JP4078096B2 - Radiation imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a portable radiographic imaging device called an electronic cassette.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in the field of industrial nondestructive inspection and medical diagnosis, a radiographic imaging device that obtains a radiographic image of an object by irradiating the object with radiation and detecting the intensity distribution of the radiation that has passed through the object Is widely used. As a general method of such photographing, there is a film / screen method for X-rays. This is a method for photographing a combination of a photosensitive film and a phosphor having sensitivity to X-rays, and a sheet of rare earth phosphor that emits light when X-rays are irradiated on both sides of the photosensitive film. The X-ray that has passed through the subject is converted into visible light with a phosphor and captured by capturing light with a photosensitive film. By developing the latent image formed on the photosensitive film by chemical processing, the photographed image can be visualized.
[0003]
On the other hand, with recent advances in digital technology, a method of obtaining a high-quality radiographic image by converting a radiographic image into an electrical signal, processing the electrical signal, and displaying it on a CRT or the like as a visible image has been proposed. It is coming. As a method for converting such a radiation image into an electrical signal, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 55-12429 and 56-11395, a radiation transmission image is temporarily stored as a latent image in a phosphor. After that, a radiation image recording / reproducing system has been proposed in which a latent image is photoelectrically read by irradiating excitation light such as laser light and output as a visible image.
[0004]
Further, along with recent progress in semiconductor process technology, an apparatus for taking a radiographic image using a semiconductor sensor has been developed. These systems have a very wide dynamic range as compared with conventional radiographic systems using a photosensitive film, and can obtain a radiographic image that is hardly affected by fluctuations in the exposure dose of radiation. At the same time, unlike the conventional photosensitive film system, there is an advantage that development is unnecessary by chemical processing and a photographed image can be obtained immediately.
[0005]
FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a system using such a radiographic image capturing apparatus. X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 1 are irradiated onto the subject S, and the X-rays transmitted through the subject S are two-dimensionally shown. Are detected by an X-ray imaging apparatus 3 including an X-ray detection sensor 2 composed of photoelectric conversion elements arranged in a grid pattern. An image signal output from the X-ray detection sensor 2 is subjected to digital image processing by an image processing means built in the system control unit 4, and then an X-ray image of the subject S is displayed on the monitor 5.
[0006]
7 and 8 respectively show a transverse sectional view and a longitudinal sectional view of the X-ray imaging apparatus 3. This X-ray imaging apparatus 3 is a stationary type for imaging the chest and the like in a standing position. In the cover 12 provided in the housing 11, a substrate 15 a is mounted on a base 14 fixed via a support base 13, and photoelectric conversion elements 15 b arranged in a grid pattern for converting the visible light into an electric signal. A phosphor 15 c that converts X-rays into visible light is stacked as the X-ray detection unit 15. In addition, a wiring 16 is connected to the photoelectric conversion element 15b, and is connected to a circuit board 17 on which an electronic component for processing the photoelectrically converted electric signal is mounted.
[0007]
Further, in the casing 11, a power supply unit 18 for supplying power to the X-ray detection unit 15, a control circuit unit 19 for controlling the X-ray detection unit 15, and communication with an external system control unit A communication circuit unit 20 for performing the above is disposed. The cable 21 connected to the power supply unit 18 and the communication circuit unit 20 extends to the outside of the X-ray imaging apparatus 3 and is connected to an external system control unit (not shown). As a result, the X-ray imaging apparatus 3 and a system control unit (not shown) perform power supply and signal transmission via the cable 21.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, this type of radiographic imaging apparatus is installed and used in a radiographic room. However, in recent years, in order to enable rapid and wide range imaging, a portable imaging device called a thin and light electronic cassette has been demanded.
[0009]
In addition, the electronic cassette is composed of many electric circuits and mechanical parts compared to a conventional cassette with a built-in photosensitive film. Therefore, the electronic cassette increases in weight and may be damaged if it is accidentally dropped. It is considered that a handle is provided to reduce the possibility of dropping.
[0010]
Compared with the stationary cassette, the portable electronic cassette is connected to the outside with a cable for power supply and communication with the control unit. Doing so will interfere with operability.
[0011]
In view of this, a photographing unit that does not require a cable has been devised. In that case, a battery for supplying power and an electric circuit for performing wireless communication with the control unit, which are not necessary in the conventional stationary apparatus, are separately required.
[0012]
On the other hand, it has also been desired to reduce the cost required for the apparatus by using one photographing apparatus for various stands including the standing position and the standing position. By using a thin and lightweight electronic cassette imaging unit, it is relatively easy to realize a dual-purpose imaging unit. Furthermore, having both a stationary photographing unit and a portable electronic cassette, and providing almost all photographing with one photographing unit has a great advantage in terms of cost.
[0013]
However, in this case, since the functions for obtaining the portability of the handle and the battery as described above are incorporated, there is an unnecessary function when it is attached to the stationary base as it is. There is also a problem that the photographing unit holder becomes large.
