Radiation imaging apparatus, control method of radiation imaging apparatus and computer program product

Abstract

The invention discloses a radiation imaging apparatus, a control method of the radiation imaging apparatus, and a computer program product. An apparatus includes: a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire a signal corresponding to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including detection pixels configured to detect a dose of radiation as a signal; and a bias voltage supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, in which an output impedance of the bias voltage supply circuit varies depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control is performed, the automatic exposure control is based on the dose of radiation detected by the detection pixel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Aspects of embodiments relate generally to a radiographic imaging apparatus, a control method of a radiographic imaging apparatus, and a computer program product. BACKGROUND

[0002] Radiographic imaging apparatuses each using a sensor panel provided with a plurality of pixels for detecting radiation such as X-rays are widely used in, for example, the fields of industry and healthcare. Recently, diversification of functions of radiographic imaging apparatuses has been considered, and one of the functions considered is a function of, for example, monitoring (observing or detecting) irradiation of radiation. For example, this function enables detection of a timing at which irradiation of radiation by a radiation generating apparatus has started, detection of a timing at which irradiation of radiation has stopped, and detection of an irradiation dose of radiation or a cumulative irradiation dose of radiation.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-25465 discusses a radiographic imaging apparatus that performs automatic exposure control (AEC) for controlling irradiation of radiation by a radiation generating apparatus in accordance with a dose of radiation irradiated to each pixel by the radiation generating apparatus. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-268171 discusses a radiographic imaging apparatus that performs automatic detection control for detecting an amount by which a current flowing through a bias voltage supply circuit that supplies a voltage to a pixel array changes due to irradiation of radiation and thus detecting irradiation of radiation by the radiographic imaging apparatus itself for performing radiographic imaging.

[0004] However, in the technology discussed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-25465, there is a problem that, when reading out an electric signal for generating a radiographic image from each pixel after automatic exposure control, due to a change in a change in a variation of a bias voltage to be supplied to each pixel, an artifact can appear in the radiographic image. Further, if control that prevents or reduces the variation of the bias voltage is performed, the detection sensitivity in the automatic detection control for irradiation of radiation such as that discussed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-268171 decreases, so that detection accuracy can decrease, so that, for example, false detection of irradiation of radiation occurs. SUMMARY

[0005] According to an aspect of an embodiment, an apparatus includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire a signal corresponding to an incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including a detection pixel configured to detect a dose of the radiation as the signal, and a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, wherein an output impedance of the bias supply circuit is different according to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which an automatic exposure control based on the dose of the radiation detected by the detection pixel is performed.

[0006] Further features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of example embodiments with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a radiographic imaging system according to a first example embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a radiographic imaging apparatus according to the first example embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart in a control method of a radiographic imaging apparatus according to the first example embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a first example of an internal configuration of a bias supply circuit illustrated in Figure 2 of the first example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a second example of an internal configuration of a bias supply circuit illustrated in Figure 2 of the first example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in a control method of a radiographic imaging system according to a second example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Hereinafter, various example embodiments, features and aspects of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, constituent elements described in the following example embodiments are illustrated only by way of example, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the appended claims and should not be construed as being restricted to the description of the following example embodiments.

[0014] First, a first example embodiment will be described.

[0015] Figure 1is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a radiological imaging system 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment. As Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG. 1, the radiological imaging system 10 is configured to be divided into a radiological room 11 in which radiographic imaging for performing irradiation of the radiation R is performed, and a control room 12 installed near the radiological room 11.

[0016] The radiological room 11 includes a radiological imaging apparatus 100, an access point (AP) 210, a communication control device 220, a radiation generating device 230, and a radiation source 240 as constituent elements of the radiological imaging system 10. The radiological room 11 also includes a radiological imaging apparatus communication cable 201, an AP communication cable 202, a radiation generating device communication cable 203, and a radiation source communication cable 204 as constituent elements of the radiological imaging system 10.

[0017] The control room 12 includes a control device 310, a radiation irradiation switch 320, an input device 330, a display device 340, a hospital intra-local area network (LAN) 350, and a radiological room communication cable 360 as constituent elements of the radiological imaging system 10.

[0018] The radiological imaging apparatus 100 is an apparatus that performs imaging using the radiation R, and is an apparatus configured to be able to communicate with the communication control device 220 and the control device 310. In the first exemplary embodiment, the radiological imaging apparatus 100 can be configured to be an apparatus capable of performing two types of radiographic imaging, i.e., radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC) and radiographic imaging that does not perform automatic exposure control (AEC). In this case, an example of the radiographic imaging that does not perform automatic exposure control (AEC) includes radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control other than automatic exposure control (AEC) and automatically detects irradiation of the radiation R in the radiological imaging apparatus 100. Further, the radiological imaging apparatus 100 detects the incident radiation R (including the radiation R that has passed through an object H present in the radiological room 11) and thus generates radiographic image data. As Figure 1 As illustrated in FIG. 2, the radiological imaging apparatus 100 includes a power supply control unit 101 constituted by, for example, a battery, a wireless communication unit 102, and a wired communication unit 103. The wireless communication unit 102 is a communication unit responsible for wireless communication to be performed between the wireless communication unit 102 and each of the communication control device 220 and the control device 310 via the access point (AP) 210 and the AP communication cable 202. The wired communication unit 103 is a communication unit responsible for wired communication to be performed between the wired communication unit 103 and each of the communication control device 220 and the control device 310 via the radiological imaging communication cable 201.

[0019] The radiographic imaging apparatus communication cable 201 is a cable for interconnecting the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 and the communication control device 220 in such a manner that the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 and the communication control device 220 are able to communicate with each other. The AP communication cable 202 is a cable for interconnecting the access point (AP) 210 and the communication control device 220 in such a manner that the access point (AP) 210 and the communication control device 220 are able to communicate with each other.

[0020] The access point (AP) 210 performs wireless communication with the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 (specifically, the wireless communication unit 102 of the radiographic imaging apparatus 100). The communication control device 220 is responsible for communication with various devices included in the radiographic imaging system 10. In the radiographic imaging system 10, for example, various setting commands used in radiographic imaging and radiographic image data obtained by radiographic imaging are communicated between the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 and the control device 310 via the communication control device 220. Further, in the radiographic imaging system 10, for example, a synchronization signal used in radiographic imaging is communicated between the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 and the radiation generating device 230 via the communication control device 220. In this case, for example, the synchronization signal includes an irradiation enable signal for the radiation R and an irradiation stop signal for the radiation R.

[0021] The radiation generating device 230 controls the radiation source 240 to irradiate the radiation R based on predetermined radiation irradiation conditions, and thus the radiation source 240 irradiates the radiation R toward the subject H and the radiographic imaging apparatus 100. The radiation generating device communication cable 203 is a cable for interconnecting the radiation generating device 230 and the communication control device 220 in such a manner that the radiation generating device 230 and the communication control device 220 are able to communicate with each other. The radiation source communication cable 204 is a cable for interconnecting the radiation source 240 and the radiation generating device 230 in such a manner that the radiation source 240 and the radiation generating device 230 are able to communicate with each other. Under the control of the radiation generating device 230, the radiation source 240 irradiates the radiation R toward the subject H and the radiographic imaging apparatus 100.

[0022] The control device 310 communicates with the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 and the radiation generating device 230 via the radiation room communication cable 360 and the communication control device 220, and thus comprehensively controls the operation of the radiographic imaging system 10. For example, the control device 310 also performs control of the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 that performs imaging using the radiation R.

