Radiation image detection device, radiation image capturing system, and control device

Abstract

To associate a radiation image detection device with a control device by a simple operation without using an external device.SOLUTION: A portable panel 10 (radiation image detection device) that acquires radiation image data based on radiated radiation includes a storage unit 14 that stores association information related to association with a console 20 (control device) that outputs radiation image data acquired by the panel 10, and a mode button for associating with the console 20 based on the association information stored in the storage unit 14, and in a case where there is one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, associates with the one console 20 in response to the mode button being operated. When there are a plurality of consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the console 20 to be associated is selected from among the plurality of consoles 20 by the mode button, and then the panel 10 is associated with the selected console 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiological image detection device, a radiological image capturing system, and a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, devices using FPDs (Flat Panel Detectors) have been known as radiation image detection devices, and in recent years, portable FPD panels that house radiation detection elements in a housing and are portable have come into use. DR (Digital Radiography) systems have a roaming function that establishes a correspondence between the panel and the console (control device) so that the panel can be used in multiple radiography rooms or on a medical cart that moves between hospital rooms.

[0003] In normal roaming, when a panel is connected to a roaming device such as a cradle, the console associated with that roaming device is identified and selected as the connection target.Then, the panel sends a connection command to the target console, thereby changing the association between the panel and the console.

[0004] For example, a system is used in which a connection section for the panel is provided in a correspondence information holding device that holds a unique ID that associates a portable panel with a console, and the panel obtains the unique ID from the correspondence information holding device, identifies the console to be connected based on the unique ID, and obtains the connection setting information of the identified console (see Patent Document 1).

[0005] In addition, a system is used in which pressing a button on the panel cyclically switches and selects the radiography room that uses the panel or the console to which it is connected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5370040 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, if you forget to roam when taking pictures while moving around in a mobile cart equipped with a console, there is a problem that the panel and console cannot be associated unless there is a roaming device such as a cradle at the destination.Including cases like this, there is a demand for a way to associate the panel and console without using an external device (special hardware) such as a cradle.

[0008] In addition, in large hospitals, there are multiple consoles that can be connected to a panel, and previously the panel was identified by attaching it to a cradle, but without using a cradle, it was difficult and time-consuming to identify the console to which the panel was connected.

[0009] In addition, technology is being used that cyclically presents multiple connection candidates for selection, but since options that do not exist on-site are also displayed as options, there are an unnecessary number of steps required to confirm the connection target.When a connection candidate does not require selection, it is desirable to not include it in the options and to provide a simpler operation.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the problems in the conventional technology described above, and aims to associate a radiological image detection device with a control device with a simple operation without using an external device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a portable radiographic image detection device that acquires radiographic image data based on irradiated radiation, and includes: storage means for storing association information relating to association with a control device that outputs the radiographic image data acquired by the radiographic image detection device; first operation means for associating the radiographic image detection device with the control device based on the association information stored in the storage means; and control means for associating the radiographic image detection device with one control device in response to operation of the first operation means when there is only one control device that can be associated with the radiographic image detection device, and for associating the radiographic image detection device with the selected control device when there is a plurality of control devices that can be associated with the radiographic image detection device by selecting a control device to be associated from the plurality of control devices using the first operation means, and then associating the radiographic image detection device with the selected control device.

[0012] The invention described in claim 2 is the radiological image detection device described in claim 1, wherein when there are multiple control devices that can be associated with the radiological image detection device, after the control device to be associated is selected by the first operation means, the control means associates the selected control device with the radiological image detection device in response to operation of the second operation means.

[0013] The invention as set forth in claim 3 is the radiological image detecting device as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the association information is set in advance and stored in the storage means.

[0014] The invention of claim 4 is a radiological image detection device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detection means for detecting a control device capable of wireless communication with the radiological image detection device, and the control means stores association information relating to association with the control device detected by the detection means in the storage means.

