Radiation imaging device, radiation irradiation device, and radiation imaging system

Abstract

To enable stable video imaging in a radiation imaging system including a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation and a radiation imaging device that generates image data by receiving radiation, even when timing information is not transmitted from one device to the other.SOLUTION: A control system 100a includes: first timing means for performing a timing operation in conjunction with one of a radiation irradiation device 1 and a radiation imaging device 2 to periodically generate first timing information; second timing means for performing a timing operation in conjunction with the other device to periodically generate second timing information; transmission means for transmitting the generated first timing information to the second timing means; storage means for storing adjustment conditions for adjusting the operation of at least one of the timing means; and adjustment means capable of adjusting the operation of at least one of the timing means on the basis of the stored adjustment conditions, in a state in which the second timing means does not acquire the first timing information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and a radiography system including the system. [Background technology]

[0002] To capture images using an imaging device, it is necessary to coordinate the timing of radiation irradiation by the control device with the timing of charge accumulation and readout by the imaging device. In particular, in video imaging, which generates multiple frame images by repeatedly irradiating pulsed radiation, the shorter the interval between frames, the shorter the accumulation period of the imaging device, so high-precision control (on the order of several ms to several hundred μs in some cases) of the timing of radiation irradiation and charge accumulation and readout is required.

[0003] Timing control is generally performed by exchanging timing information between the imaging device and a control device. While wired communication using a dedicated line between the control device and the imaging device has the advantage of enabling highly accurate timing control, it has the disadvantage of being difficult to handle when the imaging device is placed directly under the patient to take images. Therefore, there is a demand for wireless imaging devices, but when the communication method between the control device and the imaging device uses a best-effort access method such as WLAN (CSMA / CA, etc.), the packet transmission adjustment time is variable, which causes variations in communication delays and makes it difficult to achieve high-precision timing control.

[0004] To address these issues, a technology such as that described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. Specifically, first, the imaging device is connected to a control device by wire, and information about the radiography-enabled period is shared between the control device and the imaging device. After the information about the radiography-enabled period is shared, the imaging device and the control device each use their own built-in timers to determine whether they have entered the radiography-enabled period. If an X-ray exposure request signal is asserted within the radiography-enabled period, imaging is performed. If an X-ray exposure request signal is asserted outside the radiography-enabled period, a cancellation notice is sent or the device waits until the next radiography-enabled period begins. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-305106 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 performs one exposure per one X-ray generator exposure request switch (hereinafter referred to as exposure request SW), so it is necessary to operate or control the exposure request SW each time exposure is performed. Furthermore, the exposure request SW has two stages: a 1st SW and a 2nd SW. Since exposure is only performed after the 1st SW is operated and the 2nd SW is operated, it takes a certain amount of time for one exposure. In other words, if you try to capture video using the technology described in Patent Document 1, the frame rate will be very low, and it is highly likely that you will not be able to capture a good video.

[0007] Furthermore, due to factors such as an error in the frequency of the oscillators provided in the control device and the imaging device, there is often a slight difference between the operating speed of the control device and the imaging device. Therefore, even when the control device and imaging device described in Patent Document 1 are used, there is a possibility that the start timing of the radiation imaging possible period information shared by both parties will be out of sync during imaging that lasts for a relatively long time, such as video imaging. In particular, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, if an X-ray exposure request signal is asserted outside the radiation imaging possible period, as described above, a cancellation notification is sent or the device waits until the next radiation imaging possible period begins, which means that exposure is not performed at regular intervals, and good video images may not be captured.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to enable stable video capture in a radiation imaging system that includes a radiation irradiation device that irradiates radiation and a radiation imaging device that generates image data by receiving radiation, even when timing information is not transmitted from one device to the other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, the control system according to the present invention comprises: a radiation irradiation device that generates radiation; a radiographic imaging device that generates image data by receiving radiation; a first timing unit that measures time in conjunction with one of the radiation irradiating device and the radiation imaging device and that periodically generates first timing information; a second timing unit that performs timing in conjunction with the other of the radiation irradiating device and the radiation imaging device and periodically generates second timing information; a transmitting means for transmitting the generated first timing information to the second timing means; a storage means for storing an adjustment condition for adjusting the operation of at least one of the first and second timekeeping means; The timekeeping device is characterized by comprising an adjustment means that can adjust the operation of at least one of the first and second timekeeping means based on the stored adjustment conditions when the second timekeeping means does not acquire the first timekeeping information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, moving image shooting can be performed stably even when timing information is not transmitted from one device to the other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a radiation imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a usage form of the radiation imaging system of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a radiation irradiation device included in the radiation imaging system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus included in the radiation imaging system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for calculating adjustment conditions performed by a control system included in the radiation imaging system of FIG. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for adjusting the operation of a timing unit performed by a control system included in the radiation imaging system of FIG. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for adjusting the operation of a timing unit performed by a control system included in the radiation imaging system of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a control system provided in the radiation imaging system of FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a timing chart showing the operation of the radiation imaging system of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a radiation imaging system according to Example 2 of the same embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a radiation imaging system according to Example 3 of the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of a radiation imaging device provided in a radiation imaging system according to Example 4 of the same embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a radiation imaging system according to a modified example of Example 4 of the same embodiment. [Figure 14] 10(a) is a diagram showing a data structure used in a radiation imaging system according to Example 5 of the embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing the operation of the radiation imaging system according to the modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a radiation imaging system according to a modified example of Example 5 of the same embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a radiation imaging system according to Example 6 of the embodiment. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing processing executed by a radiation imaging system according to Example 7 of the same embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a timing chart showing processing executed by a radiation imaging system according to Example 8 of the embodiment. [Figure 19] 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a radiation imaging system according to Example 9 of the same embodiment. [Figure 20] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the radiation imaging system according to Examples 10 and 11 of the same embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an example of a signal used for communication by the radiation imaging system according to Example 12 of the embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the radiation imaging system according to Example 13 of the same embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to those illustrated in the drawings.

[0013] [Radiation Imaging System] First, an outline of the radiation imaging system of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as imaging system 100) will be described.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging system 100 of this embodiment is configured to include a control system 100a. The control system 100a is configured to include a radiation irradiation device (hereinafter referred to as irradiation device 1) and one or more radiation imaging devices (hereinafter referred to as imaging device 2).