[0014]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and provide a radiographic imaging apparatus that can be used in both a portable type and a stationary type, and can have functions necessary for each.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a basic image capturing unit and an additional unit including a housing detachable from the basic image capturing unit. The imaging unit includes a detection unit that detects radiation that has passed through the subject, a control unit that exchanges control signals and image signals with the imaging unit, and a processing circuit unit that processes an electrical signal from the detection unit And an electrical circuit unit including a communication circuit unit for connecting the processing circuit unit and the control unit, and a housing incorporating them, and the extension unit wirelessly transfers data captured by the basic imaging unit When the extension unit is not attached to the basic imaging unit, the basic imaging unit transfers the captured data by wire, and the extension unit is attached to the basic imaging unit. If you have Parts are characterized by transferring the data wirelessly via the signal transmitting means of the expansion unit.
[0016]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will be described in detail based on the embodiment shown in FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a transverse sectional view of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a basic imaging unit 31 and an extension unit 32.
[0017]
A base 35 is supported in the housing body 33a of the basic photographing unit 31 via a metal support 34, and a substrate 36a and a two-dimensional array are arranged on the base 35 by a semiconductor process. The photoelectric conversion element 36b is laminated with an X-ray detection panel 36 including a fluorescent plate 36c in which a phosphor of a metal compound that emits fluorescence when irradiated with X-rays is applied to a resin plate. Note that a glass plate is often used for the substrate 36a because it has no chemical action with a semiconductor element, withstands the temperature of a semiconductor process, and needs for dimensional stability.
[0018]
A flexible circuit board 37 is connected to the photoelectric conversion element 36 b, and the flexible circuit board 37 is connected to a circuit board 39 fixed to the back surface of the base 35 via a protrusion 38. The circuit board 39 performs processing such as A / D conversion on the electrical signal photoelectrically converted by the X-ray detection panel 36 or controls the X-ray detection panel 36 in accordance with an imaging command from an external system control unit. .
[0019]
In addition, a power supply circuit unit 40 including a DC-DC converter for supplying power to the circuit board 39 and an external system control unit and a communication circuit unit 41 for transferring control signals and images are arranged in the housing body 33a. And connected to the circuit board 39 via cables 42a and 42b.
[0020]
Further, a recess 33b is formed on the side surface of the housing body 33a, and a connector 43 is provided therein. The connector 43 is connected to the circuit board 39, the power supply circuit unit 40, and the communication circuit unit 41 by a plurality of cables 44. Further, the housing body 33a is sealed with a lid portion 33c having X-ray transparency.
[0021]
On the other hand, in order to make the X-ray imaging apparatus portable, an extension unit 32 that constitutes a detachable handle is prepared. The extension portion 32 is formed of a housing 45 having a handle hole 45a for an operator to hold through the finger. The housing 45 has a hollow structure and is not only portable by a handle but also capable of storing or incorporating an object therein. For example, there are various uses such as a list for photographing request and a maintenance history document, etc., but there are parts that are electrically connected to the basic photographing unit 31 and added functions suitable for portable use. Built in.
[0022]
A convex portion 45b corresponding to the concave portion 33b of the casing 33 is formed on the side surface of the casing 45, and a connector 46 for electrical connection is provided at the tip of the convex portion 45b. When the housing 33 and the housing 45 are coupled, the connectors 43 and 46 are connected to each other. In addition, a battery circuit 47, a wireless communication circuit 48, a data recording means 49, and an antenna 50 are built in the housing 45. The battery circuit 47, wireless communication circuit 48, and data recording means 49 are connected to the connector 46 via cables 51a, 51b, 51c.
[0023]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a lock mechanism for the basic photographing unit 31 and the expansion unit 32. When the expansion unit 32 is attached to the basic photographing unit 31, the projection 45b is not easily removed. Locking means 61 made of a claw-like locking member is provided on the side surface. The lock means 61 fixes the basic photographing part 31 and the extension part 32 by engaging with a groove (not shown) formed on the inner wall of the recess 33b. Further, when the convex portion 45b of the extension portion 32 is inserted into the concave portion 33b of the basic photographing portion 31, the lock is automatically applied, but when removing, the lock release button 62 provided on the extension portion 32 is pressed. The lock means 61 is retracted to release the lock.
[0024]
When this X-ray imaging apparatus is used as a portable cassette, an extension unit 32 is added to the basic imaging unit 31 to add functions of power supply and signal transmission means necessary for use. it can.
[0025]
In addition, since data transfer by radio is influenced by the surrounding environment or inferior in reliability as compared with wired communication, it is preferable to provide a data recording means 49 for data backup.
[0026]
FIG. 4 shows a case where this X-ray imaging apparatus is used by being placed on a stationary stand, and a case 72 is attached to a stand 71 that supports the imaging unit for standing imaging. . A tray 73 is detachably provided in the case 72, and a handle 74 is provided on a side surface of the tray 73, and the basic photographing unit 31 can be placed on the tray 73. A chin contact portion 75 for placing the subject's chin is provided on the upper portion of the case 72, and an index 76 for indicating a region to be irradiated with radiation is displayed on the surface of the case 72. It is useful for positioning the imaging region of the subject when taking a position image. Although not shown, the case 72 can include a photo timer for detecting radiation, a bucky unit for driving a grid for cutting scattered X-rays, and the like.
