JP5617538B2 - Radiation imaging system - Google Patents

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 imaging 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 such portable radiographic imaging apparatuses, a radiographic imaging apparatus that has a built-in battery and that transmits and receives signals and data by exchanging radio waves via an antenna apparatus has been developed (for example, Patent Document 4). Etc.).

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

  By the way, for example, the above-mentioned dedicated machine-type radiographic imaging apparatus is usually configured integrally with a radiation generating apparatus that irradiates the radiographic imaging apparatus with radiation. An interface is constructed between them, and radiographic imaging is performed while exchanging signals and the like between the two. Hereinafter, a method of performing radiographic imaging in such a state where the radiographic imaging device and the radiation generation device are linked as described above is referred to as a cooperative method.

  On the other hand, in the portable radiographic imaging apparatus described above, the manufacturer of the radiographic imaging apparatus and the radiation generation apparatus may be different, and an interface is constructed between the two to exchange signals with each other. However, it may not always be easy to configure to perform radiographic imaging. Hereinafter, a method of performing radiographic imaging in a state where the radiographic imaging device and the radiation generation device cannot cooperate (or do not cooperate) as described above is referred to as a non-cooperative method.

  In the case of such a non-cooperative method, the radiographic imaging apparatus cannot obtain information notifying that the radiation has been emitted from the radiation generating apparatus from the radiation generating apparatus side. It will be necessary to detect that radiation has been applied. Various methods such as the methods described in Patent Documents 5 to 7 are known as methods for detecting radiation irradiation with the radiographic imaging device itself.

Japanese Patent No. 3639750 JP 2006-058124 A JP-A-6-342099 JP-A-7-140255 JP 2003-126072 A JP-A-7-72254 Extract from US Pat. No. 7,211,803

  However, even in the case of the non-cooperative method described above, for example, if radiation is emitted from the radiation generation apparatus in a state where the power of the radiation imaging apparatus is not turned on, an image can be captured by the radiation imaging apparatus. In other words, the radiation from the radiation generator consumes power wastefully and requires re-imaging. The subject, who is the subject, must be irradiated again, increasing the exposure dose of the subject. Problems occur.

  The same applies to the dedicated radiographic imaging apparatus, but particularly in the portable radiographic imaging apparatus with a built-in battery, as a power supply mode for each functional unit such as each radiation detection element and control means, An imaging mode that enables radiographic imaging by supplying power to each functional unit, and power is supplied only to functional units that are necessary to suppress power consumption, and at least the radiation detector is stopped. In many cases, it is possible to switch between a sleep mode in which radiographic imaging is not possible.

  In such a case, if radiation is emitted from the radiation generator to the radiation imaging apparatus in the sleep mode, the radiation imaging apparatus cannot capture an image, and the same problem as described above occurs. End up.

  However, it is not permitted by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law to modify existing equipment in the radiographic imaging system. For this reason, when trying to solve the above problems by remodeling equipment such as radiation generators, it is necessary to obtain a new approval based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, and a period (hour) for approval is required. There are restrictions such as

  Therefore, by adding improvements within the scope that is permitted by law, that is, the scope that does not conflict with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, etc., to the radiographic imaging system that consists of each device already installed in the facility after receiving approval based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, It is desired that the above problems be solved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the problems as described above, and by adding a simple improvement to the existing equipment in the facility, when the radiographic imaging apparatus is in a state incapable of imaging, such as a radiographer It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiographic imaging system that can accurately prevent a radiographer from irradiating radiation from a radiation generation device by mistake.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes:
A radiation generator comprising: a radiation source that irradiates radiation; and an exposure switch that instructs the radiation source to irradiate radiation;
A radiographic imaging apparatus that performs radiographic imaging by detecting radiation irradiation from the radiation generating apparatus by itself without cooperation with the radiation generating apparatus,
In a radiographic imaging system having
The exposure switch of the radiation generating apparatus is attached with a cover device that permits or disallows an operation on the exposure switch.
The radiographic imaging apparatus includes control means for controlling the cover device so as to allow the operation of the exposure switch when the radiographic imaging apparatus is in a radiographable state.

Moreover, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention is
A radiation generator comprising: a radiation source that irradiates radiation; and an exposure switch that instructs the radiation source to irradiate radiation;
A radiographic imaging apparatus that performs radiographic imaging by detecting radiation irradiation from the radiation generating apparatus by itself without cooperation with the radiation generating apparatus,
In a radiographic imaging system having
The radiation generating apparatus includes means for allowing a photographer to recognize whether the radiographic image capturing apparatus is in a photographing enabled state or a non-capable capturing state.

Furthermore, the radiographic imaging system of the present invention includes:
A detection unit in which a plurality of radiation detection elements that generate an electric charge according to an irradiation dose of radiation are arranged in a two-dimensional manner;
A readout circuit that reads out the charge from each of the radiation detection elements, and converts the charge into image data for each of the radiation detection elements;
A power supply mode for each functional unit, a radiographable mode that enables radiographic imaging by supplying power to the radiation detection element, and a radiation detection that supplies power only to necessary functional units including the communication unit Control means for switching between the sleep mode in which the power supply to the element is stopped and radiation imaging cannot be performed;
A communication means capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device;
A radiographic imaging device comprising:
A radiation source for irradiating the radiation imaging apparatus with radiation;
An exposure switch that instructs the radiation source to irradiate radiation;
A cover device that is attached to the exposure switch and that allows operation of the exposure switch in an open state and prevents operation of the exposure switch in a closed state;
A radiation generator comprising:
Detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover device of the radiation generating device and transmitting an open signal at least when the cover device is opened;
A console capable of receiving the opening signal from the detection means;
With
When the console receives the release signal from the detection unit of the radiation generating apparatus, the console sets the power supply mode for each functional unit of the radiographic image capturing apparatus to the radiographable mode. Control is performed so as to be switched.

  According to the radiographic imaging system of the system of the present invention, the exposure switch of the radiation generator is allowed to be operated by the photographer in the open state, and the photographer is operated by the exposure switch in the closed state. A cover device was installed to prevent the operation.

When the power supply mode of the radiological imaging apparatus is equal to photographable state is photographable mode, the first cover device is in the open state.

  Therefore, it is possible to accurately prevent a radiographer or other photographer from irradiating radiation from the radiation generator to a radiographic imaging apparatus that is incapable of imaging by mistake. Even though the radiographic imaging device is incapable of imaging, radiation is wasted from the radiation generator, and power is wasted due to radiation, or re-imaging is required. Thus, it is possible to accurately prevent problems such as an increase in the exposure dose of the subject.

