JP5316548B2 - Portable radiographic imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a portable radiographic image capturing apparatus.

  A so-called direct type radiographic imaging device that generates electric charges by a detection element in accordance with the dose of irradiated radiation such as X-rays and converts it into an electrical signal, or other radiation such as visible light with a scintillator or the like. Various so-called indirect radiographic imaging devices have been developed that convert charges to electromagnetic waves after being converted into electrical signals by generating electric charges with photoelectric conversion elements such as photodiodes in accordance with the energy of the converted and irradiated electromagnetic waves. Yes. In the present invention, the detection element in the direct type radiographic imaging apparatus and the photoelectric conversion element in the indirect type radiographic imaging apparatus are collectively referred to as a radiation detection element.

  This type of radiographic imaging apparatus is generally known as an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) in which a plurality of radiation detection elements are two-dimensionally arranged. Conventionally, it has been integrally formed with a support base (or a bucky device) (see, for example, Patent Document 1), but in recent years, a radiographic imaging device in which a radiation detection element and the like are housed in a housing has been developed. Have been put into practical use (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In these portable radiographic imaging apparatuses, a battery is usually built in.

  By the way, in the radiographic image capturing apparatus, although not shown in the drawings, when radiation images are captured in a state in which a reverse bias voltage is applied from a reverse bias power source to the radiation detection elements, Charge is generated and accumulated in the. In the process of reading the charges generated in each radiation detection element, when a voltage is applied from the scanning drive circuit to the switch element of each radiation detection element via the scanning line, the charge is released from the radiation detection element to the signal line. Then, the charge is converted into an electric signal (that is, image data) by being subjected to charge-voltage conversion and amplification by a readout circuit.

  Therefore, at the time of radiographic image capturing or electrical signal readout processing, a relatively large amount of power is consumed because power is supplied to each functional unit such as a reverse bias power source, a scanning drive circuit, and a readout circuit. At that time, as described above, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus is formed integrally with the support base or the bucky apparatus, power is always supplied to the radiographic image capturing apparatus via the support base or the like. Even if a large amount of power is consumed, a situation in which at least radiographic imaging cannot be performed does not occur.

  However, in a portable radiographic imaging device with a built-in battery, if a state where a large amount of power is consumed continues, power is supplied from the built-in battery to each functional unit, the battery is consumed, and the essential radiation At the time of image capturing, there may be a problem that the amount of charge of the battery is insufficient and radiographic image capturing cannot be performed.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 3, the power supply mode in the portable radiographic imaging device is supplied with the imaging mode for supplying power to all the functional units such as the reverse bias power source, the scanning drive circuit, and the readout circuit, and the power. Then, it is configured to be switched between a first standby mode in which power is supplied to each functional unit other than the readout circuit whose function is quickly stabilized and a second standby mode in which power is supplied only to the wireless signal unit. It has been proposed to do.

  Then, when the portable radiographic imaging device is not used for radiographic imaging, the portable radiographic imaging device is configured to be held on the installation base in a state of being shifted to the second standby mode. Electricity is planned.

JP-A-9-73144 JP-A-6-342099 JP 2008-178578 A

  However, in the portable radiographic image capturing apparatus described in Patent Document 3, power is continuously supplied to the wireless signal unit even in the second standby mode with the least power consumption. Is consumed. Therefore, for example, if the portable radiographic imaging device is left for a relatively long period of time without charging the battery, the amount of battery charge is insufficient at the time of radiographic imaging, and radiographic imaging can be performed accurately. There is a possibility that such a situation will occur.

  In addition, in the radiographic imaging system described in Patent Document 3, when radiographic imaging is performed, an operator such as a radiographer takes out the portable radiographic imaging apparatus from an installation stand provided within a predetermined distance from the console. When the radiographic imaging is completed after being carried to the room, it is required to take the portable radiographic imaging device out of the imaging room and return it to the installation table.

  However, from the standpoint of an operator such as a radiographer, it is complicated to return the used portable radiographic imaging device to the installation table near the console one by one. There are many cases where it is desirable to leave it for a relatively long period of time. However, at that time, as described above, if the battery is not charged and left for a relatively long period of time, the battery is consumed, so that the portable radiographic imaging device is unusable.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and can be used for radiographic imaging even when left uncharged for a relatively long period of time. Electric signals are read out from each radiation detection element and the radiation is read out. It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable radiographic image capturing apparatus capable of maintaining power capable of obtaining an image.

