmitted from the console 5 to the operating device 7. It is set according to the control signal from. Examples of radiation irradiation conditions include exposure start / end timing, radiation tube current value, radiation tube voltage value, filter type, and the like.
An exposure instruction signal for instructing radiation exposure is transmitted from the operation device 7 to the radiation generating apparatus 4, and the radiation generating apparatus 4 applies predetermined radiation according to the exposure instruction signal at a predetermined timing. It comes to irradiate with.

A tag reader 61 for reading the tag of the FPD cassette 2 is provided near the entrance (not shown) of the front chamber R2. Since the configuration of the tag reader 61 is the same as that provided in the bucky device 3, the description thereof is omitted.
The tag reader 61 reads the tag built in the FPD cassette 2 and detects the FPD cassette 2 that is carried into or out of the front chamber R2, that is, the FPD cassette 2 that has entered the predetermined range of the photographing room R1 or the front chamber R2. To do. Information read by the tag reader 60 is transmitted to the FPD cassette 2 in a wireless manner. The tag reader 60 may transmit the read information to the operation device 7 and the console 5 in addition to the FPD cassette 2.
Depending on the layout of the photographing room R1 and the front room R2 (for example, when the front room R2 is common between the photographing rooms R1), the tag reader 60 can be provided near the entrance of each photographing room R1.

The FPD cassette 2 is a cassette type (portable type) radiographic image detector that obtains radiographic image data (hereinafter simply referred to as “image data”).
As described above, the FPD cassette 2 includes a tag (not shown). In this embodiment, a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag is used as the tag, and the tag includes a control circuit that controls each part of the tag and a storage unit that stores unique information of the FPD cassette 2 (both shown in the figure). (Not shown) is built in compactly. The unique information stored in the tag storage unit includes, for example, a cassette ID as identification information assigned to the FPD cassette 2, scintillator type information, size information, resolution, and the like. The type and configuration of the tag provided in the FPD cassette 2 are not particularly limited, and a tag other than RFID may be used.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the FPD cassette 2 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the FPD cassette 2 includes a housing 21 that protects the inside. FIG. 2 shows a case where the casing 21 is formed of a front member 21a and a back member 21b. However, the shape and configuration are not particularly limited. It is also possible to form a cylindrical monocoque shape.

The thickness of the FPD cassette 2 is not particularly limited, but is compatible with CR cassette, that is, JIS Z 4905 (corresponding international standard is IEC 60406) which is a standard for conventional screen / film cassettes. It is preferable that the size is in conformity (the thickness of the FPD cassette 2 in the radiation incident direction is within a range of 15 mm + 1 mm to 15 mm-2 mm). When the FPD cassette 2 is configured in this way, existing equipment such as various bucky devices 3 installed for the CR cassette can be used as it is for photographing using the FPD cassette 2, which is convenient. .
The size of the FPD cassette 2 is, for example, 8 inches × 10 inches, 10 inches × 12 inches, 11 inches × 14 inches, 14 inches × 14 inches, 14 inches × 17 inches, 17 inches × 17 inches, etc. Are available, but the size is not limited to those listed here.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, a power switch 22, a mode selection button 29, an indicator 25, a connector portion 26, and the like are arranged on the side surface portion of the FPD cassette 2.

  The power switch 22 is used to switch the power of the FPD cassette 2 ON / OFF. By operating the power switch 22, the FPD cassette 2 can be operated by a power supply means including a battery 28 (see FIG. 4) described later. A signal instructing start and stop of power supply to each functional unit is output to a cassette control unit 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) described later. When the FPD cassette 2 is not used for photographing, the consumption of the battery 28 can be suppressed by turning off the power (that is, stopping the power supply to each functional unit by the power supply means).

  The mode selection button 29 changes the power supply state for each functional unit by the power supply means from a photographing mode capable of photographing to a photographing pause mode in which photographing is paused when photographing is not performed for a predetermined period after one photographing is completed. Alternatively, it is mode selection means for selecting whether to maintain the shooting mode. For example, when the mode selection button 29 is pressed once, a mode for maintaining the shooting mode is selected, and when pressed twice at a predetermined interval, a mode for automatically changing from the shooting mode to the shooting pause mode is selected. When the mode selection button 29 is pressed, a corresponding signal is sent to the cassette control unit 30. Note that the configuration of the mode selection button 29 is not limited to that illustrated here.

