Mobile radiographic imaging system and method for restricting mobile radiographic imaging system

Abstract

To provide a mobile radiation moving image capturing system device capable of reducing burdens on a subject and a medical employee.SOLUTION: A mobile radiographic imaging system according to an embodiment of a disclosure has: a radiation generation apparatus that emits radiation and can be set to a plurality of imaging modes including a first mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging and a second mode as a general imaging mode for acquiring a series of a plurality of frame images by irradiating a subject with the radiation; and a control device that restricts the use of the first mode outside a management area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile radiography system and a method for limiting a mobile radiography system. [Background technology]

[0002] A fluoroscopic device that performs fluoroscopic imaging of a subject by continuously emitting pulsed radiation has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1). In fluoroscopic imaging, a larger amount of radiation is radiated than in general imaging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-53168 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2022-11259 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In buildings such as hospitals that handle fluoroscopy equipment, there are rooms set up as controlled areas (simply referred to as "controlled areas"). Under Japanese law, fluoroscopy equipment must be used in more strictly controlled areas than general radiography equipment, and cannot be used in general hospital rooms. Therefore, when performing fluoroscopy, patients must move to an imaging room where the fluoroscopy equipment can be used, which places a heavy physical burden on patients who have difficulty moving to the imaging room, such as seriously ill or infectious patients. In addition, when moving seriously ill or infectious patients, assistance with the movement and the creation of an environment for infection control are required, which places a heavy physical and time burden on medical staff.

[0005] Therefore, the above problem could be solved if the hospital had a mobile dynamic imaging device that could capture video in general patient rooms. However, owning both a fluoroscopy device and a mobile dynamic imaging device places a large financial burden on the hospital, and it is particularly difficult for small hospitals and clinics to own both a fluoroscopy device and a mobile dynamic imaging device.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a mobile radiography system capable of reducing the burden on subjects and medical staff. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present inventors thought that the above problem could be solved by providing a mobile radiography system having multiple imaging modes, including an imaging mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging and a dynamic imaging mode, which is a general imaging mode, in which a series of multiple frame images is obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation. However, since fluoroscopic imaging and general imaging can be used in different locations, it is necessary to use an appropriate method depending on the location. It was found that if fluoroscopic imaging is performed in an unusable location by mistake, there is a new problem that patients and medical staff may be unnecessarily exposed to radiation.

[0008] A mobile radiography system in one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a radiation generating device that emits radiation and can be set to a plurality of imaging modes including a first mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging and a second mode, which is a general imaging mode in which a series of multiple frame images is obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation, and a control device that restricts the use of the first mode outside a controlled area.

[0009] A method for restricting a mobile radiography system in one embodiment of the present disclosure restricts the use of the first mode outside a controlled area in a mobile radiography system that can be set to multiple imaging modes, including a first mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging and a second mode, which is a general imaging mode in which a series of multiple frame images are obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation.

[0010] In addition, these comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized by a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized by any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a mobile radiography system that can reduce the burden on subjects and medical staff. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] Diagram showing an example of a medical cart in use [Diagram 2] A diagram showing an example of a medical cart when in motion or not in use. [Diagram 3] Diagram showing the functional blocks of the main unit [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a window that is displayed on the screen to inform the user that the current mode is a perspective mode. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a window that is displayed on the screen when notifying the user that the dynamic shooting mode has been set. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a window that is displayed on the screen when notifying the user that the dynamic shooting mode has not been set. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 shows an example of a window that appears on the screen when the perspective mode can be selected. [Figure 8] Figure showing an example of a confirmation window when changing to fluoroscopy mode [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of a process executed by the control circuit. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart of a process executed by the control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0014] <1. Mobile radiography system> First, a schematic configuration of a mobile radiography system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The mobile radiography system includes at least a radiation generating device. The mobile radiography system may be, for example, a mobile cart 100. The mobile cart 100 may have an automatic driving function.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an example of a medical cart 100 in use.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a medical cart 100 when in motion or not in use.

[0017] The medical examination cart 100 includes a radiation generating device 110, a radiation detecting device 120, an arm 130, and a main body 140. The imaging mode of the radiation generating device 110 of the medical examination cart 100 can be set to at least a fluoroscopy mode as a first mode or a dynamic imaging mode as a second mode, and when the imaging mode is set to the fluoroscopy mode, the medical examination cart 100 can be used as a fluoroscopy device, and when the imaging mode is set to the dynamic imaging mode, the medical examination cart 100 can be used as a dynamic imaging device. The radiation generating device 110 may have three or more imaging modes.

[0018] The medical cart 100 may be capable of communicating with a Hospital Information System (HIS), a Radiology Information System (RIS), an image analysis device, a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), other radiography devices, etc. (not shown).

[0019] [Radiation generator] The radiation generating device 110 is mounted on the mobile cart 100, and includes a generator 111 and a collimator 112. The radiation generating device 110 may be a radiation generating unit.

[0020] The generator 111 includes a bulb. When a voltage is applied to the bulb and a current flows therethrough, radiation is emitted from the bulb. When a pulsed voltage is applied to the bulb, pulsed radiation, for example, X-rays, may be emitted from the bulb.

[0021] The generator 111 is limited in the maximum radiation dose that can be emitted, i.e., the allowable radiation dose, depending on the imaging mode set in the medical cart 100. In the dynamic imaging mode, the amount of radiation that can be emitted is limited due to limitations as a general imaging device. In the fluoroscopy mode, since there are no limitations as a general imaging device, a greater amount of radiation can be emitted than in the dynamic imaging mode. In the fluoroscopy mode, the amount of radiation does not need to be limited. In addition, the generator 111 emits radiation based on settings from the input unit. The imaging conditions are, for example, conditions related to the subject 150 such as the imaging part, imaging direction, and physique, and conditions related to radiation emission such as tube voltage, tube current, emission time, current-time product (mAs value), frame rate, allowable number of frames, pulse width, pulse interval, pulse period, and pulse duty ratio.

[0022] In the dynamic imaging mode, the radiation generating device 110 repeatedly emits radiation multiple times per unit time (for example, 15 times per second) for a predetermined time (duration) while an emission instruction is being issued. Here, the pulse period and duration are set in advance by the input / output unit 141. The pulse interval, pulse width, and pulse duty ratio may also be set in advance by the input / output unit 141. Note that, in the dynamic imaging mode of this embodiment, a configuration in which a radiation pulse is emitted will be described as an example, but a configuration in which radiation is continuously emitted may also be used. In the dynamic imaging mode, radiation emission is limited due to limitations imposed by a general imaging device.

[0023] In the fluoroscopy mode, the radiation generating device 110 repeats the radiation pulse multiple times per unit time (for example, 6 times, 10 times, or 15 times per second) while the radiation emission instruction is being issued. Here, the pulse period is set in advance by the input / output unit 141. In the fluoroscopy mode, the duration is not set. That is, in the fluoroscopy mode, the radiation emission is not limited by the duration. In addition, in the fluoroscopy mode, since there is no limitation as a general imaging device, more radiation can be emitted than in the dynamic imaging mode. In the fluoroscopy mode, the radiation amount does not need to be limited. The pulse interval, pulse width, and pulse duty ratio may be set in advance by the input / output unit 141. Note that, in the fluoroscopy mode in this embodiment, a configuration in which a radiation pulse is emitted will be described as an example, but a configuration in which radiation is continuously emitted may also be used.

[0024] The collimator 112 narrows the field of the emitted radiation. The collimator 112 may have a shielding means such as a filter. The shielding means may narrow the area irradiated with the emitted radiation. The shielding means may reduce the intensity of the emitted radiation.