In order to solve the above problem, the portable radiographic imaging device of the present invention is:
As a mode for supplying power from the built-in battery to a plurality of functional units including a plurality of radiation detection elements that are arranged two-dimensionally and generate electric charges according to the dose of irradiated radiation, In the portable radiographic imaging device having a radiographable mode for supplying power to the plurality of functional units, and a sleep mode for supplying power only to some of the functional units.
The part of the functional unit includes a wireless communication unit,
The built-in battery is a primary battery and a rechargeable secondary battery,
A controller that controls power supply to the plurality of functional units and operations of the plurality of functional units;
In the sleep mode, the wireless communication unit is activated by the primary battery, and the wireless communication unit activates the secondary battery when receiving a transition signal for instructing the transition to the photographing enabled mode from an external device. Power is supplied to the control unit, whereby the control unit is activated and the power supply mode is set by supplying power from the secondary battery to the plurality of functional units including the wireless communication unit. It is characterized in that a transition is made to a shootable mode.

  According to the portable radiographic image capturing apparatus of the system of the present invention, when the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus is a sleep mode in which no radiographic image capturing is performed, each function of the control unit, the readout circuit, etc. The wireless communication unit is supplied with power and activated so that a signal (transition signal) from an external device can be received without supplying power to the unit. In the sleep mode, the secondary battery used for radiographic imaging is not activated, and power is supplied to the wireless communication unit from a primary battery separate from the secondary battery.

  Thus, in the sleep mode, the power for continuing the activation of the wireless communication unit is supplied from the primary battery that is not used for radiographic imaging, and the secondary battery power is not consumed. Even when left uncharged for a relatively long period of time, it is possible to accurately prevent the occurrence of situations such as radiographic imaging cannot be performed accurately due to insufficient charge of the secondary battery during radiographic imaging. It becomes possible to do.

  Therefore, it is possible to effectively obtain a radiographic image even when a radiographic image capturing apparatus that is left uncharged for a relatively long period of time is used for radiographic image capturing. In addition, it is possible to accurately maintain the power of the secondary battery necessary for obtaining the radiation image. Further, unlike the radiographic image capturing system described in Patent Document 3, it is not necessary to return the radiographic image capturing apparatus to the installation table provided within a predetermined distance from the console every time radiographic image capturing is completed. The image photographing apparatus can be made easy to use.

It is a perspective view which shows the portable radiographic imaging apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line in FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of the board | substrate which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a configuration of an imaging element, a thin film transistor, and the like formed in a small region on the substrate of FIG. 3. It is a side view explaining the board | substrate with which COF, a PCB board | substrate, etc. were attached. It is a figure showing the equivalent circuit schematic of the portable radiographic imaging apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is the schematic showing the operating state of each function part of the portable radiographic imaging apparatus in imaging | photography possible mode. It is the schematic showing the operation state of each function part of the portable radiographic imaging apparatus in sleep mode. It is the schematic showing the state which the radio | wireless communication part received the transition signal and started the secondary battery.

  Embodiments of a portable radiographic image capturing apparatus 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.

  Hereinafter, the portable radiographic imaging device is simply referred to as a radiographic imaging device. In the following embodiments, a so-called indirect radiation that includes a scintillator or the like as a radiographic imaging device, converts the emitted radiation into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as visible light, and obtains an electrical signal with a radiation detection element. Although an image capturing apparatus will be described, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called direct type radiation image capturing apparatus that directly detects radiation with a radiation detection element without using a scintillator or the like.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the radiographic image capturing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. The radiographic imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a cassette-type portable radiographic imaging apparatus in which a scintillator 3, a substrate 4, and the like are housed in a housing 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is configured.

  The housing 2 is formed of a material such as a carbon plate or plastic that transmits radiation at least on a surface R (hereinafter referred to as a radiation incident surface R) that receives radiation. 1 and 2 show a case where the housing 2 is a lunch box type formed by the frame plate 2A and the back plate 2B, but the housing 2 is formed integrally, for example, A so-called monocoque type, such as the X-ray imaging apparatus described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-31526, can also be used.

  Further, a power switch 36 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, an indicator 37 for displaying various operation statuses, and the like are provided on the short side surface portion on one side of the housing 2. Further, a lid member 38 for replacement of a primary battery 43 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, is provided on the side surface portion. As shown in FIG. 1, the radiographic imaging device 1 is provided on the lid member 38. An antenna device 39 is embedded in order to transmit and receive data and signals to and from an external device in a wireless manner.