[0015] The invention described in claim 5 is a radiological image detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the association with the control device has a predetermined trigger other than an operation on the first operating means, and the control means prohibits association with the control device based on an operation on the first operating means when the predetermined trigger occurs.

[0016] The invention described in claim 6 is a radiological image detection device described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radiological image detection device itself has a standalone imaging function that generates and saves radiological image data by detecting irradiation of radiation, and the control means changes the operation in response to the operation on the first operating means based on the number of control devices that can be associated with the radiological image detection device and whether the standalone imaging function is enabled.

[0017] The invention described in claim 7 is the radiological image detection device described in claim 6, wherein when the individual shooting function is enabled, the first operating means for selecting the control device to be associated also serves as an operating means for selecting the individual shooting function.

[0018] An eighth aspect of the present invention is a radiographic image capturing system including the radiographic image detecting device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and the control device.

[0019] The invention of claim 9 is a control device that outputs radiographic image data acquired by a portable radiographic image detection device that acquires radiographic image data based on irradiated radiation, and includes: storage means that stores association information regarding association with the radiographic image detection device; operation means that associates the control device with the radiographic image detection device based on the association information stored in the storage means; and control means that, when there is only one radiographic image detection device that can be associated with the control device, associates the control device with the one radiographic image detection device in response to operation of the operation means; and, when there is a plurality of radiographic image detection devices that can be associated with the control device, selects a radiographic image detection device to be associated from the plurality of radiographic image detection devices by the operation means, and then associates the control device with the selected radiographic image detection device.

[0020] The invention described in claim 10 is the control device described in claim 9, further comprising a detection means for detecting a radiological image detection device capable of wireless communication with the control device, and the control means stores association information regarding association with the radiological image detection device detected by the detection means in the storage means.

[0021] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a radiographic image capturing system including the control device according to the ninth or tenth aspect and the radiographic image detecting device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, the radiological image detecting device and the control device can be associated with each other through a simple operation without using an external device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a radiographic image capturing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a panel and a console. [Figure 3]1A is a diagram showing the external configuration of the panel, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of the operation unit and display unit of the panel. [Figure 4] 10 is a ladder chart showing a presetting process executed in the panel and the console. [Figure 5] 10 is a ladder chart showing a registration execution process executed in the panel and the console. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a first roaming process executed in the panel. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining button operations when there are a plurality of consoles that can be associated. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining button operations when there is only one console that can be associated. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a second roaming process executed in the panel of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the panel according to the number of roaming targets and whether the standalone shooting function is enabled or disabled when an association operation is performed on the panel of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a third roaming process executed in a panel of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining button operations when there are a plurality of consoles that can be associated and the independent shooting function is enabled. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth roaming process executed in a panel of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth roaming process executed in a panel of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing console-side processing executed in the console of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing panel-side processing executed in a panel according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0025] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a radiation image capturing system 100 according to the first embodiment. The radiographic imaging system 100 is configured to include a panel 10 as a radiographic image detection device, consoles 20A, 20B, and 20C (hereinafter referred to as consoles 20 unless otherwise distinguished) as control devices, and cradles 30A, 30B, and 30C (hereinafter referred to as cradles 30 unless otherwise distinguished). The radiographic imaging system 100 is used in medical facilities, and radiography is performed in an imaging room, a hospital room, or the like. The numbers of panels 10, consoles 20, and cradles 30 included in the radiographic imaging system 100 are not limited to those shown in the illustration. In addition, the cradle 30 may not be connected to the console 20.

[0026] Panel 10 is a portable FPD panel that acquires radiation image data based on radiation emitted by radiation source 40 (see FIG. 2). Panel 10 detects radiation that has at least a portion transmitted through a subject, and generates radiation image data.

[0027] The console 20 controls radiography using the panel 10 and outputs radiographic image data acquired by the panel 10. For example, the console 20 displays an image based on the radiographic image data on the display unit 23 (see FIG. 2). The console 20 also outputs the radiographic image data to an external device such as a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). The console 20 may be installed in an imaging room, or may be mounted on a medical cart or the like so that it can be moved between hospital rooms or the like.

