Radiographic system, radiographic apparatus and control apparatus

Abstract

To provide a system which allows an operator to easily grasp progress for the work that performs intended wireless setting between a wireless device of a radiographic system and a radiographic apparatus and which allows the operator to easily perform the work in a short restraint time.SOLUTION: In a radiographic system including a radiographic apparatus, a control apparatus controlling radiography and notification means, the radiographic apparatus comprises: a first wireless communication unit which transmits / receives an image via the first wireless communication with the control apparatus; and a second wireless communication unit which transmits / receives wireless information used in the first wireless communication via the second wireless communication with the control apparatus. The control apparatus causes the notification means to perform the first notification according to execution of prescribed processing in a period from the start of the second wireless communication to the completion of transmission / reception of the wireless information, and causes the notification means to perform the second notification according to the completion of the transmission / reception of the wireless information via the second wireless communication.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system, a radiation imaging apparatus, and a control apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Radiation imaging systems using radiation are well known in the medical field. With the digitalization of radiation imaging systems, systems have become widespread in which radiation is irradiated from the subject to a radiation imaging device, which generates a digital radiation image, and an imaging control device allows the image to be checked immediately after radiation imaging. This improves workflow compared to conventional film-based imaging methods, enabling imaging to be performed in a faster cycle.

[0003] In such a radiation imaging system, a device has been disclosed that wirelessly connects the radiation imaging device and the imaging control device, eliminating the installation restrictions imposed by cables on the radiation imaging device. To establish a wireless connection between these devices, the SSID (Service Set Identifier), authentication method, encryption type, encryption key, and other settings must be identical between the devices being connected. These settings are typically configured manually on both devices making the wireless connection, or by the push button method or PIN code method specified by WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).

[0004] However, manual setup requires input work and there is a risk of connection not being established due to a manual error. Similarly, the PIN code method requires input of a PIN code on the parent unit. Furthermore, the push button method requires operations that differ from the normal workflow of a radiography system, such as simultaneously pressing or touching the push buttons on both the parent and child units.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a means for performing wireless setting between a radiation imaging device and an imaging control device via a connection means using short-range wireless communication such as infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark), which has a communication range narrower than that of wireless communication, thereby eliminating the need for an operator to manually perform wireless setting. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-120885 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, when wireless settings are made via a connection means using short-range wireless communication, the operator is not notified of the progress of the processing, which means the operator has to wait while holding the radiation imaging device close to the imaging control device until the entire series of processing is completed, which results in a problem of the operator being tied up for a long time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem is solved by a radiation imaging system comprising: a radiation imaging device that performs radiation imaging based on radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device; a control device that has an access point and a communication device that wirelessly communicates with the radiation imaging device and controls the radiation imaging; and an alarm means that issues an alarm to an operator, wherein the radiation imaging device has a first wireless communication unit that transmits image data obtained by the radiation imaging to the control device via a first wireless communication with the access point, and a second wireless communication unit that transmits and receives wireless information used in the first wireless communication via a second wireless communication with the communication device, and the control device causes the alarm means to issue a first alarm in response to execution of a predetermined process between the start of the second wireless communication and the completion of transmission and reception of the wireless information, and causes the alarm means to issue a second alarm in response to completion of transmission and reception of the wireless information via the second wireless communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] At least one embodiment of the present invention enables an operator to easily grasp the progress of the task of wirelessly configuring the radiographic device with the intended wireless device of the radiographic system, and enables the task to be performed simply and with a short commitment of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation when determining a connection destination according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 shows an example of the arrangement of devices according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation in which an observer according to the first embodiment is a radiation imaging apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (First embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 6. First, an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram of Figure 1.

[0012] The radiation imaging system 100 includes a radiation imaging apparatus 101, an information processing apparatus 102, an access point 103, a communication device 104, a synchronization control apparatus 105, and a radiation generation apparatus 106.

[0013] The radiation imaging device 101 is a device that captures a radiation image based on radiation 107 that has passed through a subject H. This radiation imaging device 101 may be, for example, a portable radiation imaging device. The radiation imaging device 101 has, for example, a phosphor that converts radiation into light and a pixel array in which pixels that convert light into electric charges are arranged two-dimensionally, and converts incident radiation into electric charges. The converted electric charges are processed as image data and sent to an information processing device 102.