Here, the imaging mode means that at least a bias power source 36 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) described later and power are supplied from the battery 28 or an external power source to the signal readout circuit 40, and the photoelectric conversion element (photodiode) 23. In contrast, this means a power supply state in which a bias voltage is applied from the bias power source 36 and a voltage is continuously applied to the signal read circuit 40 that is connected to a signal line connected to the TFT 41 and reads a signal from the TFT 41. The imaging pause mode refers to a power supply state in which application of a bias voltage to the photoelectric conversion element 23 and application of a voltage to the signal readout circuit 40 are stopped. In the shooting pause mode, power is supplied only to the communication unit 35 for receiving signals from the outside, and the power switch 22 is turned off to stop power supply to all the functional units. Like that.
Note that the modes selectable by the mode selection button 29 are not limited to this, and a plurality of modes may be selected. Further, in the photographing mode, the power supplied from the battery 28 is not limited to the bias power source 36 and the signal readout circuit 40. Further, the functional unit that stops the application of voltage in the imaging pause mode is not limited to the bias power source 36 and the signal readout circuit 40.

  The power supply state of each function unit by the power supply means is set by default to automatically transition from the shooting mode to the shooting pause mode when shooting is not performed for a predetermined period after the end of one shooting. When a mode for maintaining the shooting state is selected by the button 29, the shooting mode is maintained even after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, after the end of one shooting, if the shooting is not executed for 2 minutes, the power supply is set to default so that the mode automatically switches to the shooting pause mode. If the setting is made so as to maintain the shooting mode, power is supplied from the battery 28 to the bias power source 36 and the signal readout circuit 40 even if two minutes or more have elapsed after the end of one shooting. State is maintained.

  Even if the shooting mode is set to be maintained even after a predetermined time has elapsed by operating the mode selection button 29, the shooting is automatically performed when a certain long time has elapsed after the end of one shooting. You may set so that it may change to a dormant mode. For example, when shooting is not executed for 10 minutes after the end of one shooting, the mode selection button is set when the mode is automatically switched to the shooting pause mode regardless of the selection result by the mode selection button 29. Even if it is set to maintain the shooting mode even after a predetermined time has elapsed by the operation of 29, if shooting is not executed for 10 minutes after the end of one shooting, the mode automatically switches to the shooting pause mode. Note that when shooting is started again from the state in which the mode is automatically switched to the shooting pause mode in this way, the characteristic of the internal element may change due to continuous energization for a long time. It is preferable to perform reading and update the offset correction value.

The mode selected by the operation using the mode selection button 29 is reset every time the power switch 22 is operated. For example, even if the shooting mode is set to be maintained even after a predetermined time has elapsed by operating the mode selection button 29, when the operator operates the power switch 22 to turn off the power once, the next power is turned on. When it is turned on, it returns to the default mode setting that automatically transitions to the shooting pause mode when shooting for two minutes is not executed after the end of one shooting.
Note that, when the mode selection button 29 is operated so that the shooting mode is maintained even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the mode selection is canceled by the passage of a fixed time, the operation of the power switch 22, and the like. When returning to the default setting, the operator may be notified by blinking the indicator 25 or the like.

The indicator 25 is composed of, for example, an LED or the like, and displays the remaining amount of charge of the battery 28 and various operation statuses.
In the present embodiment, as will be described later, when the mode of the power supply state of the FPD cassette 2 is switched or when the mode once set returns to the default setting (when reset), the fact is indicated by blinking or the like. Is supposed to be left unattended.

The connector part 26 can be connected to a cable 49 connected to an external power source PW (see FIG. 4). An external power supply terminal 27 (see FIG. 4) for receiving power supplied from the external power supply PW and supplying power to each functional unit of the FPD cassette 2 is connected to the connector unit 26. When the cable 49 is connected to the power supply, power can be supplied from the external power supply PW.
The battery 28 may be charged by connecting the cable 49 to the external power supply terminal 27 via the connector unit 26.

  Further, a lid member 47 that is opened and closed for replacement of the battery 28 built in the housing 21 is provided on the side surface portion of the FPD cassette 2, and the FPD cassette 2 is disposed on the side surface portion of the lid member 47. Is embedded with an antenna device 46 for transmitting / receiving information to / from the outside via a wireless access point 6 in a wireless manner.

A scintillator layer (not shown) configured by a scintillator that converts irradiated radiation into light is formed inside the radiation incident surface X (see FIG. 2) of the housing 21. As the scintillator layer, for example, a layer formed by using a phosphor in which a luminescent center substance is activated in a mother body such as CsI: Tl, Gd ₂ O ₂ S: Tb, ZnS: Ag, or the like can be used.

A plurality of photoelectric conversion elements 23 (see FIG. 3) that convert light output from the scintillator layer into electric signals are two-dimensionally provided on the surface of the scintillator layer opposite to the surface on which radiation is incident. A sensor panel unit 24 is provided as the arranged detection means. The photoelectric conversion element 23 is, for example, a photodiode, and constitutes a radiation detection element that converts radiation transmitted through the subject into an electrical signal together with the scintillator. In addition, the structure of a radiation detection element is not limited to the structure of a photoelectric conversion element and a scintillator.
Further, in the present embodiment, a reading unit 45 (FIG. 5) is a reading unit that reads the output value of each photoelectric conversion element 23 of the sensor panel unit 24 by the cassette control unit 30, the scanning drive circuit 32, the signal reading unit 33, and the like. 3) is configured.