[0015] The irradiation device 1 generates radiation (such as X-rays) and irradiates the subject and the imaging device 2 placed behind the subject with the radiation, and is configured with a radiation control device (hereinafter referred to as control device 1a) and a tube 1b. The specific configuration of this control device 1a will be described later.

[0016] The imaging device 2 generates image data by receiving radiation from the irradiation device 1, and is capable of communicating with the irradiation device 1. The specific configuration of this imaging device 2 will also be described later.

[0017] The imaging system 100 of this embodiment configured as described above is capable of imaging a subject by irradiating the subject, which is placed between the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2, with radiation X from the irradiation device 1. Furthermore, the imaging system 100 according to this embodiment is capable of capturing moving images. That is, based on a single imaging operation (pressing an exposure switch, not shown), pulsed radiation of a preset duration is emitted multiple times in succession at regular intervals, thereby generating multiple frame images that make up a moving image.

[0018] Furthermore, the imaging system 100 of this embodiment configured as described above can be installed and used in an imaging room or the like in a hospital, or, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, the irradiation device 1 can be provided with a console 1c, an access point 1d, a storage section 1e for storing the imaging device 2, a communication cable 1f connecting the control device 1a and the imaging device 2 stored in the storage section 1e, wheels (not shown), etc. to form a medical examination cart main body 1, which can be configured together with the imaging device 2 as a medical examination cart 100 (the tube 1b is not shown in FIG. 2) and used as a mobile system.

[0019] When performing imaging using an imaging stand installed in a hospital imaging room, a wired cable can be connected to the imaging device 2 installed on the imaging stand, allowing for sending and receiving information between the irradiation device 1 and supplying power to the imaging device 2, etc. For example, when a wired cable is used to connect to the imaging device 2, the signal of the wired cable may include a pulse signal or a timing signal, so that the timing of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 can be synchronized for imaging. However, even when taking photographs in a radiography room, there are cases where the patient must be in a wheelchair or bed. In such cases, if the radiography device 2 is connected to a wired cable, Cables get in the way There is a risk that the cable may come loose and communication may become impossible. -Cables come into contact with the subject, which creates hygiene issues. Due to these problems, there was a desire to shoot without using wired cables.

[0020] On the other hand, when radiography is performed using a medical cart, radiography is performed in the ward where the subject is recuperating. In this case, radiography is performed in the bed where the subject is lying down, so it is necessary to remove the radiography device 2 from the storage unit 1e and insert the radiography device 2 between the subject and the bed to perform the radiography. In this case, there are problems even more than when radiography is performed in the radiography room, such as the cable getting in the way, the risk of the cable becoming unplugged and causing communication failure, and hygiene issues as the cable comes into contact with the subject, and there has been a demand for radiography that does not use a wired cable. In particular, when using conventional CR (Computed Radiography) called FPD (Flat Panel Detector), no wired cables were required during imaging, so there was a demand for imaging without wired cables in order to achieve the same ease of operation as CR. However, by using the imaging system 100 according to this embodiment, it is possible to configure a medical examination cart 100 that meets these demands.

[0021] The imaging system 100 can also be configured to be capable of communicating with other systems such as a Radiology Information System (RIS) and a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).

[0022] [Radiation irradiation device] Next, there will be described details of the control device 1a provided in the irradiation device 1. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the control device 1a.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 1a is composed of an irradiation-side control unit 11, a high-voltage generating unit 12, a storage unit 13, an irradiation-side interface unit (hereinafter referred to as an irradiation-side IF unit 14), and the like. Furthermore, each of the units 11 to 14 of the control device 1a can receive power from a power cable or built-in battery (not shown).

[0024] The irradiation side control unit 11 includes a CPU, a RAM, etc., and is configured to comprehensively control the operations of the units 12 to 14 of the irradiation device 1. The irradiation-side control unit 11 also includes an oscillator (hereinafter referred to as irradiation-side oscillator 11a). The irradiation-side oscillator 11a can be configured with a crystal oscillator, a ceramic oscillator, or the like that generates a clock with a predetermined cycle when the power is turned on. It should be noted that the time may be measured using a time measuring means other than the irradiation-side oscillator 11a.

[0025] Upon receiving a timing signal from the irradiation side control unit 11, the high voltage generating unit 12 applies a voltage to the tube 1b according to the preset imaging conditions (for example, conditions related to the subject, such as the region to be imaged and physique, and conditions related to the irradiation of radiation, such as tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, and current-time product). When the imaging conditions include moving image imaging, a pulsed voltage is repeatedly applied at predetermined intervals each time a timing signal is received. When a voltage is applied from the high voltage generating unit 12, the tube 1b generates radiation of a dose corresponding to the applied voltage. Specifically, when a pulsed voltage is applied from the high voltage generating unit 12, pulsed radiation is emitted.

[0026] The storage unit 13 is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, etc., and stores various processing programs, as well as parameters, files, etc. required for executing the processing programs. The storage unit 13 is also capable of storing various data (such as timing information and adjustment conditions, which will be described later) generated during the process performed by the irradiation-side control unit 11.

[0027] The irradiation-side IF unit 14 is configured to be capable of transmitting and / or receiving various types of information (signals and data). Specifically, it can be composed of a connector for inserting the communication cable 1f, an antenna capable of sending and receiving radio waves, a lamp that emits light (including infrared) or a light sensor that detects light, a speaker that emits sound (including ultrasound) or a microphone that detects sound, a vibrator that transmits vibrations to the device that comes into contact with it (such as the photographing device 2) or a vibration sensor that detects vibrations, a coil that generates a magnetic field, etc. The configuration of the irradiation-side IF unit 14 is determined depending on the information transmission format.

[0028] The irradiation-side control section 11 of the irradiation device 1 configured in this manner has the following functions according to the programs stored in the storage section 13. For example, the irradiation side control unit 11 has the function of setting various imaging conditions (conditions related to the subject, such as the area to be imaged and physique, and conditions related to radiation irradiation, such as tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, current-time product, and frame rate). In addition, the irradiation side control unit 11 generates a timing signal that triggers the application of voltage (irradiation) to the high voltage generating unit 12 based on receiving a signal indicating that an exposure switch (not shown) has been pressed. When the shooting conditions include moving image shooting, the timing signal is repeatedly generated at a cycle corresponding to the frame rate.