[0027]
A convex portion 73a having a connector is provided on the side surface of the tray 73 opposite to the handle 74, and the connector 43 provided in the concave portion 33b of the basic photographing unit 31 is connected to the connector of the convex portion 73a. After being placed on 73, the entire tray 73 is inserted into the case 72.
[0028]
When this X-ray imaging apparatus is used as a stationary cassette, since the number of images is large, it is desirable to use a wire with a high transfer rate. Accordingly, the connector of the convex portion 73 a is directly connected to the external system control unit via the cable 77 via the inside of the case 72.
[0029]
In this way, the chin rest part 75, the bucky unit, and the like necessary for standing imaging can be arranged on the stand 71 dedicated to standing, and the basic imaging unit 31 included constitutes a basic X-ray detection unit. do it.
[0030]
In addition to this, if the electrical connection portion corresponding to the connector 43 of the basic photographing unit 31 is also arranged on the table or the universal stand, it is possible to use one basic photographing unit 31 also.
[0031]
Further, in the present embodiment, the battery circuit 47, the wireless communication circuit 48, and the data recording means 49 are mounted on the expansion unit 32. However, there is no necessity to mount all of them, and only one of them may be mounted. Good. For example, it is conceivable that only the communication means can be switched and the battery circuit 47 is built in the basic photographing unit 31. In this case, even if the power supply from the wired line is interrupted in some way as in the stationary type, it can function as a backup circuit.
[0032]
Further, in the present embodiment, the power supply circuit unit 40 composed of a DC-CD converter is provided in the basic photographing unit 31, but when used as a stationary type, a plurality of types of voltages are input using a plurality of cables. since it is possible, it is not necessary to built the power circuit part 40 to the basic capturing unit 31. This power supply circuit 40 to the case is to be mounted on the expansion portion 32 with the battery circuit 47 to reverse.
[0033]
FIG. 5 shows a configuration diagram of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment, and an extension unit 81 having a handle can be attached to the basic imaging unit 31 as in the first embodiment. ing. As a new additional function of the expansion unit 81, a display unit 82 for confirming the state of the basic photographing unit 31 at hand or a reduced image of the photographed image, and an operation unit 83 for selecting and instructing photographing operation at hand. It is effective for uses outside the radiographing room such as rounds. Further, the extension unit 81 is provided with an indicator 84 composed of a lighting component such as an LED to indicate the state of the photographing unit.
[0034]
When used as a stationary type, the expansion unit 81 is fixed and attached to a pedestal so that it can be easily seen. However, when used as a portable type, it can be used by adding to the basic photographing unit 31 in this way. .
[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the present invention can add portable functions such as a handle and a battery while sharing a basic housing when used in a portable manner. On the other hand, when the shooting unit is used in a stationary manner in a fixed shooting room, only the basic housing is connected to the connection provided on the gantry that supports the shooting unit, and the cable is connected to the system control unit. Connect through. As a result, it is possible to obtain a photographing system that can be applied to various photographings by adding functions necessary for carrying while also using the basic photographing unit, and it becomes an inexpensive photographing system comprehensively.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a lock mechanism.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram when used in a stationary type.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram of a system.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional X-ray imaging apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view.
[Explanation of symbols]
31 Basic imaging unit 32, 81 Extension unit 33, 45 Housing 33a Housing body 33b Recess 36 X-ray detection panel 39 Circuit board 40 Power supply circuit 41 Communication circuit 43, 46 Connector 45b, 73a Convex 47 Battery circuit 72 Case 73 trays

Claims (7)

In a radiographic imaging apparatus having a basic imaging unit and an expansion unit including a housing detachable from the basic imaging unit, the basic imaging unit includes an imaging unit that includes detection means for detecting radiation that has passed through a subject. A control unit that exchanges control signals and image signals with the imaging unit, a processing circuit unit that processes an electrical signal from the detection means, and a communication circuit unit that connects the processing circuit unit and the control unit Including an electric circuit unit including the case, and the expansion unit includes a signal transmission unit that wirelessly transfers data captured by the basic imaging unit, and the expansion unit is included in the basic imaging unit. When the basic photographing unit is not attached, the basic photographing unit transfers the captured data by wire, and when the expansion unit is attached to the basic photographing unit, the basic photographing unit is the signal transmission means of the expansion unit. Via wireless data Radiographic imaging apparatus characterized by transferring.   The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extension unit includes a handle for carrying the basic imaging unit.   The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extension unit includes a function unit in a housing thereof, and the function unit is a battery circuit that supplies power to the basic imaging unit.   The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extension unit includes a functional unit in a casing thereof, and the functional unit is a data recording unit.   The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extension unit includes a function unit in a housing thereof, and the function unit is a display unit for displaying information related to imaging.   The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extension unit includes a function unit in a casing thereof, and the function unit is an operation unit for controlling the basic imaging unit.   The radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the extension unit includes a function unit in a housing thereof, and the function unit is an indicator indicating a state of the basic imaging unit.

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