JP2012101003A - Radiation image photographing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiation image photographing system which allows us to accurately identify the location or the zone (photographing chamber) of each FPD cassette by using existing devices or equipment.SOLUTION: This radiation image photographing system 50 comprises: a plurality of zones Ra1 to Ra3, each of which includes at least a FPD cassette 1 and a radiation source 52 for delivering radiation to the FPD cassette 1 and also includes an access point 53 capable of receiving a signal sent from its FPD cassette 1; and a control device S which can communicate with each of the access points 53. Upon receiving a signal, an access point 53 sends the signal together with its identification information attached thereto to the control device S, so that the control device S can identify which access point 53 has been used to send the signal. Since each access point 53 is associated with its own zone among the plurality of zones Ra1 to Ra3, the control device S can find out its zone and FPD cassette 1 from which the signal has been sent.

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging system.

  For the purpose of disease diagnosis and the like, radiographic images taken using radiation typified by X-ray images are widely used. Conventionally, such medical radiographic images have been taken using a screen film. In order to digitize radiographic images, CR (Computed Radiography) devices using stimulable phosphor sheets have been developed recently. Then, a radiation image capturing apparatus has been developed in which irradiated radiation is detected by a radiation detection element arranged in a two-dimensional form and acquired as digital image data.

  This type of radiographic image capturing apparatus is known as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector), and is conventionally formed as a so-called dedicated type radiographic image capturing apparatus formed integrally with a support base (for example, Patent Documents). 1). However, in recent years, a portable radiographic image capturing apparatus in which a radiation detection element or the like is accommodated in a housing has been developed and put into practical use (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3).

  In addition, in such portable radiographic imaging apparatuses, radiographic imaging apparatuses that transmit and receive signals and data by exchanging radio waves via wireless communication means that incorporate a battery and have an antenna or the like have been developed. (For example, refer patent document 4 etc.). Hereinafter, the portable radiographic imaging device is referred to as an FPD cassette.

  In addition, as the FPD cassette, a so-called direct type FPD cassette that generates electric charges by a detection element in accordance with the dose of radiation such as irradiated X-rays and converts it into an electric signal, or the irradiated radiation is visible with a scintillator or the like. There are various so-called indirect type FPD cassettes that convert to electromagnetic signals by generating electric charges in photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes after being converted to electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as light and then converted according to the energy of the irradiated electromagnetic waves Has been developed.

  In the present invention, a detection element in a direct type FPD cassette and a photoelectric conversion element in an indirect type FPD cassette are collectively referred to as a radiation detection element.

  By the way, since the FPD cassette has portability as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 to be described later, in a situation where there are a plurality of radiographing rooms in a hospital or the like, a radiographer or other radiographer uses the FPD cassette. Can be carried to each radiographing room and used for radiographic imaging.

  However, on the contrary, because of the feature, it is difficult to know in which shooting room the FPD cassette that the photographer wants to use for photographing is present. When the FPD cassette to be used is searched for in each imaging room, the radiographic imaging system including the FPD cassette is very inconvenient for the photographer.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 5, for example, each FPD cassette is provided with an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag, and a tag reader is provided in the front room (also referred to as an operation room or the like) of each photographing room. When brought in, the RFID tag of the FPD cassette is read with a tag reader. Alternatively, the photographer who brought the FPD cassette into the photographing room inserts the FPD cassette into the cradle.

  Information such as the cassette ID of the FPD cassette read by the tag reader or the cassette ID of the FPD cassette output via the cradle is notified to each console via the network, so that each FPD For example, by displaying a map showing the location of each FPD cassette in response to the photographer's request, the photographer can identify which shooting room is in which shooting room. An invention of a radiographic imaging system that can recognize whether or not there is disclosed.

Japanese Patent No. 3639750 JP 2006-058124 A JP-A-6-342099 JP-A-7-140255 International Publication No. 2008/111355 Pamphlet

  However, in order to configure the radiographic imaging system as described above, it is necessary to provide an RFID tag in each FPD cassette and a tag reader in the front room of each imaging room. Alternatively, the cradle provided in each imaging room needs to be able to output the cassette ID of the FPD cassette inserted in the cradle to the network as described above. Often not configured.

  In addition, when introducing a new radiographic imaging system, it would be costly to reconstruct the current radiographic imaging system as described above. There is a risk of doing.

  Therefore, it is possible to use existing equipment and equipment without reconfiguring the cradle, newly introducing a cradle having the above functions, or newly installing a tag reader in the front room of each photographing room. If it can be constructed so that it can be grasped in which imaging room each FPD cassette is located, it is desirable that the radiographic imaging system can be made easy to use for the photographer without cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a radiographic imaging system capable of accurately grasping in which imaging room each FPD cassette is located using existing equipment and equipment. The purpose is to provide.

  Also, in relatively large hospitals, hospital rooms where doctors go rounds are provided across multiple floors, or there are several buildings (such as wards) that can carry FPD cassettes. There is a case. In such a case, if it is possible to centrally manage in which location (area) the FPD cassette is located, that is, on which floor, in which ward, etc., a radiographic imaging system However, it is convenient for photographers.

  Also in this case, if the technique for each photographing room is used, the location of each FPD cassette can be found by using existing equipment or equipment, or by making a slight improvement. If it can be constructed so as to be able to grasp, it is possible to make the radiographic imaging system convenient for the photographer without incurring costs, which is desirable.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging system that can accurately grasp where each FPD cassette is located using existing apparatuses and facilities.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes:
at least,
An FPD cassette including a plurality of radiation detection elements arranged in a two-dimensional manner, reading out the charges generated in each of the radiation detection elements by irradiation of radiation as image data, and including wireless communication means;
A radiation source for irradiating the FPD cassette with radiation;
Is arranged or can be arranged, and
A plurality of areas each provided with an access point capable of receiving a signal transmitted from the FPD cassette;
And a management device capable of communicating with each of the access points provided in each of the plurality of areas,
The access point transmits only the signal transmitted from the FPD cassette in which communication settings matching the identification information of the access point are made, to the management device,
The management apparatus determines which of the plurality of areas the FPD cassette is based on based on which of the areas the transmitted signal is transmitted to which of the access points. It is characterized by recognizing and managing whether it exists in the area.

  According to the radiographic imaging system of the system of the present invention, it is transmitted from the wireless communication means of the FPD cassette using the fact that each access point is given different identification information for the purpose of preventing interference. Based on the identification information of each access point attached to the received signal, it is possible to determine through which access point the signal has been transmitted.

  Therefore, the management device determines in which of the plurality of areas the FPD cassette is present based on the transmitted signal transmitted via the access point associated with which area. It becomes possible to recognize and manage. For this reason, the management apparatus can accurately grasp in which area each FPD cassette exists.

  Therefore, when a radiographer or other photographer wants to know in which imaging room the FPD cassette that he / she wants to use currently exists, it can be easily known by inquiring the management device. The radiographic imaging system that includes the system is very convenient for the photographer.

  In addition, even if the FPD cassette is not provided with an RFID tag and a tag reader is provided in each area (each shooting room or the like), or the cassette ID of the FPD cassette is read with a cradle, As described above, it is possible to specify an area where each FPD cassette exists by simply using a wireless communication means or an existing access point in the area (photographing room or the like).

  Thus, it is not necessary to reconstruct the current radiographic imaging system in order to construct the radiographic imaging system of the system as in the present invention, or an additional access point with a simple structure is added if necessary. Therefore, it is possible to construct a radiographic imaging system at a very low cost.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a radiographic image capturing system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure in each imaging | photography room | chamber interior. It is an external appearance perspective view of a FPD cassette. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the FPD cassette of FIG. 3 from the other side. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line in FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of the board | substrate of FPD cassette. It is an enlarged view which shows the structure of the radiation detection element, TFT, etc. which were formed in the small area | region on the board | substrate of FIG. It is a side view explaining the board | substrate with which a flexible circuit board, a PCB board | substrate, etc. were attached. It is a block diagram showing the equivalent circuit of a FPD cassette. It is an external appearance perspective view showing the state to which the connector of FPD cassette and the connector of the Bucky device were connected. It is a figure explaining the Bucky apparatus provided with the connector inside the cassette holding | maintenance part. It is a figure which shows the example of imaging | photography order information. It is a figure which shows the example of the selection screen which displays imaging | photography order information. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen on which each icon etc. corresponding to each imaging | photography order information selected were displayed. It is a figure which shows the state by which the preview image was displayed on the position of the icon. It is a figure which shows the state by which the radiographic image was displayed on the position of the icon. It is a figure which shows the example of the map showing in which imaging | photography room each FPD cassette exists now. It is a figure which shows the example of the map showing which each FPD cassette is present in which imaging | photography room, and exists in areas, such as the vicinity of which imaging | photography apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the map showing which each FPD cassette is present in which imaging | photography room, and exists in areas, such as the vicinity of which imaging | photography apparatus. It is a figure showing the state in which the portable radiation generator was carried in the round-trip car and brought into the hospital room. It is a figure explaining the structure at the time of providing an access point in each floor in 2nd Embodiment.