[0014] The information processing device 102 is a control device realized by known technology such as a general-purpose computer, and includes a display unit, an input unit, and a control unit. The information processing device 102 performs image processing for correction, storage, and display of image data received from the radiation imaging device 101. At this time, some or all of the image processing functions may be performed by the radiation imaging device 101.

[0015] The information processing device 102 also displays radiographic images to the operator and gives instructions for imaging via a display unit. The information processing device 102 also has a function that allows the operator to input instructions for imaging conditions via an input unit. The control unit of the information processing device 102 also has functions to compare the acquired signal strength with a threshold, respond to a connection request, and transmit information for communication via a wireless communication unit, such as wireless information, which will be described later.

[0016] The access point 103 is a device that relays radio waves for wirelessly exchanging information between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102. Although the access point 103 is connected to the information processing apparatus 102 via the synchronization control device 105 in FIG. 1, it may be directly connected to the information processing apparatus 102.

[0017] The communication device 104 is connected to the information processing device 102 and is a device that transmits and receives radio waves for wireless short-range communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the information processing device 102. For example, the communication device 104 is a dongle that is connected to the information processing device 102 via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. The communication device 104 is also a device that complies with at least one of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Basic Rate / Enhanced Data Rate (BR / EDR) standard and the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard.

[0018] Furthermore, the communication device 104 may be an RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​device that exchanges information from a tag with embedded ID information by short-range wireless communication using an electromagnetic field, radio waves, or the like. The RFID communication method may be either an electromagnetic induction method or a radio wave method. The communication device 104 may also have an access point function.

[0019] 1, an example in which the communication device 104 is connected to the information processing device 102 is shown, but this is not limiting. The communication device 104 may be connected to another device constituting the radiation imaging system 100, such as the radiation generation device 106. Furthermore, the communication device 104 may be substituted by a device that is pre-installed in the radiation imaging system 100.

[0020] A status notification device 109 is connected to the information processing device 102 as a means for notifying the operator. The status notification device 109 notifies the operator of the current status of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the completion of a specific process based on information about the radiation imaging apparatus 101 received from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 via the access point 103.

[0021] The status notification device 109 uses a light-emitting element such as an LED, and notifies the operator by previously associating a plurality of lighting patterns with the current status of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The status notification device 109 may also use a sound source such as a speaker, and in this case, notifies the operator by previously associating a buzzer sound pattern with the current status of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. These forms may also be used in combination.

[0022] Furthermore, although the example in which the status notification device 109 is connected to the information processing device 102 has been shown, it may be replaced by devices such as a display and a speaker provided in the information processing device 102.

[0023] The synchronization control device 105 has a circuit that mediates communication and monitors the status of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the radiation generation apparatus 106. For example, the synchronization control device 105 controls the irradiation of radiation 107 from the radiation generation apparatus 106 and controls the imaging of the subject H by the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The synchronization control device 105 may also include a built-in hub that connects multiple network devices.

[0024] The radiation generating device 106 has a radiation tube that accelerates electrons with a high voltage and causes them to collide with an anode in order to generate radiation 107 such as X-rays. Typically, X-rays are used as the radiation 107, but α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, or neutron rays may also be used.

[0025] The hospital LAN 108 is a local area network established within the hospital, and has the function of transmitting and receiving radiation images captured by the radiation imaging system 100 to and from various locations within the hospital.

[0026] 1, radiation 107 emitted from a radiation generating device 106 is irradiated onto a subject H, who is a patient. The radiation imaging device 101 generates a radiographic image based on the radiation 107 that has passed through the subject H.

[0027] The radiation imaging system 100 can perform imaging using synchronous imaging and asynchronous imaging. Synchronous imaging is an imaging method in which the timing of radiation irradiation and imaging is synchronized by exchanging electrical synchronization signals between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the radiation generation apparatus 106 via a synchronization control device 105.

[0028] On the other hand, asynchronous imaging is an imaging method in which the radiation imaging apparatus 101 starts imaging by detecting incidence of radiation, without exchanging electrical synchronization signals between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the radiation generation apparatus 106. In asynchronous imaging, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may transfer a radiation image for each imaging, or may store the captured image inside the radiation imaging apparatus 101 without transferring it for each imaging.

[0029] Furthermore, the radiation imaging system 100 can perform imaging under imaging conditions generally used in radiation imaging, such as fluoroscopic imaging, continuous imaging, still image imaging, DSA imaging, roadmap imaging, programmed imaging, tomography imaging, and tomosynthesis imaging.

