WO2015076081A1

WO2015076081A1 - Mobile radiography apparatus and control method for mobile radiography apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2015076081A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/078871
Authority: WO
Inventors: 加藤　勝志
Original assignee: キヤノン株式会社
Priority date: 2013-11-22
Filing date: 2014-10-30
Publication date: 2015-05-28
Also published as: JP2015100462A; JP6415038B2

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a mobile radiography apparatus capable of performing radiography-related control according to the location and a control method for the mobile radiography apparatus. The mobile radiography apparatus is provided with: a radiation-generating unit (12) for generating radiation; an acquisition unit (30) for acquiring location-specifying information; and a control unit (28) for controlling the radiation-generating unit (12) according to the information acquired by the acquisition unit (30).

Description

Mobile radiography apparatus and control method of mobile radiography apparatus

The present invention relates to a mobile radiography apparatus capable of performing radiography by moving to an arbitrary place, and a control method for the mobile radiography apparatus.

A mobile radiography apparatus is an imaging apparatus that circulates in a hospital room (imaging room) and performs radiography at an arbitrary location of the destination, and includes a radiation generation unit that generates radiation, a radiation detection unit that detects radiation, and the like. It is a photographing device that combines an element and a dolly that can travel. (For example, Patent Document 1)

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-99144

Here, although the mobile radiography apparatus is allowed to perform radiography in a hospital room, it must be avoided that radiography is performed in a place where an unspecified number of people come and go such as a hospital passage. However, the conventional mobile radiography apparatus does not consider performing control related to radiography depending on the location.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a mobile radiography apparatus and a control method for the mobile radiography apparatus that can perform control related to radiography according to a place. Objective.

In order to achieve an object of the present invention, a mobile radiography apparatus includes a radiation generation unit that generates radiation, an acquisition unit that acquires information for specifying a location, and radiation according to information acquired by the acquisition unit. A control unit that performs control related to photographing. The control unit controls the radiation generation unit according to the information acquired by the acquisition unit.

According to the mobile radiography apparatus and the control method of the mobile radiography apparatus of the present invention, control related to radiography can be performed according to the place.

The figure which shows the whole structure of the mobile radiography apparatus regarding this invention. The figure which shows the internal structure of the mobile radiography apparatus regarding this invention. The figure which shows the wheel control of the mobile radiography apparatus regarding this invention. The figure which shows an example of the facility (hospital) regarding this invention. The figure which shows an example of the reference table stored in the control part regarding this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile radiography apparatus regarding this invention. The figure which shows an example of the facility (hospital) regarding this invention. The figure which shows an example of the reference table stored in the control part regarding this invention. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the mobile radiography apparatus regarding this invention. The figure which shows an example of the facility (hospital) regarding this invention.

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

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile radiography apparatus 10 includes a carriage 20 that can move on a floor surface, a support column 16 that is vertically disposed with respect to the carriage 20, and an arm 14 that is installed on the support column 16. And. In addition, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 includes a radiation generation unit 12 that is rotatably installed with respect to the arm 14 and generates radiation. In addition, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 includes a main body 18 having a control unit 28 that controls each component. Each component is the radiation generation part 12, the radiation detection part 40 mentioned later, the display part 26, etc.

The support column 16 is supported so as to be rotatable about an axis with respect to the carriage 20. The arm 14 is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction with respect to the support column 16. The arm 14 extends in the horizontal direction and can be expanded and contracted in the horizontal direction. A radiation generator 12 including a radiation tube is installed at the tip of the arm 14. The operator can move the radiation generating unit 12 in the horizontal direction by expanding and contracting the arm 14 in the horizontal direction, and moving the arm 14 in the vertical direction along the support column 16 to move the radiation generating unit 12 in the vertical direction. It can move in the vertical direction. A main body 18 of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is provided on a carriage 20.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body 18 of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is a display for displaying an image detected by an operation unit 24 for an operator to operate and a radiation detection unit 40 described later. A portion 26 is provided. The main body 18 of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 includes a control unit 28 that controls each component, a storage battery 32 that supplies power to each component, and a communication unit that communicates with external devices of the mobile radiography apparatus 10. 36. The control unit 28 is connected to each component of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 by wire or wirelessly. For example, the control unit 28 is connected to the radiation generation unit 12 by wire. The control unit 28 can control the imaging conditions, power supply, availability of radiation generation, timing of radiation generation, and the like for the radiation generation unit 12.