[0029] [Configuration of the Radiation Imaging Device] Next, a description will be given of a specific configuration of the photographing device 2 provided in the photographing system 100. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration of the photographing device 2.

[0030] The imaging device 2 according to this embodiment includes a housing (not shown), as well as an imaging side control unit 21, a radiation detection unit 22, a readout unit 23, a memory unit 24, an imaging side interface unit (hereinafter referred to as an imaging side IF unit 25), etc., as shown in FIG. Furthermore, each of the components 21 to 25 of the photographing device 2 can be supplied with power via a power cable or built-in battery (not shown).

[0031] The photographing-side control unit 21 is configured to comprehensively control the operations of the units 22 to 25 of the photographing device 2 using a CPU, RAM, and the like. The photographing-side control unit 21 also includes an oscillator (hereinafter referred to as the photographing-side oscillator 21a). The photographing-side oscillator 21a can be configured with a crystal oscillator, a ceramic oscillator, or the like that generates a clock with a predetermined cycle when the power is turned on. It should be noted that the time may be measured using a time measuring means other than the photographing side oscillator 21a.

[0032] The radiation detection unit 22 may be any device that has a substrate on which a plurality of pixels are arranged two-dimensionally, each pixel having a radiation detection element that receives radiation from the outside and directly or indirectly generates an electric charge in an amount corresponding to the radiation dose, and a switch element that is provided between each radiation detection element and wiring and can be switched to an on state that allows current to flow between the radiation detection element and wiring, or an off state that prevents current from flowing between the radiation detection element and wiring, and any conventionally known device can be used. That is, the imaging device 2 may be a so-called indirect type that has a scintillator and detects the light emitted by the scintillator when it is exposed to radiation, or it may be a so-called direct type that detects radiation directly without going through a scintillator or the like.

[0033] The readout unit 23 may be configured to read out the amount of charge accumulated in each of the multiple radiation detection elements as a signal value and generate image data of the radiation image based on each signal value, and any conventionally known readout unit may be used.

[0034] The storage unit 24 is configured with an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, etc., and stores various processing programs including various image processing programs, parameters and files required for executing the programs, etc. The storage unit 24 is also capable of storing various data (such as timing information and adjustment conditions, which will be described later) generated during the process performed by the imaging-side control unit 21.

[0035] The imaging side IF unit 25 is configured to be able to perform at least one of transmitting and receiving various information (signals and data) (however, if the illumination side IF unit 14 performs only one of transmitting and receiving, at least the other). Specifically, it can be composed of a connector for inserting the communication cable 1f, an antenna capable of sending and receiving radio waves, a lamp that emits light (including infrared) or a light sensor that detects light, a speaker that emits sound (including ultrasound) or a microphone that detects sound, a vibrator that transmits vibrations to the device that it comes into contact with (such as the irradiation device 1) or a vibration sensor that detects vibrations, a coil that generates a magnetic field, etc. The configuration of the imaging-side IF section 25 is determined depending on the configuration of the illumination-side IF section 14.

[0036] The photographing-side control unit 21 of the photographing device 2 configured in this manner has the following functions according to the programs stored in the storage unit 24. For example, the photographing-side control unit 21 has a function of switching the state of the photographing device 2 to one of the "initialization state," "storage state," and "reading and transferring state." The timing for switching the state will be described later.

[0037] The "initialized state" is a state in which an on voltage is applied to each switch element and the charge generated by the radiation detection element is not accumulated in each pixel (the charge is released to the signal line). The "accumulation state" is a state in which an off voltage is applied to each switch element, and charges generated by the radiation detection element can be accumulated in the pixel (charges are not released to the signal line). The "read-transfer state" is a state in which an on-voltage is applied to each switch element, the readout unit 23 is driven, and a signal value based on the charge that has flowed in can be read out.

[0038] [Control System] Next, the control system 100a provided in the imaging system 100, which is a main part of the present invention, will be described in detail.

[0039] As described above, the control system 100a according to this embodiment is configured by the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2. The irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 have the following functions in addition to the above-mentioned radiation irradiation function and charge accumulation / readout function, and are therefore capable of operating as a control system 100a.

[0040] First, the irradiation-side control unit 11 of the irradiation device 1 has a function of periodically generating timekeeping information using a clock generated by the irradiation-side oscillator 11a. The timing information generated here includes, for example, timing signals and time information. The timing signal refers to a pulse signal or the like that is output each time one or more clocks are generated. The time information refers to the count value of a timer that counts up in accordance with a clock. Furthermore, each of the units 11 to 14 of the irradiation device 1 operates based on a clock generated by the irradiation-side oscillator 11a, and therefore the timekeeping by the irradiation-side control unit 11 is performed in conjunction with the irradiation device 1.

[0041] The photographing-side control unit 21 of the photographing device 2 also has a function of periodically generating timekeeping information using a clock generated by the photographing-side oscillator 21a. The format of the timing information generated here is preferably the same as that of the timing information generated by the irradiation device 1. Furthermore, each of the units 21 to 25 of the photographing device 2 operates based on the clock generated by the photographing-side oscillator 21a, so that the photographing-side control unit 21 keeps time in conjunction with the photographing device 2.

[0042] When the irradiation device 1 is a parent device that serves as the reference for operation and the photographing device 2 is a child device that follows the operation of the parent device, the irradiation side control unit 11 is the first timing means, and the timing information generated by this irradiation side control unit 11 is the first timing information, the photographing side control unit 21 is the second timing means, and the timing information generated by this photographing side control unit 21 is the second timing information. On the other hand, when the photographing device 2 is the parent device and the irradiation device 1 is the child device, the photographing side control unit 21 is the first timing means, and the timing information generated by this photographing side control unit 21 is the first timing information, the irradiation side control unit 11 is the second timing means, and the timing information generated by this irradiation side control unit 11 is the second timing information.