[0028] The cradles 30A, 30B, and 30C are associated with the consoles 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively, and are roaming devices that associate the console 20 corresponding to the cradle 30 with the panel 10. The cradle 30 is used when associating the console 20 corresponding to the cradle 30 with the panel 10 by a conventional method (a roaming method in which the panel 10 is attached to the cradle 30).

[0029] Roaming refers to the act of associating a panel 10 with a console 20 and the act of setting the panel 10 as being under the control of the console 20. In an environment where multiple consoles 20 exist, roaming includes the act of moving a panel 10 managed by one console 20 to be under the control of another console 20, as well as the act of setting a new panel 10 as being under the control of a certain console 20.

[0030] A roaming device is a device that can be connected to the panel 10 and that holds a unique ID (here, since the cradle 30 is used as the roaming device, it will be referred to as a cradle ID hereinafter) that is specific to the roaming device. The cradle ID is used as part of the association information for associating the console 20 with the panel 10. The cradle ID is used by the console 20 to identify whether or not the panel 10 is within the management scope of its own device (console 20). The console 20 manages the panel 10 for which the cradle ID that the console 20 itself manages is set.

[0031] The cradle 30 has a function of associating the panel 10 with the console 20 in a conventional manner, as well as a function of charging the panel 10 and a function of performing wired communication with the console 20. In the function of performing wired communication with the console 20, the cradle 30 is assumed to be directly connected to the console 20 by a cable, but the cradle 30 may also have a LAN (Local Area Network) connector and be connected to the console 20 via the LAN.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of the panel 10 and the console 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the panel 10 is configured to include a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a memory unit 14, a wireless communication unit 15, a detector 16, a battery 17, a cradle connection unit 18, and the like.

[0033] The control unit 11 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 11 reads out various processing programs stored in the storage unit 14, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes in accordance with the expanded programs. The control unit 11 controls the detector 16 to read the image signal detected by the detector 16, and generates image data of a radiation image based on this image signal.

[0034] The operation unit 12 has various buttons and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 11 in response to pressing of each button. The display unit 13 is made up of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) of various colors, and lights up or flashes in accordance with instructions input from the control unit 11.

[0035] Fig. 3(a) shows the external configuration of the panel 10. An operation unit 12 and a display unit 13 are provided on the side of the panel 10. Fig. 3(b) shows the detailed configuration of the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the operation unit 12 has a mode button 121, a selection button 122, a power button 123, and the like. The mode button 121 is a button for instructing mode transitions and the like on the panel 10. A long press of the mode button 121 corresponds to an instruction to transition to roaming mode. A long press means pressing the operation button for a certain period of time or more. The roaming mode is a mode for associating the panel 10 with the console 20. The selection button 122 is a button for deciding (confirming) a selected item. The power button 123 is a button for switching the power of the panel 10 on and off.

[0037] The display unit 13 also includes a mode LED 131, an information LED 132, a status LED 133, a link LED 134, a battery LED 135, and the like. Mode LED 131 is a blue LED that lights up when a panel-only function is being executed. A panel-only function is a function that can be realized by panel 10 alone, without the panel 10 operating in cooperation with other devices. Examples of panel-only functions include a roaming function that can be performed by operating a button, a standalone shooting function, etc. The information LED 132 is made up of 5 horizontal by 7 vertical white LEDs, and is used to display information (numbers, letters, etc.). The status LED 133 is composed of a blue or orange LED and is used to display the imaging status and error status. As the imaging status, the status LED 133 blinks while waiting for X-rays, and lights up after receiving X-rays. In an error status, the status LED 133 and mode LED 131 light up, and the information LED 132 displays "E." The link LED 134 is composed of a blue LED and is used to indicate connection with the console 20. When the panel 10 is connected to the console 20 via a wired connection via the cradle 30, the link LED 134 lights up, and when the panel 10 is connected to the console 20 wirelessly, the link LED 134 flashes. The battery LED 135 is composed of three horizontally arranged blue or orange LEDs, and is used to display the remaining charge and charging state of the battery 17.