The configurations of the sensor panel unit 24 and the reading unit 45 will be further described with reference to the equivalent circuit diagram of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, one electrode of each photoelectric conversion element 23 of the sensor panel unit 24 is connected to a source electrode of a TFT 41 that is a signal reading switch element. In addition, a bias line Lb is connected to the other electrode of each photoelectric conversion element 23, and the bias line Lb is connected to a bias power supply 36, and a bias voltage is applied to each photoelectric conversion element 23 from the bias power supply 36. It has become so.

The gate electrode of each TFT 41 is connected to a scanning line Ll extending from the scanning drive circuit 32, and the drain electrode of each TFT 41 is connected to a signal line Lr. Each signal line Lr is connected to an amplifier circuit 37 in the signal readout circuit 40, and an output line of each amplifier circuit 37 is connected to an analog multiplexer 39 via a sample hold circuit 38. An A / D converter 42 is connected to the analog multiplexer 39, and the A / D converter 42 converts the signal from an analog signal to a digital signal, and the converted signal is stored in the image data memory 43. . The image data memory 43 is connected to the cassette control unit 30 via the transmission circuit 44. In the present embodiment, the signal readout unit 33 is configured by a signal readout circuit 40 including an amplification circuit 37, a sample hold circuit 38, and an analog multiplexer 39, an A / D converter 42, an image data memory 43, and a transmission circuit 44. Has been.
The digital image signal stored in the image data memory 43 is appropriately transmitted to the cassette control unit 30. A storage unit 31 is connected to the cassette control unit 30. The cassette control unit 30 stores the transmitted digital image signal in the storage unit 31 as image data.

FIG. 4 is a principal block diagram showing the functional configuration of the FPD cassette 2 and the configuration of the power feeding circuit.
As shown in FIG. 4, the FPD cassette 2 includes a cassette control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a scanning drive circuit 32, a signal reading unit 33 including a signal reading circuit 40, a time measuring unit 34, a communication unit 35, a bias power source 36, an external A power supply terminal 27, a battery 28, and the like are provided.

The cassette control unit 30 is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown).
The ROM stores programs for performing various processes in the FPD cassette 2, such as image data generation processes, various control programs, parameters, and the like.
The cassette control unit 30 reads out a predetermined program stored in the ROM, develops it in the work area of the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes according to the program.

The storage unit 31 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flash memory, or the like. The storage unit 31 stores image data generated by the reading unit 45, shooting order information transmitted from the console 5, and the like. It has come to be remembered.
The storage unit 31 may be a built-in memory or a removable memory such as a memory card. Further, the capacity is not particularly limited, but preferably has a capacity capable of storing a plurality of pieces of image data. By providing such a storage means, it is possible to continuously irradiate a subject with radiation, and to record and accumulate image data each time, enabling continuous shooting and moving image shooting. Become.

  The time measuring means 34 measures the elapsed time after the photographing by the FPD cassette 2 is completed. The time measuring means 34 is configured to output information on the elapsed time from the end of shooting to the cassette control unit 30. Note that the time measuring means 34 may be realized by software in the cassette control unit 30.

The communication unit 35 is connected to the antenna device 46 and is a communication unit that transmits and receives various signals to and from an external device such as the console 5 under the control of the cassette control unit 30. The communication unit 35 communicates with an external device such as the console 5 in a wireless manner via the wireless access point 6.
In the present embodiment, the communication unit 35 functions as a detector communication unit that transmits image data based on the image signal read by the reading unit 45 to the console 5 that is an external device and receives imaging order information from the console 5 or the like. To do.
In addition, the communication unit 35 receives tag information of the FPD cassette 2 transmitted from the tag readers 60 and 61.

The FPD cassette 2 includes a battery 28 as an internal power supply unit that supplies power to each functional unit of the FPD cassette 2.
As shown in FIG. 4, the battery 28 is an internal power supply unit that is disposed on the power supply circuit C and supplies power to each functional unit of the FPD cassette 2. In FIG. 4, for convenience of illustration, only the communication unit 35, the scanning drive circuit 32, the signal readout circuit 40, and the bias power source 36 are shown as the power supply destination among the functional units.
As the battery 28, for example, a rechargeable battery such as a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, a small sealed lead battery, a lead storage battery, and an electric double layer capacitor can be applied. The internal power feeding means is not limited to the battery 28, and a fuel cell or the like may be applied instead of the battery 28.