[0030] In the radiation imaging system 100, various function settings are made, such as an imaging frame rate, a tube voltage, a tube current, a sensor readout area, a sensor drive binning setting, a collimator aperture setting, a radiation window width, and whether or not to store radiation images in the radiation imaging apparatus 101. In addition, in the radiation imaging system 100, function settings such as an automatic dose control setting (ADC: Auto Dose Control) and an automatic exposure control setting (AEC: Auto Exposure Control) may be made.

[0031] Next, an example of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The power button 11 is an operation unit (including devices, circuits, circuits described by programs, and other devices having this function) for instructing the start or stop of power supply to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The user prepares for imaging by operating this power button. The power button 11 is provided, for example, on the side of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, but it can be installed anywhere on any surface other than the radiation entrance surface.

[0032] The battery unit 4 supplies a predetermined voltage to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. For example, a lithium ion battery or an electric double layer capacitor is used as the battery unit 4. If power is constantly supplied to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 from the external power source 5, the battery unit 4 does not need to be installed.

[0033] The external power supply 5 supplies a predetermined voltage from outside the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The power supply method may be wired or contactless.

[0034] The notification unit 18 notifies the operator of the current state of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the completion of specific processing. As a means of notification, for example, an LED is used, which has a light-emitting function such as a lighting pattern, or a sound-producing function such as a speaker, and notification is given to the operator by linking any combination of these functions in advance with the current state of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The notification means may have either the light-emitting function or the sound-producing function, or both. The light-emitting function may be provided by multiple LEDs of different colors, or may have a display function capable of displaying numerical values ​​and images, such as a 7-segment LED or LCD screen.

[0035] The power supply control circuit unit 3 controls the power supply from the battery unit 4 or the external power source 5 to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 in accordance with the operation status of the power button 11, and monitors the remaining battery level of the battery unit 4. For example, the power supply control circuit unit 3 converts the voltage from the battery unit 4 or the external power source 5 to a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Furthermore, for example, when the external power source 5 is not connected to the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the power supply control circuit unit 3 switches between supplying and not supplying power from the battery unit 4 in accordance with the operation of the power button 11.

[0036] The radiation detection unit 20 detects the radiation 107 that has passed through the subject H as an image signal (electric charge). The radiation 107 that has passed through the subject H is incident on a phosphor included in the radiation detection unit 20 and is converted into light by the phosphor. This light is converted into an image signal (electric charge) by the photoelectric conversion elements 201 of a plurality of pixels 200 arranged in a two-dimensional array. The image signal (electric charge) is read out by the readout circuit 16 and the drive circuit 17.

[0037] When a certain row of pixels 200 is selected by a drive signal generated by the drive circuit 17, the switch elements 202 of the pixels 200 in that certain row are sequentially turned ON. Image signals (charges) accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements 201 of the pixels 200 in that certain row are output to signal lines connected to each pixel 200. The readout circuit 16 has a function of amplifying the image signals (charges) output to the signal lines, and sequentially reads out the image signals of the radiation detection unit 20.

[0038] The ADC 7 converts the analog image signal read out by the readout circuit 16 into a digital image signal and outputs it as a radiographic image to the control unit 14. In other words, the ADC 7 is an A / D conversion unit that converts the analog image signal read out by the readout circuit 16 into digital data.

[0039] The storage unit 15 stores the radiation image data output from the ADC 7, the system identifier, the threshold value for the signal strength between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the communication device 104, and the offset image. The storage unit 15 may also store a technician ID that is identification information of the technician corresponding to the generated image data, a patient ID that is identification information of the patient, imaging conditions including the imaging time, imaging dose, imaging body part, and number of images, and a transfer history of the radiation image data.

[0040] The storage unit 15 is a readable / writable device, and specifically, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is used. However, the storage unit 15 is not limited to this, and a volatile storage device such as an SDRAM may also be used. Furthermore, a removable device such as an SD card may also be used, and may be attachable to the information processing device 102 or the like.

[0041] The first wireless communication unit 2 communicates with the access point 103 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) and is used as a communication means for transmitting and receiving radiographic images and the like to and from the information processing device 102. It is also used as a communication means when the information processing device 102 controls radiography by the radiography device 101. A wireless communication module is set in the first wireless communication unit 2 in accordance with a medium used for communication with the information processing device 102, the synchronization control device 105, etc. The control unit 14 can set the transmission power of the wireless radio waves in the first wireless communication unit 2.