[0023] The radiation irradiation switch 320 is a switch for inputting the irradiation timing of the radiation R by an operation performed by the operator S.

[0024] The input device 330 is a device that receives an operation input from the operator S, and includes various input devices such as a keyboard and a touch panel. Information received by the operation input through the input device 330 is input to the control device 310.

[0025] The display device 340 is a device that displays various information and various images under the control of the control device 310. The display device 340 is a device that performs, for example, display of a radiographic image subjected to image processing or display of a graphical user interface (GUI) screen, and includes, for example, a display.

[0026] The in-hospital LAN 350 is a backbone network in a hospital.

[0027] The radiology room communication cable 360 is a cable for interconnecting the control device 310 and the communication control device 220 included in the radiology room 11.

[0028] Next, the operation of the radiological imaging system 10 will be described.

[0029] First, the operator S inputs and sets subject information such as an identifier (ID), a name, and a date of birth of the subject H and imaging information such as an imaging region of the subject H to the control device 310 via the input device 330. The imaging information can include information (command) indicating the on / off of a function of automatic exposure control (AEC) in the radiological imaging apparatus 100. Further, the imaging information can include information indicating a selected region in a region of interest (RIO) of a pixel array of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 used in the automatic exposure control (AEC) and information on a threshold value related to a dose of the radiation R as a parameter. In addition, the imaging information can include information indicating an arithmetic operation method adopted when a plurality of regions of interest (RIOs) are used, information indicating a sensitivity correction value, information indicating a concentration correction value, and information indicating a sensor rotation angle as parameters. Further, not only the subject information or the imaging information can be set by the operator S performing a direct input to the input device 330, but also the subject information or the imaging information can be automatically set by the operator selecting an examination command received via the in-hospital LAN 350. Further, information on the imaging region of the subject H included in the imaging information can also be set by the operator S selecting an imaging protocol previously set.

[0030] After the subject information and the imaging information are set, the operator S fixes the posture of the subject H and the position of the radiological imaging apparatus 100. After the imaging preparation of the subject H and the radiological imaging apparatus 100 is completed, the operator S presses the radiological irradiation switch 320. In response to the radiological irradiation switch 320 being pressed, the radiological rays R are irradiated from the radiological ray source 240 toward the subject H and the radiological imaging apparatus 100.

[0031] The radiological rays R irradiated toward the subject H pass through the subject H and fall on the radiological imaging apparatus 100. For example, the radiological imaging apparatus 100 converts the incident radiological rays R into visible light by a fluorescent body, then converts the visible light into an electric signal (radiological photograph image signal) for a radiological photograph image by a photoelectric conversion element, and performs analog-digital conversion of the electric signal, and thus generates digital radiological photograph image data. The digital radiological photograph image data generated by the radiological imaging apparatus 100 is transmitted from the radiological imaging apparatus 100 to the control device 310. The control device 310 performs image processing on the received digital radiological photograph image data, and displays a radiological image based on the radiological photograph image data subjected to the image processing on the display device 340. In this case, the control device 310 functions as an image processing device and a display control device.

[0032] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment. In Figure 2 , the constituent elements similar to those illustrated in Figure 1 are assigned the same respective reference numerals as those illustrated in Figure 1 , and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 2 , the radiological imaging apparatus 100 includes a power supply control unit 101, a radiological ray detector 110, a bias supply circuit 120, a drive circuit 130, a readout circuit 140, a signal processing unit 150, an imaging apparatus control unit 160, and a communication unit 170.

[0034] The radiological ray detector 110 has a function of detecting the incident radiological rays R, and includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels 111 to 113 that acquire an electric signal corresponding to the incident radiological rays R. Specifically, the radiological ray detector 110 includes a plurality of pixels 111 to 113 arranged in a manner of being configured in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, a plurality of bias lines 114, a plurality of drive lines 115, and a plurality of signal lines 116.

[0035] The plurality of bias lines 114 are bias power sources (described below Figure 4A large number of electric wires between the bias power supply 121) illustrated in the middle drawing and the plurality of pixels 111 to 113 and for supplying a bias voltage Vs from the bias power supply to the plurality of pixels 111 to 113.

[0036] The plurality of drive lines 115 are arranged in correspondence with a plurality of rows in the pixel array of the radiation detector 110, and each drive line 115 corresponds to any one of the pixel rows. Specifically, each drive line 115 has one end thereof connected to the drive circuit 130 and a portion thereof connected to one pixel row opposite to the one end.

[0037] The plurality of signal lines 116 are arranged in correspondence with a plurality of columns in the pixel array of the radiation detector 110, and each signal line 116 corresponds to any one of the pixel columns. Specifically, each signal line 116 has one end thereof connected to the readout circuit 140 (amplification unit 141) and a portion thereof connected to one pixel column opposite to the one end.

[0038] The plurality of pixels in the pixel array of the radiation detector 110 include imaging pixels 111, detection pixels 112, and correction pixels 113.

[0039] Each of the imaging pixels 111 is a pixel for capturing (acquiring) a radiographic image of an object H. In the first exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 The pixels other than the detection pixels 112 and the correction pixels 113 illustrated in the middle drawing are imaging pixels 111. Each of the imaging pixels 111 includes a conversion element 1111 that converts a radiation ray R into an electric signal to detect the incident radiation ray R as an electric signal for a radiographic image, and a switching element 1112 that connects the signal line 116 and the conversion element 1111 corresponding thereto to each other.

[0040] The detection pixels 112 are one or a plurality of pixels each for detecting (monitoring) an exposure dose of a radiation ray R as an electric signal. The detection pixels 112 are arranged in a manner included in rows and columns of the pixel array configured by the plurality of imaging pixels 111. Each of the detection pixels 112 includes a conversion element 1121 that converts a radiation ray R into an electric signal to detect an exposure dose of the radiation ray R as an electric signal, and a switching element 1122 that connects the signal line 116 and the conversion element 1121 corresponding thereto to each other.

[0041] The correction pixels 113 are one or more pixels each for correcting an irradiation dose of the radiation R. The correction pixels 113 are arranged in a manner included in rows and columns of the pixel array configured by the plurality of imaging pixels 111. The sensitivity of the correction pixels 113 to the radiation R is lower than the sensitivity of the detection pixels 112 to the radiation R. Each of the correction pixels 113 includes a conversion element 1131 that converts the radiation R into an electric signal to detect an electric signal for correcting an irradiation dose of the radiation R, and a switching element 1132 that connects the signal line 116 and the conversion element 1131 corresponding thereto to each other.

[0042] Figure 2 Each of the conversion elements 1111, 1121, and 1131 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be formed with, for example, a first configuration including a scintillator that converts the incident radiation R into light and a photoelectric conversion element that converts the light generated by the scintillator into an electric signal. In this case, the scintillator is generally formed in a sheet shape in a manner of covering the radiation detector 110, and is shared by the plurality of pixels 111 to 113. Each of the conversion elements 1111, 1121, and 1131 can also be formed with a second configuration that applies a conversion element that directly converts the incident radiation R into an electric signal instead of the first configuration.

[0043] Figure 2 Each of the switching elements 1112, 1122, and 1132 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be formed in a manner including, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT) having an active region made of a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon or polycrystal silicon.