  Embodiments of a radiation image capturing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following illustrated examples.

  In the present invention, an access point is provided for each area such as each floor (floor) of a radiographing room or ward, or each building such as a ward, and an FPD cassette can be brought into each area. It is assumed that a radiation source is installed in the area or a portable radiation source is brought in.

[First Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, a case will be described in which each area of the radiographic image capturing system 50 is a plurality of image capturing rooms Ra, and a radiation source, an access point, and the like are installed in the image capturing room Ra. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a radiographic image capturing system according to the present embodiment.

  Each radiographing room Ra (photographing rooms Ra1 to Ra3 in FIG. 1) is a room in which radiation images are taken by irradiating a subject that is a part of the patient's body (that is, a radiographic part of the patient). A radiation source 52 for irradiating the subject with radiation is arranged in Ra. Each photographing room Ra is provided with an access point 53 capable of receiving a signal wirelessly transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 provided with wireless communication means. Note that the present invention is not limited to the case where three photographing rooms Ra are provided, and any number can be provided.

  Each access point 53 is connected to a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) via a repeater 54. The network N includes a console C (console C1 and C2 in FIG. 1) and a management device S. Are connected to each other. Although not shown, the network N further includes another computer, an external device such as an imager that records and outputs a radiographic image on an image recording medium such as a film, a hospital information system (HIS). ), A necessary device such as RIS (Radiology Information System) is connected.

  Although FIG. 1 shows a case where a plurality of consoles C are connected to the network N, only one console C may be connected to the network N. In addition, a plurality of shooting rooms Ra and one or a plurality of consoles C are connected in advance by a unique line, and one or a plurality of consoles C and the management apparatus S are connected by a network N or a unique line. The plurality of imaging rooms Ra, the console C, and the management apparatus S can be connected in any manner. However, the management apparatus S is configured to be able to communicate with the access points 53 respectively provided in at least the plurality of imaging rooms Ra.

  Hereinafter, first, each device provided in each photographing room Ra and the configuration of the FPD cassette 1 that can be brought into each photographing room Ra will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the radiographing room Ra, in addition to the radiation source 52, the access point 53, and the repeater 54, a Bucky device 51 that can be loaded with the FPD cassette 1 is provided. The bucky device 51 and the radiation source 52 will be described later. FIG. 2 shows a case where a plurality of access points 53 are provided in the photographing room Ra. However, as shown in FIG. 1, one access point 53 is provided in each photographing room Ra. It is also possible to configure. This point will also be described later.

  First, the FPD cassette 1 used for radiographic imaging in the radiographic imaging system 50 will be described.

  Hereinafter, as the FPD cassette 1, a so-called indirect type FPD cassette that includes a scintillator or the like and converts emitted radiation into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as visible light to obtain an electric signal will be described. Can also be applied to a so-called direct FPD cassette that directly detects radiation with a radiation detection element without using a scintillator or the like.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the FPD cassette, and FIG. 4 is an external perspective view of the FPD cassette viewed from the opposite side. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the FPD cassette 1 houses a sensor panel SP including a scintillator 3, a substrate 4, and the like in a housing 2.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the housing 2A of the hollow rectangular tube having the radiation incident surface R in the housing 2 of the FPD cassette 1 is made of a material such as a carbon plate or plastic that transmits radiation. The housing 2 is formed by closing openings on both sides of the housing main body 2A with lid members 2B and 2C.

  Instead of forming the casing 2 as such a so-called monocoque type, for example, a so-called lunch box type formed of a frame plate and a back plate can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the lid member 2 </ b> B on one side of the housing 2 is configured with a power switch 37, a selection switch 38, a connector 39, an LED that displays a battery state, an operating state of the FPD cassette 1, and the like. An indicator 40 and the like are arranged.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a cassette ID, which is identification information of the FPD cassette 1, is wirelessly transmitted to the management device S on the lid member 2C on the opposite side of the casing 2, and image data D and the like are transmitted to the console C. An antenna device 41, which is a wireless communication means for wirelessly transferring data, is embedded. In the case where the antenna device 41 is provided, the location of the antenna device 41 on the housing 2 and the number of antenna devices 41 to be arranged are appropriately determined.

  In the present embodiment, the antenna device 41 transmits a cassette ID to the management device S via an access point 53 (to be described later) or wirelessly transmits various information to and from the console C via a wireless LAN compliant with the IEEE 802.11 standard. It is configured to communicate.

  As will be described later, when the FPD cassette 1 is loaded in the bucky device 51 and photographing is performed, the FPD cassette 1 is connected to the connector 39 on the side of the bucky device 51 (see FIG. 10 described later). 11) or image data D and the like are transferred to the console C via a cable in a wired manner.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a base 31 is disposed inside the housing 2 via a lead thin plate (not shown) on the lower side of the substrate 4 of the sensor panel SP. A PCB substrate 33, a buffer member 34, and the like on which are disposed are mounted.

  A glass substrate 35 for protecting the substrate 4 and the scintillator 3 on the radiation incident surface R side is disposed. In addition, a cushioning material 36 is provided between the sensor panel SP and the side surface of the housing 2 to prevent them from colliding with each other.

  The scintillator 3 is attached to a detection unit P, which will be described later, of the substrate 4. As the scintillator 3, for example, a scintillator 3 that has a phosphor as a main component and converts it into an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 300 to 800 nm, that is, an electromagnetic wave centered on visible light when it receives incident radiation, is used.

  The substrate 4 is made of a glass substrate. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of scanning lines 5 and a plurality of signal lines 6 cross each other on the surface 4a of the substrate 4 facing the scintillator 3. It is arranged to do. In each small region r defined by the plurality of scanning lines 5 and the plurality of signal lines 6 on the surface 4 a of the substrate 4, radiation detection elements 7 are respectively provided.

  In this way, the entire region r in which a plurality of radiation detection elements 7 arranged in a two-dimensional manner (also referred to as a matrix) is provided in each small region r partitioned by the scanning lines 5 and the signal lines 6, that is, FIG. A region indicated by an alternate long and short dash line in FIG.

  Although a photodiode is used as the radiation detection element 7, for example, a phototransistor or the like can also be used. As shown in FIG. 7 which is an enlarged view of FIG. 6, each radiation detection element 7 is connected to a source electrode 8s of a TFT 8 which is a switch means. The drain electrode 8 d of the TFT 8 is connected to the signal line 6.

  The TFT 8 is turned on when a turn-on voltage is applied to the gate electrode 8g via the scanning line 5 from the scanning driving means 15 described later, and is accumulated in the radiation detection element 7 via the source electrode 8s and the drain electrode 8d. The charged electric charge is discharged to the signal line 6. The TFT 8 is turned off when an off voltage is applied to the gate electrode 8g via the connected scanning line 5, and the emission of the charge from the radiation detecting element 7 to the signal line 6 is stopped, and the radiation detecting element The electric charge is held in 7.

  As shown in FIG. 7, bias lines 9 are connected to the plurality of radiation detection elements 7 arranged in a row, and as shown in FIG. 6, each bias line 9 is connected to the detection unit P of the substrate 4. It is bound to one connection 10 at the outer position.

  In addition, each scanning line 5, each signal line 6, and connection line 10 of the bias line 9 are connected to input / output terminals (also referred to as pads) 11 provided near the edge of the substrate 4. As shown in FIG. 8, each input / output terminal 11 includes a flexible circuit board (also referred to as a chip on film) 12 in which a chip such as an IC 12a is incorporated on a film, an anisotropic conductive adhesive film (Anisotropic Conductive Film). And an anisotropic conductive adhesive material 13 such as anisotropic conductive paste (Anisotropic Conductive Paste).

  The flexible circuit board 12 is routed to the back surface 4b side of the substrate 4 and connected to the PCB substrate 33 described above on the back surface 4b side. In this way, the substrate 4 portion of the sensor panel SP of the FPD cassette 1 is formed. In FIG. 8, illustration of the electronic component 32 and the like is omitted.

  Here, the circuit configuration of the FPD cassette 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  A bias line 9 is connected to one electrode of each radiation detection element 7, and each bias line 9 is bound to a connection 10 and connected to a bias power supply 14. The bias power source 14 applies a bias voltage (strictly speaking, a reverse bias voltage) to the electrode of each radiation detection element 7 via the connection 10 and each bias line 9.

  The other electrode of each radiation detection element 7 is connected to the source electrode 8s (denoted as S in FIG. 9) of the TFT 8, and the gate electrode 8g (denoted as G in FIG. 9) of each TFT 8. Are connected to the lines L1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 extending from the gate driver 15b of the scanning driving means 15, respectively. Further, the drain electrode 8 d (denoted as D in FIG. 9) of each TFT 8 is connected to each signal line 6.

