Radiographic system, radiographic apparatus, power supply apparatus, method of controlling radiographic system, method of controlling radiographic apparatus, and program

Abstract

To reduce the influence of whether or not noncontact power supply is performed on a radiographic image in a radiographic apparatus.SOLUTION: A radiographic system includes: a radiographic apparatus including a sensor unit configured to detect radiation emitted from a radiation source and acquire information about a radiation image based on set imaging information, the radiographic apparatus being capable of being supplied with power in a non-contact manner; a power supply apparatus capable of supplying power to the radiographic apparatus in a non-contact manner; and a control unit configured to generate, based on the imaging information, control information for changing a state of supply of the power of the power supply apparatus so as to reduce an influence of the supply of the power on the radiographic image, wherein the power supply apparatus changes a state of supply of the power on the basis of the control information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radiation imaging system, a radiation imaging apparatus, a power supply device, a control method for a radiation imaging system, a control method for a radiation imaging apparatus, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Radiation imaging systems using radiation imaging devices that detect the intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through a subject and convert it into electrical signals to obtain a radiation image are widely used. Some of these radiation imaging devices use a non-contact power supply system that receives the necessary power from an external source via changes in an electromagnetic field.

[0003] If contactless power supply is performed when reading out a signal generated by a sensor unit of a radiographic imaging device due to incident radiation, changes in the electromagnetic field caused by the operation of the contactless power supply may be superimposed on the signal, potentially degrading the image quality of the resulting radiographic image.As a method for dealing with this issue, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of suspending contactless power supply from the start of imaging until the completion of A / D conversion of radiographic image information based on irradiated radiation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-055960 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, if contactless power supply is stopped during imaging, the temperature of the power receiving element disposed in the radiation imaging device may decrease. The decrease in temperature of the power receiving element may result in a decrease in temperature of the sensor unit of the radiation imaging device, which converts incident radiation into an electrical signal. Such a change in temperature of the sensor unit due to the presence or absence of contactless power supply may have an effect on the radiation image, such as deterioration of image quality.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above background, and one of its objects is to reduce the influence of whether or not contactless power supply is performed on a radiographic image in a radiographic imaging apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, a radiation imaging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a radiation imaging device that has a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image based on set imaging information, and that can be supplied with power in a non-contact manner; a power supply device capable of supplying power to the radiation imaging device in a non-contact manner; a control unit that generates control information for changing a state of power supply from the power supply device based on the imaging information so as to reduce an effect of the power supply on the radiographic image, The power supply device changes the state of the power supply based on the control information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in a radiographic imaging apparatus, it is possible to reduce the influence of whether or not contactless power supply is performed on a radiographic image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power supply device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating communication and power supply between a radiation imaging apparatus and a power supply device. [Figure 5] 4 is a flowchart showing processing during imaging in the radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a table showing an example of imaging information for changing the power supply in relation to the flowchart of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of acquiring an offset-corrected image in the same situation as when an image irradiated with radiation is acquired in the radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0011] Furthermore, radiation in this disclosure may include alpha rays, beta rays, gamma rays, etc., which are beams created by particles (including photons) emitted by radioactive decay, as well as beams with the same or greater energy, such as X-rays, particle beams, and cosmic rays.

[0012] (First embodiment) A radiation imaging system, a radiation imaging apparatus, and a method for controlling a radiation imaging system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a radiation imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. The radiation imaging system 100 exemplified as this embodiment includes a radiation imaging apparatus 101, a console 102, a control device 103, a power supply device 104, a radiation tube 106, a radiation generation device console 107, and a radiation generation device 108.

[0013] These components and associated components will be described below. As an example of application of the present disclosure, a case will be described in which the radiation imaging system 100 operates in a synchronous imaging mode in which the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the radiation generation apparatus 108 perform imaging in synchronization. However, the imaging modes to which the present disclosure is applicable are not limited to the following examples, and various known imaging modes, such as an asynchronous imaging mode, can also be used.

[0014] The radiation imaging device 101 includes a sensor unit for acquiring a radiation image and is configured to be capable of receiving power contactlessly. The radiation imaging device 101 also has a wired or wireless communication function, or both wired and wireless communication functions, and is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the console 102 via a communication path.

[0015] The console 102 can be constructed by a PC (Personal Computer) having a display function such as a monitor and an input function from a user. The console 102 can transmit instructions from a user to the radiation imaging apparatus 101, receive images acquired by the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and display the images to the user via a monitor. The console 102 can also have a wired or wireless communication function, or both wired and wireless communication functions. In addition, FIG. 1 illustrates a stationary type console as the console 102. However, there are no particular restrictions on the operation of the actual radiation imaging system 100, and a portable notebook PC, tablet device, or the like may also be used as the console 102.

[0016] The control device 103 can control the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the radiation generation device 108 in accordance with instructions from a user input via the console 102. The control device 103 can also control a power supply device 104, which will be described later. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 can send image data to the console 102 via either the control device 103 or an access point (AP) 105, which form a communication path, depending on the configuration of the radiation imaging system 100. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 can also send image data directly to the console 102. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control device 103 is connected to the radiation generation device 108, which will be described later, via a connector 109. In the present disclosure, synchronous imaging by the radiation generation device 108 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is possible via the control device 103.

[0017] The control device 103 has a connection path 150 for communication with the radiation imaging device 101 and a connection path 151 for power supply, and is connected to the radiation imaging device 101 via these. Note that in the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the connection path 150 and the connection path 151 are shown as separate paths, but they can also be configured with a single cable. Also, the control device 103 can be integrated with a non-contact power supply device 104, which will be described later.

[0018] In this embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 has a function capable of receiving power contactlessly. By bringing the radiation imaging apparatus 101 close to a contactless power supply device 104 capable of supplying power to the radiation imaging apparatus 101, it becomes possible to supply power from the power supply device 104 to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 contactlessly. Furthermore, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the power supply device 104 may perform contactless power transmission using an electromagnetic induction method based on the Qi standard defined by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC). This makes it possible for the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the contactless power supply device 104 to communicate with each other by bringing the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the power supply device 104 close to each other.

[0019] In this embodiment, contactless power transmission is performed based on the Qi standard. However, the contactless power transmission method used in this disclosure is not limited to the Qi standard. Also, the power supply device 104 may be configured with separate functional areas for supplying power contactlessly to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and for communicating with the radiation imaging apparatus 101. In this case, a configuration for communication may be provided in the vicinity of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the power supply device 104.

[0020] Specifically, in the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the radiographic imaging apparatus 101 and the power supply device 104 are connected via a communication connection path 160 and a power supply connection path 161. Although Fig. 1 shows these paths as if they are wired connections, this connection is wireless. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply device 104 is connected to the console 102 via the control device 103, but this is not limiting. For example, the power supply device 104 and the console 102 may be configured to be directly and electrically connected.

[0021] If the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is provided with a wireless communication function, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may transmit and receive data to and from the console 102 via the AP 105. In addition, in the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the AP 105 is connected to the console 102 via the control device 103, but the AP 105 may be electrically connected directly to the console 102, similar to the power supply device 104 described above. Furthermore, if the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the console 102, the power supply device 104, and the AP 105 are provided with a function for transmitting and receiving data directly to and from each other, they may transmit and receive data directly to and from each other wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0022] The radiation generating device 108 is connected to a radiation tube 106 and a radiation generating device console 107. A user can set conditions for irradiating radiation to the radiation generating device 108 via the radiation generating device console 107. The radiation generating device 108 can control the radiation tube 106 to irradiate the subject 110 with radiation under the set conditions.

[0023] In addition to the above-described configuration, the radiation imaging system 100 according to this embodiment can further include a cradle 113, an imaging gantry 111, and a bed 112. The radiation imaging device 101 can be incorporated into the imaging gantry 111 or bed 112 depending on conditions such as the region to be imaged and the subject's situation, and radiation imaging can be performed in this state.