[0044] In the following description, the description includes Figure 2 The conversion element 1111 and the switching element 1112 of the imaging pixel 111 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0045] Figure 2 The first electrode of the conversion element 1111 illustrated in FIG. 1 is connected to the first main electrode of the switching element 1112, and the second electrode of the conversion element 1111 is connected to the bias voltage line 114. One bias voltage line 114 extends in the column direction of the pixel array, and is equally connected to the second electrodes of a plurality of conversion elements 1111 arranged in the column direction. The bias voltage line 114 receives a bias voltage Vs from the bias voltage supply circuit 120. The second main electrode of the switching element 1112 included in one or more imaging pixels 111 included in one column of the pixel array is connected to one signal line 116. Further, the control electrode of the switching element 1112 included in one or more imaging pixels 111 included in one row of the pixel array is connected to one drive line 115.

[0046] Figure 2 Each of the detection pixels 112 and the correction pixels 113 illustrated in FIG. 1 also has a pixel configuration similar to the pixel configuration of the above-mentioned imaging pixels 111, and is connected to a corresponding drive line 115 and a corresponding signal line 116. In the first exemplary embodiment, the detection pixels 112 and the correction pixels 113 are exclusively connected to the signal lines 116. Therefore, the correction pixels 113 are not connected to the signal lines 116 to which the detection pixels 112 are connected. Further, the detection pixels 112 are not connected to the signal lines 116 to which the correction pixels 113 are connected. Further, the imaging pixels 111 can be connected to the same signal lines 116 as the signal lines 116 to which the detection pixels 112 or the correction pixels 113 are connected.

[0047] The bias supply circuit 120 is a circuit that supplies a bias voltage Vs to the bias lines 114 on the basis of a control signal output from the imaging device control unit 160.

[0048] The drive circuit 130 is configured to supply a drive signal to each pixel that is a drive target through a plurality of drive lines 115 on the basis of a control signal output from the imaging device control unit 160. In the first exemplary embodiment, the drive signal is a signal for turning on a switching element included in the pixel that is the drive target. The switching element included in each pixel is turned on in response to an input signal being at a high level, and is turned off in response to the input signal being at a low level. Therefore, the input signal at the high level is referred to as a "drive signal". In response to the drive signal being supplied to the pixel, an electric signal accumulated in a conversion element included in the pixel becomes able to be read out by the readout circuit 140. Further, in a case where the drive line 115 is connected to at least one of the detection pixels 112 and the correction pixels 113, the drive line 115 is referred to as a "detection drive line 115a". In the first exemplary embodiment, the drive lines 115 are referred to as the detection drive lines 115a. Figure 2 In the first exemplary embodiment, the drive lines 115 represented by Vg2 / Vd1 to Vgk / Vdm function as the detection drive lines 115a.

[0049] The readout circuit 140 is configured to read out electric signals from the plurality of pixels 111 to 113 through the plurality of signal lines 116. Specifically, the readout circuit 140 includes a plurality of amplification units 141, a multiplexer 142, and an analog-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as "AD converter") 143. Each of the plurality of signal lines 116 is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of amplification units 141 included in the readout circuit 140. One signal line 116 corresponds to one amplification unit 141. The amplification unit 141 amplifies an electric signal read out through the signal line 116. The multiplexer 142 selects each of the plurality of amplification units 141 in a predetermined sequential order and supplies an electric signal output from the selected amplification unit 141 to the AD converter 143. The AD converter 143 converts an analog electric signal supplied from the multiplexer 142 into a digital electric signal and then outputs the digital electric signal.

[0050] An electric signal read out from the imaging pixel 111 by the readout circuit 140 is supplied to the signal processing unit 150 and then subjected to processing such as arithmetic operation and storage by the signal processing unit 150. Specifically, the signal processing unit 150 includes an arithmetic operation unit 151 and a storage unit 152. The arithmetic operation unit 151 generates a radiograph image based on the electric signal read out from the imaging pixel 111 and then supplies the radiograph image to the imaging apparatus control unit 160. Further, electric signals read out from the detection pixel 112 and the correction pixel 113 by the readout circuit 140 are supplied to the signal processing unit 150 and then subjected to arithmetic operation by the arithmetic operation unit 151 and subjected to storage by the storage unit 152. Specifically, the signal processing unit 150 outputs information indicating an exposure dose of the radiation R of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 based on the electric signals read out from the detection pixel 112 and the correction pixel 113. For example, the signal processing unit 150 calculates an exposure dose of the radiation R and / or a cumulative exposure dose of the radiation R for the radiological imaging apparatus 100.

[0051] The imaging apparatus control unit 160 not only comprehensively controls the operation of the radiation imaging apparatus 100, but also performs various processing operations. For example, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 controls the power supply control unit 101, the bias supply circuit 120, the drive circuit 130, the readout circuit 140, the signal processing unit 150, and the communication unit 170 based on, for example, information received from the signal processing unit 150 and commands and parameters received from the control device 310. Here, the commands can include, for example, a command indicating the on / off of a function of automatic exposure control (AEC) and a command indicating an imaging mode for radiographic imaging. In this case, the command indicating the off of the function of AEC is a command indicating the on of a function of automatic detection control, which is a function different from the function of AEC and automatically detects the irradiation of the radiation R to the pixel array of the radiation detector 110 in the radiation imaging apparatus 100. Further, the parameters can include at least one of a selected region in a region of interest of the pixel array used in the function of AEC, a threshold value for the dose of the radiation R, an arithmetic operation method when a plurality of regions of interest are used, a sensitivity correction value, a concentration correction value, and a sensor rotation angle. In addition, the parameters can include at least one of a detection sensitivity and a detection threshold value of the above-mentioned function of automatic detection control. Further, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 controls, for example, the start and end of exposure (accumulation of charges corresponding to the radiation R incident through the imaging pixels 111) based on information received from the signal processing unit 150. The imaging apparatus control unit 160 can be configured with a general-purpose processing circuit such as a microprocessor, or can be configured with a dedicated processing circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Further, in the case where the imaging apparatus control unit 160 is configured with a general-purpose processing circuit, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 can further include a memory.

[0052] The communication unit 170 is controlled by the imaging apparatus control unit 160 and has a function of communicating with external devices (for example, the communication control device 220 and the control device 310) outside the radiation imaging apparatus 100. The communication unit 170 includes Figure 1The wireless communication unit 102 and the wired communication unit 103 are illustrated in FIG. 1. The wireless communication unit 102 is responsible for wireless communication with the communication control device 220 and the control device 310 via an access point (AP) 210 and an AP communication cable 202. The wired communication unit 103 is responsible for wired communication with the communication control device 220 and the control device 310 via a radiographic imaging apparatus communication cable 201. In one embodiment, the wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 102 or the wired communication by the wired communication unit 103 only needs to be able to establish communication in a desired method or standard, and is not limited to a specific method or standard. Furthermore, for the purpose of compatibility with a plurality of communication standards, a plurality of communication units 170 can be installed in the radiographic imaging apparatus 100.

[0053] Next, a problem that occurs when the radiographic imaging is performed using the automatic exposure control function (AEC function) in the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 is described.