  In addition, the cover device does not require modification of the exposure switch or the radiation generation device. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, which will be described later, the cover device having a simple structure is used to generate the existing radiation. Just attach it to the exposure switch on the device. In addition, the cover device simply allows the photographer to operate the exposure switch or prevents it from being operated, and the normal use approved for the exposure switch etc. based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Nor does it require it to be used in an unusual way other than a way.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide a cover device within the scope of laws and regulations such as the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, that is, in a range that does not conflict with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, etc., and it is easy to use an exposure switch without receiving new approval under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Only by providing a cover device having a structure, it is possible to construct a radiographic imaging system that exhibits the beneficial effects described above.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on each embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of a radiographic imaging device. It is the external appearance perspective view which looked at the radiographic imaging apparatus of FIG. 2 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 a radiographic imaging apparatus. 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 radiographic imaging apparatus. It is an external appearance perspective view showing the state to which the connector of the radiographic imaging device 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 sectional drawing showing the state by which the radiographic imaging apparatus was inserted in the cradle and the connectors were connected. It is a figure which shows a structure provided with a tag reader. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of an exposure switch, (B) is the state in which the 1st step operation was made with respect to a button part, (C) is a figure explaining the state in which the 2nd step operation was made. is there. (A) is a side view showing the structure of a cover apparatus, (B) is a top view showing the structure of the cover apparatus of the state by which the cover part was open | released. It is the schematic showing another structural example of a cover apparatus. (A) It is the side view which shows the example of the tumbler spring provided in the part of the hinge structure of a cover apparatus, (B) and the enlarged view which looked at the part of the hinge structure from the front. It is the schematic showing the structure of an optical detection means as a structural example of a detection means.

  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.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a radiographic imaging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention described below.

  The imaging room Ra is a room that irradiates a subject that is a part of the patient's body (that is, the imaging region of the patient) and performs radiographic imaging, and generates radiation from a radiation irradiation device that irradiates the subject with radiation. A radiation source 52 of the apparatus 57 is disposed. Note that the imaging room Ra is shielded with lead or the like so that radiation does not leak outside the imaging room.

  In the present embodiment, a portable radiographic image capturing device as described below is used as the radiographic image capturing device 1, and the imaging room Ra can be loaded with a bucky that can be loaded with the radiographic image capturing device 1. A device 51 is provided. The bucky device 51 and the radiation source 52 will be described later.

  Here, first, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 used for radiographic image capturing in the radiographic image capturing system 50 will be described.

  In the following, a so-called indirect radiation image capturing apparatus that includes a scintillator or the like and converts the emitted radiation into electromagnetic waves of other wavelengths such as visible light to obtain an electrical signal will be described as the radiation image capturing apparatus 1. However, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called direct type radiographic imaging apparatus that directly detects radiation with a radiation detection element without using a scintillator or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is used by being mounted on the bucky device 51 will be described. However, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is a so-called special-purpose machine formed integrally with a support base (not shown). As described above, the present invention is also applied to the case where the radiographic imaging apparatus is formed.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the radiographic image capturing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the radiographic image capturing apparatus viewed from the opposite side. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 includes a housing 2 in which a sensor panel SP including a scintillator 3 and a substrate 4 is accommodated.

  As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a hollow rectangular tube-shaped housing body 2A having a radiation incident surface R in the housing 2 of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is made of a carbon plate or plastic that transmits radiation. The housing 2 is formed by closing the 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. 2, the lid member 2B on one side of the housing 2 is composed of a power switch 37, a selection switch 38, a connector 39, an LED for displaying a battery state, an operating state of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1, and the like. The indicator 40 and the like are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an antenna device 41 that is a communication means for wirelessly transferring image data or the like to the console 58 is embedded in the lid member 2 </ b> C on the opposite side of the housing 2. 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. It is also possible to transfer the image data and the like to the console 58 in a wired manner. In this case, for example, the connector 39 described above functions as a communication means, and a cable or the like is connected to the connector 39 for transmission / reception. Configured to do.

  As shown in FIG. 4, 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. 5, 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. 6 which is an enlarged view of FIG. 5, 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. 6, the bias lines 9 are respectively connected to the plurality of radiation detection elements 7 arranged in a row. As shown in FIG. 5, 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. 7, 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. Thus, the board | substrate 4 part of sensor panel SP of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is formed. In FIG. 7, illustration of the electronic component 32 and the like is omitted.

  Here, the circuit configuration of the radiation image capturing apparatus 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. 8) of the TFT 8, and the gate electrode 8g (denoted as G in FIG. 8) 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 8d (denoted as D in FIG. 8) 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 a radiation image is captured, when radiation is applied to the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 through a subject, the scintillator 3 converts the radiation into an electromagnetic wave of another wavelength, and the converted electromagnetic wave is detected immediately below the radiation. The 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 scanning drive unit 15 and the readout circuit 17 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 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 that supplies power to each functional unit of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1. Further, the antenna device 41 and the connector 39 (not shown in FIG. 8) 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. For each functional unit of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1, such as resetting the element 7 or controlling the bias power supply 14 to set or vary the bias voltage applied from the bias power supply 14 to each radiation detection element 7. Various controls are performed.

  In addition, when the control unit 22 performs the reading process of the image data D from each radiation detection element 7 as described above, the control unit 22 transmits the read image data D and the like to the console 58 described later.

  On the other hand, as will be described later, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is brought into the imaging room Ra, it is inserted into a cradle 55 described later. At that time, when the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is inserted into the cradle 55, the control means 22 will connect the connector 39 (see FIG. 2) to the connector 55a (see FIG. 12 described later) of the cradle 55. A cassette ID which is identification information of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is notified to a relay unit 54 (see FIG. 1) described later via 55.

  Further, when the radiographer or other radiographer presses the selection switch 38 (see FIG. 2) as a selection unit, the control unit 22 indicates that the cassette ID, which is its own identification information, has been selected. The selection signal is transmitted to the console 58 via the antenna device 41.

  Further, when the power switch 37 is pressed by a radiographer or other radiographer to turn on the power, the control means 22 sends a cassette ID that is its own identification information and an activation signal indicating that it has been activated to the antenna. When the power switch 37 is pressed by a radiographer or other radiographer and the power is turned off, the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is turned off before turning off the power. The cassette ID, which is the identification information, and the stop signal indicating that the device is turned off are transmitted to the console 58 via the antenna device 41.

  Then, when power is supplied to each function unit when radiographic imaging, image data D reading processing, or the like is not performed, the battery 24 is consumed. Therefore, as described above, the control unit 22 includes each function unit. A state in which radiation image capturing can be performed by supplying power to the device, that is, a radiographable mode in which imaging is possible, and at least a radiation detection element that supplies power only to functional units necessary for suppressing power consumption The power supply mode for each functional unit can be switched between the sleep mode in which the supply of power is stopped and the radiographic image cannot be captured.

  In the present embodiment, in the sleep mode, power is supplied only to functional units that need to be minimally activated such as the antenna device 41 and the control unit 22 so that signals from the console 58 and the like can be received, and the bias power source 14, the scanning drive unit 15, the readout circuit 17 (readout IC 16) and the like are not supplied with power.

  When the power switch 37 (see FIG. 2) is pressed, whether to start up the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 in the radiographable mode or the sleep mode is set as appropriate. If the radiographic imaging device 1 is in the sleep mode when the switch 38 is pressed, the power supply mode is switched to the radiographable mode.

  In addition, the control unit 22 automatically switches the power supply mode when the predetermined time elapses when the radiographic image is not captured even after the predetermined time elapses after the power supply mode is switched to the imaging enable mode. Switch to sleep mode.

  Then, when the power supply mode is switched, the control unit 22 transmits a signal indicating that the photographing mode has been set or a signal indicating that the sleep mode has been entered to the console 38 together with its own cassette ID. It is like that.

  As will be described later, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 has a size compatible with a CR cassette, and can be used by being installed in a later-described Bucky apparatus 51 in a facility.