[0043] [Adjustment method 1] Furthermore, the control unit of the device that is the parent device out of the illumination-side control unit 11 and the imaging-side control unit 21 has a function of transmitting the generated first timing information to the device that is the child device. The function of transmitting this first timing information is enabled when the irradiation-side IF unit 14 of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging-side IF unit 25 of the imaging device 2 are connected. Examples of the connected state include when one end of the connector of the communication cable 1f is inserted into the connector of the irradiation-side IF unit and the other end of the communication cable 1f is inserted into the connector of the imaging-side IF unit (wired connection), when an antenna provided in one IF unit is brought close to the antenna of the other IF unit, when a lamp provided in one IF unit is brought close to the optical sensor of the other IF unit (including when connected by optical cable), when a speaker of one IF unit is brought close to the microphone of the other IF unit, when a coil of one IF unit is brought close to the coil of the other IF unit, when a vibrator of one IF unit is in contact with the sensor of the other IF unit, etc.

[0044] In addition, when transmitting the first timing information via wired communication using a communication cable 1f connecting the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2, a protocol such as NTP (Network Time Protocol) or a method specified in the international standard IEEE Std. 1588-2008 (hereinafter abbreviated as IEEE 1588) can also be used. Of the irradiation-side control unit 11 and the imaging-side control unit 21 of this embodiment having the above-described functions, the control unit provided in the device serving as the parent device forms the transmitting means of the present invention.

[0045] In addition, it is preferable that the control unit of the slave device out of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 has a function of correcting its own second timing information at the time of receiving the first timing information based on the received first timing information when it receives the first timing information from the master device.

[0046] In addition, at least one of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 has a function of storing adjustment conditions for adjusting the operation of at least one of the control units of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 in memory units 13, 24. The "operation of the control unit" mentioned here refers to the timing of generating timing information and the timing speed.

[0047] Moreover, the "adjustment condition" refers to the operation of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the imaging side control unit 21 to prevent the operation of the irradiation device 1 and the operation of the imaging device 2 from being out of sync. Specifically, the operation of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 is such that immediately after adjusting the operation of at least one of the control units, the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21, the difference between the first timing information generated by the irradiation side control unit 11 and the second timing information generated by the photographing side control unit 21 becomes smaller than the difference between the first timing information previously transmitted and the generated second timing information.

[0048] The adjustment conditions may be stored in advance in the device at the time of manufacture or the like, or may be stored during use of the control system 100a. Furthermore, when the adjustment conditions are stored during use, it is preferable that the storage be performed outside of the shooting period, which may be while the IF units 14 and 25 are connected to each other or when the connection is released. The adjustment conditions may be calculated by a device other than the control system 100a and stored, or at least one of the illumination-side control unit 11 and the imaging-side control unit 21 may have a function for calculating the adjustment conditions, and the adjustment conditions calculated in the control system 100a may be stored. In this case, the control unit that performs the calculation, either the illumination-side control unit 11 or the imaging-side control unit 21, serves as the adjustment condition calculation means of the present invention. Moreover, it is preferable that the adjustment conditions be stored in a storage unit provided in either the irradiation device 1 or the imaging device 2, whichever device is to perform the adjustment. The photographing side control unit 21 having the above-described functions serves as the storage means of the present invention.

[0049] The adjustment conditions can be calculated, for example, by the following methods. [Adjustment condition calculation 1] (calculation based on the characteristics of each oscillator) It is known that the error range of the clock used to generate timing information varies depending on the accuracy of the oscillator that generates the clock. For example, an oscillator set to a clock frequency of 10 MHz may actually generate a clock frequency of 10.1 MHz or 9.9 MHz, resulting in individual differences. If such individual differences exist between the irradiation-side oscillator 11a and the photographing-side oscillator 21a, the timing at which the same value of timing information is generated will differ. Therefore, for example, the frequency of the clock generated by each oscillator 11a, 21a is measured individually in advance, and the difference between the measured value and the set value is calculated.Then, the operation of the control unit that will perform the adjustment, among the control units 11, 21, that reduces the difference is set as the adjustment condition. By using this method, it is possible to calculate highly accurate adjustment conditions for each control unit having the oscillators 11a and 21a.

[0050] [Adjustment condition calculation 2] (calculation based on the difference between two oscillators) As mentioned above, there are individual differences in the accuracy of oscillators, so even if the irradiation side control unit 11 and the shooting side control unit 21 each use oscillators with the same clock frequency setting, there is a high possibility that the timing of generating timing information with the same value will differ. Therefore, clocks generated by the control unit (first clocking means) of the parent device are continuously transmitted to the control unit (second clocking means) of the child device using the irradiation-side IF unit 14 and the imaging-side IF unit 25. The control unit of the child device then counts the transmitted clocks of the parent device and the clocks generated by the child device, and at a timing, for example, when a predetermined period tc has elapsed since the start of counting (for example, the timing shown at (1) in FIG. 5), measures the number of clocks generated by the control unit of the parent device and the number of clocks generated by the control unit of the child device, and calculates the difference between them. Then, the operation of the control unit that will perform adjustment, of the control units 11 and 21, that reduces the difference is set as an adjustment condition.

[0051] The predetermined period tc can be determined based on the difference between the shooting period for shooting video and the clock frequency of each control unit. Therefore, the length of the predetermined period tc may be configured to vary depending on the type of shooting.

[0052] In addition, at least one of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 has a function of adjusting the operation of at least one of the control units of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 based on the stored adjustment conditions when the photographing device 2 does not acquire the first timing information. Here, "a state in which the photographing device 2 does not acquire the first timing information" refers to a state in which the connection between the irradiation side IF unit 14 of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing side IF unit 25 of the photographing device 2 is intentionally disconnected (for example, the communication cable 1f is disconnected from the irradiation device 1 or the photographing device 2), or a state in which the connection between the irradiation side IF unit 14 and the photographing side IF unit 25 is not disconnected but the first timing information does not arrive due to a deterioration in the communication environment, etc.

[0053] The adjustment method includes, for example, the following methods. [Adjustment method 1] (Timing signal thinning / addition) When the first timing information and the second timing information generated by each control unit are pulsed timing signals, the adjustment conditions are the signal interval and the number of timing signals to be thinned out or added. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 6(a), one or more timing signals to be generated are thinned out each time the control unit having the faster timing speed out of the illumination side control unit 11 and the imaging side control unit 21 generates a predetermined number of timing signals (when the deviation d between the timing signal to be generated next by the control unit having the faster timing speed and the corresponding timing signal to be generated next by the control unit having the slower timing speed exceeds the allowable deviation dp), or as shown in Figure 6(b), one or more new timing signals are inserted each time the control unit having the slower timing speed out of the illumination side control unit 11 and the imaging side control unit 21 generates a predetermined number of timing signals, or both are performed.