[0054] The bias line 114 for supplying the bias voltage Vs from the bias supply circuit 120 is connected to each pixel of the pixel array. Therefore, the bias voltage Vs is affected by the readout of the electrical signal such as an image signal from each pixel, and the degree of such an effect becomes larger according to the amount of charge of the readout electrical signal. In one embodiment, at the time of AEC driving, the drive circuit 130 applies a drive signal only to the detection drive line 115a to scan only the detection drive line 115a, and only enables the electrical signals from the detection pixels 112 and the correction pixels 113 to be read out. Next, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 controls the readout circuit 140 to read out the electrical signals in the columns corresponding to the detection pixels 112 and the correction pixels 113, and outputs the readout electrical signals as information indicating the exposure dose of the radiation R. With such an operation, the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 is able to acquire information indicating the exposure dose of the radiation R obtained by the detection pixels 112 during the irradiation of the radiation R is being performed. After such AEC driving, the drive circuit 130 sequentially supplies drive signals to the drive lines 115 to generate a radiographic image for diagnosis.

[0055] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a timing chart 300 in the control method of the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 3 is a timing chart 300 illustrating the operation of the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 in the case of performing radiographic imaging based on the automatic exposure control (AEC) of the exposure dose of the radiation R detected by the detection pixels 112. In Figure 3 in the first exemplary embodiment, the constituent elements similar to those illustrated in Figure 2 in the first exemplary embodiment are assigned to those in Figure 2the same reference numerals as the corresponding elements in the drawings, and detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0056] In Figure 3 In the timing chart 300 illustrated in FIG. 11, the horizontal direction indicates elapsed time, and the vertical direction indicates respective constituent elements. Figure 3 The respective constituent elements indicated in the vertical direction in FIG. 11 are, in order from the top, the drive line Vgl, the detection drive line Vg2 / Vdl, the drive line Vg3, the drive line Vg4, the detection drive line Vg5 / Vd2, the drive line Vg6,..., and the drive line Vgn. Subsequently, Figure 3 The respective constituent elements indicated in the vertical direction in FIG. 11 are the bias voltage Vs (before improvement) and the bias voltage Vs (after improvement) for the bias line 114, and the output signal Sig (before improvement) and the output signal Sig (after improvement) for the signal line 116 leading to the given amplification unit 141.

[0057] With reference to Figure 3 , the drive signals are sequentially supplied to the drive lines Vgl to Vgn. Here, since the image signal is read out by applying the drive signal to the detection drive line Vd before the radiograph image for diagnosis is generated, the output signal Sig (before improvement) obtained at this time becomes small, and in addition, the bias voltage Vs (before improvement) used at this time becomes less affected. Since the bias voltage Vs is supplied to the pixel, the bias line 114 is close to any signal line 116, and a change in the bias voltage Vs exerts an influence on the output signal Sig. For this reason, the phase of the output signal Sig obtained when the drive line Vg next to the detection drive line Vd is driven has a delay and its maximum value changes compared to the output signal Sig obtained when the drive signal Vg is continuously driven, so that the image signal characteristics become different from the image signal characteristics in another row, and a pseudo image in the shape of a lateral stripe can occur. Therefore, since the level difference of the output signal Sig becomes large as indicated in the output signal Sig (before improvement), this can become a factor of a pseudo image in the radiograph image. Although an example that occurs when the image signal is read out by applying the drive signal to the detection drive line Vd is described here, the change in the bias voltage Vs that becomes a factor of a pseudo image depends on the amount of charge accumulated in the detection pixel 112 connected to the detection drive line Vd to be scanned. Even in the case where the drive signal is not applied to the detection drive line Vd and the image signal is not read out during the irradiation of the radiation R - that is, in the case where the automatic exposure control (AEC) is not performed, the above-mentioned pseudo image can occur. Specifically, even in this case, since the correction pixel 113 also exists in the pixel connected to the detection drive line Vd, an amount of charge different from the amount of charge accumulated in the imaging pixel 111 connected to the drive line Vg existing in the vicinity of the detection drive line Vd is accumulated, so that a pseudo image can occur. In view of this, in the first exemplary embodiment,Figure 2 The internal configuration of the bias supply circuit 120 illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5 is configured as illustrated in

[0058] Figure 4 is a view illustrating a first example of the internal configuration of the bias supply circuit 120 illustrated in Figure 2 In Figure 4 , the constituent elements similar to those illustrated in Figure 2 are assigned the same respective reference numerals as in Figure 2 , and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0059] As illustrated in Figure 4 , the bias supply circuit 120 includes a bias power supply 121, an operational amplifier 122, a switching switch 123, and a resistor 124.

[0060] The bias power supply 121 is a power supply for supplying a bias voltage Vs to the bias line 114.

[0061] The operational amplifier 122 amplifies a difference between an input voltage from the bias power supply 121 and the bias voltage Vs (a bias voltage Vs varied as illustrated in Figure 3 ) that the bias supply circuit 120 is supplying to the bias line 114, and then outputs the amplified difference to the signal processing unit 150 to use the difference for the radiographic imaging mentioned above to perform the automatic detection control. Further, in the bias supply circuit 120 illustrated in Figure 4 , the output of the operational amplifier 122 is fed back to its inverting input terminal.

[0062] In the first example embodiment, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 determines whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC) based on the above-mentioned command and parameters input from the control device 310 via the communication unit 170 and the communication control device 220. The imaging apparatus control unit 160 that performs such determination is configured as a determination unit. Then, if the imaging apparatus control unit 160 has determined that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC), the imaging apparatus control unit 160 transmits a switching control signal (for example, a signal at a high level) for switching to the side connected with the resistor 124 to the switching switch 123. On the other hand, if the imaging apparatus control unit 160 has determined that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is not radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC), the imaging apparatus control unit 160 transmits a switching control signal (for example, a signal at a low level) for switching to the side not connected with the resistor 124 to the switching switch 123. Specifically, in the first example embodiment, examples of radiographic imaging that does not perform automatic exposure control (AEC) include the above-mentioned radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control. Therefore, in the first example embodiment, the following configuration can also be employed: the imaging apparatus control unit 160 determines whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control (or whether it is not radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC)) based on the above-mentioned command and parameters input from the control device 310.

[0063] The switch 123 switches whether to be connected to the resistor 124 according to a switching control signal received from the imaging device control unit 160. When a switching control signal for switching to the side connected with the resistor 124 has been received from the imaging device control unit 160, the switch 123 switches the switch to the first resistance value 401 side where the resistor 124 exists. Therefore, in a case where the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed, the switch 123 switches the switch to the first resistance value 401 side where the resistor 124 exists. On the other hand, when a switching control signal for switching to the side not connected with the resistor 124 has been received from the imaging device control unit 160, the switch 123 switches the switch to the second resistance value 402 side where the resistor 124 does not exist. Therefore, in a case where the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is not performed (radiographic imaging in which automatic detection control is performed in the first exemplary embodiment, mentioned above), the switch 123 switches the switch to the second resistance value 402 side where the resistor 124 does not exist. Here, the first resistance value 401 is a resistance value existing between the bias power supply 121 and the bias line 114, and is merely an example, a resistance value in a range of 0.25 ohm (Ω) to 0.75 Ω. Further, the second resistance value 402 is a resistance value existing between the bias power supply 121 and the bias line 114, and is merely an example, a resistance value in a range of 0.0 ohm (Ω) to 0.1 Ω. Therefore, the first resistance value 401 is larger than the second resistance value 402. Here, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 is described as follows. First, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 in a case where radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed (in a case where the switch 123 is switched to the first resistance value 401 side) is referred to as "first output impedance". Further, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 in a case where radiographic imaging in which automatic detection control is performed (in a case where the switch 123 is switched to the second resistance value 402 side) is referred to as "second output impedance". In this case, the first output impedance is larger than the second output impedance.