  Further, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is loaded in the bucky device 51, the radiographic imaging device 1 receives power supply from the bucky device 51, but in a single state not loaded in the bucky device 51, the battery 24 (FIG. 8). The 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). When the bucky is loaded, transmission of the image data D, control communication, and the like are performed via the bucky device 51 in a wired manner.

  Further, as will be described later, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is loaded in the bucky device 51, the radiographic imaging device 1 receives power supply from the bucky device 51, but in a single state not loaded in the bucky device 51, Power is supplied from the battery 24 (see FIG. 8) 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. 1, the bucky device 51 can be used by loading the radiographic imaging device 1 into a cassette holding portion (also referred to as a cassette holder) 51a. In FIG. 1, 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 radiation image capturing apparatus 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.

  The radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is also compliant with the JIS standard for the cassette for screen films to which the CR cassette is compliant in order to be able to be loaded into the Bucky device 51 that can be loaded with this JIS standard size CR cassette. It is formed with the dimensions.

  In addition, when the existing bucky device for a screen / film cassette or a CR cassette is not used, it is not necessary to form the radiographic image capturing device 1 with the above-described dimensions, and the radiographic image capturing device 1 has an arbitrary size and shape. It is possible to form. However, in that case, it is necessary to newly install a bucky device capable of loading the radiographic imaging device 1 having an arbitrarily set shape as the bucky device 51 in the imaging room Ra.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the connector 51 b provided at the end of the cable extending from the bucky device 51 is connected to the connector 39 of the radiation imaging device 1 before the radiation imaging device 1 is loaded into the bucky device 51. In this state, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is loaded into the cassette holding part 51a of the bucky apparatus 51.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a connector 51 b connected to the connector 39 (see FIG. 2) of the loaded radiographic imaging device 1 is provided inside the cassette holding portion 51 a of the bucky device 51. It is also possible. In this case, the connector 51b is similarly provided not only in the case of the standing-up shooting bucky device 51A shown in FIG. 10, but also in the standing-up shooting bucky device 51B.

  When the connector 51b and the connector 39 of the radiographic imaging device 1 are connected, the bucky device 51 reads out the cassette ID that is identification information from the radiographic imaging device 1, and the cassette ID of the radiographic imaging device 1 and its own The identification information is associated with a Bucky ID and transmitted to the console 58.

  As described above, the bucky device 51 uses the image data D output from the radiographic image capturing device 1 via the connector 39 when the radiographic image capturing device 1 is loaded and used in the cassette holding unit 51a. Is transmitted to a repeater 54 to be described later in a wired manner and transmitted to the console 58 via the repeater 54.

  Further, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 loaded in the bucky device 51 performs radiographic image capturing by the above-described cooperation method, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and a radiation generating apparatus, which will be described later, via the relay 54 and the connector 39 are used. Signals and the like are exchanged with 57.

  Further, the connector 51 b of the bucky device 51 and the connector 39 of the radiographic imaging device 1 are connected to supply power from the bucky device 51 to the radiographic imaging device 1. Therefore, when the connectors 39 and 51b are connected to each other, the control means 22 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 stops the supply of power from the battery 24 (see FIG. 8) to each functional unit, and via the connector 39. The power supplied from the bucky device 51 is switched so as 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.

  As shown in FIG. 1, 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 is arranged suspended from the ceiling of the imaging room Ra, for example, and is activated based on an instruction from the console 58 at the time of imaging, not shown. The moving means is moved to a predetermined position. Then, by changing the irradiation direction of the radiation, it becomes possible to irradiate the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 loaded in the standing position photographing Bucky device 51A or the standing position photographing Bucky device 51B. ing.

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

  Then, the radiographic imaging device 1 is applied to the body part of the patient who is the subject in a single state (that is, not loaded into the bucky device 51), or the table of the bucky device 51B for lying position photographing or a bed and a patient (not shown). The radiation can be emitted from the portable radiation source 52B at an appropriate distance and direction while being inserted between the body and the body.

  In addition, the radiographic imaging device 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.

  As described above, since the imaging room Ra is shielded by lead or the like, even if information such as the image data D is transmitted / received from the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 via the antenna apparatus 41 in the imaging room Ra, it is transmitted and received as it is. Can not. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 and the console 58 communicate wirelessly, a repeater (also referred to as a base station or a wireless access point) provided with a wireless antenna 53 that relays these communications. 54 is provided.

  As described above, the bucky device 51 and the repeater 54 are connected by a cable or the like. When the radiographic image capturing device 1 is loaded into the bucky device 51 and used, it is output from the radiographic image capturing device 1. The thinned data Dt and the like are transmitted to the console 58 in a wired manner via the bucky device 51, the repeater 54, and the like.

  A cradle 55 is connected to the repeater 54. As shown in FIG. 11, when the radiographic imaging device 1 brought into the radiographic room Ra is inserted and the connector 39 of the radiographic imaging device 1 and the connector 55a of the cradle 55 are connected, as described above, the radiation The cassette ID is notified from the image capturing apparatus 1 to the repeater 54 via the cradle 55. When the cassette ID of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is transmitted from the cradle 55, the relay unit 54 notifies the console 58 of the cassette ID.

  The cradle 55 is normally used for storing and charging the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 and the like, and the cradle 55 has a function such as charging in each of the following embodiments. Is also possible. Furthermore, although FIG. 11 shows the cradle 55 provided with two insertion openings for inserting the radiographic imaging apparatus 1, the number of insertion openings may be one, or three or more may be provided.

  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, a position where the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 52 does not reach, that is, for example, the imaging room. Installed at the corner of Ra.

  On the other hand, instead of using the cradle 55 as described above, or as a means for detecting the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 brought into the imaging room Ra or the front room Rb and notifying the console 58 of the cassette ID, In combination, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, a tag reader 60 may be provided near the door of the front chamber Rb.

  In the case of such a configuration, a tag (not shown) such as a so-called RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag is built in the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 in advance, and unique information such as a cassette ID of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is included in the tag. Remember me. When the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 passes through the vicinity of the tag reader 60 and is brought into the imaging room Ra or the front chamber Rb, the tag reader 60 reads information such as a cassette ID from the tag of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, and the cassette It can be configured to notify the console 58 of the ID.

  As described above, it is preferable to use the tag reader 60 because it is possible to detect both the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 being brought into the radiographing room Ra and being taken out from the radiographing room Ra. In this case, the tag reader 60 and the cradle 55 can be configured to double check at least whether the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is brought into the photographing room Ra. When only the tag reader 60 is used, the cradle 55 is used only for charging the radiation image capturing apparatus 1, for example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a radiation generator 57 having an exposure switch 56 and the like for instructing the radiation source 52 to start radiation irradiation and the like is provided in the front chamber (also referred to as an operation room or the like) Rb. Is provided. The exposure switch 56 and the configuration related thereto will be described in detail later.

  The console 58 is provided in the front room Rb, and is constituted 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 58 reads out a necessary program, expands it in a work area of the RAM, and executes various processes according to the program.

  The console 58 is provided with a display unit 58a made up of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or the like, and is connected to input means (not shown) such as a keyboard and a mouse. The console 58 is connected to a storage means 59 composed of a hard disk or the like, and the storage means 59 stores image data D transmitted from the radiation image capturing apparatus 1. Yes.

