Radiographic apparatus, radiation irradiation apparatus, radiographic system, and mobile radiographic system

Abstract

Provided are a radiographic apparatus, a radiation irradiation apparatus, a radiographic system, and a mobile radiographic system that can stably perform continuous imaging to generate a plurality of frame images even in a state where a radiation irradiation apparatus that generates radiation and a radiographic apparatus that generates a radiation image are not connected by a cable or the like. The radiographic apparatus (2) has an interface portion that can be connected to an external interface and a control portion that, based on a timing signal from the external interface connected to the interface portion, acts in synchronization with a radiation irradiation apparatus that generates radiation to repeatedly generate radiation in continuous imaging to generate a plurality of frame images. After the connection of the interface portion and the external interface is released, the control portion does not communicate with the external interface and repeatedly performs an operation for generating a frame image while maintaining a state of synchronization with the radiation irradiation apparatus.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a radiographic apparatus, a radiation irradiation apparatus, a radiographic system, and a mobile radiographic system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, a radiographic system has been proposed in which even if a radiation irradiation apparatus that generates radiation and a radiographic apparatus that generates a radiation image are not connected by a cable, the two are operated in synchronization with each other.

[0003] For example, in Patent Literature 1, an X-ray radiographic apparatus is described that includes a radiographic section including a two-dimensional X-ray detection unit that receives X-rays transmitted through an object, and a control device that controls an X-ray generating apparatus so that the photographable period information of the radiographic section is synchronized between the radiographic control device and the generating apparatus, and thereafter, the two have photographable period information.

[0004] In addition, in Patent Literature 2, a control system is described that includes a first timing unit that generates first timing information periodically in synchronization with one of a radiation irradiation apparatus and a radiographic apparatus, a second timing unit that generates second timing information periodically in synchronization with the other of the apparatuses, a transmission unit that transmits the first timing information to the second timing unit, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the operation of at least one of the timing units according to an adjustment condition in a state in which the second timing unit does not acquire the first timing information.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-305106

[0007] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-005881 SUMMARY

[0008] However, the X-ray radiographic apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 is a still image photographing apparatus, and radiation is irradiated once every time a switch operation is performed by a user. Therefore, in order to repeatedly irradiate radiation with this apparatus, the user must operate or control the switch multiple times.

[0009] Furthermore, the switch generally performs a two-stage operation, and the irradiation of radiation is started by the operation of the second stage being performed. Therefore, when radiation is repeatedly irradiated, the time from when radiation is irradiated at a certain timing until the next radiation is irradiated can sometimes become excessively long. That is, the technology described in Patent Literature 1 is not suitable for photographing of a moving image composed of a plurality of frame images (hereinafter referred to as continuous photographing).

[0010] In addition, the control system described in Patent Literature 2 is a control system corresponding to continuous photography, unlike the technology described in Patent Literature 1.

[0011] In the control system described in Patent Literature 2, the timing information is generated in each device, and thus the timing information is adjusted in a state without a reference. However, from the content of Patent Literature 2, it is difficult to imagine a specific means of achieving the adjustment of the timing information. That is, the method of adjusting the timing information described in Patent Literature 2 can be low in feasibility and can not be feasible.

[0012] The present application has been achieved in view of the above-described problems, and aims to stably perform continuous photography of generating a plurality of frame images even in a state in which a radiation irradiation device that generates radiation and a radiographic device that generates a radiation image are not connected by an interface such as a cable.

[0013] To solve the above-described problems, a radiographic device according to the present application has:

[0014] an interface section that can be connected to an external interface, and

[0015] a control section that, in accordance with a timing signal from the external interface connected to the interface section, acts in synchronization with a timing at which a radiation irradiation device that generates radiation repeatedly generates radiation in continuous photography of generating a plurality of frame images,

[0016] after the connection of the interface section and the external interface is released, the control section repeatedly performs an operation for generating the frame images while maintaining a state in which synchronization with the radiation irradiation device is achieved, without communicating with the outside.

[0017] According to the present application, continuous photography of generating a plurality of frame images can be stably performed even in a state in which a radiation irradiation device that generates radiation and a radiographic device that generates a radiation image are not connected by an interface such as a cable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an outline structure of a radiographic system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a specific structure of a radiation irradiation device that the radiographic system of Figure 1 possesses.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a specific structure of a radiographic device that the radiographic system of Figure 1 possesses.

[0021] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing a specific structure of a radiographic device that the radiographic system of Figure 1A perspective view of a modification example of the radiographic system.

[0022] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing one example of a mobile photography system configured using the radiographic system of Figure 1

[0023] Figure 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the radiographic system of Figure 1 or the mobile photography system of Figure 5

[0024] (Symbol explanation)

[0025] 100: radiographic system; 1: radiological irradiation device; 1a: radiological control device; 11: irradiation-side control section; 11a: irradiation-side oscillator; 12: high-voltage generation section; 13: storage section; 14: irradiation-side interface section; 1b: tube lamp; 2: radiographic device; 21: photography-side control section; 21a: photography-side oscillator; 22: radiological detection section; 23: readout section; 24: storage section; 25: photography-side interface section; 3: external interface; 4: notification section; 100A: mobile photography system; 1A: mobile cart; 5: control console; 6: storage section; 7: charging section; 8: access point; R: radiation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the technical scope of the present application is not limited to the content exemplified in the drawings.

[0027] <1. Radiographic system>

[0028] First, the outline of the radiographic system (hereinafter, referred to as photography system 100) of the present embodiment will be described.

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the outline structure of the photography system 100.

[0030] 〔1-1. Outline structure of radiographic system〕

[0031] The photography system 100 of the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 1 , is provided with a radiological irradiation device (hereinafter, referred to as irradiation device 1), one or a plurality of radiographic devices (hereinafter, referred to as photography device 2), and an external interface (hereinafter, referred to as external IF 3).

[0032] (Radiological irradiation device)

[0033] ​​The irradiation device 1 is a device that generates radiation R (e.g., X-rays) and irradiates the radiation R toward a subject and a photographing device 2 disposed behind the subject, and has a radiation control device (hereinafter referred to as a control device la) and a tube lamp 1b.

[0034] The detailed structure of the control device la will be described later.

[0035] (Radiographing device)

[0036] The photographing device 2 is a device that generates image data by receiving the radiation R from the irradiation device 1, and can communicate with the irradiation device 1.

[0037] The detailed structure of the photographing device 2 will also be described later.

[0038] (External interface)

[0039] The external IF 3 connects, for example, the irradiation device 1 or a control device not shown and the photographing device 2 in a communicable manner.

[0040] The external IF 3 is constituted by, for example, a communication cable, a dock inserted into the photographing device 2, a storage portion of a cart that stores the photographing device 2, or the like.

[0041] In addition, the external IF 3 can release (e.g., pull out) the connection between the device and at least one of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2 as needed.

[0042] 〔1-2. Outline of action of radiographing system〕

[0043] The photographing system 100 of the present embodiment thus constituted can perform radiography of a subject by irradiating the radiation R from the irradiation device 1 toward a subject disposed between the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2.

[0044] In addition, the photographing system 100 according to the present embodiment can perform radiography of a moving image (hereinafter referred to as continuous radiography). That is, the irradiation device 1 can be caused to generate the radiation R in a pulse shape of a predetermined time width a plurality of times continuously at a certain interval and the photographing device 2 can be caused to generate a plurality of frame images constituting a moving image in accordance with one radiography operation (pressing of an irradiation instruction switch not shown).