[0064] As mentioned above, when it has been determined that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 transmits a switching control signal for switching to the side connected with the resistor 124 to the switching switch 123. Then, when the switching control signal for switching to the side connected with the resistor 124 has been received from the imaging apparatus control unit 160, the switching switch 123 switches the switch to the first resistance value 401 side in which the resistor 124 is present. In the first exemplary embodiment, in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed, setting the resistance value inside the bias voltage supply circuit 120 to the first resistance value 401 which is larger than the second resistance value 402 makes it possible to reduce the influence exerted on the bias voltage Vs when the image signal has been read out from each pixel. With this setting, as Figure 3 As indicated in the bias voltage Vs (improved) illustrated in FIG. 6, the variation range of the bias voltage Vs becomes smaller compared with the variation range of the bias voltage Vs (improved), and, with this change, as Figure 3 As indicated in the output signal Sig (improved) illustrated in FIG. 6, the influence to be exerted on the output signal Sig also becomes smaller compared with the influence exerted on the output signal Sig (improved). Therefore, as Figure 3 As indicated in the output signal Sig (improved) illustrated in FIG. 6, the level difference of the output signal Sig becomes smaller compared with the level difference of the output signal Sig (improved), and thus it is possible to prevent or reduce the artifacts that can occur in the radiographic image in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed. Regarding the description on the output impedance of the bias voltage supply circuit 120, the output impedance of the bias voltage supply circuit 120 differs depending on whether or not the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed. Specifically, in the first exemplary embodiment, in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed, the output impedance of the bias voltage supply circuit 120 becomes larger compared with the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is not performed (in the first exemplary embodiment, in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic detection control is performed). In view of the output impedance of the bias voltage supply circuit 120, it is also possible to prevent or reduce the artifacts that can occur in the radiographic image in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed, and thus it is possible to perform appropriate radiographic imaging.

[0065] On the other hand, in the case of the above-mentioned radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control, different from the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic exposure control (AEC), if the resistance value inside the bias supply circuit 120 is made large, the current flowing through the bias supply circuit 120 becomes small, so that the sensitivity for detecting the irradiation of the radiation R can decrease. Such decrease in the detection sensitivity of the irradiation of the radiation R becomes a factor for causing the false detection of the irradiation of the radiation R. Therefore, in the first example embodiment, in the case of the radiographic imaging that does not perform the automatic exposure control (AEC) (in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control), the resistance value inside the bias supply circuit 120 is set to the second resistance value 402 that is smaller than the first resistance value 401. This makes it possible to increase the detection sensitivity of the irradiation of the radiation R in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control. Regarding the description on the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 differs depending on whether or not the imaging mode for the radiographic imaging is the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control. Specifically, in the first example embodiment, in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 is made smaller than in the case of the radiographic imaging that does not perform the automatic detection control (in the first example embodiment, in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic exposure control (AEC)). In view of the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120, it is also possible to prevent or reduce the decrease in the detection sensitivity of the irradiation of the radiation R in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control, so that it is possible to perform appropriate radiographic imaging. Further, in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control, in order to prevent or reduce the artifacts that can occur in the radiographic image, it is also advantageous to make the resistance value inside the bias supply circuit 120 large (make the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 large) at the time of generation of the radiographic image. Therefore, in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control, in order to increase the detection sensitivity of the irradiation of the radiation R, the resistance value inside the bias supply circuit 120 is made small, but during the period in which the readout of the image signal is being performed, the resistance value can be changed to be made large. Regarding the description on the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120, in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 is made small, but during the period in which the readout of the image signal is being performed, the output impedance can be changed to be made large. In this case, for example, even in the case of the radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control, during the period in which the readout of the image signal from the pixel array is being performed, the imaging device control unit 160 transmits the switching control signal for switching to the side connected with the resistor 124 to the switching switch 123.

[0066] Further, in view of the influence of the resistance value of the switching switch 123 itself, it is advantageous for the switching switch 123 to be used to be a field effect transistor (FET) having a low on-resistance. Further, the resistor 124 can be implemented by a variable resistor.

[0067] In the above-described radiation imaging apparatus 100, the radiation detector 110 includes a pixel array including a plurality of pixels 111 to 113 that acquire an electric signal corresponding to the incident radiation R and that include a detection pixel 112 that detects a dose of the radiation R as an electric signal. Further, a bias line 114 is located between the bias power supply 121 and the plurality of pixels 111 to 113, and is configured as a large number of conductive lines that supply a bias voltage Vs from the bias power supply 121 to the plurality of pixels 111 to 113. Then, in a case where radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC) based on the dose of the radiation R detected by the detection pixel 112 is performed, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 controls the switching switch 123 to provide the resistor 124 between the bias power supply 121 and the bias line 114.

[0068] According to this configuration, in a case where radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed, it is possible to prevent or reduce artifacts that can occur in a radiographic image based on the electric signal read out from each pixel, thus making it possible to perform appropriate radiographic imaging.

[0069] Further, in a case where radiographic imaging that does not perform automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed (i.e., in a case where radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control is performed), the imaging apparatus control unit 160 controls the switching switch 123 to not provide the resistor 124 between the bias power supply 121 and the bias line 114.

[0070] According to this configuration, in a case where radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control is performed, it is possible to prevent or reduce a decrease in the detection sensitivity of the irradiation of the radiation R (it is possible to maintain the detection sensitivity at a high level), thus making it possible to perform appropriate radiographic imaging.

[0071] Although a configuration that switches different resistance values by the switching switch 123 is illustrated in Figure 4 , a configuration that switches different bias voltage output values instead of switching resistance values can also be applied to aspects of the embodiment. Figure 5 is a view that illustrates an internal configuration of the bias supply circuit 120 illustrated in Figure 2 in accordance with a first example embodiment. Figure 5 in Figure 2 and Figure 4 constituent elements similar to the constituent elements illustrated in Figure 2 andFigure 4 The same reference numerals as those in the figure are used for the corresponding reference numerals, and their detailed description is omitted here. Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the bias supply circuit 120 includes a bias power supply 121, a switching switch 123, a first bias voltage output circuit 125, and a second bias voltage output circuit 126. The first bias voltage value output from the first bias voltage output circuit 125 and the second bias voltage value output from the second bias voltage output circuit 126 are different bias voltage values, respectively. Therefore, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 is different between the case where the switching switch 123 performs switching to the first bias voltage output circuit 125 side and the case where the switching switch 123 performs switching to the second bias voltage output circuit 126 side. Examples of generating different output impedance values ​​in the bias supply circuit 120 include, for example, adding a capacitor, adjusting the capacitance of the capacitor, using an operational amplifier having respective different properties, and adding a configuration of an operational amplifier. In view of the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120, as Figure 5 The case where the switching switch 123 shown in FIG. 1 performs switching to the first bias voltage output circuit 125 side corresponds to, for example, Figure 4 The switch 123 shown in FIG performs switching to the first resistance value 401 side. Similarly, considering the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The case where the switching switch 123 shown in FIG. 1 performs switching to the second bias voltage output circuit 126 side corresponds to, for example, Figure 4 The switching switch 123 shown in the figure switches to the second resistance value 402 side. Here, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 in the case of radiographic imaging with automatic exposure control (AEC) (when the switching switch 123 is switched to the first bias voltage output circuit 125 side) is referred to as the "first output impedance". In addition, the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120 in the case of radiographic imaging with automatic detection control (when the switching switch 123 is switched to the second bias voltage output circuit 126 side) is referred to as the "second output impedance". In this case, the first output impedance is greater than the second output impedance. Given the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120, in the case of radiographic imaging with automatic exposure control (AEC), artifacts that may appear in the radiographic image can be prevented or reduced, thereby enabling appropriate radiographic imaging to be performed. In addition, given the output impedance of the bias supply circuit 120, in the case of radiographic imaging with automatic detection control, a decrease in the detection sensitivity of irradiation of radiation R can be prevented or reduced, thereby enabling appropriate radiographic imaging to be performed.