[0054] (Adjustment method 2: Adding or subtracting time information) When the first timing information and the second timing information are time information, the adjustment condition is the amount of time adjustment of the time information. In this case, the time adjustment amount is subtracted from the timing information generated by the control unit with the faster timing speed out of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21, or the time adjustment amount is added to the timing information generated by the control unit with the slower timing speed out of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21, or both are performed (for example, the time is set to be midway between the first timing information and the second timing information).

[0055] (Adjustment method 3: Acceleration / deceleration of timing speed) The time counting speed of the control unit can also be adjusted regardless of the format of the time counting information. In this case, the adjustment condition is the amount of speed adjustment of the time counting speed. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, the time measurement speed of the control unit having the faster time measurement speed out of the illumination side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 is slowed down by the speed adjustment amount, or the time measurement speed of the control unit having the slower time measurement speed out of the illumination side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 is accelerated by the speed adjustment amount, or both are performed (for example, set to an intermediate speed between the illumination side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21). The photographing side control unit 21 having the above-described functions serves as the adjustment means of the present invention.

[0056] Up to this point, we have explained adjustment methods for bringing the operation of the shooting side control unit 21 closer to that of the irradiation side control unit 11, bringing the operation of the irradiation side control unit 11 closer to that of the shooting side control unit 21, or bringing the operation of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the operation of the shooting side control unit 21 closer to each other.However, for example, the control system 100a may be provided with another timing means different from the irradiation side oscillator 11a and the shooting side oscillator 21a, and the operation of at least one of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the shooting side control unit 21 may be made closer to the operation of the other timing means.

[0057] [Notification of deviation] Furthermore, up to this point, we have explained that when there is a discrepancy between the operation of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the operation of the photographing side control unit 21, the operation of at least one of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 is adjusted, but it is also possible to notify the user of the discrepancy without making any adjustment. Examples of notification means N that notifies of a deviation include a display that displays an image or text indicating that a deviation has occurred, a speaker that outputs a sound indicating that a deviation has occurred, and a vibrator that vibrates when a deviation has occurred. The notification means N may be provided at any location in the control system 100a that can be seen by the user, such as the irradiation device 1, the imaging device 2, or the connector of the communication cable 1f, as shown in FIG.

[0058] Furthermore, if the device that detects the misalignment and the device that notifies the misalignment are different, a communication means (for example, an antenna capable of sending and receiving radio waves, a lamp that emits light (including infrared rays), or an optical sensor that detects light) may be provided to transmit the notification content from the device that detects the misalignment to the device that notifies the misalignment. In this way, the user can know before taking an image that the operation timing of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 will be out of sync, making it possible to prevent the subject from being unnecessarily exposed to radiation due to imaging being performed at an incorrect timing.

[0059] [Photography using a radiography system] Next, a description will be given of the basic photographing operation performed by the photographing system 100. FIG.

[0060] (Starts operation) First, the user performs an action that triggers the start of timing by the irradiation-side control unit 11 of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging-side control unit 21 of the imaging device 2 (for example, turning on the power of each device in the imaging system 100). Then, the irradiation-side control unit 11 and the imaging-side control unit 21 each start timing. If the power of each device is turned on at different times, the timing at which the timing at which the imaging-side control unit 21 of the irradiation-side control unit 11 starts timing will also differ, and the timing at which the irradiation device 1 generates timing information and the timing at which the imaging device 2 generates timing information will differ at this stage.

[0061] (Connection between irradiation device 1 and imaging device 2) Here, when the irradiation-side IF unit of the irradiation device 1 and the photographing-side IF unit of the photographing device 2 are connected (they may be connected in advance), first timing information is transmitted from the parent device of the irradiation device 1 or the photographing device 2 to the child device. The child device that receives the first timing information corrects the operation of its own control unit to match the operation of the control unit of the parent device (so that it generates timing information with the same value at the same timing).

[0062] (Disconnection of the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2) Thereafter, the user releases the connection between the illumination-side IF unit and the imaging-side IF unit (moves the imaging device 2 to the imaging position). Then, the slave unit enters a state where it does not acquire the first timing information, and the master unit and slave unit each measure the time independently. In this case, if there is an individual difference between the clock frequency generated by the irradiation side oscillator 11a and the clock frequency generated by the photographing side oscillator 21a, a discrepancy will occur over time between the operation of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the operation of the photographing side control unit 21. However, at least one of the illumination-side control unit 11 and the imaging-side control unit 21 periodically adjusts its own operation to reduce the above-mentioned difference. As a result, the difference between the operation of the illumination-side control unit 11 and the operation of the imaging-side control unit 21 always falls within a predetermined range and does not expand any further.

[0063] If the control system 100a has a function for calculating adjustment conditions, the adjustment conditions are calculated at this timing and stored in the storage unit. In this way, at least one of the calculation of the adjustment conditions, the storage of the adjustment conditions, and the adjustment of the operation of the control unit is performed outside the imaging period (before the imaging period).

[0064] (filming period) Thereafter, the control system 100a uses the control unit provided in the parent device of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the control unit provided in the child device of the imaging side control unit 21 to control the timing of radiation generation by the irradiation device 1 and the timing of image data generation by the imaging device 2, respectively. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second timing information of the photographing side control unit 21 reaches a first predetermined value (t1) (when the first predetermined time (t1) has elapsed since the start of timing), the photographing device 2 applies an ON voltage to each switch element to perform initialization, which releases the dark charge accumulated in each pixel to the signal line. Depending on the configuration of the radiation detection elements of the imaging device 2, the accumulated charges may be released and an initialization operation may be performed when the charges are read out.

[0065] Thereafter, when the timing information generated by the imaging side control unit 21 reaches a second predetermined value (t2) greater than the first predetermined value (when the second predetermined time (t2) has elapsed since the start of timing), the imaging device 2 applies an off voltage to each scanning line, enabling the charge generated by the radiation detection element to be accumulated in the pixel. The imaging device 2 continues this state of being able to accumulate charge until the timing information generated by the imaging side control unit 21 reaches a fourth predetermined value (t4) greater than the second predetermined value (until the fourth predetermined time has elapsed since the start of timing).