[0024] The cradle 113 is a charger for the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The internal configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 will be described later. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 has an internal power source such as a battery, and the internal power source can be charged by supplying power to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 from an external source. The internal power source can be charged by receiving power from the control device 103 or power supply device 104 described above. However, it can also be charged by connecting the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to the cradle 113 when, for example, radiation image capture is not being performed. Note that the mechanism for supplying power from the cradle 113 to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be a mechanism requiring electrical contact, or may be a contactless power supply mechanism. When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is attached to the cradle 113, the cradle 113 detects the attachment of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and becomes ready to start supplying power. This enables the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to receive power and charge the internal power source.

[0025] 1 shows an example in which the cradle 113 is disposed independently without communicating with other components of the radiation imaging system 100. However, the configuration of the cradle 113 is not limited to this, and multiple cradles 113 may have a communication function and be connectable to other components of the radiation imaging system 100 via the control device 103 or the like. For example, while the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is assembled in the cradle 113, communication may be possible between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and components such as the console 102 via the cradle 113.

[0026] Next, an overview of radiography of the subject 110 will be described. When radiography of the subject 110 is performed, the radiography device 101 is installed at a position where it receives radiation that has been emitted from the radiation tube 106 and transmitted through the subject 110.

[0027] In one example of the imaging flow, a user such as a technician starts up the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and then operates the console 102 to put the radiation imaging apparatus 101 into an imaging-enabled state. Next, the user operates the radiation generator console 107 to set conditions for irradiating radiation. The set conditions include, for example, the tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time of the radiation tube 106. After the above process is completed, the user confirms that preparations for imaging, including the subject 110, are complete, and presses an exposure switch provided on the radiation generator console 107 to irradiate radiation.

[0028] When emitting radiation, the radiation generation device 108 notifies the radiation imaging device 101 of the upcoming radiation irradiation by sending a signal via the connector 109 and the control device 103. In the configuration shown in Fig. 1, the radiation imaging device 101 and the radiation generation device 108 are connected via the connector 109 and the control device 103, but the connection is not limited to this form and may be directly connected as described above.

[0029] When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 receives a signal instructing it to irradiate radiation, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 checks whether preparations for radiation irradiation are complete, and if there are no problems, it returns permission to irradiate to the radiation generating apparatus 108. This causes radiation tube 106 to irradiate radiation.

[0030] When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 detects the end of radiation irradiation by various methods, such as by receiving a notification from the radiation generation apparatus 108 or by referring to a pre-arranged set time, it starts generating image data of a radiation image. The generated image data is sent to the console 102 via the above-mentioned communication path. The image data sent to the console 102 can be displayed as a radiation image on a display unit included in the console 102, for example. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 can be incorporated into an imaging stand 111 or bed 112 depending on conditions such as the part to be imaged and the state of the subject, and imaging of the subject can also be performed in this state.

[0031] Next, a radiation imaging apparatus 101 exemplified in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 includes a sensor unit 201, a sensor driving unit 202, a reading unit 203, a control unit 204, a storage unit 205, a communication unit 206, an operation unit 207, a notification unit 208, a wireless communication connection unit 209, and a wired communication connection unit 210. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 further includes an internal power supply 211, a power generation unit 212, a non-contact power receiving unit 213, a physical sensor unit 214, and an image processing unit 215.

[0032] The sensor unit 201 can convert incident radiation into an electrical signal to acquire a radiological image. The sensor unit 201 can be configured to include, for example, a scintillator that converts radiation into light and an array of photodetectors that detect the light converted by the scintillator. The scintillator and the photodetector array each have a two-dimensional planar shape and are arranged adjacent to each other with their faces facing each other. The scintillator is excited by radiation and emits visible light, and charges corresponding to the intensity and duration of the light are accumulated in each pixel of the photodetector array. Note that this embodiment illustrates an indirect conversion type sensor unit 201 that first converts radiation into light and then converts it into charges. However, a direct conversion type sensor that directly converts radiation into charges can also be used as the sensor unit 201 in this embodiment.

[0033] The sensor driving unit 202 drives the sensor unit 201, which detects radiation as electric charges. The reading unit 203 receives the electric charges output as a result of driving the sensor unit 201 and converts them into digital information. When extracting the accumulated electric charges, the sensor driving unit 202 selects a photodetector from the photodetector array of the sensor unit 201 to extract a signal. The reading unit 203 amplifies the electric charges extracted from the photodetector selected by the sensor driving unit 202 and then digitizes the signal.

[0034] The image data obtained by digitization by the reading unit 203 is sent to the control unit 204, and then sent by the control unit 204 to the storage unit 205. The image data stored in the storage unit 205 may be immediately sent to an external device such as the console 102 via the communication unit 206. Alternatively, the image data may be subjected to some processing by the control unit 204 before being sent to the external device via the communication unit 206. Alternatively, the image data may be accumulated in the storage unit 205.

[0035] The control unit 204 performs processing related to the control of each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. For example, the control unit 204 outputs an instruction to the sensor driving unit 202 to drive the sensor unit 201 for imaging. The control unit 204 may also drive the storage unit 205 to store the obtained image data in the storage unit 205, or may retrieve the image data stored in the storage unit 205 from the storage unit 205 and send the image data to an external device such as the console 102 via the communication unit 206.

[0036] The control unit 204 also transmits image data to other devices via the communication unit 206 and receives instructions from the console 102 or the like via the communication unit 206. The control unit 204 also switches the radiation imaging apparatus 101 between start and stop in response to a user operation via the operation unit 207. The control unit 204 can also notify the user of an operating status or an error state via the notification unit 208. In this embodiment, the control unit 204 can include a determination unit 216, which will be described in detail later. The determination unit 216 can determine whether to perform contactless power feeding or whether a change in the feed power is required, based on imaging information of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, which will be described later. The control unit 204 can also generate control information to be transmitted to the power feeding device 104 in accordance with the determination result.

[0037] In this embodiment, the above-described processing contents are processed by one control unit 204. However, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may have multiple control units 204 for each predetermined function, and each control unit 204 may share the processing load. The control unit 204 may be realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like. The control unit 204 may also be realized by various configurations such as a CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device), and there are no particular limitations on the specific implementation. The control unit 204 may have an appropriate configuration selected depending on the functions and performance required of the radiation imaging apparatus 101.

[0038] The storage unit 205 can be used to store image data acquired by the radiation imaging apparatus 101, log information indicating the results of internal processing, and the like. Furthermore, if the control unit 204 uses software such as a CPU, the storage unit 205 can also store software for the control unit. There are no restrictions on the specific implementation of the storage unit 205, and the storage unit 205 can be equipped with various combinations of various types of memory, HDD, and volatile / non-volatile storage. Furthermore, although only one storage unit 205 is shown in the configuration shown in FIG. 2, multiple storage units 205 may be arranged in the radiation imaging apparatus 101.

[0039] The communication unit 206 performs processing to realize communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and other devices constituting the radiation imaging system 100. In this embodiment, the communication unit 206 is connected to a wireless communication connection unit 209 for wireless communication, and can communicate with the AP 105 via the wireless communication connection unit 209. Note that if the console 102 has a wireless communication function, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may communicate directly with the console 102 via the wireless communication connection unit 209.

[0040] In this embodiment, the communication unit 206 is also connected to a wired communication connection unit 210, and can communicate with the control device 103 via the wired communication connection unit 210. The wired communication connection unit 210 can also serve as a connection for power supply from the control device 103. Furthermore, the console 102 can communicate with the radiation imaging apparatus 101 via the wired communication connection unit 210 by directly connecting to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 via a wire. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the wired communication connection unit 210 is disposed in contact with the exterior of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and can be connected via a connector, for example. However, the communication unit 206 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and may be configured to support only wired communication or only wireless communication. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the communication standard or method.

[0041] As described above, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 includes an internal power supply 211. In this embodiment, the internal power supply 211 is a rechargeable battery, and in this embodiment, the internal power supply 211 is configured to be detachable from the radiation imaging apparatus 101. However, the configuration of the internal power supply 211 is not limited to this example, and various types of rechargeable batteries can be used, such as rechargeable, non-rechargeable, detachable, non-detachable, and using different power generation methods.