[0025] [Radiation detection device] The radiation detection device 120 includes a communication unit 121. Although not shown, the radiation detection device 120 also includes a sensor substrate, a scanning circuit, a readout circuit, a control unit, etc. The radiation detection device 120 may be a radiation detection unit.

[0026] The radiation detection device 120 detects the radiation emitted from the radiation generation device 110 through the subject 150. The subject 150 is, for example, a human being, an animal, or the like.

[0027] The sensor substrate has pixels arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix). Each pixel has a radiation detection element that generates an electric charge according to the dose of radiation received through the subject, and a switch element that accumulates and releases the electric charge. The scanning circuit sets each switch element to on or off. The readout circuit reads out the amount of electric charge released from each pixel as a signal value (intensity). The control unit controls the entire radiation detection device 120. The control unit generates a radiographic image from the multiple signal values ​​read out by the readout circuit. The communication unit 121 transmits the radiographic image data generated by the readout circuit and various signals to the outside. The communication unit 121 also receives various information and signals. The communication unit 121 may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

[0028] In each pixel of the radiation detection device 120 configured in this manner, when the radiation detection element receives radiation with the scanning circuit turning off the switch element, the radiation detection element generates an electric charge according to the radiation dose and accumulates the electric charge. When the scanning circuit sets the switch element to on, the accumulated electric charge is discharged, and the readout circuit detects the amount of electric charge discharged from each pixel and generates a signal value indicating the amount of electric charge. The control unit generates a radiographic image based on the signal value generated for each pixel. In dynamic radiography, each generated radiographic image is a still image. In the case of pulsed radiation, one still image is generated corresponding to each pulse.

[0029] The communication unit 121 communicates with the communication unit 144 of the main body unit 140 and transmits the generated radiographic image to the communication unit 144 of the main body unit 140. The communication unit 121 may transmit a still image to the main body unit 140 each time it is generated, or may transmit multiple still images collectively to the communication unit 144 of the main body unit 140. The communication unit 121 may communicate with a unit other than the main body unit 140. The communication performed by the communication unit 121 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

[0030] When the radiation generating device 110 performs pulsed radiation, the timing of generating the multiple still images constituting the dynamic image is synchronized with the timing of radiation emission from the radiation generating device 110. On the other hand, when the radiation generating device 110 performs continuous radiation, the multiple still images constituting the dynamic image are generated at any timing during the continuous radiation.

[0031] The radiation detection device 120 may be stored in a storage unit provided in the main body unit 140 when the medical cart 100 is moving or when not in use. When the radiation detection device 120 is stored in the storage unit of the main body unit 140, the radiation detection device 120 may be connected to the main body unit 140 by wire, and the main body unit 140 may charge the radiation detection device 120 and communicate with the main body unit 140. When the radiation detection device 120 is stored in the storage unit of the main body unit 140, software or firmware of the radiation detection device 120 may be updated by communication with the main body unit 140. Charging the radiation detection device 120 and communication with the main body unit 140 may be performed wirelessly.

[0032] The radiation detection device 120 may be wirelessly connected when in use. The radiation detection device 120 may be driven by an internal battery. The radiation detection device 120 may be supplied with power from the main body 140 in a wired or wireless manner.

[0033] The radiation detection device 120 may be connected to the main body 140 by wire when moving or not in use, and may be connected to the main body 140 wirelessly when in use.

[0034] [arm] The arm 130 includes a vertical arm 131 and a horizontal arm 132. The vertical arm 131 supports the horizontal arm 132 rotatably, i.e., rotatably about the Z axis. The vertical arm 131 may also support the horizontal arm 132 movably. The horizontal arm 132 supports the radiation generating device 110 rotatably, i.e., rotatably about the X axis and the Y axis. The vertical arm 131 and the horizontal arm 132 allow the radiation generating device 110 to be in any orientation with respect to the main body unit 140. The position and orientation of the arm may be determined by an input from the input / output unit 141. The vertical arm 131 and the horizontal arm 132 may be rotatable and movable under the control of the main body unit 140, or may be rotatable and movable manually.

[0035] [Main body] The main body 140 includes an input / output unit 141, a power supply unit 142, a communication unit 144, and wheels 145. The main body 140 may include a handle 143. Although not shown, the main body 140 may include a storage unit for storing the radiation detection device 120. Communication between the communication unit 144 of the main body 140 and the communication unit 121 of the radiation detection device 120 may be wireless communication or wired communication.

[0036] Although not shown, the main body 140 may have a fixing means for locking the movement. By releasing the fixing means, the main body 140 can be moved. For example, the fixing means may be a means for fixing the wheels 145, or a means for fixing the mobile cart 100 to a wire fixed to a wall that constitutes a controlled area.

[0037] The inclination angle of the input / output unit 141 with respect to the main body unit 140 can be changed. The input / output unit 141 may be separable from the main body unit 140. When the input / output unit 141 is separated from the main body unit 140, the input / output unit 141 and the main body unit 140 are connected wirelessly or by wire.

[0038] The input / output unit 141 is composed of an input means and an output means. The input / output unit 141 may be separated into an input section and an output section. The input / output unit 141 may be composed of a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a camera, a display, a speaker, an indicator light, or the like. The input / output unit 141 may be capable of using input means such as voice input, gesture input, gaze input, and brain wave input. The input / output unit 141 sets the radiation generating device 110. The input / output unit 141 can also input an operation to instruct the radiation generating device 110 to emit radiation. The input / output unit 141 may configure the emission instruction switch as a toggle button emission button and output an instruction to emit radiation during the period from when the toggle button is pressed for the first time to when it is pressed for the second time, or may output an instruction to emit radiation during the period when the emission button is kept pressed.

[0039] By operating the input / output unit 141, the generator 111 emits radiation at a dose set by the input / output unit 141. The radiation is, for example, X-rays.

[0040] The input unit receives input of various parameters emitted by the radiation generating device 110. The input unit may also receive input of mode settings. When the mobile cart 100 is set to the dynamic radiography mode by the control means, the input unit may prohibit input of settings that exceed the radiation dose permitted in the dynamic radiography mode.

[0041] The output unit issues a notification regarding the mode setting. The output unit may issue a notification to prompt the user to change from the fluoroscopy mode to the dynamic imaging mode. The output unit may issue a notification regarding the current mode of the medical cart 100. The output unit may issue a notification that the fluoroscopy mode has been changed to the dynamic imaging mode. The output unit may issue an alarm. The notifications will be described in detail later.

[0042] The power supply unit 142 supplies power to the entire main body unit 140. The power supply unit 142 may charge the radiation detection device 120. The power supply unit 142 may be composed of a rechargeable battery. The power supply unit 142 may be capable of being charged by being connected to a commercial power source or the like. It may have a function of detecting that charging has started. The power supply unit 142 may be, for example, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium-ion battery, a sodium battery, an all-solid-state battery, a flywheel, or the like. The power supply unit 142 may be composed of a fuel cell or a nuclear battery. The fuel cell may be capable of being replenished with fuel.

[0043] The power supply unit 142 may be connected to a commercial power source or the like to charge the device when not in use, and may be disconnected from the commercial power source to supply power from a battery when in use. The power supply unit 142 may be replenished with fuel for the fuel cell when not in use.

[0044] The handle 143 is held by a person when moving the medical cart 100. A sensor built into the handle 143 may detect that the handle 143 is being held by a person. When the sensor detects that the handle 143 is being held by a person, it may notify the control circuit 330.

[0045] The communication unit 144 communicates with the communication unit 121 of the radiation detection device 120. The communication unit 144 transmits settings and instructions set by the input / output unit 141 to the communication unit 121 of the radiation detection device 120. In addition, the communication unit 144 outputs a radiological image received from the communication unit 121 of the radiation detection device 120 to the input / output unit 141.