  Although not shown, the console 58 includes another computer or an external device such as an imager that records and outputs a radiation image on an image recording medium such as a film based on image data output from the console 58. Are connected via a LAN or the like.

  As described above, when the radiographic imaging device 1 brought into the radiographing room Ra is inserted into the console 58 and the cassette ID of the radiographic imaging device 1 is transmitted via the cradle 55 or the repeater 54. The cassette ID is stored in the storage means 59, and it is recognized and managed that the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 having the cassette ID is brought into the imaging room Ra or the front room Rb.

  Further, when the above-mentioned stop signal is transmitted from the radiographic imaging device 1 in the radiographing room Ra, the console 58 stores the radiation stored in association with the cassette ID stored in the storage unit 59. If the information indicating the operating state of the image capturing apparatus 1 is information indicating the stopped state, the information is left as it is. If the information indicating the starting state is information, the cassette ID is newly associated with the information indicating the stopped state and saved. To do.

  When the activation signal described above is transmitted from the radiation imaging apparatus 1 in the imaging room Ra, the console 58 stores the radiation stored in association with the cassette ID stored in the storage unit 59. If the information representing the operating state of the image capturing apparatus 1 is information representing the activated state, the information is left as it is. If the information representing the stopped state is retained, the cassette ID is newly associated with the information representing the activated state and overwritten. To do.

  In this way, the console 58 is in any state in which the operation state of the radiation imaging apparatus 1 is currently in the activated state (that is, the power is turned on) or in the stopped state (that is, the power is turned off). It is designed to recognize and manage.

  Instead of configuring the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 to transmit a signal indicating the operating state of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1, that is, a start signal or a stop signal, to the console 58, for example, the console 58 is periodically or At the necessary timing, the inside of the imaging room Ra is surveyed via the wireless antenna 53 of the repeater 54, and the operating state of each radiographic imaging device 1 existing in the imaging room Ra is in the activated state or in the stopped state. It is also possible to configure to monitor and manage this.

  On the other hand, as described above, when a signal indicating that the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 has entered the radiographable mode is transmitted together with the cassette ID, the console 58 corresponds to the cassette ID stored in the storage unit 59. If the information indicating the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 attached and stored is information indicating the radiographable mode, the information is left as it is. If the information indicating the sleep mode is information, the cassette ID can be imaged. The information indicating the mode is newly overwritten and saved.

  Further, when a signal indicating that the sleep mode has been entered is transmitted from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 together with the cassette ID, the signal stored in association with the cassette ID stored in the storage unit 59 is stored. If the information indicating the power supply mode mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is information indicating the sleep mode, the information is left as it is. If the information indicating the stored mode is information indicating the imageable mode, the cassette ID is set. Information indicating the sleep mode is newly overwritten and saved.

  In this way, the console 58 recognizes and manages whether the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is currently in a power supply mode of the radiographable mode or the sleep mode.

  As described above, the console 58 stores the storage unit 59 when the cassette ID and the Bucky ID of the radiographic imaging device 1 are transmitted from the Bucky device 51 to which the radiographic imaging device 1 is connected to the connector 51b. The cassette ID stored in is stored in association with the Bucky ID.

  When the connection between the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 and the connector 51b is released, the association between the cassette ID and the Bucky ID of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 stored in the storage unit 59 is canceled, Only the cassette ID is stored.

  In this way, in the present embodiment, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is loaded and used in the bucky device 51, which radiographic imaging device 1 is loaded in which bucky device 51. Or, it recognizes and manages whether it is not loaded.

[Basic configuration of exposure switch]
13A to 13C are views for explaining the configuration of the exposure switch 56 installed in the normal radiation generator 57 and the operation method thereof.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the exposure switch 56 includes a rod-shaped button portion 56a having a predetermined stroke, and a housing that supports the button portion 56a so as to be movable in the stroke direction indicated by an arrow S in the drawing. It is comprised with the body part 56b. The button part 56a of the exposure switch 56 includes, for example, a cylindrical part 56a1 protruding upward from the casing part 56b and a columnar part 56a2 protruding further upward from the inside thereof.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the photographer pushes the column portion 56a2 into the stroke direction S up to the upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 56a1 and performs the first stage operation (that is, the so-called half-press operation is performed). Once done, the exposure switch 56 is adapted to send an activation signal to the radiation generator 57. When the radiation generator 57 receives this activation signal, the radiation source 52 is brought into a standby state by starting rotation of the anode of the X-ray tube of the radiation source 52.

  As shown in FIG. 10C, when the cylindrical portion 56a1 and the columnar portion 56a2 of the exposure switch 56 are both pushed to the upper end portion of the housing portion 56b and the second stage operation is performed (that is, so-called When the full-press operation is performed), the exposure switch 56 transmits an irradiation start signal to the radiation generator 57. When receiving the irradiation start signal, the radiation generator 57 irradiates radiation from the X-ray tube of the radiation source 52.

  The exposure switch 56 is housed in a holder H (see FIG. 14B described later) provided in the radiation generator 57 when not in use, and the exposure switch 56 is used. In doing so, the exposure switch 56 is removed from the holder H and used. In some cases, the exposure switch 56 has a structure that can be operated by a radiographer or the like by rotating or horizontally moving the holder H. In such a case, the exposure switch 56 is used. Is operated by rotating or horizontally moving the holder H.

[Configuration related to the exposure switch according to this embodiment]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the exposure switch 56 of the radiation generator 57 allows the photographer to operate the exposure switch 56 in the open state, and in the closed state. A cover device 70 that prevents the photographer from operating the exposure switch 56 is attached. The console 58 controls opening and closing of the cover device 70.

  That is, the console 58 supplies electric power to a drive unit for opening and closing the cover device 70 (for example, a motor 74 described later) when the cover device 70 is opened and closed. 14A shows a side view of the cover device 70, and FIG. 14B shows a plan view of the cover device 70 in a state where the lid 71 is opened.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the cover device 70 is disposed above the exposure switch 56 and opened to open the cover device 70, and closed to close the cover device 70. And a support plate 72 that supports the closed lid portion 71 from the lower side.

  In the present embodiment, the support plate 72 is composed of a total of two plate-like members standing in parallel one by one on both sides of the exposure switch 56 in the state of being housed in the holder H. A lid 71 is swingably attached to the support plate 72 via a hinge structure 73 provided on one end of the upper portion of the plate 72.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a radiographer or other photographer can visually recognize the exposure switch 56 accommodated in the holder H from between the two support plates 72. Even if the user puts his hand between the support plates 72 and tries to take out the exposure switch 56 from the holder H, the exposure switch 56 cannot be taken out from the holder H because of being obstructed by the closed lid 71. ing.

  In other words, the positional relationship between the upper end of the exposure switch 56 and the closed lid 71 is that the photographer puts his hand between the two support plates 72 as described above. Even if the shooting switch 56 is to be removed from the holder H, the closed lid 71 is arranged at a position where the exposure switch 56 cannot be removed from the holder H by being blocked by the closed lid 71. Adjusted to

  Note that the exposure switch 56 can be taken out from the holder H when the lid 71 is in an open state (see a one-dot chain line in FIG. 14A). Further, instead of providing only the above two support plates 72 of the cover device 70, three support plates 72 are provided so as to surround the exposure switch 56 from three directions, or four support plates 72 are provided to provide four sides of the exposure switch 56. It is also possible to configure so as to surround, and is configured appropriately.