  The location where the antenna device 39 is provided is not limited to one short side surface portion of the housing 2 as in the present embodiment, but may be provided at another location. Further, the number of antenna devices 39 is not necessarily limited to one, and a necessary number is appropriately provided.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a base 31 is disposed on the lower side of the substrate 4 inside the housing 2, and a PCB substrate 33 on which electronic components 32 and the like are disposed and a buffer member are disposed on the base 31. 34 etc. are attached. Further, a glass substrate 35 for protecting the substrate 4 and the scintillator 3 on the radiation incident surface R side is disposed.

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

  In the present embodiment, the substrate 4 is formed of a glass substrate. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of scanning lines 5 and a plurality of signal lines are provided on a surface 4 a of the substrate 4 facing the scintillator 3. 6 are arranged so as to cross each other. In each of the small regions r defined by the plurality of scanning lines 5 and the plurality of signal lines 6 on the surface 4a of the substrate 4, radiation detection elements 7 that are photoelectric conversion elements in the present embodiment are provided. In this way, the radiation detection elements 7 are two-dimensionally arranged on the substrate 4, and the entire region r in which the plurality of radiation detection elements 7 are provided, that is, the region indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. P.

  In the present embodiment, as the radiation detection element 7, the radiation incident from the radiation incident surface R is converted by the scintillator 3 and output, according to the amount of electromagnetic waves (increased according to the radiation dose incident on the scintillator 3). For example, a phototransistor or the like can also be used.

  As shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 3 and 4, one of the pair of electrodes of each radiation detection element 7 (an electrode not shown in the drawing) is a source of a TFT (thin film transistor) 8 that is a switch element. The drain electrode 8 d of the TFT 8 is connected to the signal line 6. When the TFT 8 is turned on, that is, when a voltage for signal readout is applied to the gate electrode 8g and the gate of the TFT 8 is opened, the charge accumulated in the radiation detection element 7 is applied to the signal line 6. It is supposed to be released.

  Further, a bias line 9 for applying a reverse bias voltage to the radiation detection element 7 is connected to the other electrode (front electrode in the figure) of the radiation detection element 7 via this electrode. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, one bias line 9 is connected to a plurality of radiation detection elements 7 arranged in rows, and each bias line 9 is connected to a signal line 6. Are arranged in parallel with each other. In addition, each bias line 9 is bound to one connection 10 at a position outside the detection portion P of the substrate 4.

  In the present embodiment, the connection lines 10 of the scanning lines 5, the signal lines 6, and the bias lines 9 are respectively connected to input / output terminals (also referred to as pads) 11 provided near the edge of the substrate 4. As shown in FIG. 5, a COF (Chip On Film) 12 in which a chip such as an IC 12a is incorporated in each input / output terminal 11 is an anisotropic conductive adhesive film or anisotropic conductive paste (Anisotropic paste). It is connected via an anisotropic conductive adhesive material 13 such as Conductive Paste). The COF 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.

  Here, the circuit configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As described above, in each radiation detection element 7 of the detection unit P of the substrate 4, one electrode 78 is connected to the bias line 9, and the connection 10 of the bias line 9 is connected to the reverse bias power supply 14. . The reverse bias power supply 14 supplies a reverse bias voltage to be applied to each radiation detection element 7 via the connection 10 and each bias line 9. The reverse bias power source 14 is connected to the control unit 22, and the control unit 22 controls the reverse bias voltage applied to each radiation detection element 7 from the reverse bias power source 14.

  The other electrode 74 of each radiation detection element 7 is connected to a source electrode 8s (denoted as S in FIG. 6) of the TFT 8, and a gate electrode 8g (denoted as G in FIG. 6) of each TFT 8. Is connected to each scanning line 5 extending from the scanning drive circuit 15. Further, the drain electrode 8d (denoted as D in FIG. 6) of each TFT 8 is connected to each signal line 6.

  When a signal readout voltage is applied from the scanning drive circuit 15 to the gate electrode 8g of the TFT 8 via the scanning line 5, the gate of the TFT 8 is turned on, and an irradiation line is irradiated by radiographic imaging to detect the radiation detection element. The charge generated and accumulated in the pixel 7 is read from the drain electrode 8d to the signal line 6 via the source electrode 8s of the TFT 8. 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, and an A / D converter 20, and one circuit is provided for each signal line 6. However, in the present embodiment, the A / D converter 20 is common to a plurality of circuits, and each electric signal output from each correlated double sampling circuit 19 is sequentially supplied to the A / D converter 21 via the analog multiplexer 21. The data is transmitted to the D converter 20 and is sequentially converted into a digital value by the A / D converter 20.