  The scanning drive unit 15 includes a power supply circuit 15a that supplies an on voltage and an off voltage to the gate driver 15b, and a gate driver 15b that switches a voltage applied to each of the lines L1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 between the on voltage and the off voltage. It has. As described above, the gate driver 15b switches the voltage applied to the gate electrode 8g of the TFT 8 via the lines L1 to Lx of the scanning line 5 between the on-voltage and the off-voltage, It is designed to control the off state.

  Each signal line 6 is connected to each readout circuit 17 formed in the readout IC 16. The readout circuit 17 includes an amplifier circuit 18, a correlated double sampling circuit 19, an analog multiplexer 21, and an A / D converter 20.

  For example, when radiation is applied to the FPD cassette 1 through a subject during radiographic imaging, the scintillator 3 converts the radiation into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths, and the converted electromagnetic waves are directly below the radiation detection element 7. Is irradiated. Then, charges are generated in the radiation detection element 7 in accordance with the dose of irradiated radiation (that is, the amount of electromagnetic wave).

  In the reading process of the image data D from each radiation detection element 7, when an ON voltage is applied to a predetermined line Ln of the scanning line 5 from the gate driver 15 b of the scanning driving unit 15, the line Ln of the scanning line 5 is A turn-on voltage is applied to the gate electrode 8g of each TFT 8 connected to the TFT 8 so that each TFT 8 is turned on, and a signal is transmitted from the radiation detection element 7 connected to each turned-on TFT 8 through each TFT 8. Charge is released to the line 6.

  Then, a voltage value is output from the amplifier circuit 18 in accordance with the amount of charge emitted from the radiation detection element 7, and is correlated double-sampled by the correlated double sampling circuit 19, and the analog value image data D is sent to the multiplexer 21. Is output. The image data D sequentially output from the multiplexer 21 is sequentially converted to digital image data D by the A / D converter 20, output to the storage means 23 and sequentially stored.

  The control means 22 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), a computer having an input / output interface connected to the bus, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and the like. ing. It may be configured by a dedicated control circuit.

  The control unit 22 controls the operation of each functional unit such as the scan driving unit 15 and the readout circuit 17 of the FPD cassette 1. The control means 22 is connected to a storage means 23 constituted by a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or the like, and a battery 24 for supplying power to each functional part of the FPD cassette 1. Further, the antenna device 41 and the connector 39 (not shown in FIG. 9) are connected to the control means 22.

  The control unit 22 controls the scanning drive unit 15 and the readout circuit 17 to read out the image data D from each radiation detection element 7 and each radiation detection for removing the charge remaining in each radiation detection element 7. Various functions are provided for each functional unit of the FPD cassette 1 such as resetting the element 7 or setting and varying the bias voltage applied to each radiation detection element 7 from the bias power supply 14 by controlling the bias power supply 14. It comes to perform control.

  In addition, when the control unit 22 performs the reading process of the image data D and the like from each radiation detection element 7, the control unit 22 stores the read image data D and the like in the storage unit 23 as described above.

  In this embodiment, the control unit 22 creates thinned data Dt in which the data amount is reduced by thinning data from each image data D read from each radiation detection element 7 at a predetermined rate, and the imaging is completed. Every time, the thinned data Dt is transmitted to the console C. Then, after the thinning data Dt is transmitted, the image data D is automatically transmitted.

  The control unit 22 performs dark reading processing at a predetermined timing for acquiring an offset due to dark charges superimposed on each image data D, and the dark read out by the dark reading processing is performed. The offset correction value O calculated based on the read value d is automatically transmitted to the console C.

  In the present embodiment, since a wireless LAN conforming to the IEEE 802.11 standard is adopted as the wireless communication means (that is, the antenna device 41), the SSID (Service Set IDntifier) of each access point 53 is used as the identification information of the access point 53. However, when wireless communication is performed in another form, the identification information of the access point 53 that conforms to the form is used.

  In addition, the shooting rooms Ra1 to Ra3 are often provided close to each other, and as will be described later, although each shooting room Ra is shielded with lead or the like, the radio waves transmitted from the access point 53 or the like are not transmitted to other stations. There is a possibility that it will leak into the photographing room Ra and cause interference. Therefore, different identification information (SSID) is normally assigned to each access point 53 provided in each photographing room Ra.

  Then, once the FPD cassette 1 acquires the SSID, it can communicate with only the access point 53 to which the SSID is assigned, and the other access points 53 do not accept signals from the FPD cassette 1. Therefore, the FPD cassette 1 is configured to acquire the SSID of the specific access point 53 and communicate with only the specific access point 53, thereby preventing interference between the imaging rooms Ra.

  However, as shown in FIG. 2, even if interference occurs at a plurality of access points 53 provided in the same shooting room Ra (for example, the shooting room Ra1), it is transmitted via each access point 53. In the end, the signal transmitted from the photographing room Ra1 is not transmitted to the console C that has received the signal.

  Therefore, even if the same SSID is assigned to the plurality of access points 53 provided in the same imaging room Ra1, there is no problem, and the console C and the management device S at least transmit the transmitted signal. It can be specified whether the signal is transmitted from the room Ra.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, when a plurality of access points 53 are provided in the photographing room Ra, the same identification information (SSID) is assigned to each access point 53. . With this configuration, a plurality of access points 53 in the same photographing room Ra simultaneously receive signals from the FPD cassette 1, which will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, when a radiographer or other radiographer brings the FPD cassette 1 into the radiographing room Ra, the FPD cassette 1 is operated to perform polling (that is, the SSID is assigned to the access point 53). A request for transmission is made), and the SSID is transmitted from the access point 53 to the FPD cassette 1 for acquisition.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when a plurality of access points 53 are provided in the photographing room Ra, as described above, the SSIDs of the access points 53 are the same. The photographer performs a polling operation on any one of the access points 53 (that is, makes a request to transmit a common SSID in the imaging room Ra), and causes the access point 53 to transmit the SSID to the FPD cassette 1. Get.

  Then, when the SSID of the access point 53 is acquired in this way, the control means 22 of the FPD cassette 1 sets the communication setting that matches the SSID, and thereafter transmits the image data D and the like in a wireless manner. The image data D and the like are transmitted via the access point 53 (in the case of FIG. 2, each access point 53 in the imaging room Ra). This polling operation is performed every time the FPD cassette 1 is brought into each of the photographing rooms Ra1 to Ra3 (see FIG. 1).

  Further, in the present embodiment, the FPD cassette 1 attaches its own cassette ID to the image data D to be transmitted, and transmits the acquired SSID along with the image data D at that time. It has become. With this configuration, the SSID for each shooting room Ra is different in both the case of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, but the same SSID is attached to the image data D transmitted from the same shooting room Ra. The console C and the management device S can easily recognize the signal or the like transmitted from which imaging room Ra by referring to the SSID attached to the image data D or the signal. Become.

  In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the FPD cassette 1 has a size compatible with the CR cassette, and can be used by being installed in a later-described Bucky device 51 in the facility.

  Further, as will be described later, when the FPD cassette 1 is loaded in the bucky device 51, the FPD cassette 1 is supplied with power from the bucky device 51, but in a single state not loaded in the bucky device 51, the battery 24 (See FIG. 9), power is supplied to each functional unit such as the control unit 22, the bias power supply 14, the scanning drive unit 15, and the readout circuit 17 (readout IC 16).

  Next, other devices in the radiographic image capturing system 50 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the bucky device 51 can be used by loading the FPD cassette 1 in a cassette holding portion (also referred to as a cassette holder) 51 a.

  In FIG. 2, a case is shown in which, in the photographing room Ra, a bucky device 51 </ b> A for standing position shooting and a bucky device 51 </ b> B for standing position shooting are installed as the bucky device 51. The present invention is also applied to a case where only the bucky device 51A for the camera or only the bucky device 51B for the position photographing is provided.

  The bucky device 51 is configured to be used by loading a conventional CR cassette into the cassette holding unit 51a, and an existing bucky device installed for the CR cassette in the photographing room Ra is used.

  Therefore, the FPD cassette 1 is formed to have the same dimensions as the CR cassette. That is, the CR cassette is formed in a size such as 14 inches × 17 inches (half-cut size) in accordance with the JIS standard size (corresponding international standard is IEC 60406) for conventional screen film cassettes. Further, the thickness in the radiation incident direction is formed to be within a range of 15 mm + 1 mm to 15 mm-2 mm.

  In order to enable the use of the JIS standard size CR cassette in the Bucky device 51, the FPD cassette 1 also has dimensions conforming to the JIS standard in the cassette for screen films to which the CR cassette conforms. It is formed with.