1, the carriage 20 includes a plurality of wheels 6 and 8. Specifically, the carriage 20 has a plurality of wheels 6 and 8 that rotate with respect to the floor surface. The wheels 6 and 8 are a plurality of tires or casters and are always placed on the floor. By rotating the wheels 6 and 8, the carriage 20 can be moved in the front-rear direction. In addition, the carriage 20 includes a handle 34 for an operator to hold when the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is transported. The operator can move the carriage 20 by grasping the handle 34 and pushing or pulling the handle 34.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing wheel control of the mobile radiography apparatus 10, and is a view of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 as viewed from the floor. Of the

wheels

6L, 6R, 8L, and 8R (L is the left side and R is the right side) installed on the carriage 20, the wheel 8L and the wheel 8R are connected to the left motor 52L and the right motor 52R, respectively. Has been. The

wheels

8L and 8R can be rotated by the left motor 52L and the right motor 52R. The left motor 52L and the right motor 52R drive the wheel 8L and the wheel 8R according to an instruction from the control unit 28. The carriage 20 includes a braking device 50L and a braking device 50R that brake the

wheels

8L and 8R, respectively. The braking device 50L and the braking device 50R brake the wheel 8L and the wheel 8R according to an instruction from the control unit 28.

Further, the handle 34 has a switch (not shown) that detects that the operator has grasped it. When the operator holds the handle 34, the switch is pressed. When the switch is pressed, the control unit 28 releases the braking of the braking device 50L and the braking device 50R. That is, the lock of the wheel 8L and the wheel 8R is released. The controller 28 can rotate the wheel 8L and the wheel 8R by driving the left motor 52L and the right motor 52R in a state where the braking of the braking device 50L and the braking device 50R is released. The mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 can be moved by rotating the wheel 8L and the wheel 8R.

Also, the control unit 28 can drive the left motor 52L and the right motor 52R according to the operation of the handle 34 by the operator. When the operator operates the handle 34 intended to go straight, the control unit 28 performs control so that the speeds of the left motor 52L and the right motor 52R are evenly performed. When the operator operates the handle 34 intended to change direction, the control unit 28 decelerates the left motor 52L during the left turn and conversely decelerates the right motor 52R during the right turn. In other words, the controller 28 can change the direction of the carriage 20 by decelerating the motor on the side whose direction has been changed, and can travel according to the operation of the operator.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 includes a radiation detection unit (FPD: flat panel detector) 40. The radiation detection unit 40 includes a scintillator that emits light according to radiation energy, and a photoelectric conversion unit that converts light into an electrical signal. The radiation detection unit 40 may be a system that directly converts radiation into an electrical signal. The radiation detection unit 40 is communicably connected to the control unit 28 of the main body 18 via a wired or wireless communication means (not shown). The radiation detection unit 40 is installed and used on the upper surface or inside of the bed 42 according to the imaging region of the subject.

The mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 includes a storage unit 44 for storing the radiation detection unit 40. The storage portion 44 is installed adjacent to the main body 18. When the operator moves the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10, that is, when the radiation detection unit 44 is not used, the radiation detection unit 40 is stored in the storage unit 44. When the operator uses the radiation detection unit 40, the radiation detection unit 40 is taken out from the storage unit 44.

The radiation detection unit 40 detects the radiation generated from the radiation generation unit 12 and outputs an image based on the radiation. The control unit 28 includes a storage unit (not shown) that stores an image output from the radiation detection unit 40 via the communication unit 36, and can store the image output from the radiation detection unit 40. it can. The control unit 28 also includes an image processing unit (not shown) that performs image processing such as noise removal on the image output from the radiation detection unit 40. The image processing unit can also perform image processing such as trimming and rotation on the image output from the radiation detection unit 40. The image processed by the image processing unit is stored in the storage unit. The display unit 26 can also display the image.

Further, the control unit 28 has a function of linking the radiation generation unit 12 and the radiation detection unit 40 together. For example, the control unit 28 associates imaging conditions related to radiation generated from the radiation generation unit 12 with an image output from the radiation detection unit 40 when radiation is generated from the radiation generation unit 12. The storage unit can store the image output from the radiation detection unit 40 together with the associated imaging conditions.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body 18 of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 includes an operation unit 24 for an operator to operate and a display unit that displays an image obtained from the radiation detection unit 40. 26. The operation unit 24 and the display unit 26 are installed on the top of the main body 18. The operation unit 24 is a setting unit that sets various items displayed on the display unit 26. The operation unit 24 includes, for example, a trackball, a switch, a touch panel, and the like. The operator sets an imaging region displayed on the display unit 26 with the operation unit 24. When the control unit 28 receives information on the imaging region set by the operation unit 24, the control unit 28 causes the radiation detection unit 40 to transition to a state in which radiation can be detected. In addition, the operator can set imaging conditions such as a tube voltage, a tube current, and an irradiation time of the radiation generator 12 with the operation unit 24.