  In this way, in the readout circuit 17, charges are read from the radiation detection elements 7 through the signal lines 6, and the charges are converted into electric signals by charge-voltage conversion and amplification for each radiation detection element 7, It is output as a digital electrical signal. The correlated double sampling circuit 19 is denoted as CDS in FIG.

  The control unit 22 includes a microcomputer having a CPU or the like and a dedicated control circuit. The control unit 22 is connected to a storage unit 23 including a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. . Then, as described above, the control unit 22 is configured to store the electrical signal output for each radiation detection element 7 in the storage unit 23 as image data in association with the radiation detection element 7.

  The control unit 22 performs the operation of each functional unit of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 such as the reverse bias power supply 14, the scanning drive circuit 15, the readout circuit 17, the memory controller (not shown) of the storage unit 23, and the wireless communication unit 42 described later. It comes to control.

  That is, as described above, the control unit 22 controls the reverse bias power supply 14 to control the reverse bias voltage applied to each radiation detection element 7 or scans to apply a signal readout voltage to the scan drive circuit 15. The line 5 is switched, or the amplification circuit 18 and the correlated double sampling circuit 19 in each readout circuit 17 are controlled to read out the electrical signal (image data) from each radiation detection element 7. It has become.

  In addition, the control unit 22 controls the operation of a memory controller (not shown) so as to perform the refresh operation of the storage unit 23 in addition to the writing and reading of electric signals (image data) to the storage unit 23. Yes.

  A secondary battery 40 is connected to the control unit 22, and the control unit 22 is activated when power is supplied from the secondary battery 40. In addition, the control unit 22 sends the secondary battery 40 to each functional unit of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 such as the reverse bias power supply 14, the scanning drive circuit 15, the readout circuit 17, the storage unit 23, the memory controller, and the wireless communication unit 42. The power supply is controlled.

  As the secondary battery 40, for example, an electric double layer capacitor (electric double layer capacitor), a lithium ion capacitor, a lithium ion battery, or the like that can be charged and can supply large electric power is used. The secondary battery 40 is provided with a connection terminal 41 for supplying power from the external device to the secondary battery 40 to charge the secondary battery 40.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described power switch 36 is connected to the secondary battery 40, and an operator such as a radiographer can manually operate the power switch 36 to activate the secondary battery 40. It can be done. As described above, the control unit 22 is activated when power is supplied from the secondary battery 40.

  On the other hand, the secondary battery 40 is connected with a wireless communication unit 42 including the antenna device 39 described above. The wireless communication unit 42 is configured to be able to transmit / receive information such as image data and signals to / from an external device via the antenna device 39. In the present embodiment, the wireless communication unit 42 is configured to use a wireless LAN (Wireless Information is transmitted to and received from an external device using a Local Area Network (WLAN) system.

  In addition, the primary battery 43 is connected to the wireless communication unit 42. In the present embodiment, a small and easily replaceable button battery such as a lithium battery is used as the primary battery 43.

  Here, a power supply mode (hereinafter referred to as a power supply mode) from the primary battery 43 and the secondary battery 40 to each functional unit including the radiation detection element 7 of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 will be described. The radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can be switched between two power supply modes, ie, a sleep mode and a radiographable mode.

  In the sleep mode, the secondary battery 40 is not activated, and power is not supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the control unit 22, so the control unit 22 is not activated. However, the wireless communication unit 42 is activated by receiving power from the primary battery 43, and is in a state where it can receive a signal from an external device via the antenna device 39.

  In the photographing enabled mode, power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the control unit 22 and the control unit 22 is activated. Under the control of the control unit 22, the reverse bias power supply 14, the scanning drive circuit 15, the readout circuit 17, and the storage unit 23. The power is also supplied from the secondary battery 40 to each functional unit such as a memory controller.

  Therefore, in the radiographable mode, as described above, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is irradiated with radiation at the time of radiographic imaging, charges are generated and accumulated in each radiation detection element 7 and radiographic imaging is performed. The electrical signal (image data) can be stored in the storage unit 23 by performing a reading process.

  Further, in the photographing enabled mode, power is also supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the wireless communication unit 42. In the present embodiment, when the power supply mode is changed to the photographing enabled mode, the wireless communication unit 42 42 is operated by electric power supplied from the secondary battery 40. The supply of power from the primary battery 43 to the wireless communication unit 42 is stopped.