[0045] Further, the photographing system 100 can also be capable of communicating with other systems such as a radiology information system (RIS), a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), and the like, and an analysis device.

[0046] <2. Radiographic apparatus>

[0047] Next, details of a control device 1a provided in the radiographic apparatus 1 will be described.

[0048] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the control device 1a.

[0049] 〔2-1. Specific configuration of radiographic apparatus〕

[0050] The control device 1a is configured as shown in Figure 2 by an irradiation-side control section 11, a high-voltage generation section 12, a storage section 13, an irradiation-side interface section (hereinafter referred to as an irradiation-side IF section 14), and the like.

[0051] In addition, each section 11 to 14 of the control device 1a can receive supply of electric power through a power supply cable or a built-in power supply, which are not shown.

[0052] The irradiation-side control section 11 is configured to have a CPU, a RAM, and the like, and generally controls the operation of each section 12 to 14 of the radiographic apparatus 1.

[0053] In addition, the irradiation-side control section 11 has an oscillator (hereinafter referred to as an irradiation-side oscillator 11a).

[0054] The irradiation-side oscillator 11a is configured by a quartz oscillator, a ceramic oscillator, or the like that generates a clock of a predetermined period at the time of power-on.

[0055] The irradiation-side oscillator 11a involved in the present embodiment generates a clock with higher precision (for example, 10 ppm) than 100 ppm.

[0056] Further, the irradiation-side control section 11 can also perform timing using another timing unit different from the irradiation-side oscillator 11a.

[0057] The high-voltage generation section 12 applies, in response to reception of a timing signal from the irradiation-side control section 11, a voltage corresponding to a pre-set photographic condition (for example, a photographic mode (still image photography, continuous photography), a condition related to an object (a photographic subject part, a body size, and the like), a condition related to irradiation of the radiographic R (a tube voltage, a tube current, an irradiation time, a current-time product, and the like) to the tube lamp 1b.

[0058] The photographic mode included in the photographic condition refers to information related to a photographic method such as still image photography and continuous photography. The system 100 can pre-set the photographic mode, and the high-voltage generation section 12 performs an operation corresponding to the set photographic mode.

[0059] In the case where the continuous photography is included in the photographic condition, a pulse-shaped voltage is repeatedly applied at a predetermined interval each time the timing signal is received.

[0060] The tube lamp 1b generates radiation R of a dose corresponding to the applied voltage when voltage is applied from the high voltage generator 12. Specifically, when a pulsed voltage is applied from the high voltage generator 12, the pulsed radiation R is irradiated.

[0061] The storage unit 13 is composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, and the like, and stores various processing programs and parameters and files necessary for executing the processing programs.

[0062] Furthermore, the storage unit 13 can store various data (for example, timing information described later) generated during the process performed by the illumination-side control unit 11 .

[0063] The irradiation-side IF unit 14 is configured to be connectable to the external IF 3 and to perform at least one of transmission and reception of various information (signals, data, etc.).

[0064] Specifically, the irradiation side IF part 14 is composed of a connector for inserting a communication cable, an antenna capable of sending and receiving radio waves, a lamp that emits light (including infrared rays) or a light sensor that detects light, a speaker that emits sound (including ultrasonic waves) or a microphone that detects sound, a vibrator that transmits vibration to the contacting device (photographic device 2, etc.) or a vibration sensor that detects vibration, a coil that generates a magnetic field, etc.

[0065] Furthermore, the configuration of the irradiation-side IF unit 14 is determined according to the information transmission format.

[0066] [2-2. Specific Operation of Radiation Irradiation Device]

[0067] The irradiation-side control unit 11 of the irradiation device 1 configured in this manner performs the following operations according to the program stored in the storage unit 13 .

[0068] For example, the irradiation-side control unit 11 sets various imaging conditions.

[0069] In addition, the irradiation-side control unit 11 generates a timing signal that triggers the high voltage generator 12 to apply voltage (irradiation of radiation R) in response to receiving a signal indicating that an irradiation instruction switch (not shown) has been pressed.

[0070] When the imaging conditions include continuous imaging, the timing signal is repeatedly generated at a cycle corresponding to the frame rate.

[0071] <3. Structure of Radiographic Apparatus>

[0072] Next, the specific configuration of the imaging device 2 included in the imaging system 100 will be described.

[0073] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the radiographic apparatus 2.

[0074] 〔3-1. Specific configuration of radiographic apparatus〕

[0075] The radiographic apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment has, in addition to a frame not shown, a photographing-side control section 21, a radiation detecting section 22, a readout section 23, a storage section 24, a photographing-side interface section (hereinafter referred to as a photographing-side IF section 25), and the like, as shown in the block diagram. Figure 3

[0076] In addition, each section 21 to 25 of the radiographic apparatus 2 can receive supply of electric power through a power supply cable not shown or a built-in power supply.

[0077] The photographing-side control section 21 is configured to generally control the operation of each section 22 to 25 of the radiographic apparatus 2 using a CPU, a RAM, and the like.

[0078] In addition, the photographing-side control section 21 has an oscillator (hereinafter referred to as a photographing-side oscillator 21a).

[0079] The photographing-side oscillator 21a is configured by a quartz oscillator, a ceramic oscillator, or the like that generates a clock of a predetermined period at the time of power-on.

[0080] The photographing-side oscillator 21a according to the present embodiment generates a clock with higher precision (for example, 10 ppm) than 100 ppm, like the irradiation-side oscillator 11a.

[0081] In addition, timing can be performed using another timing unit different from the photographing-side oscillator 21a.

[0082] The radiation detecting section 22 can be a detecting section known in the past.

[0083] That is, the radiation detecting section 22 can be a detecting section having a substrate on which a plurality of pixels are arranged in two dimensions, the pixel having a radiation detecting element that directly or indirectly generates a charge corresponding to a radiation amount of the radiation R received from the outside and a switching element provided between each radiation detecting element and a wiring, which is switchable to an on state in which electric conduction between the radiation detecting element and the wiring is possible or an off state in which electric conduction between the radiation detecting element and the wiring is not possible.

[0084] In addition, the radiographic apparatus 2 can be a so-called indirect type apparatus that has a scintillator and detects light emitted by the scintillator by receiving the radiation R, or can be a so-called direct type apparatus that directly detects the radiation R without passing through a scintillator or the like.

[0085] ​The readout section 23 can be configured to read out signal values corresponding to the amounts of charges accumulated in the plurality of radiation detection elements (radiation detection element generation) respectively and generate image data of a radiation image from the respective signal values.

[0086] The storage section 24 is configured from a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or the like, and stores various processing programs including various image processing programs, parameters required for execution of the programs, files, and the like.

[0087] In addition, the storage section 24 can store various data (e.g., timing information described later, and the like) generated in the process of the processing performed by the photographing-side control section 21.

[0088] The photographing-side IF section 25 is configured to be connectable with the external IF 3 and be able to perform at least one of transmission and reception of various information (signals, data, and the like) (wherein at least the other is performed in the case where the irradiation-side IF section 14 performs only one of transmission and reception).

[0089] Specifically, the photographing-side IF section 25 includes a connector for plugging in a communication cable, an antenna capable of transmitting and receiving electric waves, a light-emitting lamp or a light sensor that detects light (including infrared rays), a speaker that emits sound (including ultrasonic waves) or a microphone that detects sound, a vibrator that transmits vibration to a contacted device (the irradiation apparatus 1 or the like) or a vibration sensor that detects vibration, a coil that generates a magnetic field, and the like.

[0090] Further, the photographing-side IF section 25 is determined to be configured in what structure depending on the structure of the irradiation-side IF section 14.