  The external power supply terminal 27 is connected to the connector part 26, and the cable 49 connected to the external power supply is connected to the connector part 26, whereby the cable 49 is connected to the external power supply terminal 27 via the connector part 26. The When the cable 49 is connected to the connector unit 26, the external power supply terminal 27 receives power supplied from the external power source PW and supplies power to each functional unit of the FPD cassette 2.

  On the power supply circuit C of the FPD cassette 2, there is provided a selector switch SW1 for switching between the battery 28 and the external power supply PW as a power supply source for supplying power to each functional unit. In the present embodiment, the cassette control unit 30 determines whether or not the cable 49 is connected to the connector unit 26, and when connected, supplies power from the external power source PW via the connector unit 26. When the cable 49 is not connected to the connector portion 26, the control signal S1 for switching the changeover switch SW1 is output appropriately so that power is supplied from the battery 28 as the internal power supply means. Thereby, the electric power supply source which supplies electric power to each function part can be switched now.

  Further, an ON / OFF switch SW2 for switching ON / OFF of power supply from the power supply source (battery 28 or external power supply PW) to each functional unit is provided on the power supply circuit C, and the cassette control unit 30 By controlling the ON / OFF switch SW2, the power supply from the power supply source to each functional unit can be controlled. Specifically, the cassette control unit 30 turns on the ON / OFF switch SW2 for a functional unit that supplies power, and turns off the ON / OFF switch SW2 for a functional unit that stops power supply. The control signal S2 is output. As a result, the ON / OFF switch SW2 is appropriately switched so that the power supply from the power supply source to each functional unit is controlled.

  In the present embodiment, power is supplied to each functional unit of the FPD cassette 2 including the bias power source 36 and the reading unit 45 by the battery 28, the external power supply terminal 27, the power supply circuit C, the changeover switch SW1, the ON / OFF switch SW2, and the like. The power supply means for supplying is configured.

In the present embodiment, the cassette control unit 30 functions as a power supply control unit that controls power supply to each functional unit by the power supply unit.
For example, the ROM or the storage unit 31 of the cassette control unit 30 stores rules determined as to how to supply power to each functional unit as a table, and the cassette control unit 30 controls power supply according to the rules. To do. In addition, the rule about the method of power supply is not limited to the case where it is stored as a table.

  Here, the power supply control by the cassette control unit 30 in the present embodiment will be specifically described.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the default is set so that the power supply automatically shifts to the shooting pause mode when shooting is not executed for two minutes after the end of one shooting. This rule (first rule) is applied when there is no operation or when the power switch 22 is operated and various settings are reset. The cassette control unit 30 is configured to transmit information about the elapsed time from the end of shooting from the time measuring means 34. The cassette control unit 30 refers to this information, and after the end of one shooting, Determine if 2 minutes have passed. As described above, even when a default value is stored in advance, the time may be arbitrarily extended or shortened by an operator's setting or the like.

Further, when the imaging order information is transmitted from the console 5, each functional unit by the power supply means is based on the imaging order information corresponding to these imagings after the completion of one imaging until the next imaging is started. As a power supply state for the camera, it is determined whether to maintain a shooting mode capable of shooting or a shooting pause mode in which shooting is paused, and power is supplied to each functional unit by the power supply means so as to be in a power supply state according to the determined mode To control.
The imaging order information includes patient identification information that is information relating to a patient to be imaged, information relating to a modality used for imaging (for example, whether the Bucky device 3 used for imaging is a bucky device 3a for supine imaging) At least one of the modality type information and the imaging part information that is information on the part to be imaged, and the power supply state based on such imaging order information is included. As the control, for example, the following rules are defined.

When it is determined from the patient identification information included in the imaging order information that the patient to be imaged in one imaging and the next imaging is the same, the cassette control unit 30 supplies a power supply state according to the imaging mode, That is, the power supply to each functional unit by the power supply means is controlled so as to maintain at least a state in which a voltage is applied to the bias power source 36 and the signal readout circuit 40 (second rule).
For example, when imaging of the same patient is scheduled as imaging order information (for example, imaging of the chest front, chest side, and abdomen for patient A), the cassette control unit 30 ends the scheduled imaging. Until then, the power supply to each functional unit is controlled so as to maintain the photographing mode.

  Even when it is determined from the modality type information that the modality type used for one shooting and the next shooting is the same (for example, chest front and side shooting by the standing-up shooting bucky device 3b), the shooting mode is also used. The power supply to the respective functional units by the power supply means is controlled so as to maintain the power supply state according to (third rule).