  With this configuration, power is supplied from the primary battery 43 to the wireless communication unit 42 even though power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the wireless communication unit 42, and the power of the primary battery 43 is wasted. It is possible to extend the life of the primary battery 43 by preventing it from being consumed.

  When the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the sleep mode, the wireless communication unit 42 transmits a transition signal that instructs the external apparatus to transition the power supply mode to the image capture enable mode via the antenna device 39. When received, the secondary battery 40 is activated by transmitting an activation signal to the secondary battery 40, and power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the control unit 22.

  In this way, when the wireless communication unit 42 receives the transition signal instructing to change the power supply mode to the image pickup possible mode, the wireless communication unit 42 activates the secondary battery 40 and supplies power to the control unit 22. 22 is activated, and power is supplied from the secondary battery 42 to a plurality of functional units including the wireless communication unit 42, so that the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is shifted to the radiographable mode. .

  Of the power supply modes of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, the image capture possible mode is divided into finer modes such as the image capture mode and the first standby mode described in Patent Document 3 described above, and the power is It is possible to increase the number of function units to be supplied step by step for each mode. In the present invention, as described above, at least the power supply mode in which power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the control unit 22 is referred to as a shootable mode, and power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the control unit 22. The power supply mode that is not used is called sleep mode.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the secondary battery 40 can be started by operating the power switch 36, and power can be supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the control unit 22. Therefore, when the power supply mode is the sleep mode, or when the power of the radiographic imaging device 1 itself is turned off (that is, when both the primary battery 43 and the secondary battery 40 are turned off). Further, by operating the power switch 36 to turn it on, the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can be set to the imageable mode.

  In the present embodiment, pressing the power switch 36 for a long time switches the power on / off of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 itself, and pressing the power switch 36 for a short time switches the power supply mode to the sleep mode and the imaging mode. Although it is possible to make transition between possible modes, for example, a mode switching switch may be provided separately from the power switch 36.

  On the other hand, when the power supply mode of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is switched from the radiographable mode to the sleep mode, the supply of power from the secondary battery 40 to the control unit 22 is stopped, and the secondary battery 40 wirelessly Since the supply of power to the communication unit 42 is also stopped, the supply of power from the primary battery 43 to the wireless communication unit 42 is resumed.

  As described above, by operating the power switch 36, the power supply mode can be switched from the image capture enable mode to the sleep mode. At that time, when receiving a stop signal for stopping the start of the secondary battery 40 from the power switch 36, the control unit 22 transmits a signal notifying the wireless communication unit 42 that the power supply mode is changed to the sleep mode. It is supposed to be.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 22 is connected to the outside via the wireless communication unit 42 in a state where the read circuit 17 or the like is not performing a predetermined operation such as performing a read process even when the power switch 36 is not operated. Even when transmission and reception of information such as data and signals with the apparatus are not performed for a certain period, the control unit 22 notifies the wireless communication unit 42 that the power supply mode is changed to the sleep mode. Is supposed to send.

  When receiving the above signal, the wireless communication unit 42 starts the primary battery 43 and restarts the supply of power from the primary battery 43 as described above. Moreover, the control part 22 will stop supply of the electric power from the secondary battery 40 to each function part containing the wireless communication part 42, if said signal is transmitted to the wireless communication part 42. FIG. Since the supply of power from the secondary battery 40 is stopped, the control unit 22 also stops starting.

  With this configuration, not only when an operator such as a radiologist operates the power switch 36 to intentionally switch the power supply mode from the photographing mode to the sleep mode, but also in the photographing mode. Regardless of whether or not information transmission / reception with an external device is not performed for a certain period, the power supply mode is switched to the sleep mode, thereby preventing the secondary battery 40 from being wasted and the secondary battery 40 being consumed. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, when the power supply mode is the radiographable mode, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 transmits a transition signal transmitted from the external apparatus by the wireless communication unit 42 to instruct the power supply mode to transition to the sleep mode. By receiving this, the power supply mode can be switched from the image capture enable mode to the sleep mode.

  In this case, when the wireless communication unit 42 receives a transition signal instructing to shift the power supply mode from the external device to the sleep mode via the antenna device 39, the wireless communication unit 42 stops the activation of the secondary battery 40 and controls the control unit 22. The supply of electric power from the secondary battery 40 to each functional unit including is stopped. The wireless communication unit 42 starts the primary battery 43 at the same time.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the wireless communication unit 42 receives a transition signal instructing to switch the power supply mode of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 from the external device to the sleep mode, the wireless communication unit 42 activates the secondary battery 40. The power supply mode of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is changed to the sleep mode by stopping the supply of power from the secondary battery 40 to each functional unit including the control unit 22 and the primary battery 43 is activated. By receiving power supply from the primary battery 43, the wireless communication unit 42 itself is continuously activated.