The operator can perform radiography by instructing radiography using the operation unit 26. Specifically, when radiography is set by the operation unit 26, the control unit 28 instructs the radiation generation unit 12 and the radiation detection unit 40 to perform radiography. The control unit 28 transmits the imaging conditions and the imaging instruction set by the operation unit 26 to the radiation generation unit 12. An image photographed by the radiation detection unit 40 is output to the control unit 28 in synchronization with the generation of radiation by the radiation generation unit 12. The image output from the radiation detection unit 40 is displayed on the display unit 26. An image is stored in the storage unit.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile radiography apparatus 10 includes an acquisition unit 30 that acquires information for specifying the location of the mobile radiography apparatus 10, and information acquired by the acquisition unit 30. And a control unit 28 for performing control related to radiography according to the above. The control unit 28 controls the radiation generation unit 12 according to the information acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

The acquisition unit 30 acquires information for specifying a place from the outside of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10. Here, information for specifying a location is defined as index information. The index information is information that can identify the location of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 from the outside of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10. The index information is set in advance in each place of the facility (hospital) where the operator wants to specify the location, and is set on at least one of the floor surface, wall surface, and ceiling of the facility. For example, the index information is installed in at least one of a hospital room, a hospital room entrance / exit, a passage, and a standby place of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10. Here, the hospital room is an area (photographing room) where radiography is permitted. This is an area (photographing room) where radiography is not permitted except for the sickroom.

The index information is information that can be read by the acquisition unit 30. For example, the index information is any one of an IC tag, a magnetic medium, a reflection medium, image information (color, mark), appearance information (shape information), code information, and the like. The index information is not limited to these, and any information that can be read by the acquisition unit 30 can be applied.

The orientation of the acquisition unit 30 is determined according to the location where the index information is installed so that the acquisition unit 30 can read the index information. In the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 30 is installed in the carriage 20. The acquisition unit 30 may be installed in the main body 18 or the support column 16. When the index information is installed on the floor surface of the facility, as shown in FIG. 1, the acquisition unit 30 is installed on the bottom surface or side surface of the carriage 20 so as to face the floor surface. The acquisition unit 30 is installed at a position closer to the floor surface than the main body 18. Therefore, the acquisition unit 30 can acquire the index information installed on the floor surface. In the present embodiment, the index information is set on the floor surface, and the acquisition unit 30 that acquires the index information on the floor surface is provided, but the same effect can be obtained not only on the floor surface but also on the wall surface and ceiling. . For example, when the index information is installed on the wall surface of a facility, the acquisition unit 30 is installed on the carriage 20 facing the wall surface. Therefore, the acquisition unit 30 can acquire wall surface index information.

Here, when the index information is an IC tag, the acquisition unit 30 can read the IC tag as the index information by generating a radio wave to the IC tag. The IC tag is, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification). Specifically, the acquisition unit 30 generates radio waves in a predetermined range. The IC tag generates a reflected wave using radio waves from the acquisition unit 30 as an energy source. The acquisition unit 30 reads the reflected wave reflected from the IC tag. When the acquisition unit 30 acquires the reflected wave from the IC tag, the acquisition unit 30 has acquired the index information. In the above description, the radio wave system is shown, but an electromagnetic induction system may be used.

Further, when the index information is a magnetic medium, the acquisition unit 30 is a sensor that can read a change in the magnetic field from the magnetic medium. When the magnetic medium approaches the acquisition unit 30, the acquisition unit 30 acquires information on a change in the magnetic field due to the magnetic medium. When the acquisition unit 30 acquires a change in the magnetic field that is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the acquisition unit 30 has acquired the index information.

Further, when the index information is appearance (shape) information, the acquisition unit 30 is a sensor that can read a change in appearance (shape). Specifically, the index information is a concavo-convex floor surface, and the acquisition unit 30 is a sensor that can read a predetermined concavo-convex shape. When the predetermined uneven shape is read by the acquisition unit 30, the acquisition unit 30 has acquired the index information. When the index information has a feature in appearance (shape), the acquisition unit 30 can acquire the index information by mechanically contacting the index information.

Here, an example of an IC tag is shown as an example of index information. The acquisition unit 30 acquires reflected light by emitting imaging information that can acquire an image of visible light or an approximate wavelength, infrared rays, laser, illumination, code information such as QR code (registered trademark), and ultrasonic waves, and an index. Various means for acquiring information can be applied. The index information pattern can also be expressed by changing the color, material, texture, optical reflectance, and the like. In addition, the process of the grade which does not interfere with the function of a floor surface is preferable, and if it is means, such as coating a floor surface, it can implement. In addition, when the acquisition part 30 images the floor surface and uses the imaging | photography means which image | photographs parameter | index information as an image, the said image can also be displayed on the display part 26. FIG. The operator can recognize the dynamic change of the index information from the image. The operator can grasp the movement status of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10.