[0066] Furthermore, when the timing information generated by the irradiation side control unit 11 reaches a third predetermined value (t3) that is greater than the second predetermined value and less than the fourth predetermined value (when the third predetermined time has elapsed since the start of timing), the irradiation device 1 irradiates the subject and the imaging device 2 behind it with radiation. That is, the irradiation device 1 irradiates radiation while the imaging device 2 is in a state where it can accumulate electric charges (t2 to t4). When the imaging device 2 receives radiation, each radiation detection element of the radiation detection section 22 generates an electric charge, which is then accumulated in each pixel.

[0067] Furthermore, when the timing information generated by the imaging-side control unit 21 reaches a fourth predetermined value (t4) greater than the third predetermined value (when the fourth predetermined time (t4) has elapsed since the start of timing), the imaging device 2 first applies an ON voltage to each switch element connected to each scanning line, following the same procedure as initialization, and releases the charge accumulated in each pixel to each signal line. Then, the readout unit 23 reads out signal values ​​based on the incoming charge, and generates image data based on the readout signal values. In the case of capturing a moving image, the irradiation device 1 and the image capturing device 2 repeat the above-described series of operations for the number of frame images to be captured, based on the timing information generated by each of them.

[0068] 〔effect〕 However, according to the control system 100a of this embodiment, even when the control unit of the slave device does not acquire the first timing information, the operation of at least one of the control units of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 is adjusted based on the stored adjustment conditions, so that the difference between the timing at which the irradiation side control unit 11 generates the timing information and the timing at which the photographing side control unit 21 generates the timing information can be kept within a range that does not affect the photographing. Therefore, even if timekeeping information is not transmitted from one device to the other during video shooting, video shooting can be performed stably. [Example]

[0069] Next, a specific example of using the imaging system 100 according to the above embodiment will be described.

[0070] [Example 1] The oscillator that generates the clock that is the basis of the timekeeping information changes the frequency of the generated clock slightly depending on the operating environment (temperature, etc.). In view of such problems, the calculation of adjustment conditions and adjustment of operations may be performed before use (before shooting begins) with the control system 100a installed in the position where it will actually shoot. In this way, the adjustment conditions can be calculated taking into account not only the accuracy of the oscillator but also changes in the environment in which the control system 100a is used, thereby making it possible to obtain more accurate adjustment conditions.

[0071] [Example 2] In photographing using the photographing system 100 according to the above embodiment, from the viewpoint of efficient photographing, it is required to be able to transmit and receive as much information as possible with as few (simple) operations as possible. In view of this problem, when the IF units are connected to each other and the first timing information is transmitted, information other than the first timing information may also be transmitted and received. Specifically, at least one of the illumination-side control unit 11 and the imaging-side control unit 21 is provided with a function to superimpose predetermined information on the timing information to be transmitted. Then, when the communication cable 1f is connected, the predetermined information is transmitted and received using terminals other than the terminal for transmitting and receiving timing information, among multiple terminals provided on the plug or connector of the communication cable 1f. In this way, by simply transmitting the timing information, other information can be transmitted and received in parallel, thereby improving the efficiency of the photographing operation.

[0072] [Example 3] Wireless communication is relatively susceptible to environmental influences, that is, communication becomes difficult when the radio wave environment is poor, so users may prefer to use wired communication. Therefore, when the irradiation device (medical cart body) 1 and the imaging device 2 are connected both wirelessly and by wire, wired communication may be used preferentially depending on the radio wave environment. That is, for example, as shown in Fig. 10, wireless communication is blocked and timing information, image data, etc. are sent and received by wire. This allows stable communication that is not dependent on the radio wave environment, and improves the efficiency of photography.

[0073] [Example 4] Wireless communication has many advantages in terms of ease of use, such as eliminating the need to connect communication cables, and so users may wish to give priority to wireless communication. In particular, many of the mobile terminals available in recent years are capable of outputting high-resolution images, and data communication speeds via wireless communication have also improved, so there is a demand for such mobile terminals 3 to be included in the imaging system 100, so that images can be checked on the mobile terminal 3 while the battery of the imaging device 2 is charged during rounds.

[0074] For this reason, when the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 are connected both wirelessly and by wire, wireless communication may be used preferentially. That is, wired communication is cut off (the communication cable may remain plugged in), and timing information, image data, etc. are sent and received wirelessly, as shown in Fig. 11, for example. At that time, the irradiation device (medical cart body) 1, imaging device 2, and mobile terminal 3 are each able to communicate wirelessly via access point 1d. In this way, the captured images can be checked on the spot using the mobile terminal 3, eliminating the need to go to the monitor mounted on the medical cart main body 1 to check the images each time a photograph is taken, thereby improving the workability of photographing.

[0075] [Example 5] If the imaging system 100 according to the above embodiment is to have both the function of prioritizing wired communication and the function of prioritizing wireless communication, as described in Examples 3 and 4 above, a means for switching which function to use is required. In view of such problems, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a switch 26 for switching functions may be provided on the board S of the slave unit (although FIG. 12 illustrates the case of the photographing device 2, it may also be the irradiation device 1), and may be switched on at the time of shipment from the factory, etc.

[0076] In addition, the switch 26 for switching may be provided on the surface of the slave device (although FIG. 13 shows an example of the photographing device 2, it may also be the irradiation device 1), as shown in FIG. 13, so that the user can switch at the timing desired. The switch 26 may be of a type that is a button to be pressed, a touch panel type, or a slide type, for example. Furthermore, the control system 100a may be provided with an external device (for example, a console) that can communicate with the control system 100a, and the control system 100a may be switched in accordance with an instruction signal from the console. In this way, it is possible to switch between the function that prioritizes wired communication and the function that prioritizes wireless communication depending on the situation, thereby improving workability.

[0077] [Example 6] When transmitting and receiving data wirelessly or via a wire, a preamble may be added before the beginning of the data, as shown in FIG. 14(a), for example. Therefore, in the control system 100a according to the above embodiment, a preamble added to the data may be used as the first timing information. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14(b), for example, the control unit of at least one of the control units of the parent device and the child device is provided with functions such as acquiring a preamble from data, correcting the second timing information it generates based on the acquired preamble, and calculating adjustment conditions based on the received preamble and the generated second timing information. In this way, it is possible to transmit the first timing information to the slave unit without adding a dedicated communication cable or wireless communication method, and to correct the operation of the slave unit or calculate adjustment conditions.