  In the case where an existing bucky device for a screen / film cassette or a CR cassette is not used, it is not necessary to form the FPD cassette 1 with the above dimensions, and the FPD cassette 1 can be formed in any size or shape. Is possible. However, in that case, it is necessary to newly install a bucky device capable of loading the FPD cassette 1 having an arbitrarily set shape as the bucky device 51 in the photographing room Ra.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, before loading the FPD cassette 1 into the bucky device 51, the connector 51b provided at the tip of the cable extending from the bucky device 51 is connected to the connector 39 of the FPD cassette 1, In this state, the FPD cassette 1 is loaded into the cassette holding part 51a of the bucky device 51.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a connector 51 b connected to the connector 39 (see FIG. 3) of the loaded FPD cassette 1 may be provided inside the cassette holding portion 51 a of the bucky device 51. Is possible. In this case, the connector 51b is provided in the same manner in the bucky device 51B for standing position shooting as well as the bucky device 51A for standing position shooting shown in FIG.

  By connecting the connector 51 b of the bucky device 51 and the connector 39 of the FPD cassette 1, power is supplied from the bucky device 51 to the FPD cassette 1. Therefore, when the connectors 39 and 51b are connected to each other, the control means 22 of the FPD cassette 1 stops the supply of power from the battery 24 (see FIG. 9) to each functional unit, and the bucky device via the connector 39 The power supplied from 51 is switched to be supplied to each functional unit.

  It is also possible to charge the battery 24 at the same time while supplying power to each functional unit. Further, it is not always necessary to provide the above-described power supply function to the bucky device 51, and it may be configured only by a function of holding the FPD cassette 1 at a predetermined position as in the past.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one radiation source 52 for irradiating the subject with radiation is provided in the imaging room Ra.

  Of the radiation sources 52, one radiation source 52A (see FIG. 2) is arranged suspended from the ceiling of the imaging room Ra, for example, and based on instructions from the console C at the time of imaging. It is activated and moved to a predetermined position by a moving means (not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 2, by changing the irradiation direction of the radiation, the FPD cassette 1 loaded in the standing-up photographing bucky device 51A and the standing-up photographing bucky device 51B is irradiated with the radiation. Can be done.

  In the present embodiment, the radiographing room Ra is also provided with a portable radiation source 52P that is not associated with the standing-up radiographing or the supine radiographing bucky devices 51A and 51B. The portable radiation source 52P can be carried anywhere in the photographing room Ra, and can irradiate radiation in an arbitrary direction.

  Then, the FPD cassette 1 is applied to a patient's body part as a subject in a single state (ie, not loaded in the bucky device 51), or a table or a bed (not shown) of the bucky device 51B for lying position photography. In such a state, the radiation can be emitted from the portable radiation source 52P at an appropriate distance and direction.

  In addition, the FPD cassette 1 can be used for radiographic imaging in a single state that is not loaded in the bucky device 51 as described above.

  The radiation source 52 includes an X-ray tube, and when the X-ray tube is supplied with a predetermined tube voltage or tube current from a radiation generator 57 described later, the X-ray tube is set to a tube voltage or the like for a specified irradiation time. A corresponding dose of radiation is emitted.

  The access point 53 is connected to the console C and the management apparatus S via a repeater 54 and a network N (see FIG. 1) which will be described later.

  Further, as described above, in this embodiment, different SSIDs are assigned to the access points 53 as identification information for the respective imaging rooms Ra1 to Ra3 in order to prevent interference during communication. When polling for requesting transmission of identification information from the FPD cassette 1 to the access point 53 is performed by the photographer's operation, the access point 53 sets the SSID assigned to the FPD cassette 1 to itself. It is supposed to send.

  As shown in FIG. 2, signal strength measuring means 53a for measuring the signal strength SI of the signal from the FPD cassette 1 received by the access point 53 is attached to the access point 53 as necessary. Will be explained later.

  Since the imaging room Ra is shielded with lead or the like so that radiation does not leak out of the imaging room, even if information such as the image data D is transmitted and received from the FPD cassette 1 via the antenna device 41 in the imaging room Ra, it remains as it is. Then, it becomes difficult to transmit and receive. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when the FPD cassette 1 and the console C communicate wirelessly, a repeater 54 that relays these communications is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the repeater 54 is connected to the bucky device 51 with a cable as described above, and also connected to each access point 53 and the radiation generator 57 in the front chamber Rb described later. In addition, communication between each device in the photographing room Ra and the front room Rb and a network N (see FIG. 1) outside the photographing room Ra is relayed.

  In the present embodiment, a cradle 55 is provided in the imaging room Ra, and the cradle 55 charges the battery 24 (see FIG. 9) of the FPD cassette 1 when the FPD cassette 1 is inserted. ing. The cradle 55 may be installed in either the imaging room Ra or the front room Rb. When the cradle 55 is installed in the imaging room Ra, the position where the radiation emitted from the radiation source 52 does not reach, that is, for example, imaging. It is installed at the corner of the room Ra.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the anterior chamber Rb is provided with a radiation generating device 57 having an exposure switch 56 and the like operated by the photographer to instruct the radiation source 52 to start radiation irradiation. Yes.

  Then, based on an instruction from the console C, the radiation generator 57 supplies a predetermined tube voltage, tube current, or the like to the radiation source 52, moves the radiation source 52 to a predetermined position, The radiation source 52 is activated by changing the irradiation direction or the like.

  Next, the console C connected to the network N in addition to the shooting room Ra will be described. The management device S will be described later.

  The console C is configured by a computer or the like in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface and the like (not shown) are connected to a bus. A predetermined program is stored in the ROM, and the console C reads out a necessary program, expands it in a work area of the RAM, and executes various processes according to the program.

  The console C is provided with a display unit (not shown) such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and other input means such as a keyboard and a mouse are connected. Further, the console C is connected to or has a built-in storage means (not shown) constituted by a hard disk or the like. The storage means stores image data D and the like transmitted from the FPD cassette 1.

  Hereinafter, before describing the present invention, image processing and the like in the console C will be briefly described.

  In the console C, a radiographer or other radiographer can designate the radiographing room Ra used for radiographing. By this designation, the console C and the radiographing room Ra are associated with each other, so The thinned data Dt and image data D transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 are transmitted to the console C.

  Further, the console C obtains necessary information such as photographing order information from a HIS or RIS (not shown) connected to the network N by a photographer's operation.

  The imaging order information is set by specifying at least an imaging region and imaging conditions. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the imaging order information includes “patient ID” P2, “patient name” P3, “sex” P4, “age” P5, “clinical department” P6 as patient information, And “imaging part” P7, “imaging direction” P8 as an imaging condition, “buky ID” P9 representing the bucky device 51 to be used, and the like. Then, “shooting order ID” P1 is automatically assigned to each shooting order information in the order in which shooting orders are registered.

  When the console C obtains the shooting order information, as shown in FIG. 13, a list of each shooting order information is displayed on the display unit as a selection screen H1. In the present embodiment, a shooting order information display field h11, a selection button h12, a determination button h13, and a return button h14 are displayed on the selection screen H1.

  For example, when the photographer clicks the selection button h12, selects each piece of shooting order information, and clicks the decision button h13, the console C displays a screen H2 as shown in FIG. 14 on the display unit. It is like that.

  As shown in FIG. 14, each icon I corresponding to each shooting order information is displayed on the screen H <b> 2, and a preview image p_pre displayed at the position of the icon I as described later is displayed below each icon I. An “OK” button that is clicked when the radiographer determines that the re-imaging is unnecessary or the radiographic image p displayed at the position of the icon I is normal and the radiographic image p is determined, An “NG” button that is clicked when re-imaging is necessary or image processing for the radiation image p is performed again is displayed.

  Further, by clicking the “+” button or the “−” button of each item on the display Ia for setting the irradiation condition displayed on the right side of the screen H2, the tube voltage of the radiation source 52 of the radiation generating device 57 is clicked. The irradiation conditions such as the tube current and the irradiation time can be changed and set.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, each of the icons I1 to I4 is displayed so that any one icon I (the icon I2 in the case of FIG. 14) is conspicuously displayed. Shooting based on shooting order information corresponding to I is performed. When the photographer wants to perform photographing based on different photographing order information, the focus can be changed by clicking on another icon I corresponding to the photographing order information. It is like that.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the console C controls the radiation generator 57 in the imaging room Ra so as to perform imaging based on imaging order information corresponding to the focused icon I, and the radiation source 52 is controlled. It is activated under irradiation conditions such as a predetermined tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time, the radiation source 52 is moved, and the irradiation direction is changed.

  Note that, on the left side of the screen H2, the imaging part designated by the imaging order information corresponding to the icon I displayed in focus is displayed on the human body model Ib that is shown so that the photographer can understand at a glance. It is like that.

  On the other hand, when radiographic imaging based on radiographing order information corresponding to the icon I displayed in focus is performed, the FPD cassette 1 is created from the image data D of each radiation detection element 7 as described above. Thinned data Dt is transmitted. When the thinned data Dt is transmitted from the FPD cassette 1, the console C displays a preview image based on the thinned data Dt transmitted at the position of the original focused icon I2 as shown in FIG. It is supposed to be.

  Then, when the photographer who has viewed the preview image p_pre clicks the “OK” button, the console C changes the focused icon I to be displayed, for example, the icon I3 as shown in FIG. The radiographic image p is generated based on the image data D and the like transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 by imaging corresponding to the above.