  Next, the operation of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to schematic diagrams of functional units of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS.

  In FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, the functional units such as the reverse bias power supply 14, the scanning drive circuit 15, the readout circuit 17, and the storage unit 23 are not shown. In any of the following operating states, it is possible to turn off the power of the radiographic imaging device 1 itself by pressing and holding the power switch 36 of the radiographic imaging device 1.

  First, in a state where the power of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 itself is off, an operator such as a radiographer operates the secondary battery 40 of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 by operating the power switch 36 for a long time. When activated, as shown in FIG. 7, power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the control unit 22 to activate the control unit 22. Under the control of the control unit 22, the reverse bias power supply 14, the scan drive circuit 15, and the readout circuit are activated. 17, power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to each functional unit such as the storage unit 23 and the memory controller, and the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 becomes the radiographable mode.

  Therefore, in the radiographable mode, when radiation is applied to the radiographic imaging device 1 for radiographic imaging, electric charge is generated and accumulated in each radiation detection element 7, radiographic imaging is performed, and readout processing is performed. Is performed, an electrical signal (image data) is stored in the storage unit 23.

  In the photographing enabled mode, power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to the wireless communication unit 42. Although the supply of power from the primary battery 43 to the wireless communication unit 42 remains stopped, the wireless communication unit 42 operates by receiving the supply of power from the secondary battery 40. In this way, when a signal or the like is transmitted from the external device (not shown) to the wireless communication unit 42 via the antenna device 39, the signal or the like is transmitted to the control unit 22, and image data or signal to be transmitted to the external device is transmitted. Etc. are transmitted via the control unit 22, the wireless communication unit 42 transmits the external device via the antenna device 39.

  On the other hand, in a state where the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the radiographable mode, the operation is performed by the operator pressing the power switch 36 for a short time, etc., and stopping the activation of the secondary battery 40 from the power switch 36 Constant transmission and reception of information such as data and signals with the external device via the wireless communication unit 42 without receiving a signal or performing a predetermined operation such as the reading circuit 17 performing a reading process. When the period is not performed, the control unit 22 transmits a signal notifying the wireless communication unit 42 that the power supply mode is changed to the sleep mode.

  Upon receiving the above signal, the wireless communication unit 42 activates the primary battery 43 to restart the supply of power from the primary battery 43 and receives the supply of power from the primary battery 43, as shown in FIG. continue. In addition, when the control unit 22 transmits the above signal to the wireless communication unit 42, the control unit 22 stops supplying power from the secondary battery 40 to each functional unit including the wireless communication unit 42. The power supply is stopped and the start is stopped. In this way, the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 becomes the sleep mode.

  Further, as described above, in the state where the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the radiographable mode (see FIG. 7), the radio communication unit 42 transmits the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 from the external device via the antenna device 39. It is also possible to change the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 to the sleep mode by receiving a transition signal instructing to change the power supply mode to the sleep mode.

  In that case, when the wireless communication unit 42 receives a transition signal instructing to switch the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 from the external device to the sleep mode, the wireless communication unit 42 activates the primary battery 43 and supplies power from the primary battery 43. The supply is resumed, and the activation is continued by receiving the supply of power from the primary battery 43, and the activation of the secondary battery 40 is stopped by transmitting a signal to the secondary battery 40, to each functional unit including the control unit 22. The power supply from the secondary battery 40 is stopped.

  In this way, the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is activated with the power supplied from the primary battery 43 as shown in FIG. Each of the functional units that are included enters a sleep mode in which the power supply from the secondary battery 40 is stopped and is not activated.

  On the other hand, in this way, in the state where the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the sleep mode, as shown in FIG. When receiving the transition signal instructing, the wireless communication unit 42 transmits the activation signal to the secondary battery 40 and activates the secondary battery 40 this time.

  When the secondary battery 40 is activated, power is supplied to the control unit 22 and the control unit 22 is activated. When the control unit 22 is activated, power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 to each of the functional units such as the reverse bias power supply 14, the scan drive circuit 15, the readout circuit 17, the storage unit 23, and the memory controller, and the radiographic imaging device 1. While the power supply mode is set to the photographing enabled mode, the wireless communication unit 42 is also supplied with power from the secondary battery 40.