[0072] Next, a second exemplary embodiment will be described. Also, in the following description of the second embodiment, details that are the same as those in the above-described first exemplary embodiment are omitted from the description here, and only details that are different from those in the above-described first exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0073] The outline configuration of the radiological imaging system according to the second exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the radiological imaging system 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 the above-described first exemplary embodiment. Further, the outline configuration of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 according to the second exemplary embodiment is similar to that of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 according to the first exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 the above-described first exemplary embodiment.

[0074] In the above-described first exemplary embodiment, the configuration in which the resistance value inside the bias supply circuit 120 is switched based on the set imaging mode has been described. In the second exemplary embodiment, the configuration in which the resistance value inside the bias supply circuit 120 is switched based on whether or not there is synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating device 230 will be described. In the second exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that there is synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating device 230 in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed. On the other hand, in the second exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that there is no synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating device 230 in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is not performed and automatic detection control is performed.

[0075] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in the control method of the radiological imaging system 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 6 illustrates an example of each processing operation performed inside the radiological imaging apparatus 100, the radiological generating device 230, and the control device 310 and the communication processing operation performed between the radiological imaging apparatus 100, the radiological generating device 230, and the control device 310 in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed. Figure 1

[0076] First, in step S501 illustrated in Figure 6 the above-described first exemplary embodiment, the communication unit 170 of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 receives a command of an imaging preparation request from the control device 310.

[0077] ​Next, in step S502, the imaging device control unit 160 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 performs various imaging preparation operations. In this case, the various imaging preparation operations include acquisition processing of correction data for correction of removal of an offset noise component at the time of performing radiation photographing imaging of which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed and processing for resetting each pixel by sequentially sending a drive signal to the drive line 115.

[0078] Next, in step S503, the communication unit 170 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 sends a notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) to the radiation generating apparatus 230 to check whether or not synchronous communication is available.

[0079] Next, in step S504, the radiation generating apparatus 230 determines whether or not the notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) has been received from the radiation imaging apparatus 100. If it is determined that the notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) has not been received from the radiation imaging apparatus 100 (NO in step S504), the radiation generating apparatus 230 waits in step S504 until the notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) has been received from the radiation imaging apparatus 100.

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) has been received from the radiation imaging apparatus 100 (YES in step S504), the radiation generating apparatus 230 advances the processing to step S505.

[0081] In step S505, the radiation generating apparatus 230 sends a notification signal indicating that the notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) has been received to the radiation imaging apparatus 100.

[0082] Next, in step S506, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 determines whether or not the notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) has been received from the radiation generating apparatus 230. If it is determined that the notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) has not been received from the radiation generating apparatus 230 (NO in step S506), the radiation imaging apparatus 100 returns the processing to step S503, and then the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the radiation generating apparatus 230 again perform the processing operations in step S503 and the subsequent steps.

[0083] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the notification signal related to automatic exposure control (AEC) has been received from the radiation generating apparatus 230 (YES in step S506), the radiation imaging apparatus 100 advances the processing to step S507.

[0084] In step S507, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 sends a switching control signal for switching to the side connected with the resistor 124 illustrated in FIG. 4 to the switching switch 123 in preparation for performing radiographic imaging of the automatic exposure control (AEC). Then, when having received the switching control signal for switching to the side connected with the resistor 124 from the imaging apparatus control unit 160, the switching switch 123 switches the switch to the side where the first resistance value 401 of the resistor 124 illustrated in FIG. 4 exists. Figure 4 Figure 4

[0085] Next, in step S508, the communication unit 170 of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 outputs (sends) an irradiation enable signal of the radiological R to the radiological generating apparatus 230.

[0086] Then, after receiving the irradiation enable signal of the radiological R from the radiological imaging apparatus 100, next, in step S509, the radiological generating apparatus 230 causes the radiological source 240 to start irradiating the radiological R toward the subject H and the radiological imaging apparatus 100.

[0087] Further, after the radiological imaging apparatus 100 sends the irradiation enable signal of the radiological R to the radiological generating apparatus 230, next, in step S510, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 starts the automatic exposure control (AEC) operation.

[0088] Next, in step S511, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 determines whether or not the irradiation dose of the radiological R detected by the detection pixel 112 of the radiological detector 110 has reached the threshold value. If it is determined that the irradiation dose of the radiological R detected by the detection pixel 112 of the radiological detector 110 has not reached the threshold value (NO in step S511), the radiological imaging apparatus 100 returns the processing to step S510, and then, the radiological imaging apparatus 100 executes the processing operation in step S510 and the subsequent steps again.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S511 that the irradiation dose of the radiological R detected by the detection pixel 112 of the radiological detector 110 has reached the threshold value (YES in step S511), the radiological imaging apparatus 100 advances the processing to step S512.

[0090] In step S512, the communication unit 170 of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 outputs (sends) an irradiation stop signal of the radiological R to the radiological generating apparatus 230.

[0091] ​​Then, upon receiving the irradiation stop signal of the radiation R from the radiation imaging apparatus 100, next, in step S513, the radiation generating device 230 causes the radiation source 240 to stop irradiating the radiation R.

[0092] Further, after the radiation imaging apparatus 100 transmits the irradiation stop signal of the radiation R to the radiation generating device 230, next, in step S514, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 performs an imaging operation on the subject H by the imaging pixels 111 of the radiation detector 110.

[0093] Next, in step S515, the communication unit 170 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 transmits the radiograph image of the subject H obtained by the imaging operation in step S514 to the control device 310.

[0094] Next, in step S516, the control device 310 determines whether or not the radiograph image of the subject H obtained by the imaging operation in step S514 has been received from the radiation imaging apparatus 100. If it is determined that the radiograph image of the subject H obtained by the imaging operation in step S514 has not been received from the radiation imaging apparatus 100 (NO in step S516), the control device 310 waits until the radiograph image of the subject H is received in step S516.

[0095] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S516 that the radiograph image of the subject H obtained by the imaging operation in step S514 has been received from the radiation imaging apparatus 100 (YES in step S516), the control device 310 causes the process to proceed to step S517.

[0096] In step S517, the control device 310 transmits a notification signal indicating that the radiograph image of the subject H has been received to the radiation imaging apparatus 100. Then, after the process operation in step S517 is completed, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 ends the process illustrated in the flowchart. Figure 6

[0097] ​In the second example embodiment, in a case where there is synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating apparatus 230, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 determines that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC). Further, in a case where there is no synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating apparatus 230, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 determines that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is not radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC), but is, for example, radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control. For example, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 can determine whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC) by detecting that a synchronous communication cable for performing synchronous communication is inserted into or taken out of the wired communication unit 103 of the radiological imaging apparatus 100 as the communication cable 201. Further, in the second example embodiment, the synchronous communication is communication of at least one of an irradiation enable signal of the radiological R, an irradiation start signal of the radiological R, and an irradiation stop signal of the radiological R. Further, in the second example embodiment, the synchronous communication is not limited to communication of these signals, and can be checked by, for example, checking a response to a ping command.