  Further, as described above, when the exposure switch 56 is configured to operate the holder H by rotating or horizontally moving the holder H, the support plate 72 of the cover device 70 is moved to the above-described 2. When only a single sheet is provided, even when the lid 71 is closed, the photographer puts his hand between the support plates 72 to rotate or horizontally move the holder H to operate the exposure switch 56. When the exposure switch 56 is configured in this way, three support plates 72 are provided to surround the exposure switch 56 from three directions, or four are provided. It is necessary to configure so as to surround the four sides of the exposure switch 56 so that the exposure switch 56 cannot be operated when the lid 71 is closed.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a motor 74 is attached to the outside of the one end side of the support plate 72, and the rotating shaft 75 of the motor 74 has two support plates 72 below the hinge structure 73. Are arranged so as to penetrate substantially vertically. The motor 74 is electrically connected to the console 58 by, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable C, and the motor 74 is configured from the console 58 (configured by a general workstation or PC). Is supplied with electric power (for example, 5 [V] or 24 [V]), or the supply of electric power is stopped.

  Further, a gear 76 is fixed at a predetermined position inside the two support plates 72 of the rotating shaft 75 of the motor 74, and at the end of the lid portion 71 where the hinge structure 73 is formed. A gear 77 that meshes with the gear 76 is fixed at a position corresponding to the gear 76 provided on the rotating shaft 75 of the motor 74.

  Then, when electric power is supplied from the console 58 and the rotating shaft 75 of the motor 74 rotates, the rotational driving force is transmitted from the gear 76 fixed to the rotating shaft 75 to the gear 77 fixed to the lid portion 71. The lid 71 swings around the hinge structure 73 so that the lid 71 is opened or closed.

  In the present embodiment, a sensor 78 that detects that the lid 71 has been closed by contact when the lid 71 is closed is provided at the upper end portion of the support plate 72. Are electrically connected to the console 58. When the console 58 closes the lid 71, the console 58 receives a signal indicating that the lid 71 is closed, which is transmitted from the sensor 78, so that the lid 71 of the cover device 70 is reliably closed. It has come to confirm that.

  In FIG. 14A, the display of electrical connection between the sensor 78 and the console 58 is omitted. 14A and 14B show a case in which the sensor 78 is provided only on one of the two support plates 72, but it is configured to be provided on both support plates 72. It is also possible.

  Further, instead of configuring the cover 71 of the cover device 70 to be swingably attached to the support plate 72 via the hinge structure 73 as described above, for example, as schematically shown in FIG. The rack and pinion structure is a combination of a rack 71 a provided on the lower surface side of the lid portion 71 and a gear (in this case, also referred to as a pinion) 76 fixed to the rotating shaft 75 of the motor 74. It is also possible to configure so that the lid 71 is opened and closed by moving the 71 on the support plate 72 in the horizontal direction.

[Control of opening / closing of cover device by console]
In the present embodiment, the console 58 controls the opening and closing of the cover device 70 by controlling the rotation of the motor 74 of the cover device 70 and controlling the opening and closing of the lid portion 71.

  Specifically, the console 58 supplies power to the motor 74 and rotates the motor 74 to open the lid 71 when allowing a radiographer or other photographer to operate the exposure switch 56. When the cover device 70 is opened and a radiographer or other photographer cannot operate the exposure switch 56, the motor 74 is prevented from rotating by not supplying power to the motor 74. The cover device 70 is closed by closing the lid 71 while maintaining the above.

  Hereinafter, the console 58 will allow a radiographer to operate the exposure switch 56, or will explain criteria for preventing the operator from operating the exposure switch 56, and radiographic imaging according to the present embodiment. The operation of the system 50 will be described.

[Criteria 1]
In the present embodiment, as described above, the console 58 manages the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 brought into the imaging room Ra, and the power state of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1, that is, the operating state of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is determined. It recognizes and manages whether it is in a starting state (that is, a power-on state) or a stopped state (that is, a power-off state).

  Therefore, when the power state of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is in the off state, the cover device 70 is controlled to be closed so that the photographer cannot operate the exposure switch 56. When the power supply state of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is on, the cover device 70 is controlled to be in an open state so as to allow the photographer to operate the exposure switch 56. A console 58 can be configured.

  If comprised in this way, when the power supply state of the radiographic imaging device 1 is an OFF state, it is possible to physically prevent the photographer from operating the exposure switch 56 by closing the cover device 70. Therefore, it is possible to accurately prevent the photographer from accidentally irradiating radiation.

  Therefore, the radiation source 52 of the radiation generator 57 (FIG. 5) is displayed even though the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is in an off state and cannot be captured even if the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is irradiated with radiation. 1)), it is possible to accurately prevent the radiation from being wasted.

  When the power state of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is on, the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can be irradiated with radiation to perform imaging. For this reason, when the power state of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is on, the cover apparatus 70 is opened to control the photographer to operate the exposure switch 56 so that the power state is on. Thus, radiographic imaging can be appropriately performed using the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 in this state.

[Criteria 2]
In the present embodiment, as described above, the console 58 also manages whether the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging device 1 brought into the imaging room Ra is the imaging enabled mode or the sleep mode. It is like that.

  Therefore, when the console 58 is configured to manage the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1, the cover device 70 is closed when the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the sleep mode. When the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is in the image capturing enable mode, the cover device 70 is opened. The console 58 can be configured so as to allow the photographer to operate the exposure switch 56.

  With this configuration, when the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the sleep mode, the cover device 70 is closed and the photographer is physically prevented from operating the exposure switch 56. Therefore, it is possible to accurately prevent the photographer from accidentally irradiating radiation.

  Therefore, the radiation source 52 of the radiation generator 57 (FIG. 5) is used even though the power supply mode of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is the sleep mode and the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 cannot be imaged even when irradiated with radiation. 1)), it is possible to accurately prevent the radiation from being wasted.

  In addition, when the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the radiographable mode, it is possible to perform imaging by irradiating the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 with radiation. Therefore, when the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is the image capture enable mode, the cover apparatus 70 is opened to perform control so as to allow the photographer to operate the exposure switch 56, thereby providing the power supply mode. However, radiographic imaging can be appropriately performed using the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 in the radiographable mode.

  In the above criteria 1 and 2, if the photographer tries to operate the exposure switch 56 and the cover device 70 is closed and the exposure switch 56 cannot be operated, the radiograph is taken by the photographer. It is necessary to turn on the power supply state of the photographing apparatus 1 or switch the power supply mode to the photographing enable mode.

  When there are a plurality of radiographic image capturing apparatuses 1 in the radiographing room Ra, for example, the console 58 is in a state in which one of the plurality of radiographic image capturing apparatuses 1 is on or in a radiographable mode. In this case, the cover device 70 can be configured to be in an open state. Further, for example, the radiographic imaging device 1 to be used for the next imaging is specified based on the imaging order information and the like, and only when the specified radiographic imaging device 1 is in the on state or in the imaging enabled mode, the cover is provided. It is also possible to configure the device 70 to be in an open state.

  As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing system 50 according to the present embodiment, the operation of the photographer's exposure switch 56 is allowed in the open state, and the operation of the photographer's exposure switch 56 cannot be performed in the closed state. A cover device 70 was attached. The console 58 is configured to control opening and closing of the cover device 70.