Here, the control unit 28 performs control related to radiography according to the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30. Specifically, the control unit 28 controls the radiation generation unit 12 according to the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30. For example, when the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30 is index information of a hospital room (area where radiography is permitted), the control unit 28 permits generation of radiation in the radiation generation unit 12, that is, permits radiography. To do. That is, the area where radiation imaging is permitted is specified by the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

When the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30 is index information other than a hospital room (an area where radiography is not permitted), the control unit 28 does not permit generation of radiation in the radiation generation unit 12, that is, permits radiography. do not do. That is, the area where radiation imaging is not permitted is specified by the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30. Therefore, radiation imaging can be prevented from being performed in places where an unspecified number of people come and go, such as passageways.

The mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 can also include a notifying unit (not shown) for notifying the operator that the acquiring unit 30 has acquired the index information when the acquiring unit 30 acquires the index information. The notification unit includes a buzzer, a speaker, a lamp, an alert display on the display unit 26, and the like. Therefore, the operator can recognize the location of the facility by the notification unit. Next, details of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a facility (hospital). FIG. 5 is a reference table stored in the control unit 28. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the hospital has a hospital room 70 for imaging a subject with the mobile radiography apparatus 10, a passage 74 for moving the mobile radiography apparatus 10 to the hospital room 70, and mobile radiation. There is a standby place 76 for waiting for the photographing apparatus 10. A plurality of beds 42 are installed in the hospital room 70.

Here, the index information 72 is installed at the boundary between the hospital room 70 (area where radiography is permitted) and the passage 74 (area where radiography is not permitted). That is, the index information 72 is installed at the entrance / exit of the hospital room 70. That is, the index information 72 is an index for recognizing whether the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is inside the hospital room 70 or outside the hospital room 70. Based on the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 can recognize whether the mobile radiography apparatus 10 has moved from the hospital room 70 to the passage 74 or from the passage 74 to the hospital room 70. That is, the control unit 28 can recognize whether the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the patient room 70 or outside the patient room 70 based on the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 28 includes each component (radiation generation unit 12, radiation detection unit 40, display unit 26, moving unit, etc.) according to the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, that is, the location. It stores a reference table that controls The reference table is a table in which control of each component with respect to the index information is determined in advance. The control unit 28 controls each component based on the reference table corresponding to the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

For example, when the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the standby place 76 and the passage 74, A11 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B11 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C11 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D11 is applied to the display unit 26. When moving from the passage 74 to the hospital room 70, A12 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B12 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C12 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D12 is applied to the display unit 26.

Here, the operation of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

(S10)
First, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is activated. When an operator 60 operates a main power switch (not shown), the storage battery 32 and each component are electrically connected, and power is supplied to the control unit 28, the radiation generation unit 12, the display unit 26, the acquisition unit 30, and the like. Is possible. Thereafter, the power supply is continued until the operation of the main power switch intended for termination (shutdown) and shutdown by the operator 60 is performed.

(S12)
Then, it is selected whether or not the place where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated is the hospital room 70. For example, the operator 60 selects a location (patient room 70 or outside the patient room 70) where the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is activated via the operation unit 24. In the initial setting, the place where the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is activated can be outside the hospital room 70. In that case, when the location where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated is the hospital room 70, the operator 60 changes the location where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated to the hospital room 70 via the operation unit 24. Therefore, the control unit 28 can specify the location where the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is activated.

If the place where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated is not the hospital room 70, the process proceeds to S14 described later. When the place where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated is the hospital room 70, the process proceeds to S18 described later.

(S14)
When the place where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated is not the hospital room 70, for example, the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is charged at the standby place 76, for example. The operator 60 connects the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 to a commercial power source via an AC cable (not shown) at the standby place 76 and charges the storage battery 32 of the main body 18 in advance. After charging the storage battery 32, the operator 60 can move the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10.

When the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is outside the hospital room 70 (area where radiography is not permitted: standby place 76, passage 74), A11 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and the radiation detection unit 40 is applied. For this, B11 is applied. C11 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D11 is applied to the display unit 26.

A11: Standby state (radiation generation not permitted)
B11: Standby state (non-detection: power saving mode)
C11: Traveling possible state D11: Standby state (non-display: power saving mode)

When the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is outside the hospital room 70 (area where radiation imaging is not permitted: standby place 76, passage 74), the radiation generation unit 12, the radiation detection unit 40, and the display unit 26 are in a standby state. The moving unit is in a travelable state.