  Even when it is determined from the imaging part information that the imaging part of the first imaging and the next imaging are the same (for example, CC and MLO imaging in the left or right breast), the power supply state corresponding to the imaging mode is set. The power supply to each functional unit by the power supply means is controlled so as to be maintained (fourth rule).

  In addition, when a mode for maintaining the shooting state is selected by the mode selection button 29, each function by the power supply means is maintained so that the shooting mode is maintained even when there is time between one shooting and the next shooting. The power supply to the unit is controlled (fifth rule).

  However, even if it is determined that the imaging mode is maintained based on imaging order information such as patient identification information, modality type information, and imaging part information, or even when the mode for maintaining the imaging state is selected by the mode selection button 29, one If the next shooting is not started for a certain long time after the shooting is finished, the mode automatically switches to the shooting pause mode (sixth rule). Note that, for this “fixed long time”, a fixed value (for example, 10 minutes) is set as a default, but the time may be arbitrarily extended or shortened by an operator setting or the like. . The cassette control unit 30 refers to the information of the elapsed time from the end of the shooting transmitted from the time measuring means 34, and whether or not “a certain long time” (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed after the end of one shooting. Judge whether or not.

  When there are a plurality of shooting rooms R1, etc., the shooting mode is maintained as long as shooting in the shooting room R1 is continued after one shooting is started in the shooting room R1, and shooting is performed when the shooting room R1 is unloaded. Transition to the sleep mode (seventh rule).

  In addition, when the cable 49 or the like is connected to the external power supply terminal 27 and power is supplied from the external power supply PW, the shooting mode is maintained even when there is time between one shooting and the next shooting (first). 8 rules). In this case, the dark reading is performed for each photographing, and the offset correction value is updated as needed.

  When the FPD cassette 2 is loaded in the Bucky device 3 and used, the shooting mode is maintained until the FPD cassette 2 is taken out from the Bucky device 3 even when there is time between one shooting and the next shooting ( Ninth rule).

  In addition, when the scheduled shooting in the shooting order information is mammography, a series of scheduled shootings in the shooting order information even if there is time between one shooting and the next shooting The shooting mode is maintained until the operation is finished (tenth rule). In the case of the tenth rule, rather than saving the battery 28, the detection accuracy of the microcalcification lesion part to be diagnosed is improved (the lesion size of the diagnosis object is around 100 μm and approximates to the individual detection element size). It is more preferable to prioritize appropriate offset correction in units of detection elements), to perform dark reading for each photographing, and update the offset correction value as needed.

  In addition, the rule at the time of the cassette control part 30 controlling the electric power feeding state by a power supply means is not limited to what was illustrated here. In addition, it is not essential that all these rules are applied, and any one or a combination of a plurality of rules listed here may be applied.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the console 5 includes a control unit 51 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit 52, an input unit 53, a display unit 54, a communication unit 55, a network communication unit 56, and the like. Each part is connected by a bus 57.

The storage unit 52 includes a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like (not shown).
The ROM is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor non-volatile memory, or the like. The ROM performs image processing such as gradation processing and frequency processing based on automatic part recognition for detecting an affected area. In addition to storing various programs such as programs for image processing, image processing parameters for adjusting image data of captured images to an image quality suitable for diagnosis (look-up table defining tone curves used for tone processing, Frequency processing emphasis degree, etc.) are stored.
The RAM forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like that are read from the ROM and executed by the control unit 51 in various processes that are executed and controlled by the control unit 51. .
In the present embodiment, the storage unit 52 stores patient information, imaging order information, and the like. The storage unit 52 temporarily stores the image data transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 and information attached thereto.

  The control unit 51 is a control unit of the console 5 that reads out various programs such as a system program and a processing program stored in the ROM, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the expanded programs.

  The control unit 51 functions as order information registration means for registering the patient information and imaging order information of the patient providing the subject, and is generated by the acquired patient information / imaging order information and the FPD cassette 2 and transmitted to the console 5. It functions as an association means for associating image data. The imaging order information or the like may be input from the input unit 53 and stored in the storage unit 52 or the like, or the control unit 51 acquires the imaging order information registered in advance in the HIS / RIS 8 or the like. You may come to do.

  Further, the control unit 51 performs offset correction and gain correction on the image data of the subject transmitted from the FPD cassette 2 based on correction data acquired in advance or acquired at the time of shooting, and further, the corrected image The image is subjected to image processing such as gradation processing and frequency processing according to the imaging region, and definite image data for diagnosis is generated.

  The input unit 53 includes a keyboard having character input keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and a key pressing signal pressed by the keyboard and an operation signal by the mouse. Are output to the control unit 51 as an input signal.