  And, for example, when the radiographic imaging device 1 is in a state incapable of imaging, such as when the power status of the radiographic imaging device 1 is off or when the power supply mode is the sleep mode, By controlling the cover device 70 to be in a closed state and physically preventing the photographer from operating the exposure switch 56, the photographer accidentally irradiates radiation from the radiation source 52 of the radiation generator 57. It is possible to accurately prevent this.

  Therefore, in spite of the radiographic imaging device 1 being in a state in which imaging is not possible, radiation is unnecessarily emitted from the radiation generation device 57, and power is wasted due to radiation irradiation or re-imaging. Therefore, it is possible to accurately prevent the occurrence of problems such as an increase in the exposure dose of the subject.

  In addition, for example, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is in a state where the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is in an imageable state, such as when the power supply state of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is on or when the power supply mode is an imageable mode By controlling the photographer to operate the exposure switch 56 with the cover device 70 in the open state, radiographic imaging can be appropriately performed using the radiographic imaging device 1 in a state where imaging is possible. Become.

  Furthermore, the cover device 70 does not require modification of the exposure switch 56 or the radiation generation device 57, and as described above (see FIGS. 14A and 14B), the cover device 70 is outside the existing exposure switch 56. Since it can be configured simply by providing the lid 71, the support plate 72, and the like, it can be configured by simply adding improvements to existing equipment in a facility such as the photographing room Ra.

  The cover device 70 simply allows or prevents the photographer from operating the exposure switch 56. The cover device 70 is based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law with respect to the exposure switch 56 and the radiation generator 57. Nor is it required to be used in an unusual way other than the normal usage approved. That is, even if the cover device 70 is provided, the operation itself with respect to the exposure switch 56 is not changed, and the photographer performs the normal operation (operation such as half-pressing or full-pressing) to perform the exposure switch. 56 can be operated.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide the cover device 70 as described above within the scope of laws and regulations such as the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, that is, in a range not in conflict with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, etc., and without receiving a new approval based on the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. The radiation image capturing system 50 that exhibits the beneficial effects described above can be constructed simply by providing the shooting switch 56 with the cover device 70 as described above.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, as described above, the console 58 determines whether the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is currently in the radiographable mode or the sleep mode based on the signal transmitted from the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1. The description has been made on the assumption that the power supply mode is configured to recognize and manage the power supply mode.

  However, for example, a power supply of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 is supplied to the control means 22 of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 by transmitting a start signal (also referred to as a wake up signal) from the console 58 to the radiographic imaging apparatus 1. It is also possible to configure so that the mode can be controlled to be switched from the sleep mode to the photographing enabled mode.

  When the console 58 is configured in this way, for example, when the photographer operates the console 58 and inputs to the console 58 to start the next radiographic image capture, the radiation from the console 58 is determined. An activation signal is transmitted to the image capturing apparatus 1 to cause the control unit 22 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to switch the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 from the sleep mode to the image capturing possible mode.

  Along with that, electric power is supplied from the console 58 to the motor 74 (see FIGS. 14A, 14B, and 15) of the cover device 70 attached to the exposure switch 56 of the radiation generator 57, and is rotated. The cover 71 may be opened to control the cover device 70 to be in an open state.

  Note that, as described above, the console 58 is configured to manage whether the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 brought into the imaging room Ra is the imaging possible mode or the sleep mode. If it is, it can be determined whether the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 in the radiographing room Ra is the radiographable mode or the sleep mode.

  Therefore, in this case, the console 58 determines whether the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging device 1 in the imaging room Ra is the imaging enabled mode or the sleep mode when the imaging start is input. Only in the sleep mode, the control unit 22 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can be configured to switch the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to the radiographable mode.

  If comprised as mentioned above, it will become possible to switch the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging device 1 to the radiographable mode accurately when the photographer inputs the start of radiographing for the next radiographing to the console 58. Also, since the cover device 70 is opened and the photographer can operate the exposure switch 56, the photographer operates the exposure switch 56 to irradiate the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 with radiation. The power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is accurately set to an image capturing possible mode.

  If the photographer does not input the start of photographing to the console 58, at least the cover device 70 is in the closed state, so the photographer cannot operate the exposure switch 56, and the power supply mode is set to sleep. The radiation image capturing apparatus 1 that is in the mode and cannot be captured is appropriately prevented from being irradiated with radiation.

  As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing system 50 according to the present embodiment, the power of the radiographic image capturing device 1 is obtained in a state where the cover device 70 is opened and the photographer is allowed to operate the exposure switch 56. When the supply mode is always the imaging enabled mode, and the power supply mode of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is the sleep mode and imaging is impossible, the cover device 70 is surely closed, It is possible to accurately prevent at least the photographer from irradiating the radiation detection element 1 in the sleep mode with radiation from the radiation generator 57 by mistake.

  Therefore, even though the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is in the sleep mode and cannot be captured, radiation is unnecessarily emitted from the radiation generating apparatus 57, and power is wasted due to radiation irradiation. It is possible to accurately prevent the occurrence of a problem such as an increase in the exposure dose of the subject due to the need for re-imaging.

  Further, as described above, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is in the radiographable mode and is in a radiographable state, the cover device 70 is opened and the exposure switch 56 is allowed to be operated, and radiation is emitted. Since irradiation can be performed, radiographic imaging can be appropriately performed using the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 in a state where imaging is possible.

  Furthermore, the cover device 70 does not require modification of the exposure switch 56 or the radiation generation device 57, and is configured only by making simple improvements to existing equipment in a facility such as the imaging room Ra as described above. It is possible. Therefore, it is possible to construct the radiation image capturing system 50 that exhibits the same beneficial effect as that of the first embodiment only by providing the exposure switch 56 with the cover device 70 as described above.

  In addition, for example, when the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 is configured to start the reset processing of each radiation detection element 7 when the radiographic imaging device 1 enters the radiographable mode from the sleep mode, the radiographic imaging device 1 is switched to the radiographable mode. If the time until the radiation is irradiated is short, there may be a problem that the charge detection is not sufficiently released from each radiation detection element 7 during the reset process, and the S / N ratio of the image data D deteriorates. .

  Therefore, in such a case, for example, when the console 58 supplies electric power to the motor 74 of the cover device 70 and rotationally drives it to open the lid portion 71, the number of rotations of the motor 74 is reduced and the lid is opened. It can be configured such that the time required from when the opening of the portion 71 is started until the lid portion 71 is completely opened is increased.

  With this configuration, the time from when the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging device 1 is switched to the radiographable mode until the radiation imaging device 1 is irradiated with radiation becomes sufficiently long. It is possible to sufficiently remove the charge remaining in each radiation detection element 7 from each radiation detection element 7 by sufficiently performing a reset process or the like of the detection element 7.

[Third Embodiment]
In the first and second embodiments, as described above, exposure is performed at least when the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging device 1 is the sleep mode and the radiographic imaging device 1 is in a state incapable of imaging. By closing the cover device 70 attached in the vicinity of the switch 56, the photographer physically prevents the photographer from operating the exposure switch 56, so that the photographer mistakenly emits radiation from the radiation generator 57. The case where it was configured to prevent irradiation was described.