[0042] The power generation unit 212 generates, from power provided by the internal power supply 211, voltages and currents required by the respective components of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and distributes and supplies the voltages and currents. Furthermore, when the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is in proximity to a contactless power feeding mechanism of the power feeding device 104, the power supplied from the power feeding device 104 can be received by the contactless power receiving unit 213. The power generation unit 212 uses the received power to supply power to the respective components of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and to charge the internal power supply 211. The contactless power receiving unit 213 can start contactless power reception by being in proximity to the power feeding device 104 that performs contactless power feeding. Furthermore, as described above, the contactless power receiving unit 213 may not only receive power, but also transmit and receive information regarding contactless power feeding based on the Qi standard to and from the power feeding device 104.

[0043] The operation unit 207 is used to receive operations from the user on the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Note that the implementation method of the operation unit 207 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of receiving input from the user. For example, the operation unit 207 can be realized by various switches or a touch panel that are manually operated by the user. Furthermore, the operation unit 207 may include a receiving unit that receives input from a remote controller that allows the user to operate the radiation imaging apparatus 101 when the user is away from the radiation imaging apparatus 101.

[0044] The notification unit 208 is used to notify the user of the status of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The implementation method of the notification unit 208 is not particularly limited, and can be realized by a lamp display using an LED or the like, a monitor display using an LCD or the like, etc. Furthermore, as one method of notifying the user, the notification unit 208 may be provided with a sound output function such as a speaker.

[0045] The physical sensor unit 214 detects various physical phenomena that affect the radiation imaging apparatus 101. In this embodiment, examples of physical phenomena include temperature, acceleration, geomagnetism, and electromagnetic fields. Based on information about the physical phenomena detected by the physical sensor unit 214, the control unit 204 determines the status of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and can issue a warning to the user via the notification unit 208 when the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is exposed to high temperatures or has received a strong impact, for example. Furthermore, based on the information about the detected physical phenomena, the control unit 204 can determine the installation orientation of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and then transmit information to the user or the console 102 to improve usability.

[0046] The image processing unit 215 performs image correction processes, such as offset correction and gain correction, on the image data converted into digital values by the reading unit 203 or the image data stored in the storage unit 205. An example of offset correction is a process of calculating the difference between image data acquired with and without radiation irradiation. By performing such processing on the image data, it is possible to remove offset components that occur due to dark current regardless of radiation irradiation. An example of gain correction is a process of correcting the gain variation of each pixel. Specifically, the image data is corrected by dividing the obtained image data by image data acquired by irradiating all pixels with uniform radiation. Generally, more advanced image processing is often performed after transferring the image data to the console 102 or the like, but this is not limited to this, and the image processing performed within the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is not limited to this.

[0047] Next, the contactless power supply device 104 exemplified in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the contactless power supply device 104 according to this embodiment. The power supply device 104 in this embodiment includes a power supply unit main body 301, a power supply unit cable 302, and a contactless power supply unit 303.

[0048] The power supply device 104 is a power supply device for supplying power to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 in a contactless manner. In this embodiment, when the power supply device 104 comes close to the contactless power receiving unit 213 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the power supply device 104 supplies power to the contactless power receiving unit 213. In this embodiment, the power supply device 104 and the contactless power receiving unit 213 perform contactless power transmission using an electromagnetic induction method for contactless power transmission based on the above-mentioned Qi standard.

[0049] The power supply unit main body 301 includes a power generation section 304 that receives power from an AC power supply and converts it into a DC voltage, and an internal power supply section 305 that generates power used by each component within the power supply device 104. The power supply unit main body 301 also includes a control section 306 that controls each component of the power supply device 104. The power supply unit main body 301 further includes a communication section 307 that communicates between the power supply device 104 and other components of the radiation imaging system 100, and a connection section 308 that communicates with devices other than the radiation imaging device 101.

[0050] The contactless power supply unit 303 receives power for supplying power from the internal power supply unit 305, and the power supply is controlled by the control unit 306. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the power supply unit main body 301 and the contactless power supply unit 303 are placed at separate locations via the power supply unit cable 302, their placement is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the contactless power supply unit 303 may be incorporated into the power supply unit main body 301.

[0051] Next, an example of the connection between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the power supply device 104 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows an example of how the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is connected to the console 102 and what information is exchanged. Note that Fig. 4 focuses on the portion related to contactless power supply between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the power supply device 104, wired connection communication, and proximity contactless communication, and therefore does not mention other wireless communication paths or connection forms. Also, in Fig. 4, the power supply device 104 is connected to the control device 103 via a connection unit 308, but it can also be connected to the console 102.

[0052] When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 receives power from the power supply device 104, the non-contact power supply unit 303 is brought close to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 in advance. At this time, the exterior housings of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the power supply device 104 may be brought into contact with each other to stabilize the arrangement. When this state is reached, communication for mutual recognition is performed between the non-contact power supply unit 303 and the non-contact power receiving unit 213. When it is determined through communication that power can be transmitted between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the power supply device 104, the power supply device 104 supplies power to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 via the non-contact power supply unit 303. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 receives the power via the non-contact power receiving unit 213 and uses it within the radiation imaging apparatus 101.

[0053] In this embodiment, a determination unit 216 provided in the radiation imaging apparatus 101 determines whether to continue or stop contactless power feeding, and if continuing, whether or not to change the feed power, based on imaging information from the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The power feeding device 104 can change the feed power at any timing in accordance with control information generated in the radiation imaging apparatus 101 based on the determination result. This any timing can be determined, for example, based on information regarding timing included in the control information, or can be determined in response to reception of the control information. Note that, although the embodiment in which the determination unit 216 is provided in the control unit 204 has been described, the embodiment of the determination unit 216 is not limited to the example, and the determination unit 216 can also be provided independently of the control unit 204.

[0054] In this embodiment, the imaging information includes imaging technique information, the remaining charge of the internal power supply 211, information about the physical sensor unit 214, and the time since the power supply device 104 started supplying power. The imaging information also includes information about the temperature of the sensor unit 201 when the offset-corrected image was acquired and information about the power supply used to acquire the offset-corrected image. In this embodiment, the physical sensor unit 214 has a temperature sensor function, and the information about the physical sensor unit 214 can also include temperature. The power supply status can also be changed based on the remaining charge of the internal power supply 211. For example, if the internal power supply 211 has enough remaining charge to complete the imaging to be performed, power supply can be performed as needed. Therefore, in such cases, power supply can be stopped or the power supply can be changed depending on the imaging status, regardless of the remaining charge. Conversely, if the remaining charge is insufficient to complete the imaging to be performed, power supply must be performed regardless of the imaging status. Therefore, it is desirable to avoid stopping power supply or changing the power supply as much as possible and to continue the current power supply.

[0055] The imaging technique information includes the imaging mode, imaging technique, imaging time, offset correction method, and individual identification information. The degree of influence of temperature changes on the sensor unit 201 may vary depending on the imaging mode. For example, when an imaging mode in which temperature changes have a large influence is used, it is necessary to reduce the temperature change by controlling the manner of contactless power supply. Regarding the imaging time, for example, the imaging time may be long. Regarding the offset correction method, for example, it may take a long time between acquiring image data for offset correction and acquiring image data of the subject. In these cases, it is expected that the temperature change of the sensor unit 201 due to power supply will be large. Regarding the individual identification information, it is expected that the temperature of the sensor unit 201 will change over time, for example, when image data of the same subject is repeatedly acquired. In such cases, it is necessary to supply power so as to reduce the temperature change.

[0056] When using contactless power supply, it is also desirable to consider that magnetic field noise generated by the power supply may affect image data. For example, stopping the power supply will predictably increase temperature changes, but in shooting modes where the effect of temperature changes is small, power supply can be stopped, thereby eliminating the effect of magnetic field noise.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, if heat generation from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is permitted as part of the imaging procedure, the power supplying device 104 can be increased. The impact of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on image data also varies depending on the length of the imaging time. For example, if the imaging time is short and it is expected that stopping the power supply will not cause much temperature change, it is desirable to stop the power supply in order to suppress the impact of magnetic field noise caused by the power supply on the image data. Conversely, if the imaging time is long and it is expected that stopping the power supply will cause a large temperature change, it is desirable to continue the power supply in order to suppress the impact of the temperature change rather than the impact of the magnetic field noise.