The display unit 54 includes a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), for example, and displays various screens according to instructions of display signals input from the control unit 51.
A pressure-sensitive (resistive film pressure type) touch panel (not shown) in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern is formed on the screen of the display unit 54, and the display unit 54 and the input unit 53 are configured integrally. It may be a touch screen. In this case, the touch panel is configured to detect the XY coordinates of the power point pressed by a finger, a touch pen, or the like as a voltage value, and output the detected position signal to the control unit 51 as an operation signal. The display unit 54 may have a higher definition than a monitor used in a general PC (Personal Computer).

The communication unit 55 is a console communication unit that transmits and receives information to and from the FPD cassette 2 and the like via the wireless access point 6 in a wireless manner.
Note that the communication unit 54 transmits the imaging order information registered by the control unit 51 to the FPD cassette 2 and receives image data from an external device such as the FPD cassette 2.

The network communication unit 56 includes a network interface or the like, and transmits / receives data to / from an external device connected to the network N via a switching hub.
In the present embodiment, the external devices connected to the network communication unit 56 of the console 5 via the network N include the HIS / RIS 8, the PACS server 9, the imager 10, and the like, but the external devices connected to the network N are It is not limited to what was illustrated here.

  The HIS / RIS 8 provides the imaging order information of the subject related to imaging to the console 5. The imaging order information includes, for example, patient identification information such as the name of the patient providing the examination object, imaging part information, information on the imaging method (for example, whether or not mammography imaging is performed), modality type information (for example, a bucky device used for imaging) 3 is information about photographing reservation, such as 3 is a bucky device 3a for standing position or 3b) for standing position. Note that the imaging order information is not limited to that exemplified here, but may include other information, or may be a part of the information exemplified above.

The PACS server 9 stores the diagnostic fixed image data output from the console 5.
Further, the imager 10 records a radiation image on an image recording medium such as a film based on the confirmed image data output from the console 5 and outputs it.

  Next, the operation of the radiation image generation system 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the cassette control unit 30 determines whether or not the cable 49 is connected to the connector unit 26, and when the cable is connected, each of the cassette power control unit 30 from the external power supply PW via the external power supply terminal 27. The changeover switch SW1 is controlled so as to supply power to the functional unit. When the cable 49 is not connected, the selector switch SW1 is controlled so that power is supplied from the battery 28 to each function unit.
When one shooting is completed, the cassette control unit 30 determines whether or not power is supplied from the external power source PW. If power is supplied from the external power source PW, the eighth rule is applied. The shooting mode is maintained regardless of the elapsed time between one shooting and the next shooting.

On the other hand, when power is supplied from the battery 28, the cassette control unit 30 applies the first rule in principle, and when a default time (for example, 2 minutes) elapses after the end of one shooting. The power supply state is controlled so as to shift to the shooting pause mode.
Further, the cassette control unit 30 refers to the patient identification information, modality type information, and imaging part information included in the imaging order information, and identifies patient identification information, modality type information, imaging for the first imaging and the next imaging. If any of the part information matches, the power supply state is controlled so as to maintain the imaging mode (from the second rule to the fourth rule).
When a mode for maintaining the shooting state is selected from the mode selection button 29, the power supply state is controlled so as to maintain the shooting mode by applying the fifth rule.
Further, when the FPD cassette 2 is loaded in the bucky device 3, the tag reader 60 provided in the bucky device reads the tag of the FPD cassette 2, and information read by the tag reader 60 is sent to the cassette control unit 30. When the cassette controller 30 determines that the FPD cassette 2 is loaded and used in the bucky device 3 based on the information sent from the tag reader 60, the cassette control unit 30 applies the ninth rule and removes it from the bucky device 3. The power supply state is controlled so as to maintain the photographing mode until it is detected.

  However, even when it is determined that the imaging mode is maintained based on imaging order information such as patient identification information, modality type information, and imaging part information, or when a mode for maintaining an imaging state is selected by the mode selection switch 29, one When the next shooting is not started for a certain long time (for example, 10 minutes) after the shooting is finished, the cassette control unit 30 applies the sixth rule to control the power supply state so that the shooting pause mode is set.

  When the FPD cassette 2 is unloaded from the photographing room R1, the tag of the FPD cassette 2 is read by the tag reader 61 provided at the entrance of the photographing room R1, and the read information is sent to the cassette control unit 30. When the cassette control unit 30 determines that the FPD cassette 2 has been carried out from the imaging room R1 based on the information sent from the tag reader 61, the cassette control unit 30 applies the seventh rule to control the power supply state so as to enter the imaging pause mode. In this case, the engineer is moving with the FPD cassette 2, and it can be determined that shooting is not performed during this period.