  The wireless communication unit 42 stops supplying power from the primary battery 43 and operates by receiving power supplied from the secondary battery 40. In this way, the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is in the state of the image capturing possible mode illustrated in FIG. In the state where the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the sleep mode, the secondary battery 40 is activated by operating the power switch 36 so that the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can be set in the radiographable mode. It is as described above.

  As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the sleep mode in which radiographic image capturing is not performed, the control unit 22 and the readout circuit The wireless communication unit 42 does not supply power to each function unit 17 and the like, and can receive a signal from the external device (a transition signal instructing to switch the power supply mode to the photographing mode). Is powered up and activated. In the sleep mode, the secondary battery 40 used for radiographic imaging is not activated, and power is supplied from the primary battery 43 to the wireless communication unit 42.

  Thus, in the sleep mode, the power for continuing the activation of the wireless communication unit 42 is supplied from the primary battery 43 that is not used for radiographic imaging, and the power of the secondary battery 40 is not consumed. Even if the imaging device 1 is left uncharged for a relatively long period of time, the secondary battery 40 is insufficiently charged during radiographic imaging, and radiographic imaging cannot be performed accurately. This can be prevented accurately.

  Therefore, even if the radiographic imaging device 1 that has been left uncharged for a relatively long time is used for radiographic imaging, a radiographic image can be obtained by accurately reading out an electrical signal from each of the radiation detection elements 7 according to the radiation dose. Is possible. In addition, it is possible to accurately maintain the power of the secondary battery 40 required for that purpose.

  Moreover, the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 which concerns on this embodiment is the installation stand provided in the predetermined distance from the console, whenever radiographic imaging is complete | finished like the radiographic imaging system described in patent document 3. Since it is not necessary to return, the radiographic imaging device 1 can be made easy to use.

  In the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the power supply mode is the image capture enable mode, there is a possibility that the secondary battery 40 is insufficiently charged and depleted. Therefore, when the amount of charge of the secondary battery 40 becomes insufficient in this way, power is supplied from the primary battery 43 to the secondary battery 42 on the wireless communication unit 42 side. The battery 40 can be configured to back up.

  If comprised in this way, it will become possible for the control part 22 to stop supply of the electric power to each function part, after complete | finishing operation | movement of each function part, and each function part will be damaged, or each function part It is possible to accurately prevent the occurrence of an abnormality or the like. Further, when the secondary battery 40 is in a state of insufficient charge, the secondary battery 40 is backed up by the primary battery 43, and the indicator 37 (see FIG. 1) is blinked or a warning sound is emitted. Thus, it is possible to notify the operator that the amount of charge of the secondary battery 40 is insufficient.

  In addition, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is in the sleep mode, data and the like are not transmitted and received between the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the external device, and the wireless communication unit 42 is It is only necessary to be able to receive from the external device a transition signal that instructs to shift the power supply mode to the image-capable mode. And the wireless communication part 42 can receive only the transition signal and the normal mode which can transmit / receive the information containing data, a signal, etc. with an external device, and it can receive only a transition signal. Some are configured so as to be able to switch between power saving modes with few.

  Therefore, when the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the radiographable mode, power is supplied from the secondary battery 40 with the power consumption mode of the wireless communication unit 42 as the normal mode, and the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 When the power supply mode is the sleep mode, the power consumption mode of the wireless communication unit 42 can be set to the power saving mode so that power can be supplied from the primary battery 43.

  If the radiographic imaging device 1 is configured in this way, when the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging device 1 is the sleep mode, the power of the secondary battery 40 is prevented from being consumed, and the above effect is achieved. As a result, the power consumption of the primary battery 43 can be reduced, and the life of the primary battery 43 can be extended.

  Furthermore, in the radiographic imaging device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, when transmission or reception of information such as data and signals with the external device is not performed for a certain period via the wireless communication unit 42, When the switch 36 is operated, the control unit 22 transmits a signal notifying the wireless communication unit 42 that the power supply mode is changed to the sleep mode, and the wireless communication unit 42 activates the primary battery 43 based on the signal. The case where the supply of power from the primary battery 43 is resumed has been described.

  However, in addition to this, for example, when the secondary battery 40 is activated, the wireless communication unit 42 is configured to notify the wireless communication unit 42 that the secondary battery 40 is activated, and the wireless communication unit 42 Detects that the notification from the secondary battery 40 has stopped, and detects that the power supply mode of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 has shifted from the image capture enable mode to the sleep mode, the power consumption mode is saved from the normal mode. It is also possible to configure to switch to the power mode.