[0058] Furthermore, with regard to the imaging time, it is desirable to also consider the time required from the start of power supply to the start of imaging. When power supply is started, the temperature of the sensor unit 201 rises over time, but once it reaches a certain temperature, there is no significant temperature change thereafter. Therefore, for example, when imaging is started immediately after power supply is started, it is desirable to shorten the time during which the temperature change is significant, and therefore it is desirable to increase the power supply. For example, when attempting to obtain image data for offset correction, image data should not be acquired while the temperature of the sensor unit 201 is changing. In such a case, it is desirable to increase the power supply and minimize the time during which the temperature change occurs in the sensor unit 201. Furthermore, if the time required from the start of power supply to the start of imaging is short and there is not much temperature change in the sensor unit 201, stopping the power supply allows imaging to be performed in a state where the temperature change is reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, when offset correction is performed, it is desirable that the sensor unit 201 acquires the image data for generating a radiographic image and the image data for offset correction at the same temperature. In such a case, more suitable offset correction can be performed by obtaining the temperatures of the sensor unit 201 when acquiring the first image data and when acquiring the second image data, and changing the power supply so that the latter temperature approaches the former temperature. More specifically, for example, if the difference in temperature of the sensor unit 201 when acquiring the first image data and when acquiring the second image data is equal to or greater than a threshold, the determination unit 216 can determine to change the power supply to reduce the temperature change. Furthermore, as information regarding the power supply when acquiring the offset-corrected image, for example, if the required power supply is large, it can be assumed that the temperature change will be large, and if the required power supply is small, it can be assumed that the temperature change will be small. Furthermore, the magnitude of the temperature change also varies depending on the length of the allowable power supply time. Therefore, it is desirable that information regarding the power supply when acquiring the offset-corrected image is also taken into account when making a determination by the determination unit 216.

[0060] In this embodiment, a determination unit 216 provided in the control unit 204 determines whether to continue or stop power supply, or if power supply is to be continued, whether to change the power supply. The control unit 204 generates a control signal according to the determination result of the determination unit 216, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 transmits control information generated based on imaging information to the power supply device 104. In this case, the contactless power receiving unit 213 may transmit the control information to the contactless power supply unit 303 by communication based on the Qi standard, or may transmit the control information to the power supply device 104 via the console 102. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 can also acquire real-time information, such as the remaining charge of the internal power supply 211 and information obtained from the physical sensor unit 214, and transmit this information to the power supply device 104. The control information may be generated by the control unit 306 on the power supply device 104 side, rather than by the control unit 204.

[0061] <First processing example regarding power supply> Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described when contactless power supply is performed while capturing a radiographic image in the synchronous imaging mode. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing the processing performed by the radiation imaging system 100 during imaging in the synchronous imaging mode, and Fig. 6 shows an example of imaging information used by the determination unit 216 for determination.

[0062] When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is started up by a user, power is supplied from the power generation unit 212 to each necessary component, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 starts up (step S500). Here, it is assumed that each component of the radiation imaging system 100 necessary for imaging has also been started up. For example, it is assumed that at the time of step S500, the power supply device 104 is in a state where it can supply power to the radiation imaging apparatus 101. It is assumed that the processing executed in each subsequent step and the like is executed by the control unit 204 unless otherwise specified.

[0063] Note that the start-up of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is not limited to an actual operation of the operation unit 207 by the user. For example, the start-up can be triggered by the user's intention to start the radiation imaging apparatus 101 being detected by operating the operation unit 207 or by the physical sensor unit 214, or by the attachment of a removable internal power supply 211. The start-up can also be triggered by the connection of the non-contact power supply unit 303 of the power supply device 104 to the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Furthermore, it is not necessary for all components in the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to be started at this time. For example, components used for imaging, such as the sensor unit 201, do not need to be started until an imaging request is received. Furthermore, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be started in response to the start of external power supply to the radiation imaging apparatus 101, regardless of whether it is contact or non-contact. When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is started, the flow proceeds to step S501.

[0064] In step S501, the control unit 204 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 determines whether or not there is an imaging request from the radiation generation apparatus 108. If it is determined that there is no request, the control unit 204 continues to wait for an imaging request. If it is determined that there is an imaging request, the flow proceeds to step S502.

[0065] In step S502, the control unit 204 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 acquires imaging conditions. After acquiring the imaging conditions, the flow proceeds to step S503.

[0066] An example of the shooting conditions and the corresponding power supply state determined by the determination unit 216 is shown in the table in FIG. 6. For example, when shooting still images, the shooting time is short and offset correction is also performed intermittently. Therefore, even if power supply is stopped, it is not expected that there will be any temperature changes that will affect shooting, and it is considered that priority should be given to reducing the influence of the magnetic field noise described above. Therefore, it is determined that power supply should be stopped. Furthermore, when shooting video, even if the frame rate is slow, the balance between temperature changes and reducing the influence of magnetic field noise is taken into consideration, just as in the case of still images, and it is determined that power supply should be stopped.

[0067] When shooting video with a fast frame rate and a short shooting time, even if there is a temperature change when power supply is stopped, it is assumed that the impact of magnetic field noise is greater than the impact that the change has on the image data. In such a case, it is determined that power supply should be stopped. Also, when shooting video with a fast frame rate and a long shooting time, it is assumed that the temperature change caused by stopping power supply will occur to a level that will affect the image data. In such a case, reducing the impact of temperature change takes priority over reducing the impact of magnetic field noise, and it is determined that power supply should be continued.

[0068] In step S503, the determination unit 216 determines whether to change the state of power supply by the power supply device 104 based on the imaging conditions, such as the frame rate, the type of offset correction, and the imaging time, as illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, if the contactless power supply is stopped during imaging, the temperature of the sensor unit 201 may change between the acquisition of a radiographic image and the acquisition of an offset-corrected image, which may affect the image quality. For this reason, it is preferable not to stop the contactless power supply in an imaging mode in which imaging is performed for a long time. On the other hand, if the contactless power supply is not stopped, the influence of the contactless power supply may cause degradation of image quality due to the above-mentioned magnetic field noise, so in this case it is preferable to reduce the power supply.

[0069] Furthermore, as described above, in an imaging mode in which imaging is performed in a short time, stopping the contactless power supply has little effect on the temperature change of the sensor unit 201, so the contactless power supply may be stopped. For example, even in fluoroscopic imaging where the frame rate is fast and a fixed dark is acquired in advance, the power supply may be stopped if the imaging time is short. If it is determined in step S503 that the power supply should be stopped (YES), the flow proceeds to step S504. If it is determined that the fed power should be reduced (NO), the flow proceeds to step S505. Furthermore, the control unit 204 generates control information according to the determination result of the determination unit 216, and transmits the control information to the power supply device 104 via the contactless power receiving unit 213 or the console 102 as the flow proceeds.

[0070] The method of transmitting the control signal is just one example, and specifically, the contactless power receiving unit 213 may transmit the control signal to the contactless power supply unit 303 by communication based on the Qi standard, or may send the control signal to the power supply device 104 via the console 102. Furthermore, although the power supply state is changed by the power supply device 104, the power supply device 104 may also determine the timing for changing the supply power.

[0071] In step S504, the power supply device 104 stops supplying power to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 based on the control information received from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 via the communication unit 307. In addition, in step S505, the power supply device 104 reduces the power supplied to the radiation imaging apparatus 101 based on the control information received from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 via the communication unit 307. When the processing of step S504 or S505 is executed by the power supply device 104 and the control unit 204 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 confirms this, the flow proceeds to step S506.

[0072] In step S506, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 accumulates electric charges in the sensor unit 201 for a predetermined time. Thereafter, the reading unit 203 reads out signals corresponding to the accumulated electric charges, and generates a radiographic image, thereby completing the radiographic image acquisition process. When the radiographic image acquisition process is completed, the flow proceeds to step S507.