  When it is determined from the shooting order information that the scheduled shooting is mammography shooting, the cassette control unit 30 applies the tenth rule, and the shooting order information regardless of the above settings and rules. The power supply state is controlled so as to maintain the photographing mode (however, unlike other part photographing, a mode for performing dark reading) until the scheduled series of photographing is finished.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when power is supplied from the battery 28, as a default, if the next shooting is not performed even after two minutes have passed since the first shooting, the shooting is stopped. The mode is set to transition to the mode, and the relationship between one and the next imaging is determined based on the imaging order information, and multiple imaging for the same patient is scheduled or the same When imaging the imaging region continuously, when imaging using the same modality is continued, the cassette control unit 30 supplies power to the imaging mode (that is, at least the bias power source 36 and the signal readout circuit 40). The power supply state is controlled to maintain the state.
Thereby, the temperature change in the FPD cassette 2 can be reduced and the change in the temperature characteristics can be minimized. For this reason, if the offset correction value is acquired once, it is possible to perform high-precision correction using the same offset correction value for a plurality of shootings and reduce the number of times the offset correction value is updated. When power is supplied from 28, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed, and the imageable time of the FPD cassette 2 can be kept long.

That is, when the temperature in the FPD cassette 2 changes, the characteristics of the detection means and the reading means change. In particular, the bias power source 36 and the signal readout circuit 40 decrease in temperature when power supply is stopped, and increase in temperature when power is supplied. Is easy to change.
In order to obtain a high-definition image, it is necessary to perform offset correction to remove the influence of this change in temperature characteristics from the image data. It is desirable to update the offset correction value by performing dark reading to obtain the correction value.
In this regard, in the present embodiment, when it is expected that photographing is continuously performed to some extent, the temperature in the FPD cassette 2 is maintained in order to maintain at least the power supply state to the bias power source 36 and the signal readout circuit 40. The change can be minimized and the change of the temperature characteristic can be reduced, and the highly accurate offset correction can be performed without acquiring the offset correction value for each photographing.

  In addition, by operating the mode selection button 29, the operator can select whether to switch to the shooting pause mode or to maintain the shooting mode after one shooting, so that it can be selected according to the usage mode of the operator, etc. Flexible response is possible.

  When power is supplied to each functional unit from the external power supply PW, the shooting mode is maintained even when there is a time between one shooting and the next shooting (eighth rule). For this reason, when it is not necessary to consider the power consumption of the battery 28, highly accurate offset correction can be performed without acquiring an offset correction value for each photographing.

  In addition, when the photographing is mammography photographing, a doctor will determine and detect the presence or absence of microcalcification or a mass from the photographed image, but microcalcification is extremely small of about 100 μm to 200 μm. . For this reason, in order to perform an accurate diagnosis, a particularly high-definition image is required, and high accuracy is required for offset correction. In this respect, in the present embodiment, in the case of mammography photographing, the tenth rule of maintaining the photographing mode is applied with priority over other rules, so that the temperature change in the FPD cassette 2 is suppressed. Highly accurate offset correction can be performed.

  Even if the shooting mode is set to be maintained by selection using the mode selection button 29 or the like, the set mode is reset each time the power switch 22 is operated. For this reason, for example, even if the operator forgets that the setting for maintaining the shooting mode has been made, when the time set by default elapses, the mode is changed to the shooting pause mode, and the battery 28 is wasted. Can be prevented.

  In addition, since the communication unit 35 of the FPD cassette 2 and the communication unit 55 of the console 5 communicate with each other in a wireless manner, when being driven by the battery 28, the communication unit 35 can be used in a completely cableless state. The degree of freedom is improved.

  In the present embodiment, the FPD cassette 2 includes the time measuring means 34, and the time measuring means 34 measures the elapsed time since the photographing is completed, and the cassette control unit 30 acquires the time measurement result by the time measuring means 34. Thus, the method is referred to when determining whether or not to maintain the shooting mode. However, the method by which the cassette control unit 30 acquires the elapsed time after the shooting is finished is not limited to this. For example, the elapsed time from the end of shooting may be transmitted from the console 5 to the FPD cassette 2, and the cassette control unit 30 may determine whether to maintain the shooting mode based on this. In the case of such a configuration, it is not necessary to provide time measuring means on the FPD cassette 2 side.

  In the present embodiment, when the power supply state of the FPD cassette 2 is once set by operating the mode selection button 29 or the like and then returned to the default setting, the indicator 25 blinks to notify the operator of that fact. However, the notification method is not limited to this, and may be notified by voice or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the operation device 7 is provided in the front chamber R2, and the console 5 for controlling the entire radiation image generation system 1 is separately provided. It is good also as a structure provided with the console 5 instead of the apparatus 7. FIG. In this case, the console 5 controls the radiation image generation system 1 as a whole, and appropriately controls the radiation generator 4 and the operation of the bucky device 3.