  However, when the radiographer operates the exposure switch 56 to irradiate the radiation, the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 in the sleep mode is switched to the radiographable mode by the console 58. The photographer can irradiate the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 that is in the image capturing mode and is ready for image capturing.

  Therefore, even with this configuration, it is possible to accurately prevent at least the photographer from irradiating the radiation detecting element 1 in the sleep mode with radiation from the radiation generating device 57 by mistake.

  Therefore, in the following, when the photographer operates the exposure switch 56 to irradiate radiation, the console 58 detects this and supplies power to the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 in the sleep mode. A radiographic imaging system 50 configured to actively switch the mode to the imaging enable mode will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the cover device 70 attached to the exposure switch 56 of the radiation generating device 57 is, for example, a motor 74 (FIGS. 14A and 14B) as in the first embodiment and the second embodiment. ) And the like, and it is not necessary to actively open and close the lid portion 71 with the motor 74 or the like, and a radiographer or other photographer can easily move the lid portion 71 by hand. Any device capable of performing an opening / closing operation may be used.

  Therefore, although illustration is omitted, it is not necessary to provide the cover device 70 with the motor 74, the rotating shaft 75, the gears 76, 77, and the like as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. For example, a total of two pieces (or three or four pieces may be provided in parallel on each side of the exposure switch 56 in the state of being accommodated in the holder H is the same as in the first embodiment. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the lid 71 is swingably attached to the support plate 72 via a hinge structure 73 provided on one end of the upper portion of the support plate 72.

  Further, when the cover 71 of the cover device 70 remains open, it can be detected that the photographer is about to operate the exposure switch 56 based on the opening / closing of the cover 71 as described later. Since it may not be possible, for example, a tumbler spring may be provided in the hinge structure 73 so that the lid 71 is urged to be in a closed state.

  With this configuration, the lid 71 is opened only when the photographer operates the exposure switch 56, and the lid 71 is automatically closed in other cases. It is possible to accurately detect that the photographer is about to operate the exposure switch 56 based on the opening / closing of the unit 71.

  Further, if the lid 71 is biased so as to be closed, when the photographer operates the exposure switch 56, the lid 71 interferes with the operation of the exposure switch 56. It can be.

  In such a case, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the lid 71 is closed by providing a tumbler spring T in the hinge structure 73. However, it may be configured to be biased so as to be in an open state when it is released beyond a predetermined position.

  With this configuration, the lid 71 is kept closed by the tumbler spring T in the closed state, and even when the lid 71 starts to be opened by the photographer, It is biased in the closing direction by the tumbler spring T. However, when the lid portion 71 is further opened and the tumbler spring T moves and passes the position of the fulcrum F of the hinge structure 73, the lid portion 71 is further opened by the force of the tumbler spring T. It is energized in the direction. Therefore, when the tumbler spring T is opened beyond a predetermined position where the tumbler spring T is located at the position of the fulcrum F of the hinge structure 73, the lid 71 is automatically opened. Maintained.

  On the other hand, when the photographer closes the lid 71, the lid 71 is urged in the opening direction by the force of the tumbler spring T when it begins to close. After this, the lid 71 is biased in the closing direction by the force of the tumbler spring T. Therefore, when the lid portion 71 is closed from a predetermined position, the lid portion 71 is automatically closed thereafter, and once closed, the closed state is maintained.

  Therefore, when the photographer operates the exposure switch 56, if the lid 71 is opened beyond a predetermined position, the lid 71 is maintained in an open state, and therefore the lid 71 operates the exposure switch 56. It is possible to accurately prevent an obstacle. Further, with this configuration, the photographer needs to open and close the lid 71. However, the photographer can open the closed lid 71 to a predetermined position or open the lid 71. When the portion 71 is closed to a predetermined position, the lid portion 71 is automatically opened and closed thereafter, so that the photographer can open and close the lid portion 71 with a slight force.

  Note that this configuration is preferable because the energizing parts such as the motor 74 are not necessary for the cover device 70. However, in this case, for example, if the motor 74 or the like is not provided, the lid 71 may remain open as described above. It is preferable to make it a habit. Further, for example, when the state in which the lid portion 71 is opened continues for a certain period of time or longer, it is possible to warn the user to close the lid portion 71 by voice or the like.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, there is provided detection means for detecting opening / closing of the cover device 70 and transmitting an open signal when at least the lid 71 is opened and the cover device 70 is in an open state.

  As the detection means, for example, a sensor 78 provided at the upper end portion of the support plate 72 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B can be used. In the first and second embodiments, the sensor 78 is merely for confirming that the lid portion 71 of the cover device 70 is securely closed, and the console 58 is not necessarily provided. In the present embodiment, when the sensor 78 is used as the detection means, it is necessary to provide the sensor 78.

  As shown in FIG. 17, for example, when an optical detection means 79 including a light emitting element 79a and a light receiving element 79b is provided in the vicinity of the cover device 70 and the lid 71 is opened, the light emitting element 79a It is also possible to detect the opening and closing of the cover device 70 by reflecting the emitted light by the opened lid 71 and reaching the light receiving element 79b.

  Thus, an appropriate configuration can be adopted as the configuration of the detection unit that detects opening and closing of the cover device 70. In any case, the detection means is configured to transmit the above opening signal to the console 58 at least when the cover device 70 is in the open state.

  In the present embodiment, when the console 58 receives the above opening signal from the detection means, the console 58 sets the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 to the radiographable mode using the trigger as a trigger. Control is made to switch to

  That is, the fact that the lid 71 of the cover device 70 has been opened by the photographer can determine that the photographer is about to operate the exposure switch 56 from now on. Therefore, when the console 58 receives the above opening signal from the detection means, the exposure switch 56 is operated to irradiate the radiation image capturing apparatus 1, and at this time, the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 enters the sleep mode. In this case, it is impossible to take a picture even if radiation is irradiated (that is, an image cannot be read).

  Therefore, the console 58 causes the control unit 22 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to switch the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to the radiographable mode when the opening signal is received from the detection unit. To control.

  Note that, as described above, the console 58 is configured to manage whether the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 brought into the imaging room Ra is the imaging possible mode or the sleep mode. If it is, it can be determined whether the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 in the radiographing room Ra is the radiographable mode or the sleep mode.

  Therefore, in this case, when the console 58 receives the above opening signal from the detection means, whether the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging device 1 in the imaging room Ra is the imaging enabled mode or the sleep mode. The control unit 22 of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 can be configured to switch the power supply mode of the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 to the radiographable mode only in the sleep mode.

  If comprised as mentioned above, when the open signal is received from the detection means, the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging apparatus 1 can be switched to the radiographable mode accurately, and the photographer sets the exposure switch 56. When operating and irradiating the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 with radiation, the power supply mode of the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is appropriately set to the image capturing mode.

  As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing system 50 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to irradiate the radiographic image capturing apparatus 1 in a state capable of capturing radiation, so that at least the photographer accidentally sleeps. It is possible to accurately prevent the radiation detection element 1 in the mode from being irradiated with radiation from the radiation generator 57.

  Therefore, in spite of the radiographic imaging device 1 being in a state in which imaging is not possible, radiation is unnecessarily emitted from the radiation generation device 57, and power is wasted due to radiation irradiation or re-imaging. Therefore, it is possible to accurately prevent the occurrence of problems such as an increase in the exposure dose of the subject.