[0046] The wheels 145 rotate when the medical cart 100 is moved. The wheels 145 may be rotated (driven) by power supplied from the power supply unit 142, or may be rotated by a person pushing the medical cart 100 with the handle 143. The wheels 145 are fixed by fixing means (not shown).

[0047] [Function block] 3 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the main body unit 140. The main body unit 140 includes an input unit 310, an output unit 320, a power supply unit 142, a handle 143, a communication unit 144, and a control circuit 330. The input unit 310 and the output unit 320 configure an input / output unit 141. The input unit 310 and the output unit 320 may be integrated.

[0048] The input unit 310 is configured with an input device such as a touch panel, a button, a microphone, etc. When an instruction to start shooting is given, the input unit 310 may notify the control circuit 330 that an instruction to start shooting has been given.

[0049] The output unit 320 is configured with output devices such as a display, a speaker, etc. The output unit 320 displays a notification related to the mode setting under the control of the control circuit 330. Alternatively, a sound related to the mode setting is output.

[0050] The power supply unit 142 may notify the control circuit 330 when it detects that charging has started, that the battery has started supplying power, that it has been connected to a commercial power source, or that it has been disconnected from the commercial power source.

[0051] Handle 143 may notify control circuit 330 when a built-in sensor detects that it is being held by a person.

[0052] The control circuit 330 controls the entire medical cart 100. The control circuit 330 may be instructed to start imaging from the input unit 310. The control circuit 330 may be notified by the power supply unit 142 that charging has started, that the battery has started supplying power, that the device has been connected to a commercial power source, or that the device has been disconnected from the commercial power source. The control circuit 330 may be notified by a sensor built into the handle 143 that the device is being held by a person. The control circuit 330 may be notified that the fixing means has been released, that information has been acquired from the RIS, that the communication method has been set to a wireless method, that movement has been detected, that a predetermined distance has been moved, that a predetermined time has passed since the start of movement, and that the fixing means has been locked.

[0053] The control circuit 330 is composed of a computer such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The control circuit 330 can manage the mode of the medical cart 100 and set the mode. The control circuit 330 can select and switch at least a fluoroscopy mode used as a fluoroscopy device or a general imaging mode used as a general imaging device. The control circuit 330 may be capable of selecting an imaging mode from three or more modes including other modes. Hereinafter, a mode used as a general imaging device is referred to as a general imaging mode. The general imaging mode may be a dynamic imaging mode used as a dynamic imaging device. The radiation dose allowed in the dynamic imaging mode is less than the radiation dose allowed in the fluoroscopy mode. The control circuit 330 may rotate and move the vertical arm 131 and the horizontal arm 132.

[0054] The control circuit 330 restricts use outside of a controlled area if the current mode is a fluoroscopy mode.

[0055] Restrictions on use outside the controlled area may be a so-called soft response, such as issuing notifications or warnings to users such as radiologists who operate the medical cart 100 to encourage them to limit use, or a so-called hard response, such as preventing the medical cart 100 from emitting high doses of radiation (amounts of radiation exceeding the allowable amount of radiation outside the controlled area) outside the controlled area or preventing the medical cart 100 from leaving the controlled area. At least one of the soft response and the hard response needs to be implemented, and both may be implemented.

[0056] In terms of hardware, the control circuit 330 can perform at least one of control over the building and control over the medical cart 100 .

[0057] Furthermore, the restriction of use may be implemented by the building or by the medical cart 100. It is sufficient that at least one of the building and the medical cart 100 implements the restriction, and it may be implemented by both.

[0058] Controls implemented by the building may include locking doors to controlled areas to prevent the medical cart 100 from leaving the controlled area.

[0059] The control executed by the mobile cart 100 may be to prevent the vehicle from leaving the controlled area while it is capable of irradiating a radiation dose greater than the allowable radiation dose, or, outside the controlled area, the radiation generating device 110 may be controlled so as not to irradiate a radiation dose exceeding the allowable radiation dose.

[0060] Fig. 10 shows a flowchart of the processing executed by the control device. For example, the control device may be the control circuit 330 of the medical cart 100. The control device may be located anywhere. The flowchart may be executed at predetermined intervals (for example, every fixed time), may be executed when some operation is performed on the medical cart 100, or may be executed at predetermined intervals and when some operation is performed. By having the medical cart 100 execute the flowchart shown in Fig. 10, it is possible to prevent radiation that exceeds the permissible radiation dose outside the controlled area.

[0061] The control circuit 330 judges whether the imaging mode set in the medical cart 100 is the fluoroscopy mode or not (step S1001).

[0062] If the medical cart 100 is not in the fluoroscopy mode (for example, in the dynamic radiography mode) (step S1001, No), the control circuit 330 returns to step S1001 and determines the mode of the medical cart 100. The control circuit 330 can also make similar determinations regarding radiography modes other than the fluoroscopy mode that can only be emitted within a controlled area.

[0063] When the medical cart 100 is in the fluoroscopy mode (step S1001, Yes), the control circuit 330 determines whether the radiation generator 110 (medical cart 100) is present within a controlled area (step S1002).

[0064] If the medical examination cart 100 is in the controlled area (step S1002, Yes), the control circuit 330 executes a process to prevent the medical examination cart 100 from going outside the controlled area (step S1003). It may also execute a process to prompt the user not to go outside the controlled area. Details will be described later.

[0065] If the medical cart 100 is outside the controlled area (step S1002, No), the control circuit 330 limits the amount of radiation emitted by the radiation generating device 110 (medical cart 100) (step S1004). For example, the control circuit 330 may prevent the radiation generating device 110 from emitting an amount of radiation that exceeds the allowable radiation amount. The control circuit 330 may execute a process to prompt the user to limit the amount of radiation emitted by the radiation generating device 110. Details of such a case will be described later.

[0066] The control circuit 330 may execute the process of step S1004 if it determines that the medical cart 100 has started moving, even if the medical cart 100 is present within a controlled area. The control circuit 330 may execute the processes of both steps S1003 and S1004 if the medical cart 100 has started moving within a controlled area. After executing the process of step S1003 or step S1004, the process returns to step S1001.

[0067] As the control of the medical cart 100, for example, at least one of the following (1)-(8) may be executed. (1) When the fluoroscopy mode is set, the medical cart 100 is locked (cannot be moved). (2) Outside the controlled area, the medical cart 100 is shut down (powered off). (3) When outside the controlled area, the power supply to the medical cart 100 is cut off. (4) Outside the controlled area, the power supply to the radiation generating device 110 is cut off (shut down). (5) Outside the controlled area, the mode of the medical cart 100 is switched to dynamic photography mode. (6) The fluoroscopy mode of the medical cart 100 cannot be used outside the controlled area. (7) The radiation dose emitted by the mobile medical cart 100 is limited to the output range in the area where the mobile medical cart 100 is located. For example, outside a controlled area, the radiation generator 110 is prevented from emitting radiation exceeding the upper limit (tolerable radiation dose). For example, the irradiation time in fluoroscopy mode may be limited. (8) The fluoroscopy mode cannot be set outside the controlled area. For example, the fluoroscopy mode is grayed out on the setting screen of the medical cart 100.

[0068] As a software response, the control circuit 330 may cause the output unit 320 to notify the current mode (i.e., the medical cart 100 outputs an alarm) or to output an alarm to the building. The alarm may be at least one of a notification about the current mode and a notification that the vehicle is outside a controlled area.