Specifically, when the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is outside the hospital room 70, the control unit 28 does not permit the generation of radiation in the radiation generation unit 12, that is, does not permit radiography. Further, the control unit 28 places the radiation detection unit 40 and the display unit 26 in the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, the radiation detection unit 40 is in a non-detection state in which radiation cannot be detected, and the radiation detection unit 40 is in a so-called sleep mode. Further, in the power saving mode, the display unit 26 is in a non-display state in which no image is displayed, and the display unit 26 is in a sleep mode. Therefore, when the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is outside the hospital room 70, the power consumption of the storage battery 32 by the radiation detection unit 40 and the display unit 26 can be reduced. Moreover, the control part 28 makes a moving part a driving | running | working possible state. An operator can move the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 in the traveling mode.

That is, when the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is outside the hospital room 70, the power consumption of the storage battery 32 by components other than the moving part can be reduced.

(S16)
When the mobile radiography apparatus 10 moves from the passage 74 to the hospital room 70, the acquisition unit 30 acquires the index information 72 installed at the boundary between the passage 74 and the hospital room 70. When the index information 72 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiography apparatus 10 has moved from the passage 74 to the hospital room 70 and the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70. Here, since the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is started outside the hospital room 70 (standby place 76), when the index information 72 is first acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 causes the mobile radiography apparatus 10 to be in the hospital room 70. You can recognize that you are in As described above, the control unit 28 recognizes whether the activation location of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is the hospital room 70 or the outside of the hospital room 70 and then acquires the index information 72 by the acquisition unit 30, thereby obtaining the current mobile radiation. The location of the imaging device 10 can be specified.

(S18)
When the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in a hospital room 70 (an area where radiography is permitted), A12 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B12 is applied. C12 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D12 is applied to the display unit 26.

A12: Ready to shoot (radiation possible)
B12: Imaging possible state (radiation detection possible)
C12: Speed limit D12: Display status

The control unit 28 makes the radiation generating unit 12 and the radiation detecting unit 40 ready for photographing. The control unit 28 permits generation of radiation in the radiation generation unit 12, that is, permits radiography. For example, the control unit 28 applies a voltage between the anode and the cathode in the radiation generating unit 12, rotates the anode, and heats the filament to emit electrons. In addition, the control unit 28 sets the radiographic detection unit 40 in a photographing enabled state where the radiation can be detected. For example, the radiation detection unit 40 is in a state where charges can be accumulated. That is, the imaging ready state (preparation mode) is a state in which an imaging operation can be performed immediately when a radiation imaging operation is input by the operation unit 24.

The control unit 28 performs radiography using the radiation generation unit 12 and the radiation detection unit 40. The control unit 28 puts the display unit 26 into a display state, and causes the display unit 26 to display an image output from the radiation detection unit 40.

In addition, when the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70 (an area where radiation imaging is permitted), the control unit 28 limits the speed of the moving unit. That is, in the hospital room 70, the mobile radiography apparatus 10 cannot travel at a predetermined speed or higher. The space in the patient room 70 is narrow, and the possibility of collision with a wall, bed, or other installations increases when traveling at high speed. Therefore, the speed of the moving unit is limited as C12.

(S20)
When the radiography of the subject is completed and the mobile radiography apparatus 10 moves from the hospital room 70 to the passage 74, the acquisition unit 30 acquires index information 72 installed at the boundary between the passage 74 and the hospital room 70. . When the index information 72 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 has moved from the patient room 70 to the passage 74 and the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the passage 74.

(S22)
Since the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in the passage 74 (an area where radiography is not permitted), the control unit 28 does not permit generation of radiation in the radiation generation unit 12, that is, does not permit radiography. That is, the control unit 28 releases the radiographable state of the radiation generation unit 12 and the radiation detection unit 40.

When the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the passage 74, A13 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B13 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C13 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D13 is applied to the display unit 26.

A13: Standby state (radiation generation not permitted)
B13: Standby state (non-detection: power saving mode)
C13: Driving possible state D13: Standby state (non-display: power saving mode)

When the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the passage 74 (an area where radiation imaging is not permitted), the radiation generation unit 12, the radiation detection unit 40, and the display unit 26 are in a standby state. The moving unit is in a travelable state. A13, B13, C13, and D13 are the same as A11, B11, C11, and D11, respectively, and thus description thereof is omitted.

Then, the operator uses the operation unit 24 to select whether or not to change the patient room 70 and perform radiation imaging, and instructs the control unit 28. When radiography is performed by changing the hospital room 70, the process can proceed to S14. When the patient room 70 is changed and radiography is not performed, the process proceeds to S24. Note that the control unit 28 can also determine whether or not it is necessary to change the patient room 70 in the future from the imaging schedule list of the subject registered in advance.