[0073] In step S507, the control unit 204 determines whether or not an instruction to continue image capture has been input from the user to, for example, the console 102. If it is determined that the desired image capture has been completed, for example, because an instruction to end image capture has been input or a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the processing of step S506, the flow proceeds to step S508. If it is determined that image capture should continue, the flow proceeds to step S501.

[0074] In step S508, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 transmits image data that has been subjected to correction processing such as predetermined offset correction to the console 102 via the control device 103 or the like. Note that the image data may be stored in the storage unit 205 without being transmitted to the console 102. When the acquired radiation image is transferred or stored, the flow proceeds to step S509.

[0075] In step S509, the control unit 204 determines whether or not an instruction to power off the radiation imaging apparatus 101 has been issued. If it is determined that the user has input an instruction to power off the radiation imaging apparatus 101 by operating the operation unit 207 (YES), the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is powered off. As a result, the flow proceeds to step S510, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 enters a stopped state. If it is determined that an instruction to power off the radiation imaging apparatus 101 has not been issued (NO), the flow returns to step S501, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 waits for the next imaging request. If the waiting time in step S501 is longer than a predetermined time, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may enter a sleep state in which power consumption is reduced, for example, by turning off the display of the notification unit 208. Alternatively, the flow may proceed to step S510, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be powered off.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the influence of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on image data in accordance with imaging conditions when capturing a radiographic image using the radiographic apparatus 101. Furthermore, by taking into consideration the influence of magnetic field noise associated with power supply and the influence of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on image data, it is possible to obtain a suitable radiographic image while balancing the influences of these two factors.

[0077] <Second processing example regarding power supply> Next, an operation of the radiation imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described when an offset-corrected image is acquired under the same conditions as when an image irradiated with radiation is acquired. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing processing during imaging when the power supply is changed based on the temperature when an offset-corrected image is acquired in the synchronous imaging mode of the radiation imaging system 100.

[0078] As in the first processing example described above, when the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is started up by the user, power is supplied from the power generation unit 212 to each necessary component, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 starts up (step S700). Here, it is assumed that each component of the radiation imaging system 100 necessary for imaging has also been started up. For example, it is assumed that at the time of step S700, the power supply device 104 is in a state where it can supply power to the radiation imaging apparatus 101. It is assumed that the processing executed in each subsequent step is executed by the control unit 204 unless otherwise specified. When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 starts up, the flow proceeds to step S701.

[0079] In step S701, the control unit 204 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 determines whether or not there is an imaging request from the radiation generation apparatus 108. If there is no request, the control unit 204 continues to wait for an imaging request. If it is determined that there is an imaging request, the process proceeds to step S702.

[0080] In step S702, the control unit 204 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 acquires imaging conditions. After acquiring the imaging conditions, the flow proceeds to step S703.

[0081] In step S703, the temperature of the sensor unit 201 is measured. In this embodiment, the temperature of the sensor unit 201 is estimated from information from a temperature sensor included in the physical sensor unit 214, but the temperature measurement method is not limited to this example. In this embodiment, the purpose of the process executed in step S703 is to store the temperature of the sensor unit 201 when the offset-corrected image is acquired. Therefore, the closer the timing of this temperature measurement is to the timing of executing the subsequent process of acquiring the offset-corrected image (step S704), the better. Once the temperature measurement is completed, the flow proceeds to step S704.

[0082] In step S704, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 acquires an offset-corrected image. Specifically, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 accumulates charges in the sensor unit 201 for a predetermined time without irradiating radiation, and reads out a signal corresponding to the accumulated charges. After acquiring the offset-corrected image, the flow proceeds to step S705.

[0083] In step S705, similar to step S703, the temperature of the sensor unit 201 is acquired. The purpose of the process executed in step S705 is to measure the temperature of the sensor unit 201 when the radiation irradiation image is acquired. Therefore, the closer the timing of this temperature measurement is to the timing of executing the process of acquiring the radiation irradiation image (step S708), the better. Once the temperature measurement is complete, the flow proceeds to step S706.

[0084] In step S706, the temperature of the sensor unit 201 measured in step S703 is compared with the temperature of the sensor unit 201 acquired in step S705. If the comparison shows that the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the flow proceeds to step S707. If the temperature difference is smaller than the threshold, the flow proceeds to step S708.

[0085] If the temperature difference obtained in step S706 is equal to or greater than a threshold, it is necessary to suppress the temperature change. Therefore, in step S707, the control unit 204 transmits a control signal for changing the supplied power to the power supply device 104 via the non-contact power receiving unit 213 or the console 102. In this case, the non-contact power receiving unit 213 may transmit the control signal to the non-contact power supply unit 303 using communication based on the Qi standard, or may transmit the control signal to the power supply device 104 via the console 102. Alternatively, the console 102 may transmit the control signal to the power supply device 104 based on the imaging information, or the power supply device 104 may determine the timing for changing the supplied power. After the supplied power is changed, the flow proceeds to step S705. Thereafter, the process of changing the supplied power, which is executed in steps S706 and S707, is repeated until the difference between the temperature obtained in step S705 and the temperature obtained in step S703 becomes smaller than the threshold.

[0086] In step S708, processing is performed to acquire a radiation irradiation image. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 accumulates charges in the sensor unit 201 for a predetermined time while irradiated with radiation. Thereafter, the reading unit 203 reads out a signal corresponding to the accumulated charges, and generates a radiation irradiation image, thereby completing the radiation image acquisition processing. When the radiation far image acquisition processing is completed, the flow proceeds to step S709. Note that, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which an offset-corrected image is acquired in step S704, and a radiation image is acquired in step S708, but the order of acquiring the offset-corrected image and the radiation image may be reversed.

[0087] In step S709, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 transmits image data that has been subjected to correction processing such as predetermined offset correction to the console 102 via the control device 103 or the like. Note that the image data may be stored in the storage unit 205 without being transmitted to the console 102. When the acquired radiation image is transferred or stored, the flow proceeds to step S710.

[0088] In step S710, the control unit 204 determines whether or not an instruction to power off the radiation imaging apparatus 101 has been issued. If it is determined that the user has input an instruction to power off the radiation imaging apparatus 101 by operating the operation unit 207 (YES), the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is powered off. As a result, the flow proceeds to step S711, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 enters a stopped state. If it is determined that an instruction to power off the radiation imaging apparatus 101 has not been issued (NO), the flow returns to step S701, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 waits for the next imaging request. If the waiting time in step S701 is longer than a predetermined time, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may enter a sleep state in which power consumption is reduced, for example, by turning off the display of the notification unit 208. Alternatively, the flow may proceed to step S711, and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be powered off.

[0089] As described above, the radiation imaging system according to this embodiment includes the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the power supply device 104, and the control unit 204. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 includes a sensor unit 201 that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation source (radiation tube 106) based on imaging information set for radiation imaging and acquires information (image data) related to a radiation image. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 also includes a contactless power receiving unit 213 that enables power to be supplied contactlessly. The power supply device 104 includes a contactless power supply unit 303 that enables power to be supplied contactlessly to the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The control unit 204 includes a determination unit 216 that can determine whether to stop, continue, or change the power supply based on the imaging information so as to reduce the effect of the power supply (power supply) on a radiation image. Stopping the power supply reduces the temperature of the sensor unit 201, but suppresses magnetic field noise associated with the power supply. Continuing the power supply does not cause a temperature change in the sensor unit 201, but magnetic field noise continues to be generated. By reducing the power supply, the temperature of the sensor unit 201 changes, but the amount of change is kept small, and magnetic field noise can also be reduced. The determination unit 216 determines the manner of change in the power supply state, taking into account both the effect of temperature change on the radiographic image and the effect of magnetic field noise on the radiographic image. The control unit 204 can generate control information for changing the state of power supply from the power supply device 104 based on the imaging information, in other words, the determination result of the determination unit 216. Furthermore, when the control unit 204 obtains the determination result of the determination unit 216, it generates control information according to the determination result. The power supply device 104 can change the state of power supply based on this control information and in accordance with the timing at which the determination result is obtained or the timing at which the control information is received.