[0091] Further, in the case where the photographing apparatus 2 is configured to receive supply of electric power from a built-in power source, the built-in power source can be either a lithium-ion capacitor (LiC) or a lithium-ion battery (LiB), or can be another power source.

[0092] The lithium-ion capacitor can be rapidly charged and does not catch fire. Therefore, if the lithium-ion capacitor is used as the built-in power source, the next photographing can be performed in a short time after the photographing (e.g., a mobile photography) is finished.

[0093] On the other hand, the lithium-ion battery is inexpensive and has a large capacity. Therefore, if the lithium-ion battery is used as the built-in power source, the manufacturing cost of the photographing apparatus 2 can be reduced, and the number of times of charging can be reduced.

[0094] Regardless of which of the lithium-ion capacitor and the lithium-ion battery is used, it is effective in the case where photographing is performed a plurality of times.

[0095] 〔3-2. Specific Action of the Radiographic Imaging Apparatus〕

[0096] The imaging-side control unit 21 of the imaging device 2 configured in this manner performs the following operations in accordance with the program stored in the storage unit 24 .

[0097] For example, the imaging-side control unit 21 has a function of switching the state of the imaging device 2 to any of the “initialization state”, “storage state”, and “reading / transferring state”.

[0098] The timing of switching the states will be described later.

[0099] The “initialized state” is a state in which an on-voltage is applied to each switching element and the charges generated by the radiation detection element are not accumulated in each pixel (the charges are discharged to the signal line).

[0100] The “accumulation state” is a state in which an OFF voltage is applied to each switching element and the charge generated by the radiation detection element can be accumulated in the pixel (the charge is not discharged to the signal line).

[0101] The “read / transfer state” is a state in which an on-voltage is applied to each switching element and the readout section 23 is driven to read a signal value based on the inflowing charge.

[0102] Furthermore, the imaging-side control section 21 relatively lengthens the time in the accumulation state (accumulating the charge generated by the radiation detection element) or relatively shortens the time in the readout / transfer state (required for the readout section 23 to read the signal value) compared to conventional techniques.

[0103] Furthermore, repeating the operation of returning to the aforementioned initialization state before continuous shooting consumes a large amount of power.

[0104] Therefore, the photographing device 2 may start repeatedly performing the operation of being initialized before continuous photographing when a predetermined operation is performed by the user, or may set a waiting time corresponding to the workflow and automatically start after the waiting time has elapsed.

[0105] This makes it possible to suppress power consumption during a series of workflows.

[0106] <4. Signal Synchronization>

[0107] Next, synchronization of timing signals in the above-described imaging system 100 will be described.

[0108] 〔4-1. Master / slave joint operation〕

[0109] First, the irradiation-side control unit 11 of the irradiation device 1 has a function of periodically generating timing information using a clock generated by the irradiation-side oscillator 11 a .

[0110] The timing information generated here includes, for example, a timing signal, time information, and the like.

[0111] The timing signal refers to a pulse-like signal or the like output each time one or more clocks are generated.

[0112] The time information refers to a count value of a timer that increments in synchronization with a clock, and the like.

[0113] In addition, each of the sections 11 to 14 of the irradiation device 1 operates in accordance with a clock generated by the irradiation-side oscillator 11a.

[0114] In addition, the photographing-side control section 21 of the photographing device 2 also has a function of periodically generating timing information using a clock generated by the photographing-side oscillator 21a.

[0115] The form of the timing information generated here is preferably matched with the timing information generated by the irradiation device 1.

[0116] In addition, each of the sections 21 to 25 of the photographing device 2 operates in accordance with a clock generated by the photographing-side oscillator 21a.

[0117] (4-2. Action of the host)

[0118] In addition, the control section of the device that becomes the host in the irradiation-side control section 11 and the photographing-side control section 21 transmits the generated timing information to the device that becomes the slave.

[0119] The transmission function of the timing information becomes effective when the irradiation-side IF section 14 of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing-side IF section 25 of the photographing device 2 are connected.

[0120] As the connected state, there can be cited a case where a connector on one end side of a communication cable is inserted into a connector of the irradiation-side IF section 14 and a connector on the other end side of the communication cable is inserted into a connector of the photographing-side IF section 25 (in a wired connection), a case where an antenna provided to one of the IF sections 14, 25 approaches an antenna of the other of the IF sections 25, 14, a case where a light provided to one of the IF sections 14, 25 approaches a light sensor of the other of the IF sections 25, 14 (including a case of connection by an optical cable), a case where a speaker of one of the IF sections 14, 25 approaches a microphone of the other of the IF sections 25, 14, a case where a coil of one of the IF sections 14, 25 approaches a coil of the other of the IF sections 25, 14, a case where a vibrator of one of the IF sections 14, 25 contacts a sensor of the other of the IF sections 25, 14, and the like.

[0121] In the case where the timing information is transmitted by wired communication using a communication cable connecting the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2, a method prescribed in a protocol such as NTP (Network Time Protocol) or the like, an international standard specification IEEE Std. 1588-2008 (hereinafter referred to as IEEE 1588), or the like can be used.

[0122] Further, in the configuration where the above-described timing information is transmitted to the slave, two cases are included: the irradiation device 1 is taken as the master, the photographing device 2 is taken as the slave, and both are connected by a communication cable, whereby the timing information (timing signal or the like) of the irradiation device 1 is transmitted to the photographing device 2 via the communication cable; and the photographing device 2 is taken as the master, the irradiation device 1 is taken as the slave, and the timing information of the photographing device 2 is transmitted to the irradiation device 1 via the communication cable.

[0123] Here, in the case where the irradiation device 1 is taken as the master (the photographing device 2 is taken as the slave), the function of transmitting the timing information to the slave is a function that the irradiation device 1 normally has or a function that can be realized only by changing software.

[0124] On the other hand, in the case where the photographing device 2 is taken as the master (the irradiation device 1 is taken as the slave), in order to realize the function of transmitting the timing information to the slave, a change (modification / replacement or the like) of hardware of the photographing-side IF section 25 can be required, for example, so that the timing information can be output.

[0125] 〔4-3. Configuration of slave〕

[0126] The device taken as the slave is provided with a synchronization maintenance time, which is a period during which a state in which synchronization with the device taken as the master is maintained can be maintained in a state where connection of the IF sections 14, 25 and the external IF 3 is released.

[0127] 〔4-4. Action of slave at the time of connection〕

[0128] The control section of the device taken as the slave in the irradiation-side control section 11 and the photographing-side control section 21 corrects its own timing information at the time of reception of the timing information, according to the received timing information, when the timing information is received from the device taken as the master.

[0129] Specifically, the control section of the device taken as the slave generates a replica signal in which the timing of the rising edge is equal to the timing signal, according to the timing signal transmitted from the device taken as the master.

[0130] If nothing is done, the timing signals held by the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 will degrade in synchronization accuracy over time due to individual differences in the oscillators 11a and 21a, differences in temperature characteristics, etc. However, the degradation in synchronization accuracy can be suppressed as described above.

[0131] Furthermore, while the external IF 3 is connected to the IF units 14 and 25 , the control unit of the slave device may repeatedly generate a replica signal based on a timing signal repeatedly transmitted from the master device.

[0132] More specifically, the control unit of the slave device starts generating the replica signal immediately after determining that the external IF 3 is connected, and stops generating the replica signal immediately after determining that the connection with the external IF 3 is disconnected.