(S24)
The operator 60 moves the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 to the standby place 76. In the standby place 76, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is charged. In addition, the operator operates the main power switch at the standby place 76 to end (shut down) the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10. The acquisition unit 30 is in a state in which index information can be acquired from activation to termination (shutdown) of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10. Therefore, the acquisition unit 30 can always acquire the index information 72 regardless of whether the radiography is permitted or an area where the radiography is permitted. The location of the radiation imaging apparatus 10 can be always recognized.

When the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated at the standby place 76 and the index information 72 is acquired once by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 indicates that the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70. Can be recognized. When the index information 72 is acquired twice by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiography apparatus 10 has moved from the patient room 70 to the passage 74 and the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in the passage 74. can do.

Similarly, when the index information 72 is acquired an odd number of times by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70. When the index information 72 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30 an even number of times, the control unit 28 can recognize that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the passage 74. That is, the control unit 28 can perform control related to radiography according to the number of times the index information 72 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30. The control unit 28 controls the radiation generation unit 12 and other components (the radiation detection unit 40, the moving unit, the display unit 26, etc.) according to the number of times the index information 72 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30. Therefore, the control unit 28 distinguishes between the case where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70 and the case where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is outside the hospital room 70 (standby place 76, passage 74). The control unit 28 can control the radiation generating unit 12 and other components (the radiation detecting unit 40, the moving unit, the display unit 26, etc.).

When the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated in the hospital room 70 and the index information 72 is acquired an odd number of times by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 indicates that the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in the passage 74. Can be recognized.

When the location where the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is activated is in the hospital room 70 and the index information 72 is acquired an even number of times by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70. can do. The control unit 28 recognizes whether the activation location of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is the patient room 70 or the outside of the patient room 70, and then recognizes the number of times the index information 72 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30, whereby the current mobile radiography. The location of the device 10 can be identified.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the mobile radiography apparatus 10 acquires the index information that specifies the location of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 and the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30. And a control unit 28 that performs control related to radiography. That is, it is a method for controlling a mobile radiography apparatus, and includes a step of acquiring index information for specifying a location, and a step of controlling radiography according to the acquired index information. Further, according to the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 can also control at least one of the radiation generation unit 12, the radiation detection unit 40, the display unit 26, and the movement unit.

Therefore, control related to radiography can be performed according to the location of the mobile radiography apparatus 10. That is, it is possible to appropriately manage radiation.

Next, details of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The difference from the first embodiment is that different index information is installed depending on the location in the facility.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a facility (hospital). FIG. 8 is a reference table stored in the control unit 28. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the hospital includes a hospital room 70 for imaging a subject with the mobile radiography apparatus 10, a passage 74 for moving the mobile radiography apparatus 10 to the hospital room 70, and mobile radiation. There is a standby place 76 for waiting for the photographing apparatus 10. A plurality of beds 42 are installed in the hospital room 70.

Here, index information 80, index information 82, and index information 84 are installed in the hospital room 70, the passage 74, and the waiting place 76, respectively. For example, the index information 80 is installed on the floor of the hospital room 70. On the floor surface of the passage 74, index information 82 is installed on one side. On the floor surface of the standby place 76, index information 84 is installed. The index information 80, the index information 82, and the index information 84 are installed so as to be distinguished from each other.

That is, the index information 80, the index information 82, and the index information 84 are indices for recognizing whether the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70, the passage 74, and the waiting place 76. Based on the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 can recognize whether the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70, the passage 74, or the standby place 76.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control unit 28 includes each component (radiation generation unit 12, radiation detection unit 40, display unit 26, moving unit, etc.) according to the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30, that is, the location. It stores a reference table that controls The control unit 28 controls each component based on the reference table corresponding to the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30. For example, when the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the standby place 76, A21 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B21 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C21 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D21 is applied to the display unit 26. When moving to the hospital room 70, A23 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B23 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C23 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D23 is applied to the display unit 26.

Here, the operation of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 6 differs from the flowchart of FIG. 6 in that the location of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 can be recognized in real time, and the radiation generator 12 and the like can be controlled in real time.

(S30)
First, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus is activated at the standby place 76. When an operator operates a main power switch (not shown), the storage battery 32 and each component are electrically connected, and power is supplied to the control unit 28, the radiation generation unit 12, the display unit 26, the acquisition unit 30, and the like. It becomes possible.

(S32)
Then, the acquisition unit 30 acquires the index information 84 at the standby place 76. When the index information 84 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the standby place 76. At this time, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in an area where radiation imaging is not permitted.