[0042] The first wireless communication unit 2 also holds information such as a data rate, a packet loss amount per unit time, a round trip time (RTT), a packet buffer occupancy rate, etc. The first wireless communication unit 2 also holds information such as a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and a signal to noise ratio (SNR) in wireless communication.

[0043] The second wireless communication unit 6 communicates with the communication device 104 via a wireless personal area network (PAN). The second wireless communication unit 6 uses a device that complies with at least one of the Bluetooth BR / EDR standard and the Bluetooth LE standard in accordance with the communication device 104 with which it communicates.

[0044] Furthermore, the second wireless communication unit 6 can transmit and receive wireless information required for wireless communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the information processing device 102 via the first wireless communication unit 2 by communicating with the communication device 104. Here, the wireless information refers to an identifier of the radiation imaging system 100, an SSID required for communication with the first wireless communication unit 2, an encryption key, etc. Furthermore, the second wireless communication unit 6 can set the transmission power of wireless radio waves using the control unit 14.

[0045] Furthermore, the second wireless communication unit 6 uses a wireless communication module that is compatible with a medium used for communication by the communication device 104 of the information processing device 102. For example, if the communication device 104 is a wireless communication module that complies with the BLE standard, the second wireless communication unit 6 also uses a wireless communication module that complies with the BLE standard.

[0046] The second wireless communication unit 6 also holds information such as the data rate, the amount of packet loss per unit time, the round trip time (RTT), the occupancy rate of the packet buffer, etc. The second wireless communication unit 6 can also hold information such as the RSSI and S / N ratio of the signal in the wireless communication.

[0047] The operation unit 12 may be used as a manual trigger for exchanging wireless information between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the communication device 104. For example, when the operation unit 12 is operated, it may be possible to send and receive an identifier of the radiation imaging system 100, an SSID to be set in the first wireless communication unit 2, an encryption key, etc. The operation unit 12 is provided, for example, on the side of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, but it may be installed anywhere other than on the radiation incident surface.

[0048] The control unit 14 switches permission for communication with external devices such as the communication device 104, and controls communication with external devices. When the second wireless communication unit 6 performs wireless communication, the control unit 14 transmits a packet based on the signal strength set from the second wireless communication unit 6 to the communication device 104. At this time, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may use the notification unit 18 to notify the operator that packet transmission has started.

[0049] On the other hand, the information processing device 102 determines whether to start a connection via the communication device 104 based on the signal strength when the packet is received and a signal strength threshold stored in advance in the information processing device 102 .

[0050] For example, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 transmits an identifier identifying the radiation imaging apparatus 101 in an advertising packet to be broadcast. The information processing apparatus 102 determines whether the identifier included in the advertising packet received via the communication device 104 matches a pre-stored identifier. The information processing apparatus 102 acquires the signal strength of the received advertising packet, and if the signal strength exceeds a threshold value of the signal strength pre-stored in the information processing apparatus 102, the information processing apparatus 102 starts a connection with the communication device 104.

[0051] At this time, the signal strength of the packet received by the communication device 104 attenuates as the distance from the second wireless communication unit 6 increases. Therefore, by setting the signal strength as a threshold, it is possible to start a connection only when the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 are closer than a certain distance.

[0052] The signal strength value of the received advertising packet may be compared with a threshold value by performing data processing such as averaging values ​​acquired multiple times or using a moving average value.Alternatively, an algorithm may be used that starts a connection when a specified number of advertising packets exceeding a threshold are received, or any combination of data processing and algorithms may be applied.

[0053] The communication device 104 determines whether the signal strength of the received packet is equal to or greater than a threshold value as a criterion for determining whether to transmit a connection request from the communication device 104. Therefore, until a connection is established, the operator needs to keep the second wireless communication unit 6 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the communication device 104 of the information processing apparatus 102 closer to each other than a certain distance so that the signal strength is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0054] When the information processing device 102 detects that a connection between the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 has been established, the information processing device 102 issues a first notification to the operator using the status notification device 109. After the connection has been established, the operator can freely move the radiation imaging apparatus 101 within the communication environment distance of the Bluetooth BR / EDR standard or the Bluetooth LE standard. Therefore, upon receiving this first notification, the operator can move the radiation imaging apparatus 101 from the vicinity of the communication device 104 and proceed to the next task without waiting for the completion of transmission and reception of communication settings related to the first wireless communication unit 2, which will be described later.