  In the generation process of the radiation image p, the console C performs processing such as offset correction, gain correction, gradation processing according to the imaging region, and the imaging is performed by attaching a grid to the FPD cassette 1 at the time of imaging. Therefore, filtering processing for removing moire by the grid is performed.

  When shooting using a grid, moire may occur in the image data D due to the relationship between the grid pitch and the pixel size of the FPD cassette 1. As a countermeasure against this moire, the occurrence of moire can be avoided if the grid to be used is appropriately selected as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-316126. Further, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-88765, the image is once taken using a familiar grid, and the moire component included in the image data D is removed by filtering in the next step. It is also known.

In the case of the FPD cassette 1, since it is used in a plurality of radiographing rooms Ra as described in the present embodiment or used in round-trip destinations as described in embodiments described later, it is possible to limit the grid types to be used. It's not a good idea. That is, it is preferable to use the grid that was used when the CR cassette was used for photographing. In addition, it is possible to store the grid pitch information used for each shooting in association with the read image every time shooting is performed.
Unlike the case of a dedicated radiographic imaging device, in the case of the FPD cassette 1, in order to associate grid pitch information, a large-scale modification of existing imaging equipment is required, and radiographers and the like in each imaging This is not realistic because the number of operations increases.

  Accordingly, the grid to be used is not limited, and several types of moire removal filters corresponding to the grid pitch that can be used are prepared in advance, and all the filters prepared in advance are sequentially applied to the image data D. A method of obtaining a radiation image p without moire by applying is preferable for the FPD cassette 1.

  When the console C generates the radiation image p, it displays it at the position of the original icon I2, as shown in FIG. When the photographer who has seen the radiographic image p determines that the generated radiographic image p is normal and clicks an “OK” button, the radiographic image p is associated with the radiographing order information, It is supposed to be confirmed.

  Next, the management apparatus S connected to the network N will be described.

  The management device S is configured by a server computer or the like in which a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface and the like (not shown) are connected to a bus. A predetermined program is stored in the ROM, and the console C reads out a necessary program, expands it in a work area of the RAM, and executes various processes according to the program.

  Hereinafter, processing in the management device S and processing and configuration of each device related thereto will be described. The operation of the radiation image capturing system 50 according to this embodiment will also be described.

  First, as shown in FIG. 1, a case where one access point 53 is provided in each of the photographing rooms Ra1 to Ra3 will be described.

  Each access point 53 in each of the imaging rooms Ra1 to Ra3 has an SSID transmission request to the access point 53 by polling when a radiographer or other photographer brings the FPD cassette 1 into any of the imaging rooms Ra, for example. If there is, as described above, its own SSID is transmitted to the FPD cassette 1. Then, as described above, the FPD cassette 1 attaches the identification information (cassette ID) and the acquired SSID to the image data D, the signal, and the like, and transmits them to the console C and the management device S via the network N. It is like that.

  The management apparatus S has a table in a memory such as a ROM for associating each photographing room Ra1 to Ra3 with each SSID of each access point 53 provided in each photographing room Ra1 to Ra3.

  As described above, since different SSIDs are assigned to the access points 53 provided in the respective shooting rooms Ra in order to prevent interference, the identification information of the shooting rooms Ra and the SSID of the access point 53 are used. It can be associated with 1: 1. The management apparatus S has a table in which the identification information of the photographing room Ra and the SSID of the access point 53 are previously associated with each other at 1: 1.

  Then, each time the FPD cassette 1 is brought into one of the shooting rooms Ra and the cassette ID and SSID are transmitted, the management device S refers to the table and stores the access stored in a memory such as a RAM. The cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 is associated with the identification information of the shooting room Ra corresponding to the SSID of the point 53.

  In addition, the management apparatus S is configured so that the FPD cassette 1 is transported by a photographer from a certain shooting room Ra (for example, the shooting room Ra1) to another shooting room Ra (for example, the shooting room Ra2) and provided in the other shooting room Ra2. When the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 and the SSID of the access point 53 are transmitted from the access point 53 received, the other imaging room Ra2 is determined based on the SSID of the access point 53 with reference to the table.

  Then, the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 is associated with the identification information of the other shooting room Ra2, and the association between the identification information of the original shooting room Ra1 and the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 is deleted.

  In this way, each time the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 is transmitted from each access point 53 in each of the imaging rooms Ra1 to Ra3, the management apparatus S transmits the cassette ID and the SSID attached to the cassette ID. Based on the above, the above processing is performed. The management apparatus S performs the above processing not only when there is one FPD cassette 1 but also when there are a plurality of FPD cassettes 1. For example, as shown in the map of FIG. It is designed to recognize and manage in which imaging room Ra the cassette 1 currently exists.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, when a plurality of access points 53 are provided in each of the shooting rooms Ra1 to Ra3 or in a specific shooting room Ra of them, the shooting room It is possible to manage the location of the FPD cassette 1 by specifying a finer location in Ra (that is, the following imaging device or a location in the vicinity thereof).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, each access point 53 is provided in each radiographing apparatus (that will be described later) for radiographic imaging using the FPD cassette 1 installed in the radiographing room Ra. Are provided in the vicinity of each of the bucky devices 51A and 51B and the portable radiation source 52P), and each access point 53 is associated with each imaging device one by one. The access point 53 may be attached to the bucky device 51.

  In this case, as an imaging apparatus for performing radiographic image capturing using the FPD cassette 1, a standing position imaging bucky apparatus 51A and a supine position imaging bucky apparatus 51B that can be used with the FPD cassette 1 loaded. Can be mentioned. In order to cope with the case where the FPD cassette 1 is used in a single state where the FPD cassette 1 is not loaded in the bucky device 51, a portable radiation source 52P for irradiating the FPD cassette 1 in a single state with radiation is also used as an imaging device. ing.

  If the radiation source 52A is regarded as an imaging device and one access point 53 is provided for the radiation source 52A, the radiation source 52A includes a standing-up imaging device 51A and a supine imaging device 51B as described above. As described later, based on the signal strength SI of the signal received by the access point 53, it is determined whether the FPD cassette 1 is loaded in which Bucky device 51, etc. When C determines, it becomes impossible to determine which Bucky device 51 is used.

  Therefore, as in the present embodiment, when the radiation source 52A is shared by the standing-up imaging device 51A and the lying-up imaging device 51B, the access point 53 is assigned to each of the bucky devices. It is desirable to provide each of the devices 51A and 51B.

  By the way, when a signal, image data D, or the like is transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 in the photographing room Ra, a signal or the like is sent to the console C or the management device S via one access point 53 among the plurality of access points 53. Sent. However, as described above, when a plurality of access points 53 are provided in the shooting room Ra, the same SSID is assigned to each access point 53 in the same shooting room Ra. Cannot be distinguished from each other.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when a plurality of access points 53 are provided in the photographing room Ra, individual identification information (hereinafter referred to as APID) is assigned to each access point 53 in order to distinguish each access point 53. Assigned. As shown in FIG. 2, each access point 53 is provided with identification information notification means 53a for notifying the FPD cassette 1 of this APID when there is an inquiry from the FPD cassette 1.

  The timing at which the identification information notification unit 53a notifies the FPD cassette 1 of the APID will be described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, when one access point 53 is provided in each photographing room Ra, it is not necessary to attach the identification information notification means 53 a to the access point 53.

  In the management apparatus S, different SSIDs are assigned to the access points 53 provided in each shooting room Ra, and the identification information of the shooting room Ra and the SSID of the access point 53 may be associated with 1: 1. Therefore, a table in which the identification information of the shooting room Ra and the SSID of the access point 53 are associated with each other in advance 1: 1 is stored in a memory such as a ROM. In this table, each APID is associated with each SSID.

  In this case, the management device S refers to the SSID attached to the signal transmitted from the imaging room Ra, and recognizes from which imaging room Ra the signal is transmitted. In addition, by referring to the APID, it is possible to recognize which is transmitted from the access point 53 associated with which imaging device in the imaging room Ra.

  In this way, the management apparatus S determines which FPD cassette 1 is located in which imaging apparatus in which imaging room Ra (or which Bucky apparatus 51 is loaded with the Bucky apparatus 51), that is, the FPD cassette. It recognizes and manages the location in one shooting room Ra.

  The following processing may be configured to be performed by the console C. In this case, the console C is configured to transmit the information to the management apparatus S every time the location of the FPD cassette 1 is specified. Is done. Further, when the management device S specifies the position where the FPD cassette 1 is present, the information is transmitted to the console C as necessary. Further, the following processing can be performed by both the management apparatus S and the console C.

  Specifically, for example, a radiographer or other radiographer brings the FPD cassette 1 into the radiographing room Ra1, polls one access point 53, and commons from the access point 53 to the radiographing room Ra1. And the FPD cassette 1 is set to the communication setting that matches the SSID.