[0069] In the dynamic imaging mode, if the imaging conditions preset by the input unit 310 are not recognized as imaging conditions for a general imaging device, the control circuit 330 may cause the output unit 320 to issue a warning.

[0070] [Determining the location of the medical cart] Whether the medical cart 100 is inside or outside a controlled area may be determined by the medical cart 100 itself, or by a control device (hereinafter referred to as a "building control device") that controls a building (e.g., the doors of a controlled area). For example, the building control device may be installed in the building, or the control circuit 330 of the medical cart 100 may be the building control device.

[0071] A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) installed in the mobile medical vehicle 100 may be used to determine whether the mobile medical vehicle 100 is located within or outside the controlled area.

[0072] The communication unit 144 of the medical vehicle 100 and a communication device (hereinafter referred to as the "building communication device") installed in the building in which the controlled area is located may communicate with each other to determine whether the medical vehicle 100 is located within the controlled area or outside the controlled area.

[0073] For example, the medical examination vehicle 100 may determine that it is present within a controlled area by receiving a signal (e.g., a beacon signal) transmitted from a building communication device installed within the controlled area, or may determine that it is present outside the controlled area by receiving a signal (e.g., a beacon signal) transmitted from a building communication device installed outside the controlled area. Separate beacon signals may be transmitted from both inside and outside the controlled area, and the medical examination vehicle 100 may determine whether it is present within or outside the controlled area depending on which beacon signal it receives.

[0074] For example, when a building communication device installed in various locations in a building receives a signal (e.g., a beacon signal) transmitted from the medical vehicle 100, it can recognize that the medical vehicle 100 is present at the location where the building communication device is installed, and the building control device can determine whether the medical vehicle 100 is present within or outside the controlled area.

[0075] A sensor such as a camera mounted on the medical cart 100 may be used to determine whether the medical cart 100 is located within or outside a controlled area.

[0076] The building control device may determine whether the medical cart 100 is located within or outside a controlled area using a sensor such as a camera installed in the building.

[0077] When the medical cart 100 determines whether the medical cart 100 is located within or outside a controlled area, the medical cart 100 may notify the building control device. When the building control device determines whether the medical cart 100 is located within or outside a controlled area, the building control device may notify the medical cart 100. By communication between the building control device and the control circuit 330 of the medical cart 100, either control device can control the building (e.g., locking the doors) and / or the medical cart 100. In addition, another control device (e.g., a central management device, etc.) may control the building (e.g., locking the doors) and / or the medical cart 100 by communicating with the control circuit 330 of the medical cart 100 and / or the building control device. In other words, the control device may be located anywhere.

[0078] [Operation 1] First, an operation in which the control circuit 330 causes the output unit 320 to notify the user of the current mode will be described.

[0079] In the radiation generating device 110, imaging conditions are set by an input unit 310, and the set imaging conditions are applied to a generator 111 under the control of the input unit 310, whereby radiation is generated.

[0080] In the dynamic imaging mode, the imaging conditions are set by the input / output unit 141 so that the emission of pulsed radiation is repeated multiple times per predetermined time (e.g., 15 times per second) per instruction from the input / output unit 141 until the duration is reached.

[0081] If the radiation generating device 110 cannot repeat the emission of pulsed radiation multiple times per predetermined time, the radiation may be emitted continuously for a predetermined time. In the present disclosure, "emitting radiation for a predetermined time" includes both pulsed emission in which the emission of pulsed radiation is repeated multiple times over a predetermined time, and continuous emission in which radiation is emitted continuously for a predetermined time. The duration is, for example, 15 seconds. In the dynamic imaging mode, if the emission is instructed by the emission instruction switch, radiation is emitted with the duration set to the maximum emission time. In other words, in the dynamic imaging mode, radiation is emitted if it is within the duration and the emission instruction switch is operated.

[0082] The intensity of radiation in the dynamic imaging mode may be lower than the intensity of radiation in the fluoroscopy mode.

[0083] In the dynamic imaging mode, the radiation dose emitted in one pulse may be less than that when a still image is taken, so the overall radiation dose irradiated to the patient can be about the same as when a still image of the chest is taken. In the case of continuous radiation emission, it is desirable to set imaging conditions that do not significantly increase the amount of radiation exposure to the patient.

[0084] In the fluoroscopy mode, the radiation generating device 110 sets the imaging conditions based on the control of the control circuit 330 so that the radiation of pulsed radiation is repeated multiple times per predetermined time (e.g., 15 times per second) based on the operation of the emission button by the input unit 310. In the fluoroscopy mode, the duration does not need to be set. In the fluoroscopy mode, a longer duration may be set than in the dynamic imaging mode.

[0085] If the radiation generating device 110 cannot repeatedly emit pulsed radiation multiple times per predetermined time, radiation may be emitted continuously for a predetermined time. In the fluoroscopy mode, radiation is emitted while an instruction to emit is given by the emission button. In other words, in the fluoroscopy mode, if no duration is set, radiation is emitted without time limit while an instruction to emit is given.

[0086] The control circuit 330 sets various imaging conditions (tube voltage, tube current, emission time, tube current time product (mAs value), imaging area, imaging direction, etc.) in at least the radiation generation device 110 based on an input from the input unit 310. The control circuit 330 may set various imaging conditions in the radiation detection device 120. The control circuit 330 may set various imaging conditions based on imaging order information acquired from another system (HIS, RIS, etc.) or a user (e.g., a technician). The control circuit 330 may set various imaging conditions in the radiation generation device 110 and / or the radiation detection device 120 based on, for example, imaging order information or a table in which users correspond to various imaging conditions.

[0087] If the various shooting conditions that have been set do not satisfy the requirements for use as a general shooting device and the current mode notified from the control circuit 330 is a general shooting mode, the control circuit 330 may cause the output unit 320 to issue an alarm.

[0088] [mode] The medical cart 100 has multiple modes, for example, a general imaging mode and a fluoroscopy mode. It may have three or more modes. The general imaging mode may be a dynamic imaging mode. The mode may be set by input from the input unit 310. The mode may be set by selecting from multiple imaging modes displayed on the output unit 320. The mode may be set by a switch. The imaging mode of the medical cart 100 may be set according to the patient to be imaged, the examination order, or the imaging order.

[0089] The amount of radiation emitted in the dynamic imaging mode may be different from the amount of radiation emitted in the fluoroscopy mode. The amount of radiation emitted in the fluoroscopy mode may be greater than the amount of radiation emitted in the dynamic imaging mode.

[0090] In addition, while the dynamic radiography mode has an emission time, the fluoroscopy mode does not have an emission time. In other words, in the dynamic radiography mode, even if the radiation instruction is continuously output, the mobile cart 100 stops emitting radiation once the emission time has elapsed, but in the fluoroscopy mode, radiation continues to be emitted as long as the radiation instruction is output.

[0091] When the fluoroscopy mode is set, the control circuit 330 may cause the input / output unit 141 to display the moving image generated by the radiation detection device 120 in real time. When the dynamic imaging mode is set, the control circuit 330 may cause the input / output unit 141 to display a moving image that is more restricted than the moving image displayed when the fluoroscopy mode is set. When the dynamic imaging mode is set, the input / output unit 141 may display a moving image that is delayed, for example, compared to the moving image displayed when the fluoroscopy mode is set. When the dynamic imaging mode is set, the input / output unit 141 may display a moving image at a frame rate that is lower than ... The control circuit 330 may limit the moving image generated by the radiation detection device 120, or may cause the radiation detection device 120 to limit the moving image to be generated.

[0092] The control circuit 330 causes the input / output unit 141 to display a moving image according to the set mode, so that the device can be used in the same way as a fluoroscopy device in a controlled area, and can be used as a dynamic radiography device in a general hospital room, etc. The radiation dose permitted in the dynamic radiography mode is less than that permitted in the fluoroscopy mode.