[0133] If the replica signal ends only once, the synchronization accuracy between the replica signal and the timing signal decreases. However, by repeatedly generating new replica signals, the synchronization accuracy is less likely to decrease while the external IF 3 is connected to the IF units 14 and 25.

[0134] Therefore, while the external IF 3 is connected to the IF units 14 and 25 , the control unit of the slave device operates in synchronization with the timing of the master device's repeated operations based on a timing signal (timing information) from the external IF 3 connected to the IF units 14 and 25 .

[0135] [4-5. Operation of the slave unit after disconnection]

[0136] Furthermore, after the IF units 14 and 25 are disconnected from the external IF 3, the control unit of the device serving as the slave performs an operation to generate a frame image based on the replica signal generated by itself.

[0137] Therefore, after the connection between the IF units 14, 25 and the external IF 3 is released, the control unit of the device serving as a slave does not communicate with the outside (the device serving as the host, other control devices, etc.) but repeatedly performs actions for generating frame images or producing radiation R while maintaining a synchronized state with the device serving as the host.

[0138] However, after the connection between the IF units 14 and 25 and the external IF 3 is disconnected, the synchronization accuracy between the timing signal generated by the device serving as the master and the replica signal generated by the device serving as the slave decreases over time.

[0139] However, as described above, the irradiation-side oscillator 11a and the photographing-side oscillator 21a according to the present embodiment generate clocks with higher precision than 100 ppm. Therefore, even after a relatively long time (for example, about 30 minutes) elapses from when the connection of the IF sections 14, 25 and the external IF 3 is released, the device that becomes the slave can continue to maintain a state in which synchronization is achieved with the device that becomes the master (a state in which the shift of the replica signal with respect to the timing signal converges within a range that does not affect the image quality).

[0140] In addition, as described above, the photographing-side control section 21 relatively lengthens the time during which the charge generated by the accumulation radiation detection element is accumulated (set to an accumulated state) compared to the past, or relatively shortens the time required to read out the signal value by the readout section 23. That is, the allowable range of the shift of the signal is enlarged.

[0141] Thus, the device that becomes the slave can continue to maintain a state in which synchronization is achieved with the device that becomes the master.

[0142] Further, in the case where the external IF 3 is a communication cable, the synchronization precision of the timing signals held by the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2 can possibly decrease due to the influence of, for example, a shake that occurs when the cable is inserted into the connector of the device that becomes the slave or the cable is pulled out of the connector.

[0143] Therefore, the device that becomes the slave can also be provided with a shake prevention circuit.

[0144] Thus, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the synchronization precision of the timing signal at the time of insertion or pull-out of the cable.

[0145] 〔4-6. Synchronization of signals, etc.〕

[0146] The system 100 that performs the above-described research to lengthen the synchronization maintenance time can also be as follows.

[0147] For example, the control section of at least one of the device that becomes the master and the device that becomes the slave can limit (not permit) photographing in the case where the elapsed time from when the connection of the IF sections 14, 25 and the external IF 3 is released exceeds the synchronization maintenance time.

[0148] Thus, photographing is performed only within the synchronization maintenance time in which an image is not affected, so it is possible to prevent a decrease in the image quality of the radiation image.

[0149] In addition, the control section of at least one of the device that becomes the master and the device that becomes the slave can notify the user of the meaning that photographing is not possible or the meaning that the external IF 3 is urged to be connected to the IF section 14, 25 via the notification section 4 in the case where the elapsed time from when the connection of the IF sections 14, 25 and the external IF 3 is released exceeds the synchronization maintenance time.

[0150] As the notification section 4, a display, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like can be cited.

[0151] The position where the notification section 4 is provided is, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, and can be any position as long as it is a position where the user in the system 100 can perceive the notification of the irradiation device 1, the photographing device 2, the communication cable 3, and the like. Figure 4

[0152] In addition, in a case where the notification is made when the elapsed time exceeds the synchronization maintenance time, the control section of at least one of the device that becomes the master and the device that becomes the slave can also predict whether or not the photographing needs to be interrupted in the future on the way based on the arrangement of the photographing instruction and the remaining time (the difference between the synchronization maintenance time and the elapsed time up to that point) and notify the user of the prediction result in advance via the notification section 4.

[0153] By doing so, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation where, in a case where still image photographing is followed by continuous photographing, after the still image photographing, although the continuous photographing can be performed directly without reacquiring the synchronization, the photographing device 2 is connected to the external IF 3 in order to acquire the synchronization, and the positioning is performed again.

[0154] <5. Ambulatory photographing system>

[0155] Next, details of an ambulatory photographing system 100A configured using the above photographing system 100 will be described.

[0156] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing one example of the ambulatory photographing system 100A.

[0157] 〔5-1. Background〕

[0158] In a case where photographing is performed using a photographing table provided in a photographing room in a hospital, by connecting a communication cable, a power cable, and the like to the photographing device 2 provided in the photographing table, it is possible to perform transmission and reception of information between the irradiation device 1, power supply to the photographing device 2, and the like.

[0159] For example, in a case where a communication cable is used in the connection with the above photographing device 2, by causing the control signal of the communication cable to include a pulse signal, a timing signal, and the like, it is possible to cause the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2 to perform photographing in synchronization.

[0160] However, even in photographing in the photographing room, for example, it is sometimes necessary to perform photographing while sitting on a wheelchair, a bed, and the like as they are, and in such a case, there are the following problems in photographing in a state where the photographing device 2 is connected with the communication cable.

[0161] ■Communication cable becomes an obstacle ​

[0162] ■There is a risk that communication cannot be performed because the communication cable is unplugged

[0163] ■There is a problem in terms of hygiene because the communication cable comes into contact with the subject

[0164] Therefore, the user desires photography without using the communication cable.

[0165] On the other hand, in the case where photography is performed while moving by using the mobile photography system 100A, photography is performed in a hospital building where subjects are recuperating. In this case, the subject is photographed while lying on a bed, so the photography device 2 is required to be taken out from the housing portion 6 and put between the subject and the bed. In this case, there is a problem that, compared to the case where photography is performed in the photography room described above, the communication cable becomes more of an obstacle, there is a greater risk that communication cannot be performed because the communication cable is unplugged, and there is a greater problem in terms of hygiene because the communication cable comes into contact with the subject.

[0166] Therefore, the user desires photography without using the communication cable.

[0167] In particular, in photography using CR (Computed Radiography), the communication cable is not required at the time of photography, so the user desires photography without using the communication cable in order to obtain the same ease of operation as CR in photography using the photography device 2.

[0168] Therefore, the photography system 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above can also be used as the mobile photography system 100A (of course, it can also be installed in a photography room or the like of a hospital and used).

[0169] (5-2. Specific structure of the mobile photography system)

[0170] The mobile photography system 100A is configured by the mobile cart 1A and the photography device 2 described above (the illustration of the tube lamp 1b is omitted in the drawing, but the mobile cart 1A is provided with the tube lamp 1b). Figure 5 Figure 5

[0171] The mobile photography system 100A related to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of photography devices 2.

[0172] As described above, the photography device 2 is provided with a synchronization maintenance time, so the plurality of photography devices 2 provided to the mobile photography system 100A are also each provided with a synchronization maintenance time.

[0173] ​​Moreover, at least any one of the plurality of photographing apparatuses 2 (excluding all of the photographing apparatuses 2) can not be the photographing apparatus 2 described above, but can be a conventional radiographic apparatus (in which it is difficult to maintain the state in which synchronization is immediately acquired when the connection with the external IF 3 is released).

[0174] The trolley 1A is configured to have a console 5, a housing 6, and a wheel not shown in addition to the control device 1a, and is movable.