[0098] In the second example embodiment, in a case where there is synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating apparatus 230, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 determines that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC). Then, in a case where there is synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating apparatus 230, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 controls the switching switch 123 to switch the switch to the first resistance value 401 side of the resistor 124 illustrated in FIG. 4. Figure 4 On the other hand, in a case where there is no synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating apparatus 230, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 determines that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is not radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC), but is, for example, radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control. Then, in a case where there is no synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating apparatus 230, the imaging apparatus control unit 160 controls the switching switch 123 to switch the switch to the second resistance value 402 side of the resistor 124 illustrated in FIG. 4. Figure 4

[0099] In this way, the second example embodiment is configured to determine whether to provide the resistor 124 between the bias power supply 121 and the bias line 114 based on whether there is synchronous communication between the radiological imaging apparatus 100 and the radiological generating apparatus 230. ​

[0100] According to this configuration, as in the first exemplary embodiment described above, in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control (AEC) is performed, artifacts that may appear in the radiographic image based on the electrical signals read out from each pixel can be prevented or reduced, thereby enabling appropriate radiographic imaging to be performed. In addition, in the case of radiographic imaging in which automatic detection control is performed, a decrease in the detection sensitivity of irradiation of radiation R can be prevented or reduced (the detection sensitivity can be maintained at a high level), thereby enabling appropriate radiographic imaging to be performed. In addition, although the use of the second exemplary embodiment has been described, Figure 4 The example of the bias supply circuit 120 shown in FIG, but using Figure 5 The configuration of the bias supply circuit 120 illustrated in FIG can be applied to the second exemplary embodiment. When this configuration is adopted, the switch 123 is switched to the bias supply circuit 120 in the presence of Figure 4 The case of the first resistance value 401 side of the resistor 124 shown in FIG corresponds to the case of switching the switch 123 to Figure 5 In addition, the switch 123 is switched to the state where there is no bias voltage output circuit 125. Figure 4 The case of the second resistance value 402 side of the resistor 124 shown in FIG corresponds to the case of switching the switch 123 to Figure 5 The situation on the second bias voltage output circuit 126 side is shown in FIG.

[0101] Furthermore, in the second exemplary embodiment, the processing operations performed after the radiation imaging apparatus 100 receives the imaging preparation request in step S501 and the processing operations performed after the radiation imaging apparatus 100 receives the AEC communication reception notification in step S505 are not limited to the following. Figure 6 The processing operations illustrated in the figure are not limited to the processing operations illustrated in the figure, but may be appropriately changed. In addition, in the case of adopting a configuration of the radiation imaging system 10 in which a relay unit is connected between the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the radiation generating device 230, it is possible to determine whether the above-mentioned synchronous communication exists by checking the synchronous communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the relay unit. In this case, since the relay unit may not be compatible with radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC), it is advantageous to simultaneously perform a check as to whether the relay unit is compatible with radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control (AEC).

[0102] In addition, each of the above-described exemplary embodiments disclosed is merely an example of a specific embodiment when implementing the disclosure, and the technical scope of the disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to such exemplary embodiments. Therefore, aspects of the embodiments can be implemented in various ways without departing from the technical ideas or main characteristics thereof.

[0103] The disclosure of the above exemplary embodiments includes the following configurations, methods, and storage media.

[0104] <Configuration 1>

[0105] A radiation imaging apparatus includes:

[0106] a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire an electric signal corresponding to an incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including a detection pixel configured to detect a dose of the radiation as the electric signal; and

[0107] a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels,

[0108] wherein an output impedance of the bias supply circuit is different according to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which an automatic exposure control is performed, the automatic exposure control being based on the dose of the radiation detected by the detection pixel.

[0109] <Configuration 2>

[0110] A radiation imaging apparatus includes:

[0111] a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire an electric signal corresponding to an incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including a detection pixel configured to detect a dose of the radiation as the electric signal; and

[0112] a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels,

[0113] wherein an output impedance of the bias supply circuit is different according to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which an automatic detection control is performed, the automatic detection control automatically detecting an irradiation of the radiation to the pixel array.

[0114] <Configuration 3>

[0115] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Configuration 2, wherein the output impedance of the bias supply circuit is different according to whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed and whether a readout of the electric signal from the pixel is in progress.

[0116] <Configuration 4>

[0117] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Configuration 2 or 3, further comprising a switching unit configured to switch an output impedance of the bias supply circuit according to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed and whether readout of the electric signal from the pixel is in progress.

[0118] <Configuration 5>

[0119] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Configuration 1, wherein when an output impedance of the bias supply circuit in a case where an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed is referred to as a first output impedance, and an output impedance of the bias supply circuit in a case where an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed is referred to as a second output impedance, the first output impedance is greater than the second output impedance, the automatic detection control automatically detects irradiation of the pixel array with radiation.

[0120] <Configuration 6>

[0121] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Configuration 1, further comprising a switching unit configured to switch an output impedance of the bias supply circuit according to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed or radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed, the automatic detection control automatically detecting irradiation of the pixel array with radiation.

[0122] <Configuration 7>

[0123] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Configuration 6, further comprising a determination unit configured to perform determination as to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed or radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed,

[0124] wherein the switching unit switches an output impedance of the bias supply circuit based on a result of the determination performed by the determination unit.

[0125] <Configuration 8>

[0126] The radiation imaging apparatus according to Configuration 7, wherein the determination unit performs determination as to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed or radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed based on a command or a parameter input from a control device connected to the radiation imaging apparatus in a manner capable of communicating with the radiation imaging apparatus.

[0127] <Configuration 9>

[0128] The radiographic imaging apparatus according to the configuration 8, wherein the command is a command indicating on / off of the function of the automatic exposure control or a command indicating an imaging mode for radiographic imaging.

[0129] <Configuration 10>

[0130] The radiographic imaging apparatus according to the configuration 9, wherein the command indicating off of the function of the automatic exposure control is a command indicating on of the function of the automatic detection control.

[0131] <Configuration 11>

[0132] The radiographic imaging apparatus according to any one of the configurations 8 to 10, wherein the parameter includes at least one of a selected region in a region of interest of the pixel array used in the function of the automatic exposure control, a threshold value of a dose of radiation, an arithmetic operation method when a plurality of regions of interest each corresponding to the region of interest are used, a sensitivity correction value, a concentration correction value, and a sensor rotation angle.

[0133] <Configuration 12>

[0134] The radiographic imaging apparatus according to any one of the configurations 8 to 10, wherein the parameter includes at least one of a detection sensitivity and a detection threshold value of the function of the automatic detection control.

[0135] <Configuration 13>

[0136] The radiographic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 10,

[0137] wherein, in a case where there is synchronous communication between the radiographic imaging apparatus and a radiation generating apparatus that generates radiation, the determination unit determines that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed, and

[0138] wherein, in a case where there is no synchronous communication between the radiographic imaging apparatus and the radiation generating apparatus, the determination unit determines that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed.

[0139] <Configuration 14>

[0140] The radiographic imaging apparatus according to the configuration 13, wherein the synchronous communication is communication of at least one of an irradiation enable signal of radiation, a radiation start signal of radiation, and an irradiation stop signal of radiation.