(S34)
When the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the standby place 76, A21 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B21 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C21 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D21 is applied to the display unit 26.

A21: Standby state (radiation generation not permitted)
B21: Standby state (non-detection: power saving mode)
C21: Traveling possible state D21: Standby state (non-display: power saving mode)

When the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the standby place 76, the radiation generation unit 12, the radiation detection unit 40, and the display unit 26 are in a standby state. The moving unit is in a travelable state. Since A21, B21, C21, and D21 are the same as A11, B11, C11, and D11, respectively, description thereof is omitted.

(S36)
The operator moves the mobile radiography apparatus 10 from the standby place 76 to the hospital room 70 in the traveling mode. The acquisition unit 30 acquires the index information 82 of the passage 74, and A22 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B22 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C22 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D22 is applied to the display unit 26. At this time, the standby state control in S32 does not change. When the mobile radiography apparatus 10 moves to the hospital room 70, the acquisition unit 30 acquires index information 80 installed in the hospital room 70. When the index information 80 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70. At this time, the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in an area where radiation imaging is permitted.

(S38)
When the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiography apparatus 10 is in the hospital room 70, A23 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B23 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C23 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D23 is applied to the display unit 26.

A23: Radiographable state (radiation possible)
B23: Imaging possible state (radiation detection possible)
C23: Speed limit D23: Display status

The control unit 28 makes the radiation generating unit 12 and the radiation detecting unit 40 ready for photographing. The control unit 28 permits generation of radiation in the radiation generation unit 12, that is, permits radiography. In addition, the control unit 28 sets the radiation detection unit 40 in a state where the radiation can be detected.

Then, the operator uses the operation unit 24 to select whether or not to change the patient room 70 and perform radiation imaging, and instructs the control unit 28. When performing radiography by changing the hospital room 70, the process can proceed to S32. When the patient room 70 is changed and radiography is not performed, the process proceeds to S40.

(S40)
When the patient room 70 is changed and radiation imaging is not performed, the control unit 28 regards the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 at the standby place 76, A21 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and the radiation detection unit 40 is applied. For this, B21 is applied. C21 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D21 is applied to the display unit 26.

(S42)
The operator 60 moves the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 to the standby place 76. In the standby place 76, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is charged. In addition, the operator operates the main power switch at the standby place 76 to end (shut down) the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10.

Here, a case will be described in which the mobile radiography apparatus 10 enters a section that is not determined in advance as a moving route target while traveling in the passage 74. The acquisition unit 30 outputs that the index information of the area outside the setting has been acquired, or outputs that the acquisition of the index information has failed. When the control unit 28 receives the signal, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the control unit 28 performs control according to the setting outside the reference table. A25 is applied to the radiation generation unit 12, and B25 is applied to the radiation detection unit 40. C25 is applied to the moving unit (left motor 52L, right motor 52R, braking device 50R, braking device 50L), and D25 is applied to the display unit 26.

When the control unit 28 recognizes that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in an area outside the setting, the control unit 28 limits the speed of the moving unit as C25. This is because traveling outside the setting is often undesirable. If it returns to the original channel | path 74, C22 will be applied and a speed limit will be cancelled | released.

In addition, the notification unit can notify that the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 is in an area outside the setting. Even if the operator mistakenly moves the mobile route and enters the mobile radiography apparatus 10 in an area outside the setting, the notification prompts the operator to promptly move the mobile radiography apparatus 10 in the non-setting area. I can recognize that.

In addition, the operator can arbitrarily add new items (A26, B26, C26, D26) to the reference table and store them in the control unit 28. Therefore, it is possible to increase the area other than the waiting place, passage, and hospital room. In addition, the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 can be operated in a mode in which the reference table is not applied by selecting the operation unit 24 by the operator.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since different index information is installed depending on the location in the facility, the location of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 can be specified in real time, and control related to radiography can be performed. It can be carried out.

Next, details of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the control unit 28 specifies the moving direction of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 and the location based on the index information acquired by the acquisition unit 30.

Here, a plurality of pieces of index information are installed at the entrance / exit of the hospital room 70. Specifically, the index information 100 and the index information 102 are installed at the boundary between the hospital room 70 (area where radiography is permitted) and the outside of the hospital room 70 (area where radiography is not permitted). Index information 100 and index information 102 are sequentially installed in the direction of entering the hospital room 70. That is, the index information 100 is installed closer to the outside of the hospital room 70 than the index information 102.

Then, the control unit 28 specifies the moving direction of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 according to the index information 100 and the index information 102 acquired by the acquisition unit 30, and specifies the location of the mobile radiography apparatus 10. Specifically, the control unit 28 specifies the moving direction of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 according to the acquisition order of the index information 100 and the index information 102 acquired by the acquisition unit 30, and the mobile radiography apparatus 10 Identify the location.