  With this configuration, the control operation of the control unit 22 is not required, and the wireless communication unit 42 detects that the power supply mode of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 has transitioned to the sleep mode and saves the power consumption mode. It becomes possible to switch to the power mode, the control configuration is simplified, and it is not necessary for the control unit 22 to transmit a signal to the wireless communication unit 42, so that the power consumption of the secondary battery 40 can be reduced. Become.

  Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be changed as appropriate.

  It can be used in the field of radiographic imaging (especially in the medical field).

1 Radiographic imaging device (portable radiographic imaging device)
7 Radiation detection element (functional part)
14 Reverse bias power supply (functional part)
15 Scanning drive circuit (functional part)
17 Reading circuit (functional part)
22 Control part (function part)
23 Memory part (function part)
36 Power switch (switch provided on the device)
40 Secondary battery 42 Wireless communication unit 43 Primary battery

Claims (9)

As a mode for supplying power from the built-in battery to a plurality of functional units including a plurality of radiation detection elements that are arranged two-dimensionally and generate electric charges according to the dose of irradiated radiation, In the portable radiographic imaging device having a radiographable mode for supplying power to the plurality of functional units, and a sleep mode for supplying power only to some of the functional units.
The part of the functional unit includes a wireless communication unit,
The built-in battery is a primary battery and a rechargeable secondary battery,
A controller that controls power supply to the plurality of functional units and operations of the plurality of functional units;
In the sleep mode, the wireless communication unit is activated by the primary battery, and the wireless communication unit activates the secondary battery when receiving a transition signal for instructing the transition to the photographing enabled mode from an external device. Power is supplied to the control unit, whereby the control unit is activated and the power supply mode is set by supplying power from the secondary battery to the plurality of functional units including the wireless communication unit. A portable radiographic imaging device, wherein the radiographic imaging device is switched to a radiographable mode.   The secondary battery can be started by operating a switch provided in the apparatus, and the secondary battery is started by operating the switch to supply power to the control unit, thereby The control unit is activated and configured to be able to shift the power supply mode to the shootable mode by supplying power from the secondary battery to the plurality of functional units including the wireless communication unit. The portable radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the portable radiographic image capturing apparatus is provided.   When the power supply mode is the shootable mode, power is supplied from the primary battery to the secondary battery when the charge amount of the secondary battery becomes insufficient. The portable radiographic imaging device according to claim 1 or 2.   When the power supply mode is changed to the photographing enabled mode, the supply of power from the primary battery to the wireless communication unit is stopped, and when the power supply mode is changed to the sleep mode, the primary power supply is stopped. The portable radiographic imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein supply of electric power from a battery to the wireless communication unit is started. The wireless communication unit is capable of switching the power consumption mode between a power saving mode in which the transition signal can be received and a normal mode in which information including data with an external device can be transmitted and received.
When the power supply mode is the sleep mode, the wireless communication unit is configured such that the power consumption mode is the power saving mode and power is supplied from the primary battery, and the power supply mode is the imaging mode. The power consumption mode is set to the normal mode when power is supplied from the secondary battery in a possible mode, according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The portable radiographic imaging apparatus described.   When the wireless communication unit receives a transition signal instructing transition to the sleep mode from the external device when the power supply mode is the shootable mode, the wireless communication unit stops the activation of the secondary battery and The power supply mode is changed to the sleep mode by stopping the supply of power to the plurality of functional units including a control unit, wherein the power supply mode is changed to the sleep mode. The portable radiographic imaging device according to the item.   The control unit sets the power supply mode to the sleep mode when the information including data with the external device is not transmitted or received through the wireless communication unit for a certain period. The power supply from the secondary battery to the plurality of functional units including the wireless communication unit is stopped, and the transition from the secondary battery to the plurality of functional units is stopped. The portable radiographic imaging device according to the item. The secondary battery is capable of stopping its activation by operating a switch provided in the device,
When the switch is operated and a stop signal for stopping the start-up of the secondary battery is received, the control unit notifies the wireless communication unit to change the power supply mode to the sleep mode, and The portable radiographic imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein supply of power from a secondary battery to the plurality of functional units including the wireless communication unit is stopped. apparatus. When the secondary battery is activated, it notifies the wireless communication unit that it is activated,
When the wireless communication unit detects that the notification from the secondary battery is stopped and the power supply mode is changed to the sleep mode, the wireless communication unit switches the power consumption mode from the normal mode to the power saving mode. The portable radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein:

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