[0055] After starting the connection, the control unit 14 communicates a system identifier and communication settings (SSID and encryption key) related to the first wireless communication unit 2. When the transmission and reception of all settings has been completed successfully, or when an abnormality has occurred during the transmission and reception and the communication cannot be completed successfully, the information processing device 102 issues a second notification to the operator using the status notification device 109. At this time, it is preferable that the notification patterns of the status notification device 109 be such that it is easy to distinguish between normal completion and abnormal completion.

[0056] Furthermore, it is preferable that the notification methods of the first and second notifications by the status notification device 109 have different operation patterns so that the operator can easily distinguish between them. For example, by using a different operation pattern for at least one of the notification operations, such as the type of sound emitted or the light-emitting pattern or color of the LED, the operator can easily distinguish between the first and second notifications.

[0057] Next, if there is a difference between the newly set communication settings and the currently set communication settings, the control unit 14 controls the first wireless communication unit 2 to communicate with the access point 103 using the newly set communication settings.

[0058] At this time, the newly set communication settings may be stored in the storage unit 15. When communication is performed using the new communication settings, the notification unit 18 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be used to display the new communication settings to the operator. The system identifier may be information contained in an advertisement packet before connection or in a response (SCAN_RESP) packet when an active scan request (SCAN_REQ) is made.

[0059] Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100 until a connection is established between the first wireless communication unit 2 and the access point 103 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0060] Step 301: The radiation imaging apparatus 101 broadcasts information such as signal strength at regular intervals to start communication for exchanging communication setting information. The information processing apparatus 102 receives the broadcasted packets. The start of communication may be triggered by an operation of the operation unit 12 or by software control in the information processing apparatus 102.

[0061] At this time, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may set the transmission power of the second wireless communication unit 6 to low. Setting the transmission power to low makes it possible to prevent packets from reaching long distances and to limit the communication devices 104 that can receive the broadcast packets. Then, the operation of step 302 is performed.

[0062] Step 302: If the information included in the received advertising packet (the identifier of the radiation imaging apparatus 101) matches the pre-stored identifier, the information processing device 102 acquires the signal strength from the communication device 104. Then, the operation of step 303 is performed. If the information included in the received advertising packet does not match the pre-stored identifier, the process returns to step 301.

[0063] Step 303: The information processing device 102 determines whether the signal strength in the communication between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging device 101 exceeds a threshold value preset in the information processing device 102. If the information processing device 102 determines that the signal strength exceeds the threshold value, the operation of step 304 is performed. If the signal strength does not exceed the threshold value, the process returns to step 301.

[0064] Step 304: The communication device 104 initiates a connection with the second wireless communication unit 6. Subsequently, the operation of step 305 is performed.

[0065] Step 305: If the information processing device 102 detects that a connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 has been established, the operation of step 306 is subsequently performed. If the connection has not been established, the process returns to step 304.

[0066] Step 306: When the information processing device 102 detects that a connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 has been established, it causes the status notification device 109 to issue a first notification to the operator. Furthermore, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may increase the transmission power of the second wireless communication unit 6 when the connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 has been established. After the connection has been established, the stronger the signal strength, the higher the quality of the packets the communication device 104 can receive, with a higher S / N ratio, and therefore it becomes possible to stably send and receive parameters such as communication settings.

[0067] Step 307: The communication device 104 starts data communication using GATT (Generic Attribute Profile), which defines a data structuring method and an exchange method between applications. For example, the second wireless communication unit 6 is set to act as a client, and the communication device 104 is set to act as a server. Then, the operation of step 308 is performed.

[0068] Step 308: The communication device 104 performs communication settings (SSID and encryption key) in accordance with an appropriate protocol (e.g., ensuring that necessary information can be received in a predetermined order), and if communication is completed, step 309 is subsequently performed. If communication is not successful, step 307 is performed again.

[0069] The identifier UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) ​​for uniquely identifying a GATT service may be defined in advance by the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102, or may be configured to be negotiated during communication. Furthermore, the communication settings may include a wireless channel, an IP address of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, settings for the parent and child devices, an encryption method, an IP address of a synchronization control device, and the like, as needed. Also, the communication device 104 may communicate here instead of communicating the system identifier in step 302.

[0070] Step 309: When the communication is completed, the status notification device 109 issues a second notification to the operator.