[0093] [Mode notification] The dynamic radiography mode is for use as a general radiography device and can be used in general hospital rooms, but the fluoroscopy mode is for use as a fluoroscopy device and therefore the locations where it can be used are strictly limited and it cannot be used in general hospital rooms. In other words, the medical cart 100 can be used in the fluoroscopy mode in certain locations, but in the dynamic radiography mode in other locations, it is required by Japanese law.

[0094] Therefore, the medical cart 100 has an input / output unit 141 and issues a notification regarding the mode. The output unit 320 may issue a notification to prompt the user to change from the fluoroscopy mode to the dynamic radiography mode. The output unit 320 may issue a notification to prompt the user to change from the dynamic radiography mode to the fluoroscopy mode.

[0095] [Time of notification] The mobile cart 100 may notify before the mobile cart 100 moves or when it starts to move. Since the mobile cart 100 often moves after settings have been made, it is effective to notify before the movement and / or when it starts to move. For example, the mobile cart 100 may notify when it acquires imaging information from the RIS. The mobile cart 100 may notify based on whether the acquired imaging information is fluoroscopic or dynamic imaging. For example, the mobile cart 100 may notify when the lock of the fixing means is released. Since the mobile cart 100 moves after the lock is released, it can be said that the time when the lock is released is before the movement. For example, the mobile cart 100 may notify when the movement of the mobile cart 100 is detected. The movement of the mobile cart 100 may be detected by detecting the rotation of the wheels 145. For example, the mobile cart 100 may notify when the power supply unit 142 is disconnected from the commercial power source and power supply by the battery starts. For example, the medical cart 100 may give a notification when the main body unit 140 is turned on and the power supply unit 142 starts supplying power. For example, the medical cart 100 may give a notification when the communication method of the medical cart 100 is changed from wired communication to wireless communication. For example, the medical cart 100 may give a notification when it detects that the handle 143 is being held.

[0096] The medical cart 100 may give the notification while the medical cart 100 is moving. The medical cart 100 may give the notification, for example, when the medical cart 100 has moved a predetermined distance. The medical cart 100 may give the notification, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the medical cart 100 started moving.

[0097] The medical cart 100 may give a notification after the medical cart 100 has moved. The medical cart 100 may give a notification, for example, when the power supply unit 142 is connected to a commercial power source. The medical cart 100 may give a notification, for example, when a switch on the main body unit 140 is operated and the power supply unit 142 starts supplying power. The medical cart 100 may give a notification, for example, when the fixing means is locked.

[0098] The medical cart 100 may notify when the medical cart 100 starts imaging. The medical cart 100 may notify, for example, when an instruction to start imaging is given from the input unit 310. After the notification, imaging may start after the mode is confirmed.

[0099] [Notification method] For example, the notification of the medical cart 100 is performed by output to the input / output unit 141. If the input / output unit 141 is separated into the input unit 310 and the output unit 320, the notification may be performed by output to the output unit 320. The output unit 320 may perform the notification by displaying on a monitor, for example. The output unit 320 may perform the notification by turning on an indicator light of the main unit 140, for example. The color of the indicator light may be changed depending on the current mode. The output unit 320 may perform the notification by locking the fixing means, for example. The output unit 320 may perform the notification by sound, for example. The output unit 320 may perform the notification by vibration of the main unit 140 or a part of the main unit 140, for example. If a handle is provided on the main unit 140, the output unit 320 may perform the notification by vibration of the handle.

[0100] The notification may be performed using a plurality of notification methods. For example, the notification may be performed by displaying on a monitor and by sound. For example, the notification may be performed by displaying on a monitor, turning on an indicator light, by sound, and by vibrating the steering wheel.

[0101] [Notification content] The notification regarding the mode setting may be that fluoroscopy mode has been selected. The notification regarding the mode setting may be that dynamic imaging mode or general imaging mode has been selected. The notification regarding the mode setting may be a notification of the current mode. The notification regarding the mode setting may be a notification prompting confirmation of the current mode. The notification regarding the mode setting may be that the mode setting has been completed. The notification regarding the mode setting may be a notification that the mode is being set. The medical cart 100 may notify whether the imaging information acquired from the RIS is fluoroscopy or dynamic imaging.

[0102] 4 is a diagram showing an example 400 of a window displayed on the screen when notifying that the current mode is a fluoroscopy mode. The color of the window 400 may be changed according to the mode being notified. By displaying the current mode or notifying that it is a fluoroscopy mode, it is possible to encourage the user to set the mode to a dynamic radiography mode.

[0103] If the current mode is the fluoroscopy mode, a button for instructing a setting to the dynamic radiography mode may be displayed. The size of the "OK" button 410 may be different from the size of the "Set to Dynamic Radiography Mode" button 420. The size of the button 410 may be smaller than the size of the button 420. The size of the button 410 and the button 420 may be the same.

[0104] When the current mode is the dynamic radiography mode, the size of the button for instructing the user to change to the fluoroscopy mode may be displayed in a smaller size than the size of the "OK" button. The button for instructing the user to change to the fluoroscopy mode may not be displayed.

[0105] By reducing the size of the button for maintaining the fluoroscopy mode, the operator can carefully check whether the mode is to be used as the fluoroscopy mode, since the operator must carefully check whether the mode is to be used as the fluoroscopy mode.

[0106] By not displaying the button that instructs the user to switch to fluoroscopy mode, or by displaying a small button, the possibility of switching to fluoroscopy mode by mistake can be reduced, thereby preventing exposure to radiation due to mistaken operation.

[0107] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a window 500 that is displayed on the screen when notifying the user that the dynamic image capture mode has been set. The color of the window 500 may be changed depending on the mode after the setting is completed.

[0108] 6 is a diagram showing an example 600 of a window displayed on the screen when notifying that the setting to the dynamic shooting mode has not been completed. The color of the window 600 may be different from the color of the window 500. By notifying that the setting to the dynamic shooting mode has not been completed, it is possible to encourage the setting to the dynamic shooting mode.

[0109] [flowchart] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart of the process performed by the control circuit 330. In FIG. 9, it is determined when to output an alarm. The control circuit 330 performs control according to the state of the medical cart 100.

[0110] The control circuit 330 determines whether the power of the medical cart 100 is turned on (step S901). If the control circuit 330 determines that the power of the medical cart 100 is turned on, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the power of the medical cart 100 is not turned on, it performs the process of step S902.

[0111] The control circuit 330 determines whether the fixing means of the medical cart 100 has been released (step S902). If the control circuit 330 determines that the fixing means of the medical cart 100 has been released, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the fixing means of the medical cart 100 has not been released, it performs the process of step S903.

[0112] The control circuit 330 determines whether the medical cart 100 has been disconnected from the commercial power source (step S903). The control circuit 330 may determine whether the battery of the medical cart 100 has started to supply power. If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 has been disconnected from the commercial power source, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 has not been disconnected from the commercial power source, it performs the process of step S904.

[0113] The control circuit 330 determines whether the medical cart 100 has acquired imaging information from the RIS (step S904). The control circuit 330 may make a determination based on the contents of the acquired imaging information. If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 has acquired imaging information from the RIS, it performs processing in step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 has not acquired imaging information from the RIS, it performs processing in step S905.

[0114] The control circuit 330 judges whether the communication method used by the medical cart 100 has been changed from wired communication to wireless communication (step S905). If the control circuit 330 judges that the communication method used by the medical cart 100 has been changed from wired communication to wireless communication, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 judges that the communication method used by the medical cart 100 has not been changed from wired communication to wireless communication, it performs the process of step S906.