[0090] In this embodiment, the determination unit 216 is provided in the control unit 204, and these are provided in the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Then, control information generated by the control unit 204 is transmitted to the power supply device 104 via the communication unit 206. Note that in this embodiment, for example, the determination unit 216 can be provided in the radiation imaging apparatus 101, independent of the control unit 204. In this case, in the radiation imaging system 100, the control unit 204 does not perform processing related to determination and power supply, and the determination unit 216 can transmit the determination result to the power supply device 104 via the communication unit 206. In this case, the power supply device 104 receives the transmitted determination result, and the control unit 306 of the power supply device 104 generates control information, and the power supply device 104 can change the state of power supply based on this control information.

[0091] The radiation imaging apparatus 101 according to this embodiment may also have an internal power supply 211 that can be charged by power supplied from the power supply device 104. The imaging information used by the determination unit 216 when making a determination includes the imaging technique information described above, the remaining charge of the internal power supply, the charging history of the internal power supply, the temperature of the sensor unit 201, and the time elapsed since the start of power supply. The imaging information further includes the temperature of the sensor unit 201 or the radiation imaging apparatus 101 at the time of acquiring the offset-corrected image, and information related to the power supplied at the time of acquiring the offset-corrected image, as described in the second processing example. The determination unit 216 can make the above-described determination by referring to at least one of these pieces of imaging information. The imaging technique information described here may include at least one of the imaging mode, imaging technique, imaging time, offset correction method, and individual identification information described above.

[0092] Furthermore, as described in the second processing example, when the imaging information acquired by the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is information related to an offset-corrected image, the control unit 204 can change the power supplied by the power supply device 104 when acquiring the offset-corrected image. Furthermore, when the supply power is changed, the control unit 204 can generate control information for making the power supplied by the power supply device 104 when acquiring a radiation image corresponding to the offset-corrected image the same as the power supplied when acquiring the offset-corrected image.

[0093] As described above, according to this embodiment, when capturing a radiographic image for which offset correction is performed by the radiographic apparatus 101, it is possible to reduce the influence of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on the image data according to the imaging conditions.

[0094] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the determination as to whether to continue or stop power supply, or whether a change in the power supply is required if power supply is to be continued, is performed by the determination unit 216 provided in the radiation imaging apparatus 101. However, such determination processing regarding power supply can also be performed in the power supply device 104. The following describes a case where the determination unit is provided on the power supply device side. Note that the configuration of the radiation imaging system according to this embodiment, other than the radiation imaging apparatus and the power supply device 804, is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus is the same as that of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 in the first embodiment, except that the determination unit 216 is not provided, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0095] The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 8, which shows an example of the configuration of a power supply device 804 in a format similar to that of FIG. 4 in the first embodiment. In the power supply device 804 of this embodiment, a determination unit 816 is provided in a control unit 806. In this embodiment, the determination unit 816 can acquire the imaging technique information described in the first embodiment from the radiation imaging apparatus or the console 102, for example, via the communication unit 307. The determination unit 816 can also acquire imaging information including the remaining charge of the internal power supply 211 and information about the physical sensor unit 214 from the radiation imaging apparatus, for example, via the communication unit 307. The determination unit 816 can also directly acquire the time that has elapsed since the power supply device 804 started supplying power, for example, from the control unit 806.

[0096] In the first embodiment, control information related to power supply by the power supply device 104 is generated by the control unit 204 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, control information related to power supply is generated by the control unit 806 of the power supply device 804. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the determination unit and in that the control information is generated by the power supply device 804 without receiving it. However, during actual imaging, the processing related to power supply executed in the radiation imaging system is the same as in the first processing example and the second processing example described above, and therefore details of the imaging processing will be omitted here.

[0097] As described above, in the radiation imaging system according to this embodiment, the control unit 306 in the power supply device 804 has a determination unit 816 that performs the function of the determination unit 216 in the first embodiment. Note that the determination unit 816 can also be provided independently of the control unit 806. In this case, the power supply device 804 can acquire the imaging information described in the first embodiment from an external device such as the radiation imaging apparatus or the console 102. The determination unit 816 makes a determination regarding the mode of power supply based on the acquired imaging information, and the control unit 306 can generate control information based on the determination result. Power supply to the radiation imaging apparatus by the power supply device 804 is performed based on this control information.

[0098] As described above, this embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the influence of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on image data in accordance with imaging conditions when capturing a radiographic image using a radiographic imaging apparatus. Similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain a suitable radiographic image while taking into consideration the influence of magnetic field noise due to power supply and the influence of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on image data, and balancing the respective influences. Furthermore, by providing a determination unit 816 in the power supply device 804, it is possible to acquire the time since the start of contactless power supply.

[0099] (Third embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example in which the determination unit 216 is provided in the radiation imaging apparatus 101 has been described, and in the second embodiment, an example in which the determination unit 816 is provided in the power supply device 804 has been described. However, the form of the determination unit is not limited to these examples, and it can also be provided in, for example, a console. In this embodiment, a case in which the determination unit is provided in a console will be described. Note that in this embodiment, the radiation imaging apparatus is the same as in the second embodiment, and the power supply device is the same as in the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted here.

[0100] The third embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 9, which shows an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging system 900 in the same format as Fig. 1 in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the determination unit can directly acquire the imaging technique information described in the first embodiment from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 or based on a user instruction to the console 902. The determination unit can also acquire imaging information including the remaining charge of the internal power supply 211, information from the physical sensor unit 214, and the time since the power supply device 104 started supplying power, from the radiation imaging apparatus and the power supply device 104.

[0101] In the first embodiment, control information related to power supply by the power supply device 104 is generated by the control unit 204 of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, control information related to power supply is generated by the console 902 and transmitted from the console 902 to the power supply device 104. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the determination unit and in that control information is generated and transmitted to the power supply device 104. However, during actual imaging, the processing related to power supply executed in the radiation imaging system 900 is the same as in the first processing example and the second processing example described above, and therefore details of the imaging processing will be omitted here.

[0102] As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit is provided in the console 902, independently of the radiation imaging apparatus and the power supply device 104. The determination unit may be provided in the console 902, together with the control unit. In such a configuration, the determination unit can determine the mode of power to be supplied to the radiation imaging apparatus based on the imaging information input to the console 902 or the imaging information obtained from the radiation imaging apparatus. The control unit generates control information based on the determination result, and transmits the generated control information to the power supply device 104. The power supply device 104 controls the power to be supplied to the radiation imaging apparatus based on the received control information. The determination unit may be provided in the radiation imaging apparatus, and only the control unit may be provided in the console. In this case, the determination unit can determine the mode of power to be supplied to the radiation imaging apparatus based on the imaging information input to the console 902 or the imaging information obtained from the radiation imaging apparatus, and transmit the determination result to the control unit provided in the console 902. The control unit generates control information based on the received determination result, and transmits the control information to the power supply device 104.

[0103] As described above, this embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the influence of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on image data in accordance with imaging conditions when capturing a radiographic image using a radiographic apparatus. Furthermore, by taking into consideration the influence of magnetic field noise due to power supply and the influence of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on image data, it is possible to obtain a desirable radiographic image while balancing the influences of these two factors. Furthermore, since the console 902 can acquire imaging information before the start of imaging, it is possible to control the timing of changing the power supply before the start of radiation imaging. While this embodiment has been described with reference to an embodiment in which the console 902 includes a determination unit and a control unit, these components or a part thereof may be provided in the control device 103. In this case, the console 902 can be used to input imaging information to the control device 103 and to display information related to the temperature of the sensor unit 201 obtained using the physical sensor unit 214.

[0104] As described above, according to the present disclosure, at least one of the radiation imaging apparatus, the console, and the power supply device is provided with a function for transmitting control information for changing the power supply or for determining the timing for changing the power supply. This makes it possible to start power supply or change the power supply at any timing. Furthermore, when capturing a radiation image for which offset correction is performed by the radiation imaging apparatus 101, it is possible to reduce the influence of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on the image data according to the imaging conditions.