[0071] Step 310: If there is a difference between the newly set communication settings and the currently set communication settings, the communication device 104 performs the operation of step 311. If there is no difference, the flow ends.

[0072] Step 311: The communication device 104 controls the first wireless communication unit 2 or the second wireless communication unit 6 to perform communication using the communication settings newly set in the steps up to this point. Then, the operation of step 312 is performed.

[0073] Step 312: The communication device 104 stores the newly set communication settings in the information processing device 102. This ends the flow.

[0074] Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100 until a connection is established between the first wireless communication unit 2 and the access point 103 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows an example of operation in which the radiation imaging device 101 is a broadcaster (advertiser) that broadcasts data, and the information processing device 102 is an observer (scanner) that monitors the data.

[0075] Step 401: After startup, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 acts as an advertiser that broadcasts an advertising packet to establish a connection with one of the multiple information processing apparatuses 102. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 transmits information including a system identifier to the communication device 104 via the second wireless communication unit 6. The transmission power and packet transmission cycle when transmitting can be set in advance.

[0076] At this time, the notification unit 18 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may display a message indicating that a connection with the information processing apparatus 102 is being established. For example, the notification unit 18 may be an LED, and the LED may flash to indicate that a connection with the information processing apparatus 102 is being established.

[0077] The communication device 104 behaves as a scanner that is ready to receive advertising packets. When the information processing device 102 recognizes that the communication device 104 is a party to connect to based on the system identifier received by the communication device 104 from the second wireless communication unit 6, it performs a determination of the signal strength based on a predetermined threshold. If it is determined that the signal strength exceeds the threshold, the operation of step 402 is performed next. If it is determined that the signal strength does not exceed the threshold, the operation of step 401 is performed again.

[0078] When the broadcast of the advertisement packet starts, a timeout period is set in the control unit 14 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. If the radiation imaging apparatus 101 does not determine that the identifiers of the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 match and exceed the threshold value within the timeout period from the start of the broadcast of the advertisement packet, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 stops broadcasting.

[0079] When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 stops broadcasting due to a timeout, the notification unit 18 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may display a message indicating that broadcasting of the advertising packet has been stopped. For example, the display unit may be configured with an LED, and the LED that was blinking may be turned off or blinked at a different cycle to indicate that broadcasting of the advertising packet has been stopped.

[0080] Furthermore, until it is determined that the identifiers of the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 match and exceed the threshold, the connection may be cancelled by operating the power button 11 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. In this case, as in the case of a timeout, the cancellation of the connection may be indicated by turning off the LED of the notification unit 18 or by blinking it at a different cycle.

[0081] Step 402: The communication device 104 transmits a connection request to the second wireless communication unit 6, followed by the operation of step 403. The transmission of the connection request may be performed by an operator using an input unit of the information processing device 102. When step 402 is performed, the communication device 104 is in an initiating state, which is a state in which a connection is started.

[0082] Furthermore, when the second wireless communication unit 6 receives a connection request from the communication device 104, a link timeout time is set in the control unit 14. If a connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 is not established by the link timeout time, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 notifies the information processing apparatus 102 that the connection has not been established.

[0083] Upon receiving the notification, the information processing device 102 cancels the establishment of the connection with the radiation imaging device 101. At this time, the notification unit 18 of the radiation imaging device 101 may display a message indicating that the establishment of the connection has been canceled. In this case, as in the case of a timeout, the LED that was flashing may be turned off or flashed at a different cycle to indicate that the connection has been canceled.

[0084] Step 403: The second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 enter a connected state. At this time, the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 may perform pairing, which involves sharing an encryption key, or may perform a mutual service search. Then, the operation of step 404 is performed. Also, once the connected state is entered, the state notification device 109 issues a first notification to the operator.

[0085] Step 404: The communication device 104 transmits the SSID of the access point 103 to the second wireless communication unit 6. For example, the SSID is a character string "X." The SSID is preferably encrypted, but does not necessarily have to be encrypted. Then, the operation of step 405 is performed.

[0086] Step 405: The communication device 104 transmits the encryption key (Key) of the access point 103 to the second wireless communication unit 6. For example, the Key is a string of characters "ABCDEFGH." It is preferable that the Key be encrypted, but it does not necessarily have to be encrypted. When the transmission and reception of all necessary settings has been completed, the status notification device 109 issues a second notification to the operator. Then, the operation of step 406 is performed.

[0087] Step 406: The communication device 104 is disconnected from the second wireless communication unit 6, and then the operation of step 407 is performed.