[0115] The control circuit 330 determines whether or not the handle of the medical cart 100 is being held (step S906). If the control circuit 330 determines that the handle of the medical cart 100 is being held, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the handle of the medical cart 100 is not being held, it performs the process of step S907.

[0116] The control circuit 330 determines whether or not movement of the medical cart 100 has been detected (step S907). The control circuit 330 may detect the movement of the medical cart 100 by detecting the rotation of the wheels 145. If the control circuit 330 determines that movement of the medical cart 100 has been detected, it performs processing of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that movement of the medical cart 100 has not been detected, it performs processing of step S908.

[0117] The control circuit 330 determines whether the medical cart 100 has traveled a predetermined distance (step S908). The control circuit 330 may detect that the medical cart 100 has traveled a predetermined distance by the number of rotations of the wheels 145. If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 has traveled a predetermined distance, it performs processing in step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 has not traveled a predetermined distance, it performs processing in step S909.

[0118] The control circuit 330 determines whether or not a predetermined time has passed since the medical cart 100 started to move (step S909). If the control circuit 330 determines that the predetermined time has passed since the medical cart 100 started to move, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the predetermined time has not passed since the medical cart 100 started to move, it performs the process of step S910.

[0119] The control circuit 330 determines whether the fixing means of the medical cart 100 is locked (step S910). If the control circuit 330 determines that the fixing means of the medical cart 100 is locked, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the fixing means of the medical cart 100 is not locked, it performs the process of step S911.

[0120] The control circuit 330 determines whether the medical cart 100 is connected to a commercial power source (step S911). If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 is connected to a commercial power source, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 is not connected to a commercial power source, it performs the process of step S912.

[0121] The control circuit 330 determines whether the medical cart 100 has been instructed to start imaging (step S912). If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 has been instructed to start imaging, it performs the process of step S913. If the control circuit 330 determines that the medical cart 100 has not been instructed to start imaging, it returns to step S901.

[0122] The control circuit 330 causes the input / output unit 141 to notify the user of the setting of the shooting mode (step S913). That is, if the answer is Yes in any of steps S901 to S912, the control circuit 330 notifies the user of the setting of the shooting mode. The display form may be changed depending on which step the answer is Yes.

[0123] If the notification is made to the input / output unit 141 in step S913, or if the answer is determined to be No in any of steps S901 to S912, the process returns to step S901.

[0124] Some of steps S901 to S912 may not be executed.

[0125] The "notification regarding the setting of the imaging mode" may be a notification regarding the processing performed in step S1003 in FIG. 10, such as "The door has been locked," or a notification regarding the processing performed in step S1004 in FIG. 10, such as "The radiation dose has been limited." The "notification regarding the setting of the imaging mode" may be output from the output unit 320 of the medical cart 100, or may be output from an output device installed in the building. The "notification regarding the setting of the imaging mode" may include multiple contents. For example, the notification may be "The imaging mode has been set to fluoroscopy mode. Please lock the door."

[0126] [Operation 2] Next, the operation when an alarm is issued to a building will be described.

[0127] The building control device recognizes whether the medical cart 100 is located inside or outside the controlled area.

[0128] Whether the medical cart 100 is inside or outside the controlled area may be determined by the building control device, or the result of the determination by the medical cart 100 may be transmitted to the building control device. Also, the building control device may recognize the status of the medical cart 100 (mode, location, movement status, etc.) by receiving it from the communication unit 144.

[0129] For example, the building control device may output an alarm within the building depending on the recognized state of the medical cart 100. The alarm may be the same as the alarm of the medical cart 100. For example, the mode of the medical cart 100 may be displayed on a display installed in the controlled area. For example, if the medical cart 100 set to the fluoroscopy mode is outside the controlled area, the building control device may sound a buzzer installed outside the controlled area. For example, if the medical cart 100 set to the fluoroscopy mode is inside the controlled area, a message such as "Please lock the door" may be output from an output device (e.g., a display or a speaker) in the controlled area. The alarm issued by the building control device and the alarm issued by the medical cart 100 may be the same or different. For example, the control circuit 330 of the medical cart 100 may output "Set to fluoroscopy mode" from the display of the medical cart 100, and the building control device may output "Please lock the door" from a speaker in the controlled area. For example, the sound output by the building control device and the sound output by the output unit 320 of the medical cart 100 may have different tones.

[0130] [Operation 3] Next, the hardware configuration of the medical cart 100 will be described.

[0131] The medical examination vehicle 100 recognizes whether it is located within or outside the managed area. The medical examination vehicle 100 may determine whether it is located within or outside the managed area, or the building management device may determine whether it is located within or outside the managed area and receive the result of the building management device's determination from the communication unit 144, thereby allowing the medical examination vehicle 100 to recognize the presence or absence of the managed area.

[0132] When the control circuit 330 recognizes that the medical cart 100 set in the fluoroscopy mode is present within a controlled area, it prevents the medical cart 100 from moving outside the controlled area. For example, the control circuit 330 controls a fixing means (not shown) to fix the wheels 145 of the medical cart 100. For example, the control circuit 330 controls a fixing means (not shown) to fix the medical cart 100 to a wire fixed to a wall that constitutes the controlled area. The movement of the medical cart 100 is limited to the range of the wire. The control circuit 330 executes at least one of fixing the wheels 145 and fixing the wire.

[0133] When the medical cart 100 is set to the fluoroscopy mode, the control circuit 330 may prevent the medical cart 100 from moving. In this case, the fluoroscopy mode is set at the location where the medical cart 100 is used.

[0134] When the mobile medical vehicle 100 detects that it is located outside a controlled area, it restricts the emission of radiation outside the controlled area. For example, it executes at least one of the following (1)-(7). (1) The control circuit 330 shuts down (powers off) the medical cart 100. When the medical cart 100 moves out of the controlled area, the power to the medical cart 100 is turned off once. For example, if the default for the medical cart is dynamic analysis mode, the dynamic analysis mode can be set when the power to the medical cart 100 is turned on. A reset can be performed instead of a shutdown. Also, since new settings must be made, radiation from the previous settings (e.g., fluoroscopy mode) can be prevented. (2) The control circuit 330 stops the power supply to the medical cart 100. When the power supply to the medical cart 100 is stopped, the medical cart 100 operates on power from the storage battery. For example, since the power of the storage battery is not large, if the storage battery is set not to be able to emit radiation in fluoroscopy mode, radiation in fluoroscopy mode can be prevented. (3) The control circuit 330 cuts off (shuts down) the power supply to the radiation generating device 110. By cutting off the power supply to the radiation generating device 110, radiation in the fluoroscopy mode can be prevented. When the medical cart 100 is set to the dynamic analysis mode or when it is recognized that the medical cart 100 is present in a controlled area, the power supply to the radiation generating device may be resumed. (4) The control circuit 330 switches the mode of the radiation generator 110 to the dynamic imaging mode. For example, when it is recognized that the medical cart 100 is outside the controlled area, the control circuit 330 forcibly sets (changes) the mode of the radiation generator 110 to the dynamic imaging mode. (5) The control circuit 330 disables the fluoroscopy mode. For example, when the control circuit 330 recognizes that the medical cart 100 is outside a controlled area, the control circuit 330 does not allow the radiation generation device 110 to operate in the fluoroscopy mode. (6) The control circuit 330 prevents the radiation generation device 110 from emitting radiation exceeding an upper limit (tolerable radiation dose). The control circuit 330 may change (e.g., lower) the upper limit (tolerable radiation dose). For example, the control circuit 330 prevents radiation exceeding the tolerable radiation dose from being emitted by limiting the irradiation time in the fluoroscopy mode. (7) The control circuit 330 prevents the setting of the fluoroscopy mode. For example, the control circuit 330 grays out the fluoroscopy mode on the setting screen of the medical cart 100. The control circuit 330 may be able to change to the fluoroscopy mode when it determines that the medical cart 100 is in a controlled area.