  At this time, the SSID acquired from the FPD cassette 1 is added to its own cassette ID (in this case, the APID is not attached) and transmitted to the management apparatus S via the network N. If the management device S is configured to refer to the above table, the management device S can recognize that the FPD cassette 1 having at least the cassette ID exists in the imaging room Ra1. In this case, the management apparatus S associates the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 with the identification information of the imaging room Ra1.

  The control means 22 (see FIG. 9) of the FPD cassette 1 is brought into the photographing room Ra and polling operation is performed, and after setting the communication setting to match the SSID, the antenna device 41 of the FPD cassette 1 enters the photographing room Ra. A signal is transmitted to each access point 53 constantly or periodically, a response signal from each access point 53 is received, and the signal strength SI of each response signal is measured.

  In the following description, the signal strength of the response signal from the access point 53 associated with the standing position shooting bucky device 51A in FIG. 2 is SIa, and the access point 53 associated with the standing position shooting bucky device 51B. Is represented as SIb, and signal strength from the access point 53 associated with the portable radiation source 52P is represented as SIp. Further, a threshold set in advance for the signal intensity SI is represented as SIth.

  Furthermore, the access point 53 associated with the portable radiation source 52P may be configured to be activated only when the portable radiation source 52P is used and to be stopped when not in use.

  The signal strength SI of the response signal from each access point 53 becomes weaker in inverse proportion to the square of the distance between the FPD cassette 1 and the access point 53. If the response signal transmitted from each access point 53 is too strong, the signal echoes in the photographing room Ra and does not weaken in inverse proportion to the square of the distance as described above. Therefore, the strength of the response signal from each access point 53 with respect to the signal transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 in order to measure the signal strength SI of the response signal is set to be relatively weak.

As described above, since the signal strength SI of the response signal becomes weak according to the distance, the FPD cassette 1 is received by the FPD cassette 1 when the FPD cassette 1 is located away from each access point 53 in the photographing room Ra1. The signal strengths SIa, SIb, and SIp of the response signal from each access point 53 are very small and much smaller than the threshold value SIth. That is,
SIth >> SIa, SIb, SIp (1)
The relationship holds.

When the photographer holds the FPD cassette 1 and approaches the bucky device 51A for standing photography, for example, the signal intensity SIa of the response signal from the access point 53 associated with the bucky device 51A for standing photography. Will increase. However, as shown in the following equation (2), the signal strengths SIb and SIp of the response signals from the other access points 53 do not increase so much.
SIth>SIa> SIb, SIp (2)

When the photographer with the FPD cassette 1 gets closer to the stand-up shooting bucky device 51A, the signal intensity SIa of the response signal from the access point 53 associated with the standing-up shot shooting device 51A is It further increases and becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value SIth as shown in the following equation (3).
SIa ≧ SIth> SIb, SIp (3)

  Therefore, at this time, the FPD cassette 1 makes an APID inquiry to the identification information notifying means 53a attached to the access point 53 associated with the standing-up photographing device 51A, and acquires the APID. To do.

  After that, the FPD cassette 1 transmits the signal to be transmitted by adding the APID in addition to its cassette ID and SSID. In this way, communication is performed only through the access point 53. That is, the other access point 53 in the same shooting room Ra1 is different from its own APID in that the identification information notification means 53a is attached to the signal even if the signal transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 arrives. Because it is a thing, communication is cut off.

  Further, when the FPD cassette 1 acquires the APID from the identification information notifying unit 53a of the access point 53, the SPD and the APID are attached to the cassette ID and transmitted to the management apparatus S via the access point 53. It has become.

  When the cassette ID, the SSID, and the APID are transmitted from the FPD cassette 1, the management device S refers to the table to determine that the imaging room Ra is the imaging room Ra1 based on the SSID, and also to the APID. Based on this, it is determined that the location of the FPD cassette 1 is in the vicinity of the standing-up photographing bucky device 51A (or that it is loaded in the bucky device 51A).

  Then, the management device S associates the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 with the identification information of the shooting room Ra1 and the bucky ID of the standing-up shooting bucky device 51A. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the cassette ID (eg, “FPD-001”) of the FPD cassette 1 is associated with the Bucky device 51A in the photographing room Ra1 and managed on the map.

  In this way, the management apparatus S determines which FPD cassette 1 is located in which imaging apparatus in which imaging room Ra (or which Bucky apparatus 51 is loaded with the Bucky apparatus 51), that is, the FPD cassette. It recognizes and manages the location in one shooting room Ra.

  In the map shown in FIG. 18, each FPD cassette 1 with cassette IDs “FPD-003” and “FPD-004” is further brought into the photographing room Ra1 and exists in the photographing room Ra1. It is also shown that those FPD cassettes 1 do not exist in the vicinity of any photographing apparatus.

  On the other hand, as described above, even when the FPD cassette 1 loaded in the standing-up photographing bucky device 51A in the photographing room Ra1 is pulled out by the photographer after the photographing is finished, as described above. The FPD cassette 1 still acquires the APID of the identification information notifying means 53a of the access point 53 associated with the standing-up shooting bucky device 51A and is associated with the standing-up shooting bucky device 51A. Communication with only the access point 53 is possible.

  Therefore, for example, the APID setting for the FPD cassette 1 is canceled by the operation of the photographer. When the APID setting is canceled, the FPD cassette 1 transmits a signal from the antenna device 41 to each access point 53 in the photographing room Ra1 constantly or periodically, and from each access point 53 corresponding thereto. Return to the state where the signal strength SI of the response signal is measured.

  However, for example, when the APID is canceled in the vicinity of the extracted standing-up shooting bucky device 51A, the signal intensities SIa, SIb, and SIp of the response signals from the access points 53 are related to the above equation (3). Thus, the FPD cassette 1 returns to a state in which it can communicate only with the access point 53 associated with the standing-up photographing device 51A.

  In order to avoid such a situation, for example, after the APID setting is canceled as described above, a predetermined time (when a signal is always transmitted from the antenna device 41) or a predetermined number of times (a signal from the antenna device 41). If the relationship of the above equation (3) is changed to the relationship of the above equation (2) before reaching (if the communication signal is periodically transmitted), the signal strength SI of the response signal from each access point 53 is measured. Configure to continue state.

  In addition, when the relationship of the above expression (3) is satisfied for a predetermined time or a predetermined number of times after the APID is released, the photographer continues to use the FPD cassette 1 as a stand-up shooting bucky device 51A. The FPD cassette 1 again identifies the access point 53 associated with the standing-up shooting device 51 </ b> A because it is thought that the user wants to load it (or keep it in the vicinity). It is desirable to obtain an APID from the information notification unit 53a and return to a state where only the access point 53 can communicate.

  Note that since the APID is not attached to the signal transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 when the expression (3) is not satisfied, the management apparatus S has a bucky device for standing position shooting on the memory. The association between the Bucky ID and the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 is deleted. Since the SSID is attached to the signal, the association between the identification information of the photographing room Ra1 and the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 is not deleted.

  Therefore, in this case, the association between the Bucky device 51A and the cassette ID “FPD-001” of the FPD cassette 1 on the map shown in FIG. 18 is canceled and the cassette ID “FPD-001” is omitted. "Is displayed in the same row as the cassette IDs" FPD-003 "and" FPD-004 "in the column of the photographing room Ra1.

On the other hand, for example, in the state shown in the map of FIG. 18, the photographer performs the same process for the FPD cassette 1 with the cassette ID “FPD-003” brought into the photographing room Ra1. When it is brought to the position photographing Bucky device 51B, the signal intensity SIb at the access point 53 associated with the position photographing Bucky device 51B satisfies the relationship of the following expression (4).
SIb ≧ SIth> SIa, SIp (4)

  Therefore, the FPD cassette 1 with the cassette ID “FPD-003” is in a state in which communication is possible only through the access point 53 associated with the bucky device 51B for the supine photographing, and the access point 53 from the FPD cassette 1 is concerned. The own cassette ID (that is, “FPD-003”), SSID, and APID are transmitted to the management apparatus S via.

  At this time, the management device S refers to the table and assigns the cassette ID “FPD-003” of the FPD cassette 1 to the Bucky ID of the bucky device 51B for the upright photographing of the photographing room Ra1 stored in the memory. ].

  In this way, the management apparatus S has the FPD cassette 1 with the cassette ID “FPD-003” existing in the shooting position Ra1 in the shooting room Ra1 or in the vicinity thereof (that is, loaded in the blocking apparatus 51B). Or existing in the vicinity thereof).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 19, on the map, the cassette ID “FPD-001” of the FPD cassette 1 is associated with the bucky device 51A of the photographing room Ra1, and the cassette ID of another FPD cassette 1 is further associated with the bucky device 51B. “FPD-003” is associated.

  Further, for example, if the FPD cassette 1 with the cassette ID “FPD-004” is carried to an area near the portable radiation source 52P (see FIG. 2), the illustration is omitted. The radiation source 52P and the cassette ID “FPD-004” of the FPD cassette 1 are associated with each other.