[0175] In addition, the trolley 1A according to the present embodiment is provided with a charging portion 7 and an access point 8.

[0176] The console 5 is capable of setting a photographing condition to at least one of the control device 1a and the photographing apparatus 2, in accordance with a photographing instruction acquired from another system (HIS, RIS, or the like) or an operation performed by a user (for example, a radiological engineer) on an operation portion not shown.

[0177] In addition, the console 5 is capable of acquiring image data of a radiographic image generated by the photographing apparatus 2 and saving it to itself or transmitting it to another device (PACS, dynamic analysis device, or the like).

[0178] The housing 6 is configured to be capable of housing the photographing apparatus 2.

[0179] The housing 6 according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of housing a plurality of photographing apparatuses 2.

[0180] In addition, the housing 6 according to the present embodiment has an external IF 3 that is connected to the photographing-side IF portion 25 when the photographing apparatus 2 is housed. Specifically, a front end portion of a communication cable is attached to a portion of the inside of the housing 6 that opposes the photographing-side IF portion 25.

[0181] Moreover, the housing 6 can have a plurality of external IFs 3 that are connected to the respective photographing-side IF portions 25 of the plurality of photographing apparatuses 2 that are housed. Thereby, it is possible to simultaneously acquire synchronization of the trolley 1A and the plurality of photographing apparatuses 2.

[0182] In this case as well, it is possible to change which external IF 3 is set to be an external IF 3 in which synchronization is acquired, in accordance with the structure of the trolley 1A.

[0183] For example, it is possible to set only the housing, only the communication cable, or all of the external IFs 3.

[0184] Thereby, the options of the external IF 3 in which synchronization is acquired increase, and thus the usability improves.

[0185] In addition, the housing section 6 can also be capable of housing the radiographic apparatus 2 in a state in which a shielding member (for example, a shielded grid (a large number of grids and a high degree of unevenness of the grid are high-frequency components), and the like) is attached.

[0186] In addition, in this case, the housing section 6 can also be capable of simultaneously performing charging of a built-in power supply, synchronous acquisition of a timing signal, and the like when the radiographic apparatus 2 is housed.

[0187] Thus, it is not necessary to detach the shielding member when the radiographic apparatus 2 is housed in the housing section 6, and therefore, it is possible to reduce the effort expended by the user.

[0188] In addition, in the case in which the shielding member is a shielded grid, it is possible to prevent noise (electromagnetic wave noise, scattered radiation, and the like) from flowing into the radiographic apparatus 2, and it is possible to prevent a shift in the angle of the shielding member (grid) with respect to the radiographic apparatus 2, for example, when the radiographic apparatus 2 is inserted into the back of the subject to perform radiography or when the radiographic apparatus 2 is housed in the housing section 6. As a result, it is possible to omit processing for calculating the angle of the grid from a radiographic image in image processing for removing the image of the grid from the radiographic image.

[0189] The charging section 7 is a section for charging the built-in power supply of the radiographic apparatus 2.

[0190] The charging section 7 can be a section that receives a supply of power from an external power source (for example, a socket in a hospital) to charge, a section that receives a supply of power from the power source provided in the mobile cart 1A to charge, or a section that uses a power source provided in the mobile cart 1A to charge.

[0191] The necessary amount of power is set for the mobile cart 1A.

[0192] The necessary amount of power is an amount of power required for the radiographic apparatus 2 to perform a predetermined radiographic operation (an amount of power supplied from the built-in power supply when the radiographic apparatus 2 performs a predetermined radiographic operation).

[0193] The mobile cart 1A according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of necessary amounts of power corresponding to at least any one of a type of a predetermined radiographic operation, a radiographic time when the type of the predetermined radiographic operation is continuous radiography, and a frame rate when the type of the predetermined radiographic operation is continuous radiography.

[0194] (5-3. Operation of the mobile radiographic system)

[0195] The irradiation-side control section 11 of the mobile cart 1A of the mobile radiographic system 100A according to the present embodiment having the above-described structure performs the following operation.

[0196] For example, the irradiation-side control section 11 selects a radiographic apparatus 2 to be used from among a plurality of radiographic apparatuses 2 in response to an operation performed by a user on, for example, the console 5.

[0197] In addition, the irradiation-side control section 11 manages the elapsed time from when the connection of the photographing-side IF section 25 of the plurality of photographing apparatuses 2 and the external IF 3 is released.

[0198] In addition, the irradiation-side control section 11 permits photographing in a case where the elapsed time from when the connection of the photographing-side IF section 25 of the plurality of photographing apparatuses 2 and the external IF 3 is released does not exceed the synchronization maintenance time in the radiographic apparatus selected from among the plurality of photographing apparatuses 2.

[0199] In addition, the irradiation-side control section 11 causes the charging section 7 to charge the built-in power supply of the photographing apparatus 2 during the period when the external IF 3 is connected to the photographing-side IF section 25 of the photographing apparatus 2.

[0200] In addition, the irradiation-side control section 11 can limit photographing in a case where the margin of the built-in power supply before a predetermined photographing is performed is less than the necessary amount of electric power.

[0201] In addition, the irradiation-side control section 11 can notify the user of the meaning that photographing cannot be performed or the meaning that the external IF 3 is connected to the IF section via the notification section 4 in a case where the margin of the built-in power supply before a predetermined photographing is performed is less than the necessary amount of electric power.

[0202] In addition, the irradiation-side control section 11 can notify the user of the charging time that becomes a target via the notification section 4.

[0203] Thus, it is possible to reduce the risk that the built-in power supply is depleted on the way and a desired radiographic image cannot be obtained, and the subject is unnecessarily irradiated due to re-photographing.

[0204] In addition, in a case where the control section of at least one of the apparatus that becomes the host and the apparatus that becomes the slave is configured to perform notification when the margin of the built-in power supply is lower than the necessary amount of electric power, the control section can predict whether or not photographing needs to be interrupted on the way in the future based on the arrangement of the photographing instruction acquired by the console 5 and the remaining margin of the built-in power supply, and notify the user of the prediction result via the notification section 4 in advance.

[0205] Thus, for example, in a case where still image photographing is performed and then continuous photographing is performed, it is possible to prevent a situation in which, after the still image photographing, although the continuous photographing can be performed directly without charging, the photographing apparatus 2 is connected to the external IF 3 for charging and re-positioning is performed.

[0206] In addition, the control section of either one of the trolley 1A and the photographing apparatus 2 can notify the user of the meaning that the photographing apparatus 2 is stored in the storage section 6 of the trolley 1A (connected to the external IF 3) via the notification section 4 as an opportunity of the end of photographing, the end of examination, or the like.

[0207] Thus, even in the case where photography is performed a plurality of times, the timing signal of the trolley 1A and the copy signal of the photography device 2 are synchronized during the photography and the interval of the photography, and since the built-in power supply is charged, it is possible to prevent the situation where photography cannot be performed later due to the fact that the synchronization maintenance time is exceeded in the middle of the photography or the margin of the built-in power supply becomes less than the necessary electric power amount.

[0208] In addition, the photography device 2 also continues to maintain the synchronized state until the next connection to the external IF 3 if the connection to the external IF 3 is once released, even in the case where still image photography is performed.

[0209] Thus, it is preferable to set the operation mode of the photography-side control section 21 to an operation mode in which the electric power consumption is less (for example, a mode in which the readout section 23 does not operate and only the operation of the synchronization of the timing signal is performed in the photography-side control section 21) after the connection of the IF section and the external IF 3 is released, thereby continuing the synchronized state for a long time.