[0135] The control circuit 330 can prevent radiation from being emitted in excess of the permissible radiation amount (upper limit) outside the controlled area by restricting radiation emission outside the controlled area.

[0136] [Operation 4] Next, we will explain the building's hardware response.

[0137] The building control device recognizes whether the medical cart 100 is in a controlled area or outside the controlled area, and whether it is in fluoroscopy mode or general radiography mode. The building control device may determine whether the medical cart 100 is in a controlled area or outside the controlled area, or the medical cart 100 may determine whether it is in a controlled area or outside the controlled area and receive the determination of the medical cart 100, thereby allowing the building control device to recognize this. The building control device recognizes whether the medical cart 100 is in fluoroscopy mode or general radiography mode by receiving from the medical cart 100 whether it is in fluoroscopy mode or general radiography mode.

[0138] The building control device controls the locks of the doors that make up the controlled area depending on the state of the medical cart 100. For example, when the medical cart 100 is present within the controlled area and is set to the fluoroscopy mode, the building control device locks the doors that make up the controlled area. In addition, when the medical cart 100 is present outside the controlled area, or when the medical cart 100 that is present within the controlled area is set to the dynamic imaging mode, the building control device unlocks the doors that make up the controlled area.

[0139] When there are multiple medical carts 100, the doors constituting the controlled area may be locked when at least one medical cart 100 is in the controlled area and is set to the fluoroscopy mode. When another medical cart 100 moves into the controlled area, the doors may be temporarily unlocked.

[0140] By locking the door, the medical cart 100 set in the fluoroscopy mode can be prevented from moving outside the controlled area.

[0141] Also, the wire fixed to the medical cart 100 may be fixed to or released from a wall constituting the controlled area. By fixing the wire fixed to the medical cart 100 to a wall constituting the controlled area, the movement of the medical cart 100 is limited to the range of the wire, and it is therefore possible to prevent the medical cart 100 from moving outside the controlled area.

[0142] The building controller controls the door locks and secures and / or releases the wires.

[0143] <Modification> It is preferable that the control circuit 330 has a function of restricting the operation of the radiation button in the fluoroscopy mode. It is preferable that the control circuit 330 performs user authentication and allows only authenticated users to operate the radiation button in the fluoroscopy mode. Authenticated users are doctors, radiologists, and other users whose authority has been set by the hospital. For authentication, well-known authentication means such as an ID or account, a password, an employee ID card, and / or biometric authentication can be used.

[0144] The control circuit 330 may perform authentication of the user. When the control circuit 330 authenticates that the user is an authorized user, the control circuit 330 allows the mode to be changed to the fluoroscopy mode, and when the user is not authorized, the control circuit 330 may allow the user to operate only in the dynamic radiography mode, or may disable all operations. The control circuit 330 may authenticate the user to allow the user to operate only in the dynamic radiography mode.

[0145] The control circuit 330 may enable a change to the first mode when the imaging order or examination order received from the RIS or the like is imaging or examination using the fluoroscopy mode. The control circuit 330 may perform setting based on the imaging order or examination order received from the RIS. The control circuit 330 may change the setting performed based on the imaging order or examination order received from the RIS by the input / output unit 141.

[0146] The building control device does not have to be installed in the building where the controlled area is located. For example, it may be controlled by the control circuit 330 of the mobile cart 100, or may be remotely controlled by a control device installed in another building.

[0147] The mode of the medical cart 100 may be automatically set by recognizing whether the medical cart 100 is in a specific location where a fluoroscopy device can be used, or in a location where a fluoroscopy device cannot be used but a general radiography device can be used. When the mode of the medical cart 100 is set, or when it is recognized that the medical cart 100 is in a location where a fluoroscopy device can be used, the input / output unit 141 may give a notification regarding the mode setting.

[0148] When the fluoroscopy mode is set, or when the fluoroscopy mode is set, a confirmation screen may be displayed.

[0149] The control circuit 330 may always notify the user of the mode setting. The control circuit 330 may also notify the user by multiple notification means. For example, the control circuit 330 may always notify the user of the current mode by an indicator light, and may also notify the user by displaying a message on a monitor when the mobile cart 100 is instructed to start imaging.

[0150] FIG. 7 shows an example window 700 that is displayed on the screen when the fluoroscopy mode can be selected.

[0151] Furthermore, the medical cart 100 may automatically set the fluoroscopy mode and the dynamic radiography mode in accordance with the radiography information received from the RIS, and the input / output unit 141 may notify the user of the set mode or completion of the mode setting. The size of the button 710 for "change to fluoroscopy mode" may be different from the size of the button 720 for "remain in dynamic radiography mode". The size of the button 710 may be smaller than the size of the button 720. The size of the button 710 and the size of the button 720 may be the same.

[0152] When changing to the fluoroscopy mode, a confirmation window may be displayed.

[0153] 8 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation window 800 when changing to the fluoroscopy mode. In the window 800, the size of a button 810 selected when changing to the "fluoroscopy mode", the location of which is limited, may be made smaller than the size of a button 820 selected when changing to the "dynamic radiography mode" for use as a general radiography device. Also, the confirmation screen may not be displayed when changing to the dynamic radiography mode, and may be displayed when changing to the fluoroscopy mode.

[0154] The setting means displays the button to be selected when changing to the fluoroscopy mode as a smaller button than the button to be selected when changing to the dynamic imaging mode, thereby allowing more careful processing to be performed when the medical cart 100 is set to the fluoroscopy mode.

[0155] Furthermore, by displaying the confirmation screen only when the setting means is set to the fluoroscopy mode, more careful processing can be performed when the medical cart 100 is set to the fluoroscopy mode.

[0156] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or altered examples within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modified or altered examples also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the components in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0157] (1) A mobile radiography system in one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a radiation generating device that emits radiation and can be set to a plurality of imaging modes including a first mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging and a second mode, which is a general imaging mode in which a series of multiple frame images is obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation, and a control device that restricts the use of the first mode outside a controlled area.

[0158] (2) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a mobile radiography system is the mobile radiography system of (1), wherein the mobile radiography system is a medical cart, and the medical cart is equipped with the radiation generating device and the control device.

[0159] (3) In one embodiment of the mobile radiography system of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (2), the control device is at least one of the following control devices: (1) a control device that controls the mobile cart; and (2) a control device that controls a building in which a controlled area is located, and performs at least one of the following: (1) outputting an alarm to a user; and (2) causing the mobile cart to limit the emission of radiation outside the controlled area.

[0160] (4) In one embodiment of the mobile radiography system of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (3), the alarm is issued at least one of the following times: (1) before the mobile cart moves and / or starts to move; (2) when the fixing means of the mobile cart is released; (3) when the mobile cart is disconnected from the commercial power source; (4) when the mobile cart acquires imaging information from a radiology information system (RIS); (5) when communication between the main body of the mobile cart and the radiation detection device is switched from wired communication to wireless communication; (6) when it is detected that the handle of the mobile cart is being held; (7) when it is detected that the mobile cart is moving; (8) while the mobile cart is moving; (9) when the mobile cart has moved a predetermined distance; (10) when a predetermined time has elapsed since the mobile cart started to move; (11) after the mobile cart has moved; (12) when the fixing means of the mobile cart is locked; (13) when the mobile cart is connected to a commercial power source; and (14) when an instruction to start imaging is given.