  In the present embodiment, as the imaging order information, the control unit 51 of the console 5 reads information stored in the storage unit 52 in advance, or the imaging order information registered in advance in the HIS / RIS 8 or the like is networked. However, the imaging order information does not necessarily have to be created before radiographic imaging, and imaging order information is created so as to be associated with the acquired image data after radiographic imaging. It is also possible to configure so as to.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the cable 49 is directly connected to the connector portion 26 has been described as an example. However, the configuration in which the cable 49 is connected to the connector portion 26 is not limited thereto. For example, when the FPD cassette 2 is placed on a cradle or the like or is loaded into the bucky device 3, the cable 49 connected to the external power source PW or the like is connected to the connector portion of the FPD cassette 2 via the cradle or the bucky device 3. It is good also as a structure connected to 26 indirectly.

In the present embodiment, the FPD cassette 2 is configured to communicate with the outside of the console 3 or the like wirelessly via the antenna device, but the communication connected to the communication unit 35 is connected to the FPD cassette 2. For example, a communication connector portion may be provided, and a cable or the like (not shown) may be connected to the communication connector portion so that communication with the outside is performed in a wired manner. In this case, for example, it is preferable that the communication connector portion is disposed on a side surface portion on the opposite side of the housing 21 provided with the antenna device 46 in FIG.
The connector unit 26 may also be connected to the communication unit 35 so as to also serve as the communication connector unit. In this case, the cable 49 is connected to the connector portion 26, thereby performing wired communication with the outside. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the connector portion 26 on the side surface portion on the opposite side of the housing 21 provided with the antenna device 46 in FIG.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment and can be appropriately changed.

It is the schematic which shows the system configuration | structure of one Embodiment of the radiographic image generation system which concerns on this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the FPD cassette applied to the radiographic image generation system of FIG. FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram illustrating configurations of a sensor panel unit, a reading unit, and the like of the FPD cassette illustrated in FIG. 2. It is a principal part block diagram which shows the functional structure of the FPD cassette shown in FIG. 2, and schematic structure of a electric power feeding circuit. It is a principal part block diagram which shows the functional structure of the console applied to the radiographic image generation system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 Radiation image generation system 2 FPD cassette (Radiation image detector)
5 Console 7 Operating device 22 Power switch 46 Antenna device 27 External power supply terminal 28 Battery 30 Cassette control unit 35 Communication unit 51 Control unit 55 Communication unit N Network R1 Photography room R2 Front room

Claims (6)

A portable radiation image detector that includes internal power supply means and generates image data based on a signal from the radiation detection element; a console that causes the portable radiation image detector to acquire image data based on imaging order information; In a radiological image generation system for controlling the power supply state of a portable radiographic image detector based on imaging order information,
The imaging order information includes at least one of patient identification information, modality type information, and imaging part information, and the at least one information is the same between one imaging and the next imaging In the radiographic image generation system, the portable radiographic image detector is maintained in a power supply state in an imaging mode capable of imaging after completion of one imaging . Mode selection means for selecting whether to maintain the shooting mode capable of shooting or to shift to a shooting pause mode to pause shooting;
If it is selected by the mode selection means to maintain the imaging mode capable of imaging, even if the at least one piece of information is not the same, the portable radiographic image detector, after completion of one imaging, The radiation image generation system according to claim 1, wherein the radiographic image generation system is maintained in a power supply state in the imaging mode . Even if the power supply state of the photographing mode that can be photographed is maintained based on the photographing order information or based on the selection of the mode selection means, the next photographing is not started for a predetermined time after the completion of one photographing. The radiographic image generation system according to claim 2 , wherein the power supply state in the imaging mode capable of imaging is shifted to the power supply state in the imaging pause mode . In a portable radiographic image detector that includes internal power supply means, acquires imaging order information from the outside, generates image data based on a signal from the radiation detection element, and controls the power supply state based on the imaging order information.
The imaging order information includes at least one of patient identification information, modality type information, and imaging part information, and the at least one information is the same between one imaging and the next imaging The radiation image detector is characterized in that, after the end of one imaging, the imaging mode is maintained in a power supply state . Mode selection means for selecting whether to maintain the shooting mode capable of shooting or to shift to a shooting pause mode to pause shooting;
When it is selected by the mode selection means that the photographing mode that can be photographed is maintained, even if the at least one piece of information is not the same, the power supply state of the photographing mode is maintained after one photographing is completed. The radiation image detector according to claim 4 . Even if the power supply state of the photographing mode that can be photographed is maintained based on the photographing order information or based on the selection of the mode selection means, the next photographing is not started for a predetermined time after the completion of one photographing. 6. The radiographic image detector according to claim 5 , wherein the power supply state in the imaging mode capable of imaging is changed to the power supply state in the imaging pause mode .

Images