[0210] Thus, the decrease of the margin of the built-in power supply is suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the situation where photography cannot be performed although it is within the synchronization maintenance time but the margin of the built-in power supply is insufficient.

[0211] In addition, the photography device 2 repeatedly generates the copy signal until the connection to the external IF 3 is released next if the connection to the external IF 3 is once made.

[0212] Thus, it is preferable to set the operation mode of the photography-side control section 21 to the operation mode in which the electric power consumption is less as described above after the connection of the IF section and the external IF 3 is released, thereby making the charging capacity of the built-in power supply of the photography device 2 based on the trolley 1A not less than the electric power consumption of the photography device 2.

[0213] Thus, it is possible to simultaneously achieve the synchronization acquisition of the trolley 1A and the photography device 2 and the reliable charging of the built-in power supply of the photography device 2.

[0214] <6. Photography using the radiographic system>

[0215] Next, the basic photography operation performed by the above-described photography system 100 will be described. Figure 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the photography system 100.

[0216] 〔6-1. Operation start〕

[0217] First, the user performs an operation (for example, sets the power supply of each device of the photographing system 100 to ON, and the like) that becomes a trigger for the irradiation-side control section 11 of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing-side control section 21 of the photographing device 2 to start counting. Then, the irradiation-side control section 11 and the photographing-side control section 21 start counting, respectively. At this time, if the timing of the operation (the power supply is turned on) that becomes the trigger for the start of counting by the user with respect to each device is different, the timing of the start of counting by the irradiation-side control section 11 and the photographing-side control section 21 and the timing of the start of counting by the photographing-side control section 21 are also different, and the generation timing of the timing information of the irradiation device 1 and the generation timing of the timing information of the photographing device 2 are different at this stage.

[0218] 〔6-2. Connection of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2〕

[0219] Here, when the irradiation-side IF section 14 of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing-side IF section 25 of the photographing device 2 are connected (may be connected in advance), the device that becomes the master among the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2 transmits the timing information to the device that becomes the slave. The slave that receives the timing information corrects the operation of its own control section in accordance with the operation of the control section of the device that becomes the master (generates the same value of the timing information at the same timing).

[0220] 〔6-3. Disconnection of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2〕

[0221] After that, the user disconnects the connection of the external IF 3 and the photographing-side IF section 25 (moves the photographing device 2 to the photographing position). Then, the slave becomes a state in which the timing information is not acquired, and the device that becomes the master and the device that becomes the slave perform counting independently, respectively.

[0222] As described above, after the irradiation-side oscillator 11a and the photographing-side oscillator 21a involved in the present embodiment generate the clock with high precision, the allowable range of the shift of the signal is expanded, and thus the control section of the device that becomes the slave also repeatedly performs the operation of generating the frame image or the operation of generating the radiation R while maintaining the state of synchronization with the radiographic device without communicating with the outside after the connection of the IF section and the external IF 3 is disconnected.

[0223] 〔6-4. Photographing period〕

[0224] After that, the system 100 controls the generation timing of the radiation R of the irradiation device 1 and the generation timing of the image data of the photographing device 2 using the control section possessed by the device that becomes the master and the control section possessed by the device that becomes the slave among the irradiation-side control section 11 and the photographing-side control section 21, respectively.

[0225] Specifically, for example, as Figure 6As shown, when the timing information of the photographing-side control section 21 becomes the first predetermined value (tl) (when the first predetermined time (tl) elapses from the start of the timing), the photographing device 2 becomes the initialization state.

[0226] In the initialization state, the photographing-side control section 21 performs initialization by applying an on-voltage to each switching element of the radiation detecting section 22 and releasing dark charges accumulated in each pixel to the signal line.

[0227] Further, depending on the structure of the radiation detecting element of the photographing device 2, there are cases where the accumulated charges are released at the time of charge reading and initialization is performed.

[0228] After that, when the timing information generated by the photographing-side control section 21 becomes a second predetermined value (t2) larger than the first predetermined value (when the second predetermined time elapses from the start of the timing), the photographing device 2 becomes the accumulation state.

[0229] In the accumulation state, the photographing-side control section 21 applies an off-voltage to each scanning line and sets the radiation detecting section 22 to a state where the charges generated by the radiation detecting element can be accumulated in the pixel. The photographing device 2 continues this accumulation state until the timing information generated by the photographing-side control section 21 becomes a fourth predetermined value (t4) larger than the second predetermined value (until the fourth predetermined time elapses from the start of the timing).

[0230] In addition, when the timing information generated by the irradiation-side control section 11 becomes a third predetermined value (t3) larger than the second predetermined value and smaller than the fourth predetermined value (when the third predetermined time elapses from the start of the timing), the irradiation device 1 irradiates the radiation R to the subject and the photographing device 2 behind it. That is, the irradiation device 1 irradiates the radiation R during the period (t2 to t4) when the photographing device 2 is in a state where the charges can be accumulated.

[0231] During this period, the photographing device 2 is in the accumulation state, so when the radiation R is received, the photographing device 2 generates charges by each radiation detecting element of the radiation detecting section 22 and accumulates them in each pixel.

[0232] In addition, when the timing information generated by the photographing-side control section 21 becomes the fourth predetermined value (t4) larger than the third predetermined value (when the fourth predetermined time elapses from the start of the timing), the photographing device 2 becomes the readout / conveyance state.

[0233] In the readout / conveyance state, the photographing-side control section 21 first applies an on-voltage to each switching element connected to each scanning line and releases the charges accumulated in each pixel to each signal line in the same procedure as the initialization. Then, the photographing-side control section 21 causes the readout section 23 to read out the signal values based on the charges flowing in and generates image data from the readout plurality of signal values.

[0234] In the case where the photography mode is continuous photography, the photography device 2 becomes the accumulation state every time a predetermined time (t5, t8, tll,...) elapses from the start of the timing by the timing generator 21a, and thereafter repeats the series of actions to become the readout / transferring state the number of times corresponding to the number of frame images of photography.

[0235] In addition, the irradiation device 1 repeats the irradiation of the radiation R the number of times corresponding to the number of frame images of photography every time a predetermined time (t6, t9, t12,...) elapses from the start of the timing by the timing generator 11a.

[0236] <7. A radiographic system or the like>

[0237] Next, in addition to the above-described embodiments and their modifications, various technologies applicable to the above-described system 100 (ambulatory photography system 100A) are described.

[0238] 〔7-1. Still image photography〕

[0239] The timing signal held in the irradiation device 1 and the photography device 2 is a signal for continuous photography. Therefore, the system 100 (ambulatory photography system 100A) is preferably configured so that the user is not aware of the synchronization of the timing signal and can directly perform still image photography in terms of the workflow.

[0240] Therefore, the control section of the device that becomes a slave in the irradiation device 1 and the photography device 2 can also perform processing for acquiring synchronization of the timing signal independently of the processing for performing continuous photography, so that the timing of the irradiation of the radiation R when continuous photography is performed matches the timing signal.

[0241] In this case, the control section of the device that becomes a slave can perform still image photography using one of the plurality of timing signals or can perform still image photography using another system.

[0242] Thus, still image photography can also be incorporated into the workflow and performed, and the usability is improved.

[0243] 〔7-2. Line photography〕

[0244] As a countermeasure when photography cannot be continued due to, for example, failure to connect wirelessly, insufficient margin of the built-in power source, or the like, it is also considered to connect the irradiation device 1 and the photography device 2 with a communication cable and perform photography. However, depending on the environment in which the system 100 (ambulatory photography system 100A) is installed, if the radiation R is irradiated to perform photography while being connected by wire, it is possible that the communication cable receives electromagnetic wave noise from the surroundings and noise is caused to affect the radiation image.

[0245] Therefore, the system 100 (visit imaging system 100A) can also confirm the connection status of the communication cable and the status of the radio waves used for wireless communication, and switch between imaging under wired connection and imaging under wireless connection according to the status of the radio waves.

[0246] Furthermore, the system 100 may prioritize either imaging in a wired connection or imaging in a wireless connection over the other, depending on the wireless status.

[0247] Furthermore, the system 100 may also prohibit wireless photography during a wired connection, taking into account the influence of electromagnetic noise that may be received by the communication cable.

[0248] Furthermore, for the purpose of preventing a decrease in synchronization accuracy, wired photography may be preferentially performed regardless of the state of the radio waves.

[0249] This prevents noise transmitted through the communication cable from affecting the radiographic image.

[0250] 〔7-3. Symbol〕

[0251] When there are multiple external IFs 3 (communication cables, cradles, etc.) and some of them cannot synchronize the timing signals, it is preferable to be able to determine at a glance which external IF 3 the imaging device 2 is connected to so that the timing signals can be synchronized.

[0252] Therefore, the external IF 3 that can synchronize the timing signal may be an external IF 3 to which a mark is added.

[0253] Furthermore, the external IF 3 may be capable of notifying the synchronization of the timing signal by means other than a sign (for example, sound, blinking or extinguishing of light, change of light color, etc.).

[0254] Furthermore, guidance on the external IF 3 that can be synchronized may be displayed on, for example, a display unit (not shown) of the console 5 .

[0255] This allows the user to reliably identify the external IF 3 that can be synchronized, thereby achieving a smooth workflow.

[0256] [7-4. Permission to switch frame rate]

[0257] If the frame rate of at least one of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 is switched to a different frame rate during imaging, the timing signals held by the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 cannot maintain synchronization.

[0258] Therefore, it is preferable to prohibit switching of the frame rate when the IF unit of at least one of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 is not connected to the external IF 3 .

[0259] Furthermore, it is preferable that, instead of prohibiting the switching of the frame rate or simultaneously with prohibiting it, the disconnection of the connection is reported to the user.

[0260] 〔7-5. Photography Conditions〕

[0261] Generally speaking, a radiation control device for x-ray radiography can use discrete values ​​ranging from milliseconds (eg, 1 millisecond) to several seconds or several tens of seconds (eg, 10 seconds) for the irradiation time.

[0262] Therefore, it is preferable that the same value can be selected also in the system 100 (100A of rounds imaging systems).

[0263] However, in continuous imaging, as already explained, the irradiation device 1 needs to irradiate the radiation R during the period (t2 to t4) when the imaging device 2 is in a state capable of accumulating charge, i.e., in an accumulation state. For example, if the radiation R is irradiated 15 times per second in a pulsed state and 15 frames of images are generated every second, the period of irradiation of the pulsed radiation R ( Figure 6 t3 to t6) and the period for generating frames ( Figure 6 The period from t2 to t5) becomes approximately 66 milliseconds, and the period in the accumulation state is further shortened compared to 66 milliseconds.

[0264] Therefore, when the maximum irradiation time of several tens of seconds can be selected as described above, an afterimage of the previous frame is reflected in a certain frame, and a suitable image cannot be obtained.

[0265] Therefore, the console 5 may be able to switch the range of settable irradiation time according to the set imaging mode.

[0266] Specifically, the following setting permission control is performed: the exposure time range A (for example, 1 millisecond to 10 seconds) that can be used in still image photography and the exposure time range B (for example, 3 milliseconds to 10 milliseconds) that can be used in continuous photography are maintained in a table in advance, and the corresponding exposure time range is obtained from the table according to the set photography mode. The exposure time to be set is compared with the obtained exposure time range to determine the compliance of the exposure time. If the exposure time to be set is outside the exposure time range, setting is not allowed. If it is within the exposure time range, setting is allowed.

[0267] In addition, the console 5 may also hold an irradiation time range corresponding to the frame rate of continuous imaging.

[0268] At a high frame rate, the period (t2-t4) during which the accumulation state is established becomes shorter than at a low frame rate. Therefore, by previously holding the irradiation time range corresponding to the frame rate, the irradiation time range corresponding to the set frame rate is obtained to perform the conformity determination and the setting permission control, so that an appropriate image can be generated for each frame rate.

[0269] In addition, the console 5 can also have an irradiation time range corresponding to the case of wired photography in which the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2 are connected by a communication cable and the case of wireless photography in which they are not connected.

[0270] In wired photography, the generation timing of the radiation R of the irradiation device 1 and the timing at which the accumulation state (t2-t4) of the photographing device 2 is established can be matched by a wired method, so the shift of these timings is small. As a result, the irradiation time range can be increased.

[0271] On the other hand, in wireless photography, the shift of these timings has a tendency to become larger than in wired photography, so the irradiation time range is smaller than in wired photography.

[0272] Therefore, the console 5 has an irradiation time range corresponding to wired photography and wireless photography, and obtains the irradiation time range corresponding to the set photographing method (wired photography / wireless photography) to perform the conformity determination and the setting permission control, so that an appropriate image can be generated for each photographing method.

[0273] Furthermore, the conformity determination and the setting permission control corresponding to the photographing mode, the frame rate, and wired photography / wireless photography performed by the console 5 have been described so far, but the console 5 can also prepare a table obtained by combining two or more of them and perform the conformity determination and the setting permission control.

[0274] In addition, the irradiation time range has been described so far, but the console 5 can also perform the same control with respect to at least any one of the tube voltage range, the tube current range, and the tube current time product range.

[0275] Continuous photography imposes a long load on the tube-shaped lamp 1b and the control device 1a compared to still image photography, so it affects the life of the irradiation device 1.

[0276] Therefore, the console 5 can also set the tube voltage range, the tube current range, the tube current time product range, and the like that can be used in continuous photography to a range smaller than the range that can be used in still image photography, and perform the conformity determination and the setting permission control of the set tube voltage, tube current, tube current time product, and the like.

[0277] Thus, the effect on the life of the irradiation device 1 can be reduced.

[0278] Further, the console 5 can also have a table obtained by combining two or more of the tube voltage range, the tube current range, the tube current time product range, and the irradiation time range. In addition, the console 5 can also not hold each range as a table, but can calculate the range by a calculation formula.

[0279] In addition, the structure in which the console 5 has the above-described functions has been described so far, but the control device la can also have the above-described functions, or both the console 5 and the control device la can have the above-described functions.

[0280] In addition, the console 5 and the control device la can also have the above-described functions by being divided. For example, in a case where the irradiation time range for continuous photography does not exceed the irradiation time range for still image photography, the console 5 can have the functions of performing the compatibility determination and the setting permission control for continuous photography, and the control device la can have the functions of performing the compatibility determination and the setting permission control for still image photography.

[0281] (7-6. Conversion from tube current time product to tube current and irradiation time)

[0282] Generally, a radiation control device for radiography can select a kV / mA / sec mode in which a tube voltage, a tube current, and an irradiation time are respectively set, and a kV / mAs mode in which a tube voltage and a tube current time product (mAs) are set.

[0283] In the kV / mAs mode, the radiation control device divides the tube current time product (mAs) into a tube current (mA) and an irradiation time (sec) by a predetermined method, and controls the high voltage generation section and the tube-shaped lamp using the tube voltage, the tube current, and the irradiation time.