For example, if the index information 102 is acquired after the index information 100 is acquired by the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 28 indicates that the mobile radiography apparatus 10 has moved from outside the hospital room 70 to the hospital room 70 and is in the hospital room 70. Can be specified. And the control part 28 permits generation | occurrence | production of the radiation in the radiation generation part 12, ie, permits a radiography. If the index information 100 is acquired after the acquisition unit 30 acquires the index information 102, the control unit 28 moves the mobile radiography apparatus 10 from the patient room 70 to the outside of the patient room 70 and is outside the patient room 70. Can be specified. And the control part 28 does not permit generation | occurrence | production of the radiation in the radiation generation part 12, ie, does not permit radiography. That is, the location of the mobile radiography apparatus 10 can be specified by the acquisition order of the index information 100 and the index information 102 acquired by the acquisition unit 30. Although an example using the acquisition order of a plurality of index information is shown here, the index information can be changed as long as the index information specifies the moving direction of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus 10.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the location can be specified by the moving direction of the mobile radiography apparatus 10, and control related to radiography can be performed.

Note that, as an example of the mobile radiation imaging apparatus of the present invention, an imaging apparatus for imaging a subject using radiation has been described. The present invention can be applied to a radiation imaging apparatus for imaging an object other than an animal or a subject.

Also, a computer program that realizes the functions of the first to third embodiments can be supplied to a computer via a network or a storage medium (not shown), and the computer program can be executed. That is, the computer program is a program for realizing control related to radiography with a computer. The storage medium stores the computer program.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to make the scope of the present invention public, the following claims are attached.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-241944 filed on November 22, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Mobile radiography apparatus 12 Radiation generation part 14 Arm 16 Support | pillar 18 Main body 20 Car 28 Control part 30 Acquisition part 40 Radiation detection part

Claims

A radiation generator for generating radiation;
An acquisition unit for acquiring information identifying a place;
A mobile radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the radiation generation unit according to the information acquired by the acquisition unit.
The control unit permits the generation of radiation in the radiation generation unit when an area where radiation imaging is permitted is specified based on information acquired by the acquisition unit. Mobile radiography device.
The said control part does not permit generation | occurrence | production of the radiation in the said radiation generation part, when the area where radiation imaging is not permitted is specified based on the information acquired by the said acquisition part. The mobile radiation imaging apparatus described.
The mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the radiation generation unit according to the number of times the information is acquired by the acquisition unit.
A radiation detection unit for detecting radiation; and when an area where radiation imaging is not permitted is specified based on information acquired by the acquisition unit, the control unit sets the radiation detection unit to a power saving mode. The mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
When the information acquired by the acquisition unit further includes a display unit that displays an image based on the radiation, the control unit sets the display unit in a power saving mode. The mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The movement according to claim 6, wherein, when an area where radiation imaging is not permitted is specified based on information acquired by the acquisition unit, the control unit hides the display unit. Type radiography equipment.
When the information of the area where radiation imaging is permitted is specified based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, the control unit further includes a moving unit that moves the radiation generation unit. The mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
2. The mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit can always acquire the information.
The control unit stores a reference table that controls the radiation generation unit in accordance with information acquired by the acquisition unit, and controls the radiation generation unit based on the reference table. Item 2. The mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to Item 1.
2. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the information set in advance in each place of the facility.
12. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the information installed differently in each place of the facility.
The mobile radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires information installed on at least one of a floor surface, a wall surface, and a ceiling of the facility.
14. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 13, wherein an orientation of the acquisition unit is determined in accordance with a place where the information is installed.
The acquisition unit acquires the information using any one of an IC tag, a magnetic medium, a reflection medium, image information, appearance information, code information, illumination, and infrared rays. Mobile radiography equipment.
The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies an operator that the acquiring unit has acquired information when the acquiring unit acquires information.
2. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a moving direction and a location of the mobile radiography apparatus are specified based on information acquired by the acquisition unit.
A radiation generator for generating radiation;
A radiation detector for detecting radiation;
A display unit for displaying an image detected by the radiation detection unit;
A moving radiation imaging apparatus comprising a moving unit that moves the radiation generating unit,
An acquisition unit for acquiring information for identifying a place;
A mobile radiography, comprising: a control unit that controls at least one of the radiation generation unit, the radiation detection unit, the display unit, and the movement unit according to information acquired by the acquisition unit. apparatus.
A control method for a mobile radiography apparatus, comprising:
Obtaining information identifying the location;
And a step of controlling radiography according to the acquired information. A control method for a mobile radiography apparatus, comprising: