Radiographic system

Abstract

To provide a radiographic system capable of improving storage efficiency.SOLUTION: A radiographic system 10 includes a radiation source unit 40 and a panel unit 60. The radiation source unit 40 includes a radiation irradiation part 42 and a radiation source base part 50 that can travel on a floor surface F. The panel unit 60 includes a panel 62 for detecting a radiation and a panel base part 70 that can travel on the floor surface F. With the floor surface F as a projection surface, a projection area of the radiation source base part 50 and a projection area of the panel base part 70 are of a common shape. With the floor surface F as a projection surface, at least either between the projection area of the radiation source unit 40 and the projection area of the panel base part 70, or between the projection area of the panel unit 60 and the projection area of the radiation source base part 50, the radiation unit 40 and the panel unit 60 can be arranged in a proximity state that at least parts of each area overlap with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radiation imaging system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a radiation imaging system for taking a radiation image of a subject, there is known one in which each position of a radiation irradiation unit including a radiation source and a panel for detecting radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit can be freely moved.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses that an X-ray source and an X-ray receiver are respectively arranged on a plurality of robotic arms that can be electromagnetically adjusted for relative displacement, and can be freely adjusted for displacement in space by controlling the positions of the robotic arms. Also, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a portable X-ray system having two or more wheels or moving mechanisms.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when operating a portable radiation imaging system, it can be considered to store it in a suitable place when not in use and only take it out when using the device. Therefore, in recent years, there has been a demand for a radiation imaging system that can improve storage efficiency.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a radiation imaging system capable of improving storage efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure are radiographic systems including a radiation source unit and a panel unit. The radiation source unit includes a radiation irradiation unit including a radiation source, and a source base unit that supports the radiation irradiation unit and is capable of traveling on a floor surface. The panel unit includes a panel that detects radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit, and a panel base unit that supports the panel and is capable of traveling on the floor surface. Using the floor surface as a projection plane, the projection area of the radiation source unit is defined as the entire source area, the projection area of the source base unit is defined as the source base area, the projection area of the panel unit is defined as the entire panel area, and the projection area of the panel base unit is defined as the panel base area. In this case, the source base area and the panel base area have a common shape. The source unit and the panel unit can be arranged in a proximity state where at least a part of each area overlaps between at least one of the areas between the entire source area and the panel base area and between the entire panel area and the source base area.

[0008] In the proximity state in the above aspect, the entire source area and the panel base area may at least partially overlap.

[0009] In the above aspect, using the floor surface as a projection plane and defining the projection area of the radiation irradiation unit as the irradiation unit area, in the proximity state, the irradiation unit area and the panel base area may at least partially overlap.

[0010] In the proximity state in the above aspect, the entire panel area and the source base area may at least partially overlap.

[0011] In the above aspect, using the floor surface as a projection plane and defining the projection area of the panel as the panel area, in the proximity state, the panel area and the source base area may at least partially overlap.

[0012] In the proximity state in the above aspect, the entire source area and the panel base area may at least partially overlap, and the entire panel area and the source base area may at least partially overlap.

[0013] In the above aspect, when the floor surface is used as the projection surface, the projection area of the radiation irradiation unit is defined as the irradiation unit area, and the projection area of the panel is defined as the panel area, in the proximity state, at least a part of the irradiation unit area and the panel base area may overlap, and at least a part of the panel area and the source base area may overlap.

[0014] In the proximity state in the above aspect, the source base area and the panel base area may have an overlapping area where at least a part of them overlaps.

[0015] In the above aspect, the source base part and the panel base part each include a plurality of wheels arranged in a common arrangement pattern. When the floor surface is used as the projection surface and the projection area of each of the plurality of wheels is defined as the wheel area, in the proximity state, at least a part of a part of the wheel area and the overlapping area may overlap.

[0016] In the proximity state in the above aspect, when the direction intersecting the direction in which the source unit and the panel unit face each other on the floor surface is defined as the width direction, the mounting positions of the wheels of the source base part and the wheels of the panel base part may be different in the width direction.

[0017] In the proximity state in the above aspect, a part of the wheel area of the panel base part may enter the source base area, and a part of the wheel area of the source base part may enter the panel base area.

[0018] In the above aspect, the source base part and the panel base part each include one or more front wheels and two or more rear wheels. In the proximity state, at least a part of the front wheels included in one of the source base part and the panel base part may enter between the rear wheels included in the other.

[0019] In the proximity state in the above aspect, when the direction intersecting the direction in which the source unit and the panel unit face each other on the floor surface is defined as the width direction, the width of all the front wheels in the width direction may be smaller than the width of all the rear wheels in the width direction.

[0020] In the above aspect, the line source unit further includes a line source support portion that extends in a direction intersecting the floor surface and connects the line source base portion and the radiation irradiation portion. In the direction in which the line source unit and the panel unit face each other in the proximity state, the distance from the connection portion between the line source base portion and the line source support portion to the end portion on the rear wheel side of the line source base portion may be shorter than the distance from the connection portion to the end portion on the front wheel side of the line source base portion.

[0021] In the above aspect, the panel unit further includes a panel support portion that extends in a direction intersecting the floor surface and connects the panel base portion and the panel. In the direction in which the line source unit and the panel unit face each other in the proximity state, the distance from the connection portion between the panel base portion and the panel support portion to the end portion on the rear wheel side of the panel base portion may be shorter than the distance from the connection portion to the end portion on the front wheel side of the panel base portion.

[0022] In the above aspect, the line source base region and the panel base region may have congruent shapes.

[0023] In the above aspect, the line source base region and the panel base region may be rectangular.

[0024] In the proximity state in the above aspect, the entire region combining the entire line source region and the entire panel region may be made rectangular.

[0025] In the above aspect, at least one of the radiation irradiation portion and the panel is configured to be able to change the position in the height direction perpendicular to the floor surface, and in the proximity state, the radiation irradiation portion and the panel may be made not to interfere with each other in the height direction.

[0026] In the above aspect, it includes at least one processor. The processor acquires difference information indicating the difference in the height direction positions of the radiation irradiation portion and the panel in the separated state where the regions do not overlap, and based on the difference information, derives the amount of movement in the height direction of at least one of the radiation irradiation portion and the panel so that the positional relationship in the height direction between the radiation irradiation portion and the panel becomes a predetermined state.

[0027] According to the above aspect, the radiation imaging system of the present disclosure can improve storage efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

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Figure 7

Figure 8

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0030] In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the width direction, depth direction, and height direction of the radiographic system 10 are indicated by three arrows X, Y, and Z. First, the height direction is indicated by the arrow Z, the direction of the arrow Z indicated by the arrow Z is defined as the upward direction of the radiographic system 10, and the opposite direction is defined as the downward direction. The depth direction is indicated by the arrow Y orthogonal to the arrow Z, the direction indicated by the arrow Y is defined as the depth direction of the radiographic system 10, and the opposite direction is defined as the front direction. The width direction is indicated by the arrow X in the direction orthogonal to the arrows Z and Y, the direction indicated by the arrow X is defined as the right direction of the radiographic system 10, and the opposite is defined as the left direction. Also, hereinafter, expressions using sides such as the upper side, lower side, back side, front side, right side, and left side have the same meaning as the expressions using directions.

[0031] Also, in the present embodiment, "vertical" means, in addition to the complete vertical direction, a vertical including an error generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and not contrary to the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. The same applies to "parallel", which means parallel including an error generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs and not contrary to the gist of the technology of the present disclosure in addition to the complete parallel direction.

[0032] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of the radiographic system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radiographic system 10. The radiographic system 10 is a system for performing radiography, and includes a portable radiation source unit 40 and a panel unit 60, respectively. In the example of FIG. 1, the state of photographing the chest of the subject A in the standing position is shown.

[0033] The linear source unit 40 includes a radiation irradiation unit 42 containing a radiation source 43, a linear source base unit 50 that supports the radiation irradiation unit 42 and is capable of traveling on the floor surface F, and a linear source support unit 44 that connects the linear source base unit 50 and the radiation irradiation unit 42. The linear source unit 40 is a device that irradiates a subject A with radiation R (for example, X-rays and gamma rays) generated from the radiation source 43.

[0034] The radiation irradiation unit 42 irradiates the subject A with the radiation R. Inside the radiation irradiation unit 42, the radiation source 43 is accommodated. The irradiation direction of the radiation R generated by the radiation source 43 is defined by an irradiation field limiter (not shown). The irradiation conditions of the radiation R, such as the tube voltage, tube current applied to the radiation source 43, and the irradiation time of the radiation R, may be determined in advance according to a shooting order, for example, or may be input by an operator such as a doctor or a technician.

[0035] The linear source base unit 50 includes a linear source traveling mechanism 52. The linear source traveling mechanism 52 is a mechanism that moves the linear source base unit 50 to travel on the floor surface F. That is, the linear source unit 40 is configured to be able to change its position in the floor surface F (XY direction). The linear source traveling mechanism 52 includes, for example, front wheels 53 and rear wheels 54 provided at the lower part of the linear source base unit 50, and a motor (not shown) that drives the front wheels 53 and the rear wheels 54. Note that the linear source traveling mechanism 52 may travel by being pushed by a user, for example, instead of being driven by a motor. The front wheels 53 and the rear wheels 54 are an example of a plurality of wheels of the present disclosure.

[0036] The linear source support unit 44 includes a lifting part 45 that extends in a direction (Z direction) intersecting the floor surface F and is capable of ascending and descending in the height direction, and an arm 46 connected to the lifting part 45 at a connection part 47. The linear source support unit 44 is a part that forms the main body of the linear source unit 40, and houses a power supply system that supplies power to the radiation source 43, a control unit that controls the entire linear source unit 40, and a mechanism for driving the arm 46, etc.

[0037] The arm 46 is a part extending from the radiation source support part 44, with one end attached to the elevating part 45 and the other end provided with a radiation irradiation part 42. The arm 46 is telescopically extendable in the height direction. Further, the connection part 47 between the elevating part 45 and the arm 46 is also configured such that its position in the height direction can be changed within the elevating part 45. That is, by the elevation of the elevating part 45, the change in the height direction position of the connection part 47, and the telescopic extension in the height direction of the arm 46, the radiation irradiation part 42 is configured to be able to change its position in the height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the floor surface F. Also, the arm 46 may be telescopically extendable in the depth direction.

[0038] Also, the arm 46 may be rotatable about an axis extending in the left - right direction (X direction) at the connection part 47 (see Fig. 2). Further, the arm 46 may be rotatable about an axis extending in the depth direction (Y direction) at the connection part 47.

[0039] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the arm 46 has an L - shape having a part parallel to the side surface of the radiation source support part 44 (along the up - down direction) and a part bent from its upper end and along the depth direction. Note that the form of the arm 46 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a C - shaped arm when viewed from the right direction similar to Fig. 1, or an arm having a plurality of joints.

[0040] The panel unit 60 includes a panel 62 that detects the radiation R irradiated from the radiation irradiation part 42, a panel base part 70 that supports the panel 62 and is capable of traveling on the floor surface F, and a panel support part 64 that connects the panel base part 70 and the panel 62. The panel unit 60 generates a radiation image of the subject A by detecting the radiation R irradiated from the radiation source unit 40 to the subject A.

[0041] Panel 62 includes a scintillator that converts radiation R into visible light and a semiconductor substrate on which pixels that generate charges in response to visible light are two-dimensionally arranged, and is a so-called indirect conversion type radiation detector that detects radiation R transmitted through the subject A and outputs a radiation image. Note that the panel 62 may be a so-called direct conversion type radiation detector that includes a semiconductor substrate on which pixels that generate charges in response to radiation R are two-dimensionally arranged.

[0042] The panel base portion 70 includes a panel traveling mechanism 72. The panel traveling mechanism 72 is a mechanism that causes the panel base portion 70 to travel and move on the floor surface F. That is, the panel unit 60 is configured to be able to change its position in the floor surface F (XY direction). The panel traveling mechanism 72 includes, for example, front wheels 73 and rear wheels 74 provided at the lower portion of the panel base portion 70 and a motor (not shown) that drives the front wheels 73 and the rear wheels 74. Note that the panel traveling mechanism 72 may travel, for example, by being pushed by a user instead of being driven by a motor. The front wheels 73 and the rear wheels 74 are an example of a plurality of wheels of the present disclosure.

[0043] The panel support portion 64 extends in a direction (Z direction) intersecting the floor surface F and includes an arm 66. The panel support portion 64 is a portion that forms the main body portion of the panel unit 60, and houses a control portion that controls the entire panel unit 60 and a mechanism for driving the arm 66 therein. Further, the panel support portion 64 is connected to the arm 66 at a connection portion 67 whose height direction position can be changed.

[0044] The arm 66 is a portion extending from the panel support portion 64, one end of which is attached to the panel support portion 64 and the other end of which is provided with the panel 62. The arm 66 is stretchable and rotatable about an axis extending in the left-right direction (X direction) at a connection portion 67 with the panel support portion 64. That is, by the expansion and contraction of the arm 66 and the rotation about the axis extending in the left-right direction, the panel 62 is configured to be able to change its position in the height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the floor surface F.

[0045] Further, at the connection portion 68 with the panel 62, the arm 66 is configured to be able to change the orientation of the panel 62. For example, the connection portion 68 may support the radiation detection surface of the panel 62 in an orientation such that it is perpendicular to the floor surface F regardless of the telescopic state and rotational state of the arm 66, or may be able to fix the panel 62 in any orientation.

[0046] Note that the form of the arm 66 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be an L-shaped arm when viewed from the right direction (i.e., the same form as the arm 46 of the radiation source unit 40 in FIG. 1), or a C-shaped arm when viewed from the right direction, or an arm having a plurality of joints.

[0047] Note that the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment is not limited to imaging in the standing state, but is also applicable to imaging in the lying state, sitting state, etc. As an example, FIG. 2 shows another usage mode of the radiation imaging system 10 in FIG. 1. The example in FIG. 2 shows a state of imaging a subject A in the lying state. When imaging the subject A in the lying state, the panel 62 of the panel unit 60 is removed and mounted inside the lying table 77, and imaging is performed by irradiating the subject A placed on the lying table 77 with radiation R from above. That is, the panel 62 of the panel unit 60 may be detachable from the arm 66.

[0048] By the way, when operating such a portable radiation imaging system 10, when each unit is not in use, it can be stored in an appropriate place and carried out only when each unit is used. Therefore, in the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the radiation source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 are configured to improve the storage efficiency.

[0049] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the detailed configurations of the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 will be described. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the states of the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 that can be reproduced when the radiographic system 10 is stored. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the respective projection areas obtained by projecting the respective configurations of the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 in the state of FIG. 3 from a direction (upper side) perpendicular to the floor surface F with the floor surface F as the projection plane.

[0050] In FIG. 4, the projection area of the X-ray source unit 40 is shown as the entire X-ray source area 40A. The projection area of the X-ray source base portion 50 is shown as the X-ray source base area 50A. The projection area of the radiation irradiation unit 42 is shown as the irradiation unit area 42A. The respective projection areas of the front wheel 53 and the rear wheel 54 of the X-ray source unit 40 are shown as the wheel area 53A and the wheel area 54A. The projection area of the panel unit 60 is shown as the entire panel area 60A. The projection area of the panel base portion 70 is shown as the panel base area 70A. The projection area of the panel 62 is shown as the panel area 62A. The respective projection areas of the front wheel 73 and the rear wheel 74 of the panel unit 60 are shown as the wheel area 73A and the wheel area 74A. The outer edge of the projection area related to the X-ray source unit 40 is shown by a solid line, and the outer edge of the projection area related to the panel unit 60 is shown by a dotted line. In FIG. 4, for clarity, an offset is provided in the overlapping portion of the outer edges of the two projection areas (for example, the left side on the paper surface of the entire X-ray source area 40A and the left side on the paper surface of the X-ray source base area 50A) for illustration.

[0051] The X-ray source base area 50A and the panel base area 70A have a common shape. That is, the X-ray source base portion 50 and the panel base portion 70 have the same shape of the occupied space on the floor surface F. Note that the X-ray source base area 50A and the panel base area 70A only need to have a common shape as a whole (for example, a rectangle), and may include errors within the extent generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs. For example, errors in the dimensional ratio and the radius of the rounding in the chamfered portion of the corner are acceptable.

[0052] In addition, the radiographic system 10 is configured such that at least one of the area-to-area relationships between the entire source area 40A and the panel base area 70A, and between the entire panel area 60A and the source base area 50A allows the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 to be arranged in a proximity state where at least a part of each area overlaps. Specifically, the radiographic system 10 is configured to be able to assume a proximity state when the source unit 40 is in a contracted state and the panel unit 60 is in a contracted state. The contracted state of the source unit 40 is a state in which the length, orientation, etc. of the arm 46, etc. are adjusted so that the area of the entire source area 40A is minimized. The contracted state of the panel unit 60 is a state in which the length, orientation, etc. of the arm 66, etc. are adjusted so that the area of the entire panel area 60A is minimized.

[0053] Specifically, the radiographic system 10 is configured, by functions such as the source support portion 44 and the panel support portion 64, to prevent the radiation irradiation portion 42 and the panel 62 from interfering with each other in the height direction in the proximity state. And the radiographic system 10 is configured to be able to assume a state that satisfies either one or both of a state where a part of the source unit 40 is located above the panel base area 70A and a state where a part of the panel unit 60 is located above the source base portion 50.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 3, a part of the source unit 40, particularly the radiation irradiation portion 42, is located above the panel base area 70A, and a part of the panel unit 60, particularly the panel 62, is located above the source base portion 50. Corresponding to this state, in the example of FIG. 4, in the proximity state, the entire source area 40A and the panel base area 70A, specifically, the irradiation portion area 42A and the panel base area 70A, at least partially overlap. Also, in the proximity state, the entire panel area 60A and the source base area 50A, specifically, the panel area 62A and the source base area 50A, at least partially overlap.

[0055] According to such a configuration, the occupied space of a set of the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 can be reduced, and the dead space can be decreased, so that the storage efficiency of the radiographic imaging system 10 can be improved.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows an example of a state in which the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment is stored in a storage location S. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the storage location S (for example, a room in a medical institution) as viewed from above, and shows a X-ray source base area 50A, a panel base area 70A, and the occupied space 10A of the entire radiographic imaging system 10 (that is, a set of the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60). Further, FIG. 6 shows an example of a state in which a radiographic imaging system according to a comparative example is stored in the same storage location S as in FIG. 5. The radiographic imaging system according to the comparative example has a different shape of the occupied space (X-ray source base area 50Ax) of the X-ray source unit 40 and the occupied space (panel base area 70Ax) of the panel unit 60 from that of the present embodiment.

[0057] According to the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the total occupied space 10A of the combined X-ray source unit 40 and panel unit 60 can be made smaller than the occupied space 10Ax of the comparative example. Also, the dead space existing in the occupied space 10Ax can be reduced. Therefore, the storage efficiency in the storage location S can be improved, and many devices (for example, another set of the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60, and other devices O, etc.) can be stored. Also, for example, since the space in which the user U can move freely can be expanded, it is advantageous for securing a work space for operations and transportation of each device, and the storage location S can be effectively utilized.

[0058] Note that although the occupied space can be reduced by miniaturizing the X-ray source unit 40 and / or the panel unit 60, each unit is required to have a footprint large enough to prevent tipping, so there is a limit to miniaturization. According to the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, by making the X-ray source base region 50A and the panel base region 70A have the same shape, the dead space is reduced, so that the storage efficiency can be improved even when maintaining a size large enough to prevent tipping.

[0059] Moreover, according to the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 can be placed in an appropriate storage form (proximity state) with a small occupied space and dead space without being greatly deformed. Therefore, the switching between the storage state and the use state can be performed quickly. Also, it becomes easier to take in and out each unit from the storage location S.

[0060] Note that the X-ray source base region 50A and the panel base region 70A preferably have the same shape. That is, it is preferable that the X-ray source base portion 50 and the panel base portion 70 have the same size and shape of the occupied space on the floor surface F. According to such a configuration, the dead space can be further reduced, which is advantageous for improving the storage efficiency. Note that the X-ray source base region 50A and the panel base region 70A only need to have the same size and shape as a whole, and may include errors generally acceptable in the technical field to which the technology of the present disclosure belongs. For example, errors in the dimensional ratio and the radius of the rounding in the chamfered portion of the corner are acceptable.

[0061] Moreover, the X-ray source base region 50A and the panel base region 70A are preferably rectangular. According to such a configuration, it is advantageous for reducing the dead space and improving the storage efficiency. Note that the rectangle referred to here does not necessarily require a true rectangle, and may be a substantially rectangular shape, for example, having a chamfered portion at the corner.

[0062] Furthermore, in the proximity state, it is preferable that the entire area combining the entire line source area 40A and the entire panel area 60A can be formed into a rectangle. Specifically, for the entire line source area 40A, it is preferable that the three sides other than the side protruding toward the entire panel area 60A side in the proximity state (the right side in the plane of FIG. 4), i.e., the upper side, the left side, and the lower side (in the plane of FIG. 4), do not exceed the range of the line source base area 50A. Similarly, for the entire panel area 60A, it is preferable that the three sides other than the side protruding toward the entire line source area 40A side in the proximity state (the left side in the plane of FIG. 4), i.e., the upper side, the right side, and the lower side (in the plane of FIG. 4), do not exceed the range of the panel base area 70A. According to such a configuration, the dead space can be further reduced, which is advantageous for improving the storage efficiency. Here, the rectangle mentioned here does not necessarily require a true rectangle, and it may be a substantially rectangular shape, for example, having a chamfered portion at the corner. Also, for example, there may be a gap between the line source base area 50A and the panel base area 70A, or there may be a notch between the entire line source area 40A and the entire panel area 60A.

[0063] Also, it is preferable that the line source base portion 50 and the panel base portion 70 each include a plurality of wheels arranged in a common array pattern. In the example of FIG. 4, the line source base portion 50 includes four wheels (front wheels 53 and rear wheels 54) arranged at the four corners of the line source base area 50A. Similarly, the panel base portion 70 includes four wheels (front wheels 73 and rear wheels 74) arranged at the four corners of the panel base area 70A. In this way, since the line source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 have a common structure, the productivity of the radiation imaging system 10 can be improved.

[0064] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the height alignment process in the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. The radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment may have a function of aligning the heights of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 in a separated state (see FIG. 1) in which the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 are arranged apart for radiation imaging. The separated state means a state in which the regions of the entire source region 40A and the panel base region 70A, and the regions of the entire panel region 60A and the source base region 50A do not overlap.

[0065] FIG. 7 is an example of a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, particularly the control device 12. The radiation imaging system 10 may include, in addition to the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 described above, a position sensor 11 that detects the height positions of the respective units, and a control device 12 that controls the height positions of the respective units.

[0066] The position sensor 11 is a sensor for obtaining difference information indicating the difference in the height positions of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 in the separated state. As the position sensor 11, for example, a distance measuring sensor that measures the distance from the sensor to the object, a displacement sensor that measures the amount of displacement from a predetermined reference position, etc. can be appropriately applied. Examples of the distance measuring sensor include LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging or Light Detection and Ranging), TOF (Time Of Flight) camera, and stereo camera. Examples of the displacement sensor include a linear potentiometer and a laser displacement meter.

[0067] For example, as the position sensor 11, a distance measuring sensor arranged at a predetermined position in the radiographic examination room may be used to detect both the position of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the position of the panel 62, and the difference therebetween may be obtained. Also, for example, as the position sensor 11, a distance measuring sensor mounted on either the radiation source unit 40 or the panel unit 60 may be used to detect the difference in the height direction position from the radiation irradiation unit 42 or the panel 62 provided in the other unit. Also, for example, as the position sensor 11, a displacement sensor provided in the radiation source support portion 44 and the panel support portion 64 may be used to detect both the displacement amount of the position of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the displacement amount of the position of the panel 62, and the difference therebetween may be obtained.

[0068] The control device 12 controls the radiation source unit 40 and / or the panel unit 60 based on the difference information detected using the position sensor 11.

[0069] First, with reference to FIG. 8, the electrical configuration of the control device 12 will be described. The control device 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a non-volatile storage unit 22, and a memory 23 as a temporary storage area. Also, the control device 12 includes a display 24 such as a liquid crystal display, an input unit 25 such as a keyboard and a mouse, and an I / F (Interface) unit 26. The I / F unit 26 performs wired and / or wireless communication with the position sensor 11, the radiation source unit 40, the panel unit 60, and other external devices. The CPU 21, the storage unit 22, the memory 23, the display 24, the input unit 25, and the I / F unit 26 are connected to each other via a bus 28 such as a system bus and a control bus so as to be able to exchange various information.

[0070] The storage unit 22 is realized by a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a flash memory. The control program 27 in the control device 12 is stored in the storage unit 22. The CPU 21 reads the control program 27 from the storage unit 22, expands it in the memory 23, and executes the expanded control program 27. The CPU 21 is an example of the processor of the present disclosure. As the control device 12, for example, a personal computer, a server computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, etc. can be appropriately applied.

[0071] Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the functional configuration of the control device 12 will be described. The control device 12 includes an acquisition unit 14, a derivation unit 16, and a control unit 18. By executing the control program 27, the CPU 21 functions as the acquisition unit 14, the derivation unit 16, and the control unit 18.

[0072] The acquisition unit 14 acquires difference information indicating the difference in the height direction positions of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 in the separated state. For example, the acquisition unit 14 may acquire information indicating the height direction position of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and information indicating the height direction position of the panel 62 from the position sensor 11, and derive the difference therebetween.

[0073] Based on the difference information acquired by the acquisition unit 14, the derivation unit 16 derives the movement amount in the height direction of at least one of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 so that the positional relationship in the height direction between the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 becomes a predetermined state. Specifically, the derivation unit 16 derives the movement amount in the height direction of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and / or the panel 62 with the target that the center of the radiation R irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 42 coincides with the center of the panel 62.

[0074] For example, it is assumed that the position of the panel 62 is determined based on the imaging site, physique, posture, etc. of the subject A. In this case, the derivation unit 16 derives the movement amount in the height direction of the radiation irradiation unit 42 so that the optical axis of the radiation R is aligned with the center of the radiation detection surface of the panel 62.

[0075] Based on the movement amount derived by the derivation unit 16, the control unit 18 controls the source unit 40 and / or the panel unit 60 so as to change the position in the height direction of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and / or the panel 62.

[0076] Note that the present invention is not limited to the form in which the control device 12 controls the source unit 40 and / or the panel unit 60. For example, the user may manually change the position in the height direction of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and / or the panel 62. Specifically, the control unit 18 may cause the display 24 to display the movement amount derived by the derivation unit 16, and the user who sees the displayed movement amount may manually adjust the position in the height direction of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and / or the panel 62.

[0077] As described above, the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a source unit 40 and a panel unit 60. The source unit 40 includes a radiation irradiation unit 42 including a radiation source 43, and a source base unit 50 that supports the radiation irradiation unit 42 and is capable of traveling on the floor surface F. The panel unit 60 includes a panel 62 that detects the radiation R irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit 42, and a panel base unit 70 that supports the panel 62 and is capable of traveling on the floor surface F. Using the floor surface F as a projection surface, the projection area of the source unit 40 is defined as the entire source area 40A, the projection area of the source base unit 50 is defined as the source base area 50A, the projection area of the panel unit 60 is defined as the entire panel area 60A, and the projection area of the panel base unit 70 is defined as the panel base area 70A. In this case, the source base area 50A and the panel base area 70A have a common shape. Also, at least a part of each area overlaps in a proximity state where at least one of the area-to-area between the entire source area 40A and the panel base area 70A and the area-to-area between the entire panel area 60A and the source base area 50A, and the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 can be arranged.

[0078] That is, according to the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the entire area of one of the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 can be arranged in a proximity state overlapping with the other base area, so that the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 can be arranged. That is, by configuring a part of the source unit 40 and a part of the panel unit 60 to be within a common area, the occupied space of the entire radiation imaging system 10 can be reduced. Further, since the source base area 50A and the panel base area 70A have the same shape, the dead space in the proximity state can be reduced. Therefore, according to the radiation imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the storage efficiency can be improved.

[0079] In addition, in the above embodiment, although the forms in which both the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 can change their positions in the height direction have been described, the present invention is not limited to this. In order to avoid interference between the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 in the proximity state, at least one of the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 may be configured to be able to change its position in the height direction.

[0080] In addition, in the above embodiment, the forms in which both the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 are located above the other base part have been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and either the radiation irradiation unit 42 or the panel 62 may be located above the other base part. For example, while the radiation irradiation unit 42 is located above the panel base part 70, the panel 62 may also be located above the panel base part 70 (that is, the panel 62 is not located above the source base part 50). Similarly, for example, while the panel 62 is located above the source base part 50, the radiation irradiation unit 42 may also be located above the source base part 50 (that is, the radiation irradiation unit 42 is not located above the panel base part 70).

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the control device 12 has been described as a device connected to the radiation source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 by wire and / or wirelessly. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device 12 may be mounted on the radiation source unit 40 and / or the panel unit 60.

[0082] [First Modification Example] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a first modification example of the radiographic imaging system 10 will be described. The radiographic imaging system 10 according to the first modification example is configured such that in the proximity state, the radiation source base region 50A and the panel base region 70A have an overlapping region 80A where at least a part thereof overlaps. That is, in addition to the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62, a part of each base portion is also configured to fit into a region common to the base portions of the paired units. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment will be partially omitted.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state of the radiation source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 that can be reproduced when storing the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the first modification example. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing each projection region obtained by projecting each configuration of the radiation source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 in the state of FIG. 9 onto the floor surface F as a projection plane.

[0084] In the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the first modification example, a part of the wheels of the radiation source unit 40 and a part of the wheels of the panel unit 60 are made accessible to each other below the base portion of the paired units. Specifically, the above configuration is realized by making the attachment positions of the wheels of the radiation source base portion 50 and the wheels of the panel base portion 70 different in the width direction. The width direction is a direction (X direction) that intersects the direction (Y direction) in which the radiation source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 face each other on the floor surface F in the proximity state.

[0085] In the example of FIG. 10, by arranging one front wheel 53 provided in the source unit 40 to be biased toward the center in the width direction, interference with the front wheel 73 of the panel unit 60 in the proximity state is avoided. Similarly, by arranging one front wheel 73 provided in the panel unit 60 to be biased toward the center in the width direction, interference with the front wheel 53 of the source unit 40 in the proximity state is avoided.

[0086] In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, in the proximity state, a part of the wheel area (wheel area 73A) of the panel base part 70 enters the source base area 50A, and a part of the wheel area (wheel area 53A) of the source base part 50 enters the panel base area 70A. That is, in the proximity state, at least a part of the overlapping area 80A overlaps with a part of the wheel area.

[0087] According to the radiation imaging system 10 according to this modification example, in the proximity state, a part of the wheels of the source unit 40 and / or a part of the wheels of the panel unit 60 can enter the lower part of the unit that forms a set, so that the occupied space can be made smaller. Therefore, according to the radiation imaging system 10 according to this modification example, the storage efficiency can be improved.

[0088] In the above first modification example, the form in which the wheels of each unit enter each other below the base part of the unit that forms a set has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the wheels provided in either one of the units may enter below the base part of the other unit. For example, only the front wheel 53 provided in the source unit 40 may be allowed to enter below the panel base part 70, and the front wheel 73 provided in the panel unit 60 may be prevented from entering below the source base part 50.

[0089] Also, in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the proximity state, an example is shown where the irradiation unit region 42A and the panel base region 70A overlap (the radiation irradiation unit 42 is located above the panel base region 70A), but it is not limited to this. Similarly, in the proximity state, an example is shown where the panel region 62A and the source base region 50A overlap (the panel 62 is located above the source base portion 50), but it is not limited to this. For example, the irradiation unit region 42A and the panel base region 70A may not overlap, and the panel region 62A and the source base region 50A may not overlap.

[0090] [Second Modified Example] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, a second modified example of the radiation imaging system 10 will be described. The radiation imaging system 10 according to the second modified example is configured such that in the proximity state, the source base region 50A and the panel base region 70A have an overlapping region 80A where at least a part overlaps. The difference from the first modified example is that the base portions other than the wheels are also configured to fit within a common region. Hereinafter, the description of the same configuration as the above embodiment will be partially omitted.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing an example of the state of the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 that can be reproduced when storing the radiation imaging system 10 according to the second modified example. FIG. 12 is a view of the source base portion 50 as seen from the rear wheel 54 side. FIG. 13 is a view showing the respective projection regions obtained by projecting the respective configurations of the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 in the state of FIG. 11 onto the floor surface F as a projection plane.

[0092] In the proximity state (storage state) in the above embodiment and the first modified example, the orientations of the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 were the same as the orientations in the separated state (use state) as shown in FIG. 1, respectively. That is, the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 were arranged to face each other by facing opposite directions. On the other hand, in the proximity state in the second modified example, the orientation of the source unit 40 is reversed. That is, the radiation irradiation unit 42 and the panel 62 are arranged to face the same direction (left in the paper surface of FIG. 11).

[0093] The line source base portion 50 includes one or more front wheels 53 and two or more rear wheels 54. Similarly, the panel base portion 70 includes one or more front wheels 73 and two or more rear wheels 74. In the examples of FIGS. 11 to 13, the line source base portion 50 includes two front wheels 53 and two rear wheels 54. The panel base portion 70 includes two front wheels 73 and two rear wheels 74. Here, the width Wf of all the front wheels 53 (front wheels 73) in the width direction (X direction) is smaller than the width Wr of all the rear wheels 54 (rear wheels 74) in the width direction. That is, here, the wheels with the narrower overall width are referred to as the front wheels.

[0094] In the proximity state, at least a part of the front wheels 73 included in the panel traveling mechanism 72 is configured to enter between the rear wheels 54 included in the line source base portion 50. Specifically, the line source base portion 50 has a height that increases from the front wheel 53 side toward the rear wheel 54 side, and an opening 56 is provided between the rear wheels 54. The configuration of the panel base portion 70 is the same as that of the line source base portion 50. The panel base portion 70 has a height that increases from the front wheel 73 side toward the rear wheel 74 side, and an opening 76 is provided between the rear wheels 74.

[0095] That is, the front wheels 53 and the front wheels 73 are each arranged inward so that the overall width is narrower than that of the rear wheels 54 and the rear wheels 74, and the base portions around the front wheels 53 and the front wheels 73 are relatively low. Due to these configurations, the front wheel 73 side of the panel base portion 70 can enter toward the opening 56 of the line source base portion 50 without interference between the base portions.

[0096] In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, in the proximity state, at least a part of the partial wheel region and the overlapping region 80A overlap. In FIG. 11, the positions corresponding to the heights of the opening 56 and the opening 76 are illustrated by broken lines. In FIG. 13, the ranges 56A and 76A into which other units can enter through the opening 56 and the opening 76 are illustrated by broken lines.

[0097] In FIGS. 11 to 13, a form in which a part of the panel base portion 70 enters below the source base portion 50 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by swapping the positions of the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60, a form in which a part of the source base portion 50 enters below the panel base portion 70 may also be adopted.

[0098] Specifically, in the proximity state, at least a part of the front wheels 53 included in the source base portion 50 may be configured to enter between the rear wheels 74 included in the panel base portion 70. For example, the front wheel 53 side of the source base portion 50 may be made to be able to enter toward the opening 76 provided on the rear wheel 74 side of the panel base portion 70.

[0099] Also, the opening 56 and the opening 76 may be provided in both the source base portion 50 and the panel base portion 70, or the opening may be provided only in the base portion on the receiving side (the source base portion 50 in FIG. 11). When openings are provided in both base portions, in the proximity state, at least a part of the front wheels 53 or the front wheels 73 included in the other one can enter between the rear wheels 54 or the rear wheels 74 included in either the source base portion 50 or the panel base portion 70. That is, for example, when attempting to store the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60, it is possible to make them in the proximity state (a state suitable for storage) regardless of the arrangement order, so that convenience can be improved. Also, for example, in combination with the source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 related to another radiation imaging system 10, they can be arranged in series while overlapping the base portions, which is advantageous for improving storage efficiency.

[0100] Also, in the radiographic imaging system 10 according to the second modification example, it is preferable to move the position of each support portion closer to the rear wheel side. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, in the direction (Y direction) in which the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 face each other in the proximity state, the distance Drr from the connection portion 59 between the X-ray source base portion 50 and the X-ray source support portion 44 to the end portion on the rear wheel 54 side of the X-ray source base portion 50 is preferably shorter than the distance Dfr from the connection portion 59 to the end portion on the front wheel 53 side of the X-ray source base portion 50. Similarly, in the direction (Y direction) in which the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 face each other in the proximity state, the distance Drp from the connection portion 69 between the panel base portion 70 and the panel support portion 64 to the end portion on the rear wheel 74 side of the panel base portion 70 is preferably shorter than the distance Dfp from the connection portion 69 to the end portion on the front wheel 73 side of the panel base portion 70.

[0101] By moving each support portion closer to the higher rear wheel side of the base portion, interference between the X-ray source unit 40 and the panel unit 60 in the proximity state can be avoided. In addition, since the radiation irradiation portion 42 and the panel 62 can be lifted to a higher position by the height of the base portion, it is advantageous for radiographic imaging. Further, by not providing the support portion on the front wheel side, when performing radiographic imaging in the lying position (see FIG. 2), the front wheel side of the base portion can be made to dive deeper under the lying table 77, improving convenience.

[0102] According to the radiographic imaging system 10 according to this modification example, in the proximity state, a part of the panel base portion 70 and / or a part of the X-ray source base portion 50 can be made accessible to the lower part of the unit set, so that the occupied space can be made smaller. Therefore, according to the radiographic imaging system 10 according to this modification example, the storage efficiency can be improved.

[0103] In addition, in the above second modification example, it is not necessary to provide openings in both the X-ray source base portion 50 and the panel base portion 70. For example, only the X-ray source base portion 50 may have the opening 56, and the panel base portion 70 may not have the opening 76 (that is, other units may not be made accessible).

[0104] Also, in the proximity state in the second modification example, whether the irradiation unit region 42A and the panel base region 70A overlap or not, and whether the panel region 62A and the source base region 50A overlap or not are not particularly limited.

[0105] Note that the forms of the wheels shown in the above embodiments and each modification example are merely examples, and various modifications are possible. For example, the number of front wheels and / or rear wheels may be independently changed respectively. For example, it may be a combination of one front wheel and two rear wheels, or a combination of two front wheels and three rear wheels. Also, for example, the size and shape may be changed between the front wheels and the rear wheels.

[0106] Also, in the above embodiment, for example, as the hardware structure of a processing unit that executes various processes such as the acquisition unit 14, the derivation unit 16, and the control unit 18, the following various processors can be used. In addition to the CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (program) and functions as various processing units as described above, the above various processors include a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0107] One processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same type or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, a plurality of processing units may be composed of one processor.

[0108] Examples of configuring a plurality of processing units with a single processor include, first, a form in which one processor is configured by a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by computers such as clients and servers, and this processor functions as a plurality of processing units. Second, there is a form in which a processor that realizes the functions of an entire system including a plurality of processing units with a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by a System on Chip (SoC). Thus, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above various processors as a hardware structure.

[0109] Furthermore, as a more specific hardware structure of these various processors, circuitry combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used.

[0110] Also, in the above embodiment, an aspect in which various programs are pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit has been described, but it is not limited to this. The various programs may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. Also, the various programs may be in a form downloaded from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends to a storage medium that non-temporarily stores a program in addition to the program.

[0111] The technology of the present disclosure can also appropriately combine the above-described embodiments and examples. The description and illustration shown above are detailed descriptions of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the descriptions regarding the above-described configuration, function, operation, and effect are descriptions regarding an example of the configuration, function, operation, and effect of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that within the scope not departing from the gist of the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustration shown above may be modified by deleting unnecessary parts, adding new elements, or making replacements.

[0112] Regarding the above embodiment, the following additional remarks are disclosed. [Supplementary Note 1] A radiation imaging system including a radiation source unit and a panel unit, The radiation source unit includes a radiation irradiation unit including a radiation source, and a source base unit that supports the radiation irradiation unit and is capable of traveling on the floor surface. The panel unit includes a panel that detects radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit, and a panel base unit that supports the panel and is capable of traveling on the floor surface. When the floor surface is used as a projection surface, the projection area of the radiation source unit is defined as the entire source area, the projection area of the source base unit is defined as the source base area, the projection area of the panel unit is defined as the entire panel area, and the projection area of the panel base unit is defined as the panel base area, The source base area and the panel base area have a common shape. In at least one of the area-to-area relationships between the entire source area and the panel base area, and between the entire panel area and the source base area, the radiation source unit and the panel unit can be arranged in a proximity state where at least a part of each area overlaps. Radiation imaging system. [Supplementary Note 2] In the proximity state, at least a part of the entire source area and the panel base area overlaps. The radiation imaging system according to Supplementary Note 1. [Supplementary Note 3] When the projection area of the radiation irradiation unit is defined as the irradiation unit area with the bed surface as the projection surface, in the proximity state, at least a part of the irradiation unit area and the panel base area overlap The radiographic system according to appended note 2. [Appended note 4] in the proximity state, at least a part of the entire panel area and the source base area overlap The radiographic system according to any one of appended notes 1 to 3. [Appended note 5] When the projection area of the panel is defined as the panel area with the bed surface as the projection surface, in the proximity state, at least a part of the panel area and the source base area overlap The radiographic system according to appended note 4. [Appended note 6] in the proximity state, at least a part of the entire source area and the panel base area overlap, at least a part of the entire panel area and the source base area overlap The radiographic system according to any one of appended notes 1 to 5. [Appended note 7] When the projection area of the radiation irradiation unit is defined as the irradiation unit area with the bed surface as the projection surface and the projection area of the panel is defined as the panel area, in the proximity state, at least a part of the irradiation unit area and the panel base area overlap, at least a part of the panel area and the source base area overlap The radiographic system according to appended note 6. [Appended note 8] in the proximity state, the source base area and the panel base area have an overlapping area where at least a part of them overlaps The radiographic system according to appended note 6 or appended note 7. [Appended note 9] The source base part and the panel base part each include a plurality of wheels arranged in a common arrangement pattern, When taking the floor surface as the projection plane and the projection area of each of the plurality of wheels as the wheel area, in the proximity state, at least a part of some of the wheel areas and the overlapping area overlap. The radiographic imaging system according to Supplementary Note 8. [Supplementary Note 10] When, in the proximity state, the direction intersecting the direction in which the source unit and the panel unit face each other on the floor surface is defined as the width direction, the attachment positions of the wheels of the source base portion and the wheels of the panel base portion are different in the width direction. The radiographic imaging system according to Supplementary Note 9. [Supplementary Note 11] In the proximity state, a part of the wheel area of the panel base portion enters the source base area, a part of the wheel area of the source base portion enters the panel base area. The radiographic imaging system according to Supplementary Note 10. [Supplementary Note 12] Each of the source base portion and the panel base portion includes one or more front wheels and two or more rear wheels, in the proximity state, at least a part of the front wheels included in one of the source base portion and the panel base portion enters between the rear wheels included in the other. The radiographic imaging system according to Supplementary Note 9. [Supplementary Note 13] In the proximity state, When, on the floor surface, the direction intersecting the direction in which the source unit and the panel unit face each other is defined as the width direction, the width of all the front wheels in the width direction is smaller than the width of all the rear wheels in the width direction. The radiographic imaging system according to Supplementary Note 12. [Supplementary Note 14] The source unit further includes a source support portion that extends in a direction intersecting the floor surface and connects the source base portion and the radiation irradiation portion. In the direction in which the line source unit and the panel unit face each other in the proximity state, the distance from the connection portion between the line source base portion and the line source support portion to the end portion on the rear wheel side of the line source base portion is shorter than the distance from the connection portion to the end portion on the front wheel side of the line source base portion. The radiographic imaging system according to appended note 12 or appended note 13. [Appended note 15] The panel unit further includes a panel support portion that extends in a direction intersecting with the floor surface and connects the panel base portion and the panel. In the direction in which the line source unit and the panel unit face each other in the proximity state, the distance from the connection portion between the panel base portion and the panel support portion to the end portion on the rear wheel side of the panel base portion is shorter than the distance from the connection portion to the end portion on the front wheel side of the panel base portion. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of appended notes 12 to 14. [Appended note 16] The line source base region and the panel base region have congruent shapes. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of appended notes 1 to 15. [Appended note 17] The line source base region and the panel base region are rectangular. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of appended notes 1 to 16. [Appended note 18] In the proximity state, the entire region combining the entire line source region and the entire panel region can be made rectangular. The radiographic imaging system according to appended note 17. [Appended note 19] At least one of the radiation irradiation unit and the panel is configured to be able to change the position in the height direction perpendicular to the floor surface. In the proximity state, the radiation irradiation unit and the panel can be made not to interfere with each other in the height direction. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of appended notes 1 to 18. [Appended note 20] Comprising at least one processor. The processor acquires difference information indicating a difference in the height direction position between the radiation irradiation unit and the panel in a separated state where the respective regions do not overlap, and based on the difference information, derives a movement amount in the height direction of at least one of the radiation irradiation unit and the panel so that the positional relationship in the height direction between the radiation irradiation unit and the panel becomes a predetermined state. The radiation imaging system according to Supplementary Note 19.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 10 Radiation imaging system 11 Position sensor 12 Control device 14 Acquisition unit 16 Derivation unit 18 Control unit 21 CPU 22 Storage unit 23 Memory 24 Display 25 Input unit 26 I / F unit 27 Control program 28 Bus 40 X-ray source unit 40A Entire X-ray source region 42 Radiation irradiation unit 42A Irradiation unit region 43 X-ray source 44 X-ray source support unit 45 Lifting unit 46, 66 Arm 47, 59, 67, 68, 69 Connection part 50 X-ray source base unit 50A X-ray source base region 52 X-ray source traveling mechanism 53, 73 Front wheel 53A, 54A, 73A, 74A Wheel region 54, 74 Rear wheel 56, 76 Opening 56A, 76A Enterable range 60 Panel unit 60A Overall Panel Area 62 Panel 62A Panel Area 64 Panel Support 66 Arm 70 Panel Base 70A Panel Base Area 72 Panel Travel Mechanism 77 Recumbent Table 80A Overlap Area A Subject F Floor O Device R Radiation S Storage Location U User

Claims

1. A radiation imaging system comprising a radiation source unit and a panel unit, wherein the radiation source unit includes a radiation irradiation unit containing a radiation source, and a source base unit that supports the radiation irradiation unit and is capable of traveling on a floor surface, the panel unit includes a panel that detects radiation irradiated from the radiation irradiation unit, and a panel base unit that supports the panel and is capable of traveling on the floor surface, when the floor surface is used as a projection plane, the projection area of the radiation source unit is defined as the entire source area, the projection area of the source base unit is defined as the source base area, the projection area of the panel unit is defined as the entire panel area, and the projection area of the panel base unit is defined as the panel base area, the source base area and the panel base area have a common shape, at least a part of each area overlaps in a proximity state between at least one of the area-to-area of the entire source area and the panel base area, and the area-to-area of the entire panel area and the source base area, so that the radiation source unit and the panel unit can be arranged, a radiation imaging system.

2. In the proximity state, at least a part of the entire source area and the panel base area overlaps The radiation imaging system according to claim 1.

3. When the floor surface is used as a projection plane and the projection area of the radiation irradiation unit is defined as the irradiation unit area, in the proximity state, at least a part of the irradiation unit area and the panel base area overlaps The radiation imaging system according to claim 2.

4. In the proximity state, at least a part of the entire panel area and the source base area overlaps The radiation imaging system according to claim 1.

5. When the floor surface is used as a projection plane and the projection area of the panel is defined as the panel area, in the proximity state, at least a part of the panel area and the source base area overlaps The radiation imaging system according to claim 4.

6. In the proximity state, at least a part of the entire source area and the panel base area overlaps, at least a part of the entire panel area and the source base area overlaps The radiation imaging system according to claim 1.

7. When the floor surface is used as a projection plane, the projection area of the radiation irradiation unit is defined as the irradiation unit area, and the projection area of the panel is defined as the panel area, in the proximity state, at least a part of the irradiation unit area and the panel base area overlaps, The panel area and the source base area overlap at least partially. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 6.

8. In the proximity state, the source base area and the panel base area have an overlapping area where at least a part thereof overlaps. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 6.

9. The source base part and the panel base part each include a plurality of wheels arranged in a common arrangement pattern. When the projection area of each of the plurality of wheels is defined as a wheel area with the floor surface as a projection surface. In the proximity state, at least a part of some of the wheel areas overlaps with the overlapping area. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 8.

10. In the proximity state, when the direction intersecting the direction in which the source unit and the panel unit face each other on the floor surface is defined as the width direction. The attachment positions of the wheels of the source base part and the wheels of the panel base part are different in the width direction. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 9.

11. In the proximity state. A part of the wheel area of the panel base part enters the source base area. A part of the wheel area of the source base part enters the panel base area. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 10.

12. The source base part and the panel base part each include one or more front wheels and two or more rear wheels. In the proximity state, at least a part of the front wheels included in one of the source base part and the panel base part enters between the rear wheels included in the other. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 9.

13. In the proximity state. When the direction intersecting the direction in which the source unit and the panel unit face each other on the floor surface is defined as the width direction. The width of all the front wheels in the width direction is smaller than the width of all the rear wheels in the width direction. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 12.

14. The source unit further includes a source support part that extends in a direction intersecting the floor surface and connects the source base part and the radiation irradiation part. In the direction in which the source unit and the panel unit face each other in the proximity state, the distance from the connection part between the source base part and the source support part to the end part on the rear wheel side of the source base part is shorter than the distance from the connection part to the end part on the front wheel side of the source base part. The radiographic system according to claim 12.

15. The panel unit further includes a panel support portion that extends in a direction intersecting the floor surface and connects the panel base portion and the panel. In the direction in which the radiation source unit and the panel unit face each other in the proximity state, the distance from the connection portion between the panel base portion and the panel support portion to the end portion on the rear wheel side of the panel base portion is shorter than the distance from the connection portion to the end portion on the front wheel side of the panel base portion. The radiographic system according to claim 12.

16. The radiation source base region and the panel base region have congruent shapes. The radiographic system according to claim 1.

17. The radiation source base region and the panel base region are rectangular. The radiographic system according to claim 1.

18. In the proximity state, the entire region combining the entire radiation source region and the entire panel region can be made rectangular. The radiographic system according to claim 17.

19. At least one of the radiation irradiation unit and the panel is configured to be able to change its position in the height direction perpendicular to the floor surface. In the proximity state, the radiation irradiation unit and the panel can be made not to interfere with each other in the height direction. The radiographic system according to claim 1.

20. Comprising at least one processor. The processor acquires difference information indicating the difference in the height direction positions of the radiation irradiation unit and the panel in the separated state where the respective regions do not overlap. Based on the difference information, it derives the amount of movement in the height direction of at least one of the radiation irradiation unit and the panel so that the positional relationship in the height direction between the radiation irradiation unit and the panel becomes a predetermined state. The radiographic system according to claim 19.

Images