[0161] (5) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mobile radiation imaging system is the mobile radiation imaging system of (3), wherein the alarm is a notification by at least one of (1) display on a monitor, (2) lighting, and (3) sound.

[0162] (6) In one embodiment of the mobile radiography system of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (2), the alarm notifies at least one of: (1) that the system is in fluoroscopy mode, (2) that the current mode is, or (3) that mode setting has been completed.

[0163] (7) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (1), the control device is a control device that controls the mobile cart and performs at least one of the following: (1) outputting an alarm to a user; and (2) causing the mobile cart to limit the emission of radiation outside a controlled area.

[0164] (8) In one embodiment of the mobile radiography system of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (6), the control device prevents the mobile medical vehicle from moving outside the controlled area when set to the first mode.

[0165] (9) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (7), the control device performs at least one of the following: (1) controlling a fixing means for fixing the mobile radiography cart; and (2) fixing the mobile radiography cart to a wire fixed to a wall that constitutes a controlled area.

[0166] (10) In one embodiment of the mobile radiography system of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (6), the control device controls the radiation generating device to prevent the radiation generating device from emitting a radiation amount exceeding a tolerable radiation amount when the radiation generating device is outside a controlled area.

[0167] (11) In one embodiment of the mobile radiography system of the present disclosure, when the control device recognizes that the radiation generating device is set to the first mode and the mobile radiography cart is outside a controlled area, the control device performs at least one of the following: (1) shutting down the mobile radiography cart; (2) stopping the power supply to the mobile radiography cart; (3) cutting off the power supply to the radiation generating device; (4) switching the mode of the radiation generating device to the second mode; (5) making the first mode unusable; (6) preventing the radiation generating device from emitting radiation in excess of the allowable radiation amount; and (7) preventing the fluoroscopy mode from being set.

[0168] (12) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (1), the control device is a control device that controls a building in which a controlled area is located, and performs at least one of the following: (1) outputting an alarm to a user; and (2) causing the mobile radiography cart to limit the emission of radiation outside the controlled area.

[0169] (13) In one embodiment of the mobile radiography system of the present disclosure, in the mobile radiography system of (11), when the mobile radiography cart is present within a controlled area, the control device performs at least one of the following: (1) locking a door that constitutes the controlled area; and (2) fixing a wire fixed to the mobile radiography cart to a wall that constitutes the controlled area.

[0170] (14) A method of restricting a mobile radiography system in one embodiment of the present disclosure restricts use of the first mode outside a controlled area in a mobile radiography system that can be set to a plurality of imaging modes, including a first mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging and a second mode, which is a general imaging mode in which a series of multiple frame images are obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation. [Industrial Applicability]

[0171] The present disclosure is useful for a radiation imaging apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0172] 100 Medical cart 110 Radiation Generator 111 Generator 112 Collimator 120 Radiation detection equipment 121, 144 Communications Department 130 Arm 131 Vertical Arm 132 Horizontal Arm 140 Main body 141 Input / output section 142 Power supply section 143 Handle 145 Wheels 310 Input section 320 Output section 330 Control circuit 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 windows 410, 420, 710, 720, 810, 820 Buttons

Claims

1. a radiation generating device that emits radiation and that can be set to a plurality of imaging modes, including a first mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging and a second mode that is a general imaging mode in which a series of multiple frame images is obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation; a control device that performs processing to restrict use of the first mode outside a controlled area; A mobile radiography system comprising:

2. the mobile radiography system is a medical examination cart, The medical examination cart includes the radiation generating device and the control device.

2. The mobile radiography system according to claim 1.

3. The control device (1) A control device for controlling the medical examination cart (2) A control device that controls the building where the controlled area is located At least one control device of (1) Output a warning to the user (2) The medical cart is required to limit radiation emissions outside the controlled area. Execute at least one of 3. The mobile radiography system according to claim 2.

4. The warning may include: (1) Before the medical cart starts moving and / or when it starts moving (2) When the fixing means of the medical cart is released (3) When the medical cart is disconnected from commercial power. (4) When the mobile cart acquires imaging information from the radiology information system (RIS). (5) When communication between the main body of the medical cart and the radiation detection device is switched from wired communication to wireless communication. (6) When it is detected that the handle of the medical cart is held (7) When the movement of the medical cart is detected (8) While the medical cart is moving (9) When the medical cart has traveled a predetermined distance (10) When a predetermined time has elapsed since the medical cart started moving (11) After the medical cart has moved (12) When the fixing means of the medical cart is locked (13) When the medical cart is connected to a commercial power source (14) When an instruction to start shooting is given notify at least one of 4. The mobile radiography system according to claim 3.

5. The warning may include: (1) Display on the monitor (2) Lighting (3) Audio notification by at least one of 4. The mobile radiography system according to claim 3.

6. The warning may include: (1) It must be in fluoroscopy mode. (2) Current mode (3) The mode setting is complete. notify at least one of 4. The mobile radiography system according to claim 3.

7. the control device is a control device that controls the medical examination cart, (1) Output a warning to the user (2) Restricting radiation emission from the radiation generating device outside the controlled area Execute at least one of 3. The mobile radiography system according to claim 2.

8. When the control device is set to the first mode, the control device prevents the medical examination cart from moving outside a controlled area.

8. A mobile radiography system according to claim 7.

9. The control device (1) Controlling the fixing means for fixing the medical cart (2) Fix the medical cart to a wire fixed to the wall that constitutes the controlled area. Execute at least one of 9. A mobile radiography system according to claim 8.

10. the control device performs control so that the radiation generating device cannot emit a radiation dose exceeding a permissible radiation dose when the radiation generating device is located outside a controlled area.

8. A mobile radiography system according to claim 7.

11. When the control device recognizes that the radiation generating device is set to the first mode and the medical cart is outside a controlled area, (1) Shut down the medical cart (2) Cut off the power supply to the medical cart. (3) Cut off the power supply to the radiation generating device. (4) Switching the mode of the radiation generating device to the second mode (5) Disable the first mode (6) Preventing the radiation generating device from emitting radiation exceeding the allowable radiation dose (7) Prevent the setting of fluoroscopy mode Execute at least one of The mobile radiography system according to claim 10.

12. the control device is a control device that controls a building in which a controlled area is installed, (1) Output a warning to the user (2) Restricting radiation emission from the radiation generating device outside the controlled area Execute at least one of 3. The mobile radiography system according to claim 2.

13. When the medical examination cart is present in a controlled area, the control device (1) Lock the doors that make up the controlled area. (2) Fix the wire fixed to the medical cart to the wall that constitutes the controlled area. Execute at least one of 13. The mobile radiography system according to claim 12.

14. The control device The first mode is set so that the user is made to change the mode more carefully than when the first mode is set.

2. The mobile radiography system according to claim 1.

15. The control device allowing only a user who has been authenticated as authorized to change to the first mode to change to the first mode, thereby allowing the mode change to be made carefully; 15. The mobile radiography system according to claim 14.

16. The control device a display size of the button for setting the first mode being displayed smaller than a display size of the button for setting the other mode, thereby allowing the mode to be changed carefully; 15. The mobile radiography system according to claim 14.

17. The control device The mode change is made carefully by not confirming the mode change when setting the other mode, and by confirming the mode change when setting the first mode.

15. The mobile radiography system according to claim 14.

18. A mobile radiography system that can be set to a plurality of imaging modes including a first mode for performing fluoroscopic imaging and a second mode which is a general imaging mode in which a series of multiple frame images is obtained by irradiating a subject with radiation, performing processing to restrict use of the first mode outside a controlled area; A method for limiting a mobile radiography system.

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