[0078] It is possible that immediately after correcting the operation of the slave unit using the preamble, the operation of the master unit and the operation of the slave unit may become out of sync again due to the difference in accuracy between the oscillators 11a and 21a of the master unit and the slave unit. For this reason, the operation of the slave unit may be corrected again using the preamble just before shooting (for example, when disconnecting the communication cable). Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, the control unit of the parent device is provided with a function to retransmit the preamble based on the pressing of the exposure switch or the like. In this way, the operation of the slave unit is corrected immediately before shooting, and the operational discrepancy that occurs after the connection between the IF units 14 and 25 is released is also suppressed, making it possible to reliably prevent shooting from being performed in a state where the operation of the irradiation device 1 and the operation of the shooting device 2 are out of sync.

[0079] [Example 7] In imaging using the imaging system 100, after the IF units 14 and 25 are disconnected (during imaging or the like), the timing of the slave device of the irradiation device 1 or the imaging device 2 is performed independently. At this time, if there is some abnormality in the control unit of the slave device, the timing of radiation irradiation by the irradiation device 1 and the timing of charge accumulation on the imaging device 2 side may differ more than expected, which may result in unnecessary exposure of the subject to radiation. In view of such problems, when connecting the irradiation side IF unit and the imaging side IF unit, the accuracy of the operation of the control unit acting as the slave device may be measured and compared with a set value to check for any abnormalities. 16, the accuracy of the operation of the parent unit is compared with the accuracy of the operation of the child unit (step S1), and if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the oscillator (timekeeping means) of the child unit (step S2; Yes), the photographing sequence continues (step S3).On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the oscillator of the child unit (step S2; No), abnormality processing is performed (step S4).

[0080] In step S1, when checking the accuracy of the operation, the accuracy of the clock generated by the oscillators 11a and 21a may be checked, or the accuracy of the output of the timing information linked to the oscillators 11a and 21a may be checked. Furthermore, the processing to be performed in the event of an abnormality in step S4 may include displaying a message indicating that an abnormality has occurred and stopping the imaging sequence. In this way, by checking the accuracy of the operation of the control unit, which is the slave unit, before taking an image, it is possible to check whether there are any abnormalities in the control unit, thereby reliably preventing the control unit from taking an image in an abnormal state and unnecessarily exposing the subject to radiation.

[0081] [Example 8] Furthermore, in consideration of the problem that if there is some abnormality in the control unit of the slave device, the timing of radiation irradiation by the irradiation device 1 and the timing of charge accumulation on the imaging device 2 side may deviate more than expected, which may result in unnecessary exposure of the subject, the slave device may be provided with another timing means different from the oscillators 11a and 21a provided in its control unit, and the accuracy of the operation of the slave device may be confirmed based on third timing information generated by the other timing means. 17, the accuracy of the operation of the other timing means is compared with the accuracy of the operation of the slave unit (step S11), and if it is determined that there is no abnormality in the oscillator (timing means) of the slave unit (step S2; Yes), the photographing sequence continues (step S3).On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the oscillator of the slave unit (step S2; No), abnormality processing is performed (step S4).

[0082] As the third timekeeping information, for example, a count value of a radio clock or time information defined by NTP can be used. By doing this, it is possible to check the accuracy of the operation of the control unit, which is the slave unit, before taking an image, and thereby to check whether there are any abnormalities in the control unit, thereby reliably preventing the control unit from taking an image in an abnormal state and unnecessarily exposing the subject to radiation.

[0083] [Example 9] Furthermore, if there is some kind of abnormality in the control unit of the slave device, there is a possibility that the timing of radiation irradiation by the irradiation device 1 and the timing of charge accumulation on the imaging device 2 side will deviate more than expected, resulting in the generation of an incorrect image. If a diagnosis is made based on such an incorrect image, the doctor will make an incorrect diagnosis. In view of such problems, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, after shooting is completed, the accuracy of the operation of the control unit of the slave device may be measured and compared with a set value to check for any abnormalities. If an abnormality is detected, the user may be notified that the captured image may have been captured under abnormal conditions. In this way, by checking the accuracy of the operation of the control unit, which is the slave unit, before taking an image, it is possible to check whether there is an abnormality in the control unit, thereby reliably preventing the doctor from making an incorrect diagnosis due to taking an image when the control unit is in an abnormal state.

[0084] [Example 10] There was a problem that it took time to adjust the operation of at least one of the irradiation-side control unit 11 and the imaging-side control unit 21, making it impossible to take an image immediately even if one wanted to. However, in emergency medical situations, etc., it is important to be able to take an image immediately when one wants to, and there was a need to solve this problem. In view of such problems, the adjustment (synchronization processing) of the operation of at least one of the control units of the irradiation side control unit 11 and the photographing side control unit 21 may be performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, during the warm-up of the photographing device 2 before photographing in order to stabilize the photographed image. In this way, adjustments are made in parallel with the warm-up of the photographing device 2, shortening the time it takes for the user to start preparing for photographing until photographing is possible, allowing the user to take photographs more quickly when they want to.

[0085] [Example 11] When shooting video, the required frame rate varies depending on the content being shot. On the other hand, increasing the frame rate increases the number of images taken, which increases the subject's radiation exposure. For this reason, when capturing video, it is necessary to capture the image at the minimum frame rate necessary for the content being captured. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 20(a), the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 each generate a timing signal every time a predetermined time t has elapsed, and generate radiation or accumulate and read out electric charges each time a timing signal is generated. However, as shown in FIG. 20(b), instead of changing the timing signal generation cycle, the frame rate may be changed by generating radiation or accumulating and read out electric charges each time N (=2, 3, etc.) timing signals are generated (skipping N-1 timing signals in between).

[0086] In this way, it is possible to prevent the subject from being excessively exposed to radiation, and also to reduce the amount of captured image data that needs to be stored. Furthermore, radiation irradiation devices and radiation imaging devices that have a frame rate changing function are generally expensive due to their high performance, but by doing this, it is possible to give a wide range of radiation irradiation devices and radiation imaging devices the frame rate changing function at low cost.