[0284] In addition, generally, the maximum irradiation time that can be used in radiography is several seconds or several tens of seconds or the like, which is very long, so when the tube current time product (mAs) is divided into a tube current (mA) and an irradiation time (sec), the cases in which several seconds or several tens of seconds or the like of the irradiation time are selected increase if the tube current (mA) is decided in such a manner that the mAs becomes a desired value after the maximum irradiation time that can be selected is selected. When the irradiation time is long, it is easily affected by the body movement of the subject in irradiation and is not appropriate. Therefore, such a manner in which the irradiation time is prioritized (increased) compared to the tube current (mA) to divide is generally not used, and a manner in which the tube current (mA) is prioritized (increased) compared to the irradiation time to divide is used.

[0285] However, in continuous photography, if a mode in which tube current (mA) is prioritized over irradiation time is used, the case in which the minimum irradiation time is selected within the selectable irradiation time increases. For example, in the case where the irradiation time range is 1 msec to 10 msec, the case in which a value close to 1 msec is selected increases. In general, in the case where the irradiation time is short, the waveform of the radiation is known to be unstable, but in photography in which pulsed radiation R is irradiated multiple times, such as continuous photography, the instability of the radiation waveform sometimes causes a difference in the amount of radiation between the pulsed radiations R, causing flicker in the image, and an appropriate image cannot be obtained.

[0286] To avoid this problem, the control device la can also select, in the kV / mAs mode, a mode in which tube current (mA) is prioritized (increased) over irradiation time to perform the division in the case where the set photography mode is still image photography, and a mode in which irradiation time is prioritized (increased) over tube current (mA) to perform the division in the case of continuous photography, and divide the tube current-time product (mAs) into tube current (mA) and irradiation time (sec) using the selected mode.

[0287] In this case, in continuous photography, the case in which the maximum irradiation time usable in continuous photography is selected increases, but in continuous photography, as has been described, the maximum irradiation time is very short (for example, 10 msec) compared to still image photography, so it is not easily affected by body movement of the subject during irradiation, and the problem that occurs when a mode in which irradiation time is prioritized (increased) over tube current (mA) to perform the division is selected in still image photography does not occur.

[0288] Thus, for each photography mode, an appropriate tube current (mA) and irradiation time (sec) are automatically selected, so the usability of the photographer is improved, and it is possible to prevent unnecessary radiation of the subject due to photography failure.

[0289] Further, the structure in which the division function is mounted in the control device la has been described so far, but the present division function can also be mounted by the control console 5.

[0290] In addition, the control device la or the control console 5 can use the range table described in [7-5. Photography condition range] as the irradiation condition range and the tube current range used at the time of division.

[0291] [Effects]

[0292] The radiation imaging system 100 (rounds imaging system 100A) involved in the present embodiment described above has an irradiation device 1 and a device serving as a slave in the imaging device 2, which includes: an IF unit that can be connected to an external IF 3; and a control unit that operates in synchronization with the timing of repeated operations of the irradiation device 1 serving as the host device in continuous imaging based on a timing signal from the external IF 3 connected to the IF unit. After the connection between the IF unit and the external IF 3 is released, the control unit does not communicate with the outside, but repeatedly performs operations for generating frame images or generating radiation R while maintaining a synchronized state with the irradiation device 1.

[0293] Therefore, according to the radiographic imaging system 100 (visit imaging system 100A), continuous imaging can be performed stably even in a state where the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 are not connected via the external IF 3 such as a communication cable.

Claims

1. A radiographic device comprising: an interface portion capable of connecting to an external interface; and The control unit operates in synchronization with the timing at which the radiation irradiation device generating radiation repeatedly generates radiation in continuous imaging for generating a plurality of frame images, based on a timing signal from the external interface connected to the interface unit. After the connection between the interface unit and the external interface is released, the control unit does not communicate with the outside and repeats the operation for generating the frame image while maintaining synchronization with the radiation irradiation device. While the external interface is connected to the interface unit, the control unit repeatedly generates a replica signal having a rising edge timing equal to that of the timing signal based on the repeatedly transmitted timing signal. After the connection between the interface unit and the external interface is released, the control unit generates the frame image based on the copied signal.

2. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The radiographic apparatus includes: a plurality of radiation detection elements that generate electric charges corresponding to the amount of received radiation; and a readout section that reads out a signal value corresponding to the amount of charge generated by the radiation detection element, The control unit maintains a state synchronized with the radiation irradiation device by relatively lengthening a time for accumulating the charge generated by the radiation detection element or relatively shortening a time required for the readout unit to read out a signal value.

3. The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A synchronization maintaining time is set, and the synchronization maintaining time is a period during which the state in which the synchronization with the radiation irradiation device is maintained in a state in which the connection between the interface unit and the external interface is released. The radiographic apparatus includes a notification unit configured to notify a user that imaging is impossible or to urge the user to connect the external interface to the interface unit when a time elapsed since the interface unit and the external interface were disconnected exceeds the synchronization maintenance time.

4. A radiation irradiation device comprising: an interface portion capable of connecting to an external interface; and The control unit operates in synchronization with the timing of repeatedly generating frame images in continuous imaging for generating a plurality of frame images by a radiographic apparatus that generates radiographic images, based on a timing signal from the external interface connected to the interface unit. After the connection between the interface unit and the external interface is released, the control unit does not communicate with the outside and repeats the operation of generating radiation while maintaining synchronization with the radiographic apparatus. While the external interface is connected to the interface unit, the control unit repeatedly generates a replica signal having a rising edge timing equal to that of the timing signal based on the repeatedly transmitted timing signal. After the connection between the interface unit and the external interface is released, the control unit generates the radiation based on the replica signal.

5. A radiographic imaging system comprising: The radiographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3; and The radiation irradiation device can generate radiation multiple times during a single continuous imaging session.

6. A medical photography system comprising: The radiographic apparatus according to claim 1; and The charging unit charges a built-in power source of the radiographic apparatus while an external interface is connected to the interface unit of the radiographic apparatus.

7. The medical imaging system according to claim 6, wherein: The medical imaging system includes a plurality of the radiographic imaging devices. A synchronization maintenance time is set for each of the plurality of radiographic devices, and the synchronization maintenance time is a period during which synchronization with the radiation irradiation device can be maintained when the interface unit and the external interface are disconnected. When the radiographic apparatus whose elapsed time since the connection between the interface unit and the external interface was released does not exceed the synchronization maintaining time is selected from the plurality of radiographic apparatuses, imaging is permitted.

8. The medical imaging system according to claim 6, wherein: The medical imaging system includes a storage portion configured to store the radiographic device, and the storage portion includes the external interface that is connected to the interface portion when the radiographic device is stored.

9. The medical imaging system according to claim 8, wherein: The storage portion can store the radiation imaging device with the shielding member attached.

10. The medical imaging system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The necessary amount of power is set, which is the amount of power required for the planned shooting. The medical imaging system includes a notification unit configured to notify a user that imaging is impossible or to urge the user to connect the external interface to the interface unit when the remaining power of the built-in power supply is lower than the required power before the scheduled imaging is performed.

11. The medical imaging system according to claim 10, wherein: A plurality of necessary electric power amounts are set based on at least one of the type of the scheduled imaging, the imaging time when the scheduled imaging type is the continuous imaging, and the frame rate when the scheduled imaging type is the continuous imaging.

12. A radiographic imaging system comprising: A radiographic apparatus capable of generating a plurality of radiographic images in a single continuous imaging operation; and The radiation irradiation device according to claim 4.

Images