[0141] <Configuration 15>

[0142] The radiological imaging apparatus according to the configuration 13 or 14, wherein the determination unit determines whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is the radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed or the radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed, by detecting insertion or extraction of a synchronization communication cable for performing the synchronization communication into or from the radiological imaging apparatus.

[0143] <Method 1>

[0144] A control method for a radiological imaging apparatus including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire an electric signal corresponding to an incident radiological line and a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels including a detection pixel configured to detect a dose of a radiological line as the electric signal, the control method including:

[0145] performing control to make an output impedance of the bias supply circuit different according to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control based on a dose of a radiological line detected by the detection pixel is performed.

[0146] <Method 2>

[0147] A control method for a radiological imaging apparatus including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire an electric signal corresponding to an incident radiological line and a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels including a detection pixel configured to detect a dose of a radiological line as the electric signal, the control method including:

[0148] performing control to make an output impedance of the bias supply circuit different according to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic detection control that automatically detects irradiation of a radiological line to the pixel array is performed.

[0149] <Storage Medium 1>

[0150] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a control method for a radiographic imaging apparatus including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire an electric signal corresponding to an incident radiograph, the plurality of pixels including a detection pixel configured to detect a dose of a radiograph as the electric signal, and a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, the control method including:

[0151] performing control to cause an output impedance of the bias supply circuit to differ depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control based on a dose of a radiograph detected by the detection pixel is performed.

[0152] <Storage medium 2>

[0153] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a control method for a radiographic imaging apparatus including a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire an electric signal corresponding to an incident radiograph, the plurality of pixels including a detection pixel configured to detect a dose of a radiograph as the electric signal, and a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, the control method including:

[0154] performing control to cause an output impedance of the bias supply circuit to differ depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic detection control that automatically detects irradiation of the pixel array with a radiograph is performed.

[0155] Other embodiments

[0156] The disclosed embodiment(s) can also be implemented by a computer of a system or apparatus reading and executing, for example, computer-executable instructions (for example, one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which can also be more completely referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform the functions of one or more of the disclosed embodiments and / or including one or more circuits (for example, application specific integrated circuits) adapted to perform the functions of one or more of the disclosed embodiments, as well as by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus when reading and executing the computer-executable instructions. The computer can include one or more processors (for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU)) and can include separate computers or networks of separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may, for example, be provided from a network or a storage medium to the computer. The storage medium can include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a Blu-ray Disc (BD)®), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. TM

[0157] Other embodiments

[0158] Embodiments of the present application can also be implemented by a method of providing software (a program) that performs the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus through a network or various storage media and a method of reading and executing the program by a computer or a central processing unit (CPU), a micro processing unit (MPU) of the system or apparatus.

[0159] Although the disclosure has been described with reference to the example embodiments, it is understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed example embodiments. The scope of the appended claims will be given the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.​

Claims

1. A device comprising: a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire a signal corresponding to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including detection pixels configured to detect a dose of radiation as a signal; as well as a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, wherein the output impedance of the bias supply circuit differs depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic exposure control based on a dose of radiation detected by the detection pixels.

2. A device comprising: a pixel array including a plurality of pixels configured to acquire a signal corresponding to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including detection pixels configured to detect a dose of radiation as a signal; as well as a bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, wherein the output impedance of the bias supply circuit differs depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control that automatically detects irradiation of radiation to the pixel array.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein The output impedance of the bias supply circuit differs depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed and whether readout of signals from pixels is in progress.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 further includes a switching unit configured to switch the output impedance of the bias supply circuit according to whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed and whether readout of a signal from a pixel is in progress.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein When the output impedance of the bias supply circuit in the case where the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs the automatic exposure control is referred to as the first output impedance, and the output impedance of the bias supply circuit in the case where the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control is referred to as the second output impedance, the first output impedance is greater than the second output impedance, and the automatic detection control automatically detects the irradiation of radiation to the pixel array.

6. The device according to claim 1 further includes a switching unit, which is configured to switch the output impedance of the bias supply circuit according to whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs the automatic exposure control or radiographic imaging that performs automatic detection control, wherein the automatic detection control automatically detects the irradiation of radiation to the pixel array.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a determination unit configured to perform determination as to whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed or radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed, in, The switching unit switches the output impedance of the bias supply circuit based on a result of the determination performed by the determination unit.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein The determination unit performs a determination as to whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging that performs the automatic exposure control or radiographic imaging that performs the automatic detection control based on a command or parameter input from a control device connected to the device in a manner capable of communicating with the device.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein The command is a command instructing on / off of the function of the automatic exposure control or a command instructing an imaging mode for radiographic imaging.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein The command for instructing to turn off the automatic exposure control function is a command for instructing to turn on the automatic detection control function.

11. The device according to claim 8, wherein The parameters include at least one of: a selected area among the areas of interest of the pixel array used in the function of the automatic exposure control, a threshold value for the dose of radiation, an arithmetic operation method when using multiple areas of interest each corresponding to the area of ​​interest, a sensitivity correction value, a concentration correction value, and a sensor rotation angle.

12. The device according to claim 8, wherein The parameter includes at least one of a detection sensitivity and a detection threshold of a function of the automatic detection control.

13. The device according to claim 7, in, The determination unit determines that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic exposure control is performed, in a case where synchronous communication exists between the apparatus and a radiation generating device that causes radiation to be generated, and wherein, in a case where there is no synchronous communication between the apparatus and the radiation generating device, the determination unit determines that the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which the automatic detection control is performed.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The synchronous communication is communication for at least one of an irradiation enable signal of radiation, an irradiation start signal of radiation, and an irradiation stop signal of radiation.

15. The device according to claim 13, wherein The determination unit determines whether the imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging performing the automatic exposure control or radiographic imaging performing the automatic detection control by detecting that a synchronous communication cable for performing the synchronous communication is inserted into or removed from the apparatus.

16. A method for an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a pixel array and a bias supply circuit, the pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels configured to acquire signals corresponding to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including detection pixels configured to detect a dose of radiation as a signal, the bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, the method comprising: Control is performed such that the output impedance of the bias supply circuit differs depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control is performed based on a dose of radiation detected by the detection pixels.

17. A method for an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a pixel array and a bias supply circuit, the pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels configured to acquire signals corresponding to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including detection pixels configured to detect a dose of radiation as a signal, the bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, the method comprising: Control is performed such that the output impedance of the bias supply circuit differs depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic detection control is performed that automatically detects irradiation of radiation to the pixel array.

18. A computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to perform a method for an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a pixel array and a bias supply circuit, the pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels configured to acquire signals corresponding to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including detection pixels configured to detect a dose of radiation as a signal, the bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, the method comprising: Control is performed such that the output impedance of the bias supply circuit differs depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic exposure control is performed based on a dose of radiation detected by the detection pixels.

19. A computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute a control method for an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a pixel array and a bias supply circuit, the pixel array comprising a plurality of pixels configured to acquire signals corresponding to incident radiation, the plurality of pixels including detection pixels configured to detect a dose of radiation as a signal, the bias supply circuit configured to supply a bias voltage to the plurality of pixels, the control method comprising: Control is performed such that the output impedance of the bias supply circuit differs depending on whether an imaging mode for radiographic imaging is radiographic imaging in which automatic detection control is performed that automatically detects irradiation of radiation to the pixel array.

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