  In this way, as shown in FIG. 2, the management apparatus S, when a plurality of access points 53 are provided in the photographing room Ra, the signal transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 The location where the FPD cassette 1 is present in the photographing room Ra is specified and managed based on whether it has been transmitted from 53 (that is, the APID attached to the signal in this embodiment). Similarly, when a plurality of access points 53 are provided in each of the photographing rooms Ra1 to Ra3 shown in FIG. 1, the locations of the FPD cassettes 1 in the respective photographing rooms Ra1 to Ra3 are similarly determined. It is designed to identify and manage.

  On the other hand, in each case, the management apparatus is provided with one access point 53 (see FIG. 1) in each photographing room Ra or with a plurality of access points 53 (see FIG. 2). In S, when there is an inquiry about the location of each FPD cassette 1 from an external device such as the console C, information on the location of the FPD cassette 1 (that is, information on the imaging room Ra or imaging with the imaging room Ra). Device information).

  In addition, when there is an inquiry about the existence status of each FPD cassette 1 from an external device such as the console C, the management device S notifies the map information as shown in FIGS. Yes.

  As described above, the FPD cassette 1 may be configured such that the processing of comparing the signal strengths SIa, Sib, SIp and the threshold value Sith is performed by the management device S or the console C. When the comparison process is performed on the console C, the result is transmitted to the management apparatus S.

  That is, in this case, signals from the FPD cassette 1 brought into the photographing room Ra are received by the plurality of access points 53 in the photographing room Ra and transmitted to the management device S (or console C, the same applies hereinafter). The At that time, the identification information notification means 53a transmits the signal transmitted through the access point 53 with the APID attached thereto.

  Then, the management device S compares the signal strengths SIa, Sib, SIp of the signals transmitted from the access points 53 with the threshold value Sith, and a signal having a signal strength SI equal to or higher than the threshold value SIth is transmitted. Transmits the APID attached to the signal to the FPD cassette 1 in the photographing room Ra.

  With this configuration, thereafter, the FPD cassette 1 transmits signals, image data D, and the like only through the access point 53 to which the identification information notification unit 53a to which the APID is assigned is attached. It becomes like this. In addition, since the signal transmitted to the management apparatus S is transmitted with the APID in addition to the cassette ID and SSID of the FPD cassette 1, the management apparatus S can transmit the FPD cassette 1 based on the APID. It is possible to identify and manage the location in the shooting room Ra.

  As described above, according to the radiographic imaging system 50 according to the present embodiment, the management device S is attached to the signal (for example, cassette ID) transmitted from the wireless communication means (that is, the antenna device 41) of the FPD cassette 1. The transmitted signal is based on the identification information of each access point 53 (that is, the SSID in this embodiment) or the APID of the identification information notification means 53a attached to each access point 53. The FPD cassette 1 is recognized and managed in which of a plurality of areas based on whether it has been transmitted via the access point 53 associated with the location in the imaging room Ra). Configured.

  Therefore, when a radiographer or other photographer wants to know in which imaging room Ra the FPD cassette 1 to be used for imaging currently exists, it can be easily known by making an inquiry to the management apparatus S. The radiographic image capturing system 50 including the FPD cassette 1 is very convenient for the photographer.

  Further, as described in Patent Document 5 described above, an RFID tag is provided in the FPD cassette 1 and a tag reader is provided in each photographing room Ra, or a cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 is provided by a cradle 55 (see FIG. 2). Even if the FPD cassette 1 is not configured to read the wireless communication means, the wireless communication means existing in the FPD cassette 1 or the existing access point 53 in the photographing room Ra is used (or simple identification information notifying means for the existing access point 53). As described above, it is possible to specify the area where each FPD cassette 1 is present (photographing room Ra) and the place where the FPD cassette 1 is present (the place in the photographing room Ra).

  Thus, in order to construct the radiographic image capturing system 50 according to the present embodiment, it is not necessary to reconstruct the current radiographic image capturing system. Alternatively, the radiographic imaging system 50 can be constructed at a very low cost because it can be constructed simply by adding an access point 53 having a simple structure or attaching the identification information notification means 53a as required. .

  In FIG. 2, in each radiographing room Ra, three access points 53, that is, access points 53 respectively associated with standing-up radiographing and supine radiographing devices 51A and 51B and a portable radiation source 52P. However, the number of access points 53 and the installation location in the photographing room Ra can be arbitrarily determined.

  In the above embodiment, a case where a radiographer or other radiographer performs the polling operation when bringing the FPD cassette 1 into the radiographing room Ra and acquires the SSID associated with the radiographing room Ra is described. However, for example, the SPD assigned to each access point 53 provided in each of the shooting rooms Ra1 to Ra3 is installed in the FPD cassette 1 in advance, and the FPD cassette 1 brought into the shooting room Ra is installed. When transmitting the cassette ID, it is possible to sequentially switch and transmit each SSID installed in advance.

  Here, the SSIDs of the access points 53 in the imaging rooms Ra1, Ra2, and Ra3 are referred to as SSID-Ra1, SSID-Ra2, and SSID-Ra3.

  With this configuration, for example, when the FPD cassette 1 is brought into the photographing room Ra3, transmission is impossible with SSID-Ra1 and SSID-Ra2, but transmission is possible when switching to SSID-Ra3 and transmitting. Therefore, the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 is transmitted to the management apparatus S, and the management apparatus S can recognize and manage the current location of the FPD cassette 1 (that is, the imaging room Ra3 in this case). .

  In this case, the FPD cassette 1 itself determines whether the communication by the SSID-Ra3 is successful, or switches from the management device S to the SSID-Ra1 or SSID-Ra2 by a wireless instruction via the access point 53. If it is configured to cancel and maintain the state where the SSID-Ra3 is used, the FPD cassette 1 in the imaging room Ra3 transmits a signal to the management apparatus S, and exchanges signals with the console C during imaging. It is possible to accurately transmit the image data D and the like to the console C.

  Further, since communication (transmission) using the SSID-Ra1 or SSID-Ra2 is not required from the FPD cassette 1, it is possible to prevent the battery 24 (see FIG. 9) built in the FPD cassette 1 from being consumed. It becomes possible.

  Further, when the FPD cassette 1 is taken out from the photographing room Ra3 and brought into the photographing room Ra1, the FPD cassette 1 tries to continue communication using the SSID-Ra3, but the access point in the photographing room Ra1. 53 cannot communicate with SSID-Ra3. Therefore, the FPD cassette 1 tries communication (transmission) again in order from SSID-Ra1.

  In this case, communication (transmission) becomes possible at the first SSID-Ra1 stage, and the switching process to SSID-Ra2 or SSID-Ra3 is stopped as described above, and SSID-Ra1 is used. State is maintained. Therefore, the FPD cassette 1 in the imaging room Ra1 accurately transmits signals to the management apparatus S, exchanges signals with the console C during imaging, and transmits image data D to the console C. And the consumption of the battery 24 can be prevented.

  Further, the same configuration can be made when a plurality of access points 53 are provided in each photographing room Ra. In this case, different SSIDs are assigned to the access points 53 in the same shooting room Ra (in this case, it is not necessary to attach the identification information notification means 53a). In the management device S, a table indicating which SSID is assigned to which shooting room Ra is stored in advance.

  The SPD assigned to each access point 53 provided in each photographing room Ra is installed in advance in the FPD cassette 1, and the FPD cassette 1 brought into the photographing room Ra has its own cassette ID. When transmitting the SSID, each SSID installed in advance is sequentially switched and transmitted.

  Then, the FPD cassette 1 performs communication (transmission) thereafter using the SSID for which communication was successful. Further, the management apparatus S refers to the cassette ID transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 and the SSID attached thereto, so that the FPD cassette 1 currently exists in which imaging room Ra and any imaging apparatus. , It is possible to accurately identify and manage the location of the FPD cassette 1.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the FPD cassette 1 is brought into the photographing room Ra and loaded into the bucky devices 51A and 51B for standing position photographing and lying position photographing. The case where it is assumed to be used in the same manner has been described.

  However, since the FPD cassette 1 is portable, as described above, not only in the imaging room Ra, but also in the hospital room Rc together with a round-trip car equipped with a portable radiation generator 57 as shown in FIG. There is a case where radiation images are taken by being irradiated from the portable radiation source 52P by being brought in and inserted between the body of the patient H sleeping on the bed B and the bed B, for example.

  Even in such a case, it is possible to apply and apply the radiation image capturing system 50 described above. Note that FIG. 20 shows a case where the console C is also mounted on the round-trip car, but the console C may be provided at another location via the network N as shown in FIG. Good.

  In this case, for example, the patient H may have a pacemaker implanted in the heart, and in each hospital room Rc, wireless transmission of signals from the FPD cassette 1 should be avoided. The access point 53 cannot be provided inside.

  Therefore, for example, the access point 53 can be provided at a predetermined location on the floor (floor) where the hospital room Rc is provided. For example, when the floor where each hospital room Rc is provided is wide, the access points 53 can be provided respectively at a plurality of locations such as the east side and the west side of the floor. In this case, the east side and the west side of the floor are areas where the FPD cassette 1 can exist.