[0088] Step 407: The control unit 14 of the information processing device 102 controls the first wireless communication unit 2 to connect to the access point 103 using the communication settings received in steps 404 and 405. The access point 103 performs authentication using the new communication settings and establishes communication.

[0089] Next, a method of connecting the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102 when multiple information processing apparatuses 102 are nearby will be described using the example of arrangement of the apparatuses in Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the radiographic imaging apparatus 101 is a broadcaster (advertiser) that broadcasts data, and the information processing apparatus 102 is an observer (scanner) that monitors the data. Also, in Fig. 5, the radiographic rooms in which each apparatus is used are distinguished by the letter after the hyphen, such as the information processing apparatus used in radiographic room A being 102-A and the information processing apparatus used in radiographic room B being 102-B.

[0090] 3 and 4, consider a case where multiple communication devices 104 are in close proximity as shown in Fig. 5. When the radiation imaging apparatus 101-A acts as an advertiser that broadcasts an advertisement packet, both the communication device 104-A and the communication device 104-B are determined as devices to be connected to.

[0091] In this case, according to the BR / EDR or BLE standard, a connection is established with the communication device 104 that sent the connection request first, and the SSID and Key associated with the information processing device 102 are set in the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Therefore, there is a possibility that the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may connect to an unintended information processing apparatus 102.

[0092] In this embodiment, since a status notification device 109 is connected to each information processing device 102, the operator can easily recognize which status notification device 109 connected to which information processing device 102 the first or second notification was issued from. For example, even if the communication device 104-A of the information processing device 102-A to be connected is not operating normally and the information processing device 102-A is mistakenly connected to the communication device 104-B, the notification is made from the status notification device 109 in radiography room B. Therefore, the operator can easily recognize that the operator has been connected to the wrong device.

[0093] Alternatively, the radiographic imaging device 101 may be an observer (scanner) that monitors data, and the information processing device 102 may be a broadcaster (advertiser) that broadcasts data. An example of this case will be described below using the sequence diagram of Fig. 6. Note that the description of the same parts as those in the sequence diagram of Fig. 4 will be omitted.

[0094] Step 601: After startup, the information processing device 102 acts as an advertiser that broadcasts advertising packets, and uses the communication device 104 to transmit information including a device address to the second wireless communication unit 6. At this time, the transmission power and packet transmission period can be set in advance. The second wireless communication unit 6 acts as a scanner that is ready to receive advertising packets. Then, upon receiving the advertising packet, the second wireless communication unit 6 performs step 602 when it recognizes that the device address indicates a partner to connect to.

[0095] Step 602: If the data in the advertisement packet alone is insufficient for information, the second wireless communication unit 6 transmits a SCAN_REQ and performs step 603.

[0096] Step 603: Upon receiving SCAN_REQ, the communication device 104 transmits SCAN_RSP to the second wireless communication unit 6. The second wireless communication unit 6 receives SCAN_RSP, performs step 604, and enters an initiating state, which is a connection start state.

[0097] Steps 604 to 609: These are the same as steps 403 to 407, respectively.

[0098] As described above, in the present invention, the status notification device 109 connected to the information processing device 102 is used to issue a first notification when the connection between the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 is established. Then, a second notification is issued when transmission and reception of all settings is completed. This allows the operator to easily grasp the progress of the connection, and can be done easily and with a short commitment time.

[0099] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4 in that the notification unit 18 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is used as notification means for the first notification and the second notification.

[0100] When the connection between the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 is established, the notification unit 18 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 issues a first notification to the operator. The notification from the notification unit 18 may be performed by emitting light, making a sound, or the like, as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, it is difficult to enhance the functionality of the notification unit 18 in the radiation imaging apparatus 101 due to issues such as the space required for placement inside the device, and it is conceivable that the notification unit 18 may be configured with a single-color LED, a small LCD (liquid crystal display), or the like.

[0101] For example, when an LED is used, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of lighting patterns such as on, off, blinking cycle, and blinking count, and notify the operator in association with the first and second notifications. Also, when an LCD is used, there are size restrictions, so it is preferable to extract the minimum necessary information from the information notified by the status notification device 109 connected to the information processing device 102 as in the first embodiment, and notify the information on the LCD.

[0102] 5, it is preferable to be able to distinguish whether the information processing device 102-1 or 102-2 was the target that communicated the notification content of the notification unit 18. For example, by using a different notification pattern, such as a different notification sound or different LED color for each connected target, the operator can easily recognize that they have connected to the wrong target.