  Moreover, since it becomes possible to irradiate the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 in a state capable of capturing as described above, radiation image capturing is appropriately performed using the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 in a state capable of capturing. Can be performed.

  Furthermore, the cover device 70 does not require modification of the exposure switch 56 or the radiation generation device 57, and is configured only by making simple improvements to existing equipment in a facility such as the imaging room Ra as described above. It is possible. Therefore, the radiation image capturing system 50 that exhibits the same beneficial effects as those in the first and second embodiments only by providing the exposure switch 56 with the cover device 70 and the detection means as described above. Can be built.

  In the present embodiment as well, for example, when the radiation image capturing apparatus 1 is configured to start the reset processing of each radiation detection element 7 at the time when the radiation mode is changed from the sleep mode to the capture enable mode, the image can be captured. If the time from when the mode is switched to when the radiation is applied is short, sufficient charges are not released from each radiation detection element 7 during the reset process, and the S / N ratio of the image data D deteriorates. Problems may arise.

  Therefore, in such a case, for example, when the motor 74 is used for the cover device 70, the number of rotations of the motor 74 is reduced and the lid portion 71 is formed as in the case of the second embodiment. It is possible to configure so that the time required from the start of the opening until the lid 71 is completely opened becomes longer.

  Further, when the motor 74 is not used in the cover device 70, for example, a mechanical resistance is provided when the lid 71 is opened, and the time until the exposure switch 56 can be operated is long. It can be configured as follows.

  If comprised in this way, after the power supply mode of the radiographic imaging device 1 is switched to imaging | photography possible mode, time until radiation switch 56 is operated and radiation is irradiated to the radiographic imaging device 1 is enough. In the meantime, it is possible to sufficiently remove the charge remaining in each radiation detection element 7 from each radiation detection element 7 by sufficiently resetting each radiation detection element 7 and so on. Note that most of the exposure switch 56 shown in FIG. 13 generally requires several hundred milliseconds for the transition time from the first-stage stroke to the second-stage stroke of the exposure switch 56. If the reset process can be sufficiently performed within this time, the above configuration is unnecessary.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, for example, when a predetermined number of photographings are completed on the console 58, the console 58 rotates the motor 74 of the cover device 70 to close the lid 71. It is possible to configure.

  With this configuration, even if the photographer forgets to close the lid 71 of the cover device 70, the lid 71 is automatically closed when the designated shooting is completed, so the lid 71 is opened. It is possible to reliably prevent the state from being left.

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, when the motor 74 is used for opening and closing the lid portion 71 of the cover device 70, as described above, the lid portion 71 is provided by providing a tumbler spring in the hinge structure 73. If it is configured to be biased so as to be in a more open state when it is opened beyond a predetermined position, the state in which the lid portion 71 is opened is automatically set even if the motor 74 is not energized. Maintained.

  For this reason, with this configuration, it is not necessary to continue energizing the motor 74 in order to maintain the lid portion 71 open, and it is not necessary to supply power to the motor 74. Can be suppressed.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Radiation imaging device 7 Radiation detection element 17 Reading circuit 22 Control means 41 Antenna apparatus (communication means)
50 Radiation Imaging System 52 Radiation Source 56 Exposure Switch 57 Radiation Generator 58 Console 70 Cover Device 71 Cover 72 Support Plate 74 Motor 78 Sensor (Detection Means)
79 Optical detection means (detection means)
D Image data P detector

Claims (8)

A radiation generator comprising: a radiation source that irradiates radiation; and an exposure switch that instructs the radiation source to irradiate radiation;
A radiographic imaging apparatus that performs radiographic imaging by detecting radiation irradiation from the radiation generating apparatus by itself without cooperation with the radiation generating apparatus,
In a radiographic imaging system having
The exposure switch of the radiation generating apparatus is attached with a cover device that permits or disallows an operation on the exposure switch.
A radiographic imaging system comprising control means for controlling the cover device so as to allow operation of the exposure switch when the radiographic imaging device is in a radiographable state.   The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches the radiographic imaging apparatus to the imaging enabled state when an imaging start input is received. A radiation generator comprising: a radiation source that irradiates radiation; and an exposure switch that instructs the radiation source to irradiate radiation;
A radiographic imaging apparatus that performs radiographic imaging by detecting radiation irradiation from the radiation generating apparatus by itself without cooperation with the radiation generating apparatus,
In a radiographic imaging system having
The radiation generator may have a means to recognize the photographer whether the radiographic image capturing apparatus is in either state of the photographing possible state and the photographing state,
The exposure switch of the radiation generating apparatus is attached with a cover device that permits or disallows an operation on the exposure switch.
The means opens the cover device when the radiographic image capturing apparatus is in a state where imaging is possible, and closes the cover device when the radiographic image capturing apparatus is in a state where imaging is impossible. A radiographic imaging system, characterized by causing a radiographer to recognize whether the radiographic imaging apparatus is in a radiographable state or incapable of imaging. A detection unit in which a plurality of radiation detection elements that generate an electric charge according to an irradiation dose of radiation are arranged in a two-dimensional manner;
A readout circuit that reads out the charge from each of the radiation detection elements, and converts the charge into image data for each of the radiation detection elements;
A power supply mode for each functional unit, a radiographable mode that enables radiographic imaging by supplying power to the radiation detection element, and a radiation detection that supplies power only to necessary functional units including the communication unit Control means for switching between the sleep mode in which the power supply to the element is stopped and radiation imaging cannot be performed;
A communication means capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from an external device;
A radiographic imaging device comprising:
A radiation source for irradiating the radiation imaging apparatus with radiation;
An exposure switch that instructs the radiation source to irradiate radiation;
A cover device that is attached to the exposure switch and that allows operation of the exposure switch in an open state and prevents operation of the exposure switch in a closed state;
A radiation generator comprising:
Detecting means for detecting opening and closing of the cover device of the radiation generating device and transmitting an open signal at least when the cover device is opened;
A console capable of receiving the opening signal from the detection means;
With
When the console receives the release signal from the detection unit of the radiation generating apparatus, the console sets the power supply mode for each functional unit of the radiographic image capturing apparatus to the radiographable mode. A radiographic imaging system characterized by being controlled to be switched. The cover device includes a lid portion,
The lid portion is disposed above the exposure switch, and is opened to open the cover device, and closed to close the cover device and attach the cover device to a closed state. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 4 , wherein the radiation image capturing system is applied. The cover device includes a lid portion,
The lid portion is disposed above the exposure switch, and is opened to open the cover device, and closed to close the cover device and attach the cover device to a closed state. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 4 , wherein the radiographic imaging system maintains the released state by being urged so as to be in an open state when being released to a predetermined position. The cover device includes a lid portion,
The lid portion is disposed above the exposure switch, opened to open the cover device, and closed to close the cover device,
The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 4 to 6 , wherein the detection unit detects that the lid is opened and transmits the opening signal. The cover device is
A lid that is disposed above the exposure switch and opens to open the cover device, and closes the lid to close the cover device;
A support plate that supports at least the lid in a closed state from below;
With
The detection means detects that the contact between the lid and the support plate is released, according to any one of claims 6 claim 4, characterized by transmitting the open signal Radiation imaging system.

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