  Also, as in the case of the first embodiment, each access point 53 is assigned different identification information (SSID).

  In this case, a radiographer or other photographer brings the FPD cassette 1 to the access point 53 and performs polling by operating the FPD cassette 1 each time to acquire the SSID from the access point 53. Then, the SPD is attached to the own cassette ID through the access point 53 from the FPD cassette 1 and transmitted.

  The management device S connected to the access point 53 via the network N or the like has a table for associating the installation area of the access point 53 on the floor (that is, for example, the east side or the west side) with each SSID of each access point 53. It is stored in a memory such as a ROM.

  Then, the management apparatus S accesses the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 from any one of the access points 53 on the floor in the same manner as described above and one access point 53 in each photographing room Ra. When the SSID of the point 53 is attached and transmitted, the identification information representing the installation area corresponding to the SSID of the access point 53 stored in a memory such as a RAM is referred to the table, and the FPD cassette 1 Associate a cassette ID.

  In addition, when the FPD cassette 1 is carried to the photographer and the management apparatus S transmits the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 and the SSID of the other access point 53 from another access point 53 on the floor. Referring to the table, the installation area of the other access point 53 is determined based on the SSID.

  Then, the identification information indicating the installation area of the other access point 53 is associated with the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1, and the identification information indicating the installation area of the original access point 53 and the cassette ID of the FPD cassette 1 are Delete the association.

  In this way, the management device S recognizes and manages each FPD cassette 1 in which area of each access point 53 is currently located on the floor (ie, on the east side or the west side, for example). Is possible.

  On the other hand, in a large-scale hospital or the like, the hospital room Rc may be provided on a plurality of floors (floors) in the hospital, or the hospital room Rc or the like may be provided separately in a plurality of buildings (ward or the like).

  Even in such a case, in the same manner as described above, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, an access point 53 is provided on each floor in the hospital, and the photographer brings the FPD cassette 1 together with the round-trip car (see FIG. 20). Each time it moves to each floor, bring it to the access point 53 and operate the FPD cassette 1 each time to attach the SSID from the FPD cassette 1 to the management device S via the access point 53. The cassette ID is transmitted.

  Although not shown in the drawings, an access point 53 is provided in each building, and each time the photographer brings the FPD cassette 1 and enters each building, bring it to the access point 53. By operating the FPD cassette 1, the cassette ID with the SSID attached is transmitted from the FPD cassette 1 to the management device S via the access point 53.

  At this time, different identification information (SSID) is assigned to each access point 53. If comprised in this way, like the above, the management apparatus S can recognize and manage exactly which floor or in which building each FPD cassette 1 exists now. It becomes.

  As described above, according to the radiographic imaging system 50 according to the present embodiment, identification information (that is, SSID in the present embodiment) is mutually associated with each area such as each floor or each building of the hospital where the FPD cassette 1 can be brought in. Based on the identification information of each access point 53 attached to the signal (for example, cassette ID) transmitted from the wireless communication means (that is, the antenna device 41) of the FPD cassette 1, Based on which area (floor, building, etc.) the transmitted signal is transmitted via the access point 53 associated with the area, the FPD cassette 1 is present in any of the plurality of areas. It was configured to recognize and manage.

  Therefore, the management device S can accurately grasp whether each FPD cassette 1 is present on any floor or in which building, and the same as in the case of the first embodiment. A beneficial effect can be exhibited, and the radiographic image capturing system 50 including the FPD cassette 1 is very convenient for the photographer.

  Further, by using the existing access point 53 on each floor or each building of the hospital or simply providing a new simple access point 53, the area where each FPD cassette 1 exists can be specified as described above. Therefore, the radiation image capturing system 50 can be constructed at a very low cost.

  In addition, the management apparatus S (hereinafter, referred to as the first management apparatus S1) that manages each shooting room Ra or a place in each shooting room Ra as each area where the FPD cassette 1 may exist as described in the first embodiment. .), And a management device S (hereinafter referred to as a second management device S2) that manages each area such as each floor or building of a hospital as each area where the FPD cassette 1 can be brought in, as described in the second embodiment. Can be provided as separate bodies so that the first management device S1 and the second management device S2 can obtain information about the area where the FPD cassette 1 exists from each other.

  If comprised in this way, it will become possible to provide the management apparatus S exactly for every management area, and to manage the existence area of each FPD cassette 1 correctly, and by linking them mutually, a radiographer etc. When the photographer operates one of the management devices S of the first management device S1 and the second management device S2 or accesses one of the management devices S, each photographing room Ra (or each photographing room Ra) It is possible to easily and surely obtain information on the existing areas of the FPD cassette 1 existing in the respective areas where the FPD cassette 1 can be brought in such as each floor), each floor of the hospital, and each building.

  In addition, as each area where the FPD cassette 1 may exist, a management device S that manages all the areas such as each photographing room Ra, each place in each photographing room Ra, each floor of the hospital, each building, and the like is provided. It is also possible to configure.

  If comprised in this way, the management apparatus S will unify all the areas where each FPD cassette 1 can be brought in, such as each imaging room Ra (or a place in each imaging room Ra), each floor of a hospital, each building, etc. It becomes possible to manage information, and it is easy for radiographers and other radiographers to operate and access the management device S to easily provide information on the existing areas of the FPD cassette 1 in each area where the FPD cassette 1 can be brought in. And it becomes possible to obtain it reliably.

  In the second embodiment described above, in order to prevent adverse effects on patients and the like, for example, during normal times, each access point 53 is stopped and identification information such as a cassette ID is sent from the FPD cassette 1. When transmitting to the management apparatus S, for example, the photographer can manually configure the access point 53 to be activated.

  In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be changed as appropriate.

1 FPD cassette 7 radiation detection element 41 antenna device (wireless communication means)
50 Radiation imaging system 51, 51A, 51B Bucky device (imaging device)
52 Radiation source 52P Portable radiation source (imaging device)
53 Access point D Image data Ra, Ra1-Ra3 Shooting room (zone)
S management device S1 first management device S2 second management device

Claims (11)

at least,
An FPD cassette including a plurality of radiation detection elements arranged in a two-dimensional manner, reading out the charges generated in each of the radiation detection elements by irradiation of radiation as image data, and including wireless communication means;
A radiation source for irradiating the FPD cassette with radiation;
Is arranged or can be arranged, and
A plurality of areas each provided with an access point capable of receiving a signal transmitted from the FPD cassette;
And a management device capable of communicating with each of the access points provided in each of the plurality of areas,
The access point transmits only the signal transmitted from the FPD cassette in which communication settings matching the identification information of the access point are made, to the management device,
The management apparatus determines which of the plurality of areas the FPD cassette is based on based on which of the areas the transmitted signal is transmitted to which of the access points. A radiographic imaging system characterized by recognizing and managing whether an area exists. There are a plurality of the FPD cassettes,
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the management device recognizes and manages in each of the plurality of areas each of the plurality of FPD cassettes. . The plurality of areas are a plurality of imaging rooms in which at least the radiation source and the access point are installed,
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the management device is capable of communicating with the access points provided in the plurality of imaging rooms. The plurality of areas are a plurality of areas where the FPD cassette can be brought in,
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the management device is configured to be able to communicate with the access points provided in the plurality of regions. The plurality of areas include at least a plurality of imaging rooms in which the radiation source and the access point are installed, and a plurality of areas in which the FPD cassette can be brought in,
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the management apparatus is capable of communicating with the access points provided in the plurality of imaging rooms and the plurality of areas, respectively. The plurality of areas include at least a plurality of imaging rooms in which the radiation source and the access point are installed, and a plurality of areas in which the FPD cassette can be brought in,
A first management device capable of communicating with the access point provided in each of the plurality of shooting rooms;
A second management device capable of communicating with the access points respectively provided in the plurality of areas;
With
The radiation according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first management device and the second management device are configured to be able to obtain information on the area where the FPD cassette is present from each other. Image shooting system. In the imaging chamber, a plurality of imaging devices for taking radiographic images using the FPD cassette are provided,
The access point is associated with each of the plurality of imaging devices, and is provided in the imaging device or in the vicinity thereof,
The management device identifies and manages the location of the FPD cassette in the photographing room based on from which access point the FPD cassette signal is transmitted. The radiographic imaging system as described in any one of Claim 5 and Claim 6.   The radiographic image capturing system according to claim 7, wherein the imaging apparatus is a Bucky apparatus that can be used by loading the FPD cassette.   9. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 7, wherein the imaging apparatus is a portable radiation source that irradiates radiation to the FPD cassette in a single state that is not loaded in the bucky apparatus. The plurality of areas are a plurality of floors in a hospital,
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 4, wherein at least one access point is provided on the floor. The plurality of regions are a plurality of buildings,
The radiographic imaging system according to claim 4, wherein at least one access point is provided in the building.

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