[0103] The above is a typical embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above and shown in the drawings, and can be practiced by making appropriate modifications within the scope that does not change the gist of the present invention.

[0104] 3, the first notification is made when the information processing device 102 detects that a connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 has been established in step 306, but this is not the only possible case. The first notification may be made in response to a predetermined process that occurs between the start of the connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 and the completion of the establishment of the connection.

[0105] For example, the first notification may be made at step 302, i.e., when the information processing device 102 detects that the identifier of the radiation imaging device 101 received by the information processing device 102 matches an identifier previously stored in the information processing device 102. Alternatively, the first notification may be made at step 303, i.e., when the information processing device 102 detects that the signal strength in communication between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging device 101 exceeds a threshold.

[0106] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that achieves the above-mentioned functions to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program.

[0107] Furthermore, various recording media can be used, such as flexible disks, optical disks (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memories (e.g., USB memories), ROMs, etc. Furthermore, the programs that implement the above-described functions may be downloaded via a network and executed by a computer.

[0108] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not limited to being realized only by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where an operating system (OS) running on a computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on instructions from the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0109] Furthermore, the program code read from the recording medium may be written to a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and the CPU or the like provided on the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the above-mentioned functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 100 Radiography System 101 Radiography equipment 102 Information processing equipment 103 Access Points 104 Communication Devices 109 Status Notification Device

Claims

1. A radiation imaging system that performs radiation imaging by detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device using a radiation imaging device, A notification unit that notifies a user; A first communication unit that complies with the BLE standard; a second communication unit that complies with the BLE standard and is provided in the radiation imaging apparatus; The notification unit issues a first notification upon start of a specified communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, and issues a second notification upon end of the specified communication.

2. The radiation imaging system described in Claim 1, characterized in that the specified communication is communication for obtaining connection information for connecting to a network used for the radiation imaging.

3. The radiography system described in Claim 1, characterized in that the specified communication is initiated based on the radio wave strength of the communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit satisfying a specified signal strength.

4. The radiography system of claim 1, characterized in that the first notification is a notification corresponding to the establishment of BLE standard communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

5. The radiation imaging system of claim 1, characterized in that the second notification is a notification corresponding to the radiation imaging device acquiring connection information for connecting to an access point via the first communication unit and the second communication unit.

6. The radiation imaging system as described in claim 1, characterized in that the alarm unit is provided in the radiation imaging device.

7. A control device for controlling the radiography, comprising: a control device connected to the first communication unit; The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit is provided in the control device.

8. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit is an illuminant that emits light.

9. The radiography system of claim 8, characterized in that the light-emitting element emits light in different patterns for the first alert and the second alert.

10. The radiography system according to claim 1, wherein the alarm unit is a sound source that emits sound.

11. The radiography system of claim 10, wherein the sound source emits sounds in different patterns for the first alarm and the second alarm.

12. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification unit is a display that displays information.

13. The radiography system of claim 12, characterized in that the display displays different information for the first notification and the second notification.

14. A radiation imaging apparatus for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device and performing radiation imaging, comprising: A notification unit that notifies a user; A communication unit capable of communicating with a communication device conforming to the BLE standard, The radiographic imaging apparatus, wherein the notification unit issues a first notification upon start of a predetermined communication between the communication device and the communication unit, and issues a second notification upon end of the predetermined communication.

15. A control device for controlling radiation imaging in a radiation imaging system in which radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device is detected by a radiation imaging device to perform radiation imaging, comprising: A notification unit that notifies a user; a first communication unit that complies with the BLE standard and is capable of communicating with a second communication unit provided in the radiation imaging apparatus; A control device characterized in that the notification unit issues a first notification upon the start of a specified communication between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, and issues a second notification upon the end of the specified communication.

16. A radiation imaging system for performing radiation imaging by linking a radiation generating device that irradiates radiation and a radiation imaging device that detects the radiation via a network, comprising: A notification unit that notifies a user; A first wireless communication unit; a second wireless communication unit provided in the radiation imaging apparatus; the notification unit performs a first notification in response to a start of a predetermined communication between the first wireless communication unit and the second wireless communication unit, and performs a second notification in response to an end of the predetermined wireless communication; The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined communication is communication for exchanging information for allowing the radiation imaging apparatus to participate in the network.

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