[0105] (Modification of the embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the determination unit determines the mode of power supply to the radiation imaging apparatus based on the imaging information, specifically, whether to stop, continue, or change the power supply. However, the mode of the determination unit in the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. For example, a power supply sequence, which is a predetermined power supply mode, may be selected in response to specific imaging conditions (imaging information). Specifically, when the imaging information is, for example, still image imaging, temperature changes that would affect image quality even if power supply was stopped are not expected. Therefore, reducing the influence of magnetic field noise is considered to be a priority. Therefore, when the imaging information is still image imaging, the power supply sequence is to stop power supply. Note that the power supply sequence described here specifically includes a power supply mode determined by specifying the amount of power supply, power duration, interruption and interruption of power supply, and, if the amount of power supply is changed over time, the change pattern.

[0106] In this case, a plurality of power supply sequences are determined so as to correspond to each of a plurality of imaging conditions, and in the first embodiment, for example, these are stored in the storage unit 205 in association with the imaging conditions. The determination unit 216 can function as an example of a selection unit that selects a power supply sequence corresponding to an imaging condition (imaging information) selected by the user via the console 102.

[0107] In such a modified example, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment will be described when contactless power supply is performed while capturing a radiographic image in the synchronous imaging mode. For example, in the series of processes illustrated in Fig. 5, when the imaging conditions are acquired in step S502, the series of processes from steps S503 to S505 are replaced by a selection of a power supply sequence corresponding to the imaging conditions and power supply according to the power supply sequence. The imaging conditions are selected by the user via a GUI provided on the console 102, for example, and information related to the selection is transmitted from the console 102 to the radiation imaging apparatus 101, allowing the control unit 204 to acquire the imaging conditions.

[0108] In this modification, a power supply sequence is determined in advance in accordance with the photographing conditions so as to reduce the effect of temperature changes in the sensor unit 201 on image data, and by selecting this sequence, the same effect as in the above-described embodiment can be obtained. Note that although the case where the determination unit 216 functions as a selection unit in the first embodiment has been described here, the same effect can be obtained by causing a determination unit in other embodiments to function as a selection unit.

[0109] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that achieves the above-mentioned functions to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program.

[0110] Furthermore, various recording media can be used, such as flexible disks, optical disks (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memories (e.g., USB memories), ROMs, etc. Furthermore, the programs that implement the above-described functions may be downloaded via a network and executed by a computer.

[0111] Furthermore, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not limited to being realized only by a computer reading and executing the program code, but also include cases where an operating system (OS) running on a computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on instructions from the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0112] Furthermore, the program code read from the recording medium may be written to a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, and the CPU or the like provided on the function expansion board or function expansion unit may perform some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the above-mentioned functions.

[0113] The above disclosure includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. (Configuration 1) a radiation imaging device that has a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image based on set imaging information, and that can be supplied with power in a non-contact manner; a power supply device capable of supplying power to the radiation imaging device in a non-contact manner; a control unit that generates control information for changing a state of power supply from the power supply device based on the imaging information so as to reduce an effect of the power supply on the radiographic image, The power supply device changes the state of the power supply based on the control information. (Configuration 2) a determination unit that determines whether to stop, continue, or change the supply of power based on the imaging information; 2. The radiation imaging system according to configuration 1, wherein, when a determination result of the determination unit is obtained, the control unit generates the control information according to the determination result, and the power supply device changes the state of the power supply based on the control information. (Configuration 3) 3. The radiation imaging system according to configuration 2, wherein the control unit and the determination unit are provided in the radiation imaging apparatus, and the control information is transmitted from the radiation imaging apparatus to the power supply device. (Configuration 4) 3. The radiation imaging system according to configuration 2, wherein the determination unit is provided in the radiation imaging device, and the control unit is provided in the power supply device, and the control unit generates the control information in accordance with the determination result transmitted from the determination unit of the radiation imaging device. (Configuration 5) The radiographic imaging system according to configuration 2, wherein the control unit and the determination unit are provided in the power supply device, the power supply device acquires the imaging information from an external device, and the power supply device changes the state of the power supply based on control information generated by the determination unit and the control unit based on the acquired imaging information. (Configuration 6) The determination unit transmits the determination result to the control unit. 3. The radiation imaging system according to configuration 2, wherein the control unit is provided independently of the radiation imaging apparatus and the power supply device, and transmits the generated control information to the power supply device. (Configuration 7) 3. The radiation imaging system according to configuration 2, wherein the determination unit and the control unit are provided independently of the radiation imaging apparatus and the power supply device. (Configuration 8) a selection unit that selects a power supply sequence to be used based on the set photographing information from a plurality of power supply sequences that are methods of supplying the power determined corresponding to each piece of photographing information; 2. The radiation imaging system according to configuration 1, wherein the control unit generates the control information based on the selected power supply sequence, and the power supply device changes the state of the power supply in accordance with the control information. (Configuration 9) the radiation imaging device has a rechargeable internal power supply; 9. The radiation imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the internal power supply is rechargeable by power supplied from the power supply device. (Configuration 10) 9. The radiation imaging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the imaging information includes at least one of imaging technique information, a remaining charge of an internal power supply provided in the radiation imaging device, a charging history of the internal power supply, a temperature of the sensor unit, a time since the power supply device started to supply power, a temperature at the time of acquisition of an offset-corrected image, and information related to power supplied at the time of acquisition of an offset-corrected image. (Configuration 11) 11. The radiation imaging system according to configuration 10, wherein the imaging technique information includes at least one of an imaging mode, an imaging technique, an imaging time, an offset correction method, and individual identification information. (Configuration 12) 2. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein, when the imaging information is information regarding imaging for acquiring an offset-corrected image, the control unit generates control information for changing the power supplied by the power supply device when acquiring the offset-corrected image, and for setting the power supplied by the power supply device when acquiring a radiation image corresponding to the offset-corrected image to the power supplied when acquiring the offset-corrected image. (Configuration 13) a sensor unit for detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source based on set imaging information and acquiring information about a radiographic image; a power receiving unit that receives power from a power feeding device in a contactless manner; a determination unit that determines whether to stop, continue, or change the supply of power to the power receiving unit of the power supply device based on the imaging information so as to reduce the influence of the supply of power on the radiographic image; The power supply device stops, continues, or changes the supply of power to the power receiving unit in accordance with control information generated based on a determination result of the determination unit. (Configuration 14) 14. The radiation imaging apparatus according to configuration 13, further comprising a control unit that generates control information for the power supply device based on a determination result of the determination unit and transmits the generated control information to the power supply device. (Configuration 15) The radiographic imaging device of configuration 13 or 14, wherein the imaging information includes at least one of imaging technique information, remaining charge of an internal power supply charged via the power receiving unit, charging history of the internal power supply, temperature of the sensor unit, temperature at the time of acquiring an offset-corrected image, and information related to power supplied at the time of acquiring an offset-corrected image. (Configuration 16) a sensor unit for detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source based on set imaging information and acquiring information about a radiographic image; a power receiving unit that receives power from a power feeding device in a contactless manner; a selection unit that selects a power supply sequence to be used based on the set photographing information from among a plurality of power supply sequences that are methods of supplying the power determined corresponding to each piece of photographing information, The power supply device changes a state of power supply to the power receiving unit in accordance with control information generated based on the selected power supply sequence. (Configuration 17) a non-contact power supply unit capable of supplying power in a non-contact manner to a radiation imaging device having a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image; a control unit that stops, continues, or changes the supply of power by the contactless power supply unit in accordance with control information generated based on a determination result of whether to stop, continue, or change the supply of power, the determination being made so as to reduce an influence of the supply of power on the radiographic image based on imaging information set for the radiographic image acquisition by the radiographic apparatus; A power supply device comprising: (Configuration 18) 18. The power supply device according to configuration 17, wherein the determination of whether to stop, continue, or change the power supply is performed by the radiation imaging device, and the control unit generates the control information in accordance with the determination result transmitted from the radiation imaging device. (Configuration 19) 18. The power supply device according to configuration 17, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether to stop or continue the supply of power, or to change the power. (Configuration 20) a non-contact power supply unit capable of supplying power in a non-contact manner to a radiation imaging device having a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image; a control unit that changes a state of power supply by the contactless power supply unit in accordance with control information generated based on a power supply sequence selected from a plurality of power supply sequences, the power supply sequences being determined corresponding to each piece of imaging information, based on imaging information set for the radiation imaging device to acquire the radiographic image; and A power supply device comprising: (Method 1) A control method for a radiation imaging system including a radiation imaging device that has a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image based on set imaging information, and that can be supplied with power in a non-contact manner, and a power supply device that can supply power to the radiation imaging device in a non-contact manner, comprising: generating control information for changing a state of power supply from the power supply device based on the imaging information so as to reduce an effect of the power supply on the radiation image; changing a state of the power supply by the power supply device based on the control information; A method for controlling a radiography system including: (Method 2) A method for controlling a radiographic imaging apparatus including a sensor unit that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation source based on set imaging information to acquire information related to a radiographic image, and a power receiving unit that receives power from a power supply device in a non-contact manner, the method comprising: determining whether to stop, continue, or change the supply of power to the power receiving unit of the power supply device so as to reduce the influence of the supply of power on the radiographic image based on the imaging information; According to control information generated based on the result of the determination, the power supply device stops, continues, or changes the power supply to the power receiving unit. A method for controlling a radiation imaging apparatus comprising: (program) A program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute each step of the method for controlling a radiation imaging system according to Method 18 or each step of the method for controlling a radiation imaging apparatus according to Method 2.