[0087] [Example 12] In addition, in consideration of the problem that when shooting a moving image, it is required to shoot at the minimum frame rate required depending on the shooting content, instead of making the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2 operate every time they generate N timing signals as in the above-mentioned Example 11, for example, as shown in Figure 20 (c), the interval at which the timing signals are generated may be changed, that is, the irradiation device 1 and the photographing device 2 may generate a timing signal every time a time that is N (= 2, 3, ...) times the predetermined time t has elapsed, and may operate every time a timing signal is generated, thereby changing the frame rate.

[0088] This also makes it possible to prevent the subject from being excessively exposed to radiation, and to reduce the amount of captured image data that needs to be stored. Furthermore, radiation irradiation devices and radiation imaging devices that have a frame rate changing function are generally expensive due to their high performance, but by doing this, it is possible to give a wide range of radiation irradiation devices and radiation imaging devices the frame rate changing function at low cost.

[0089] [Example 13] The signal used to transmit the first timing information may be used alone or may be used in combination with another signal. When the signal is used in common with other signals, several patterns of signal waveforms are possible. For this reason, it is preferable that the waveform of the signal used to transmit the first timing information be, for example, a single pulse shape as shown in Figure 21(a), an edge shape as shown in Figure 21(b), or a multiple pulse shape as shown in Figure 21(c). Signals with waveforms such as those shown in FIGS. 21(a) to (c) can also be used as other signals, making them applicable to a variety of systems. In addition, circuits for transmitting and receiving other signals can be used in conjunction with the transmission and reception of the first timing information, eliminating the need to provide a dedicated circuit for transmitting and receiving the first timing information, thereby making it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs and size of the device.

[0090] [Example 14] When transmitting the first timing information using a signal with a waveform such as that described in Example 13 (single pulse, edge detection, or multiple pulse), a dedicated line must be used just for that purpose, which can sometimes require a dedicated line. In particular, when using a commonly used standard such as a LAN cable, there is a problem of insufficient wiring. In view of this problem, the first timing information may be transmitted in the form of a command as shown in FIG. 21(d) using a wire for transmitting and receiving commands.

[0091] In this case, a character string that can be used as the first timing information when converted into a signal (for example, a character string consisting of repeated 0s and 1s) may be added to the command, as shown in Figure 22, and transmitted as part of the command, or a period may be set for transmitting the first timing information at a timing different from the command transmission / reception, and the character string that can be used as the first timing information may be transmitted / received. In this way, a dedicated line for transmitting the first timing information is not required, and the amount of wiring between the irradiation device 1 and the imaging device 2 can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 100 Radiography System (Mobile Phone) 100a Control System 1 Radiation irradiation device (medical cart body) 1a Radiation control device 11 Irradiation side control unit 11a Irradiation side oscillator 12 High voltage generator 13 Storage section 14 Irradiation side interface 1b tube 1c console 1d Access Point 1e Storage section 1f Communication cable 2. Radiography equipment 21. Imaging control unit 21a Shooting side oscillator 22 Radiation detection unit 23 Readout section 24 Memory section 25. Shooting interface unit 26 Switch 3. Mobile devices S board

Claims

1. a radiation irradiation device that generates radiation; a radiographic imaging device that generates image data by receiving radiation; a first timing unit that measures time in conjunction with one of the radiation irradiating device and the radiation imaging device and that periodically generates first timing information; a second timing unit that performs timing in conjunction with the other of the radiation irradiating device and the radiation imaging device and periodically generates second timing information; a transmitting means for transmitting the generated first timing information to the second timing means; a storage means for storing an adjustment condition for adjusting the operation of at least one of the first and second timekeeping means; and an adjustment means capable of adjusting the operation of at least one of the first and second timing means based on the stored adjustment conditions when the second timing means does not acquire the first timing information.

2. 2. The control system according to claim 1, further comprising an adjustment condition calculation unit that calculates the adjustment condition.

3. the adjustment condition calculation means calculates, as the adjustment condition, operations of the first clocking means and the second clocking means such that a difference between first clocking information generated by the first clocking means and second clocking information generated by the second clocking means becomes smaller than a difference between the transmitted first clocking information and the generated second clocking information immediately after the adjustment means adjusts the operation of at least one of the first clocking means and the second clocking means; 3. The control system according to claim 2, wherein the storage means stores the adjustment conditions calculated by the adjustment condition calculation means.

4. the first timing information and the second timing information are pulsed timing signals, the adjustment condition is a signal interval and a number of signals when thinning out or adding the timing signals, 4. The control system according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment means thins out one or more timing signals to be generated each time one of the first and second time counting means, whichever has a faster timing speed, generates a predetermined number of timing signals, or inserts one or more new timing signals each time one of the first and second time counting means, which has a slower timing speed, generates a predetermined number of timing signals, or performs both of these.

5. the first timing information and the second timing information are time information, the adjustment condition is a time adjustment amount of the time information, The control system described in claim 3, characterized in that the adjustment means subtracts the time adjustment amount from the timing information generated by the timing means having the faster timing speed out of the first timing means and the second timing means, or adds the time adjustment amount to the timing information generated by the timing means having the slower timing speed out of the first timing means and the second timing means.

6. the adjustment condition is a speed adjustment amount of the time measurement speed, 4. The control system according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment means slows down the timekeeping speed of the faster of the first and second timekeeping means by the speed adjustment amount, or speeds up the timekeeping speed of the slower of the first and second timekeeping means by the speed adjustment amount, or performs both of these.

7. 7. The control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the calculation of the adjustment conditions, the storage of the adjustment conditions by the storage means, and the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed outside of a shooting period.

8. 8. The control system according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the calculation of the adjustment conditions, the storage of the adjustment conditions by the storage means, and the adjustment by the adjustment means is performed before the imaging period.

9. the transmitting means transmits the first timing information by wired communication using a communication cable connecting the radiation irradiating device and the radiation imaging device; The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second timing means is brought into a state where it does not acquire the first timing information by disconnecting the communication cable from the radiation irradiation device or the radiation imaging device.

10. 10. The control system according to claim 1, wherein the first timing means and the second timing means are used to control the timing of radiation generation by the radiation irradiation device and the timing of image data generation by the radiation imaging device, respectively.

11. A radiation imaging system comprising the control system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images