[0114] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Inventions modified within the scope of the present disclosure and inventions equivalent to the present disclosure are also included in the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 100: Radiography system 101: Radiography equipment 102, 902: Console 103: Control device 104, 804: Power supply device 105: Access Point (AP) 106: Radiation tube 107: Radiation Generator Console 108: Radiation generator 109: Connector 110: Subject 111: Mounting stand 112: Bed 113: Cradle 216, 816: Judgment section

Claims

1. a radiation imaging device that has a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image based on set imaging information, and that can be supplied with power in a non-contact manner; a power supply device capable of supplying power to the radiation imaging device in a non-contact manner; a control unit that generates control information for changing a state of power supply from the power supply device so as to reduce an effect of the power supply on the radiographic image based on the imaging information, The power supply device changes the state of the power supply based on the control information.

2. a determination unit that determines whether to stop, continue, or change the supply of power based on the imaging information; 2. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein, when a determination result of the determination unit is obtained, the control unit generates the control information according to the determination result, and the power supply device changes a state of the power supply based on the control information.

3. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit and the determination unit are provided in the radiation imaging apparatus, and the control information is transmitted from the radiation imaging apparatus to the power supply device.

4. 3. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit is provided in the radiation imaging apparatus, and the control unit is provided in the power supply device, and the control unit generates the control information in accordance with the determination result transmitted from the determination unit of the radiation imaging apparatus.

5. 3. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2, wherein the control unit and the determination unit are provided in the power supply device, the power supply device acquires the imaging information from an external device, and the power supply device changes the state of power supply based on control information generated by the determination unit and the control unit based on the acquired imaging information.

6. The determination unit transmits the determination result to the control unit. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit is provided independently of the radiation imaging apparatus and the power supply device, and transmits the generated control information to the power supply device.

7. The radiation imaging system according to claim 2 , wherein the determining unit and the control unit are provided independently of the radiation imaging apparatus and the power supply device.

8. a selection unit that selects a power supply sequence to be used based on the set photographing information from a plurality of power supply sequences that are power supply methods determined corresponding to each piece of photographing information; The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit generates the control information based on the selected power supply sequence, and the power supply device changes the state of the power supply in accordance with the control information.

9. the radiation imaging device has a rechargeable internal power supply; The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 , wherein the internal power supply is rechargeable by power supplied from the power supply device.

10. 9. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the imaging information includes at least one of imaging technique information, a remaining charge of an internal power supply provided in the radiation imaging device, a charging history of the internal power supply, a temperature of the sensor unit, a time since the power supply device started to supply power, a temperature at the time of acquisition of an offset-corrected image, and information related to power supplied at the time of acquisition of an offset-corrected image.

11. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 10 , wherein the imaging technique information includes at least one of an imaging mode, an imaging technique, an imaging time, an offset correction method, and individual identification information.

12. 2. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein, when the imaging information is information regarding imaging for acquiring an offset-corrected image, the control unit generates control information for changing the power supplied by the power supply device when acquiring the offset-corrected image, and for setting the power supplied by the power supply device when acquiring a radiographic image corresponding to the offset-corrected image to the power supplied when acquiring the offset-corrected image.

13. a sensor unit for detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source based on set imaging information and acquiring information about a radiographic image; a power receiving unit that receives power from a power feeding device in a contactless manner; a determination unit that determines whether to stop, continue, or change the supply of power to the power receiving unit of the power supply device based on the imaging information so as to reduce the influence of the supply of power on the radiographic image; The power supply device stops, continues, or changes the supply of power to the power receiving unit in accordance with control information generated based on the determination result of the determination unit.

14. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 13 , further comprising a control unit that generates control information for the power supply device based on a determination result of the determination unit and transmits the generated control information to the power supply device.

15. 15. The radiographic imaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the imaging information includes at least one of imaging technique information, a remaining charge of an internal power supply charged via the power receiving unit, a charging history of the internal power supply, a temperature of the sensor unit, a temperature at the time of acquiring an offset-corrected image, and information related to power supplied at the time of acquiring an offset-corrected image.

16. a sensor unit for detecting radiation emitted from a radiation source based on set imaging information and acquiring information about a radiographic image; a power receiving unit that receives power from a power feeding device in a contactless manner; a selection unit that selects a power supply sequence to be used based on the set photographing information from among a plurality of power supply sequences that are methods of supplying the power determined corresponding to each piece of photographing information, The power supply device changes a state of power supply to the power receiving unit in accordance with control information generated based on the selected power supply sequence.

17. a non-contact power supply unit capable of supplying power in a non-contact manner to a radiation imaging device having a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image; a control unit that stops, continues, or changes the supply of power by the contactless power supply unit in accordance with control information generated based on a determination result of whether to stop, continue, or change the supply of power so as to reduce the influence of the supply of power on the radiographic image, the determination being made to reduce the influence of the supply of power on the radiographic image based on imaging information set for the radiographic apparatus to acquire the radiographic image; and A power supply device comprising:

18. 18. The power supply device according to claim 17, wherein a determination as to whether to stop, continue, or change the power supply is made by the radiation imaging device, and the control unit generates the control information in accordance with a determination result transmitted from the radiation imaging device.

19. The power supply device according to claim 17 , further comprising a determination unit that determines whether to stop or continue the supply of power, or to change the power.

20. a non-contact power supply unit capable of supplying power in a non-contact manner to a radiation imaging device having a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image; a control unit that changes a state of power supply by the contactless power supply unit in accordance with control information generated based on a power supply sequence selected from a plurality of power supply sequences, the power supply sequences being determined corresponding to each piece of imaging information, based on imaging information set for the radiation imaging device to acquire the radiographic image; and A power supply device comprising:

21. A control method for a radiation imaging system including a radiation imaging device that has a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiation image based on set imaging information, and that can be supplied with power in a non-contact manner, and a power supply device that can supply power to the radiation imaging device in a non-contact manner, comprising: generating control information for changing a state of power supply from the power supply device based on the imaging information so as to reduce an effect of the power supply on the radiation image; changing a state of the power supply by the power supply device based on the control information; A method for controlling a radiography system including:

22. A method for controlling a radiographic imaging apparatus including a sensor unit for detecting radiation irradiated from a radiation source and acquiring information related to a radiographic image based on set imaging information, and a power receiving unit for receiving power from a power supply device in a non-contact manner, the method comprising: determining whether to stop, continue, or change the supply of power to the power receiving unit of the power supply device so as to reduce the influence of the supply of power on the radiographic image based on the imaging information; According to control information generated based on the result of the determination, the power supply device stops, continues, or changes the power supply to the power receiving unit. A method for controlling a radiation imaging apparatus comprising:

23. A program that, when executed by a computer, causes the computer to execute each step of the method for controlling a radiation imaging system according to claim 21 or each step of the method for controlling a radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 22.

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