[0038] The storage unit 14 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 14 stores various programs executed by the control unit 11, parameters required for executing processes by the programs, or data such as processing results.

[0039] For example, the storage unit 14 stores association information relating to association with the console 20. The association information includes a cradle ID, a console ID, and network settings (NW settings). The cradle ID is identification information of the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20. The console ID is identification information of the console 20. The NW settings are setting information for wireless communication with the console 20. Examples of NW settings include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) settings, an IP address assigned to the console 20, an IP address assigned to the panel 10 (to match the IP address of a moving panel 10 to that of the console 20), a wireless band used for communication, an SSID and passphrase of a wireless access point, etc. The association information is set in advance in a pre-setting process (see FIG. 4) and is stored in the storage unit 14.

[0040] The wireless communication unit 15 transmits and receives data via wireless communication with the console 20. For wireless communication in the wireless communication unit 15, NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. are used.

[0041] The detector 16 has a glass substrate or the like, on which a plurality of detection elements are two-dimensionally arranged at predetermined positions. Each detection element detects radiation emitted from the radiation source 40 and transmitted through at least the subject, according to its intensity, and converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal and stores it. Each detection element is composed of a semiconductor image sensor such as a photodiode. Each detection element is connected to a switching unit such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), and the switching unit controls the storage and readout of the electrical signal to obtain image data. FPDs include an indirect conversion type in which radiation is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion element via a scintillator, and a direct conversion type in which radiation is directly converted into an electric signal, and either type may be used for the panel 10.

[0042] Battery 17 is a power storage unit that serves as a power source for panel 10, and supplies power to each component of panel 10. Battery 17 is charged by power supplied from cradle 30 or the like connected via cradle connector 18.

[0043] When the panel 10 is attached to the cradle 30, the cradle connection unit 18 electrically connects to the cradle 30. The cradle connection unit 18 acquires information (such as a cradle ID) from the cradle 30 and performs data communication with the console 20 connected via the cradle 30.

[0044] The mode button 121 functions as a first operating means for associating the device itself (the panel 10) with the console 20 based on the association information stored in the storage unit 14. When there is only one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 associates the panel 10 with that one console 20 in response to the operation (long press) of the mode button 121. When there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 selects a console 20 to be associated with from the multiple consoles 20 using the mode button 121, and then associates the selected console 20 with the panel 10. Specifically, when there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 associates the selected console 20 with the panel 10 in response to an operation (short press) of the selection button 122 as second operating means after the console 20 to be associated with is selected using the mode button 121 (short press). A short press means pressing an operation button and then immediately releasing the finger. The control unit 11 detects the press operation of the operation button as a "short press" or a "long press" depending on the time the operation button is pressed.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the console 20 includes a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a storage unit 24, a communication unit 25, a drive unit 26, a connector 27, and the like.

[0046] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU, RAM, etc. In response to input from the operation unit 22, the CPU of the control unit 21 reads out the system program and various processing programs stored in the storage unit 24, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes in accordance with the expanded programs.

[0047] The operation unit 22 is configured with a keyboard having cursor keys, letter and number input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs operation signals input by operating the keyboard or mouse to the control unit 21. The operation unit 22 also has a touch panel or the like in which transparent electrodes are arranged in a grid pattern so as to cover the surface of the display unit 23, and detects a position pressed by a finger, a touch pen, etc., and inputs the position information as an operation signal to the control unit 21. The operation unit 22 also has an exposure switch that the user uses to instruct the start of radiation exposure.

[0048] The display unit 23 is configured with a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and performs display in accordance with instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 21.

[0049] The storage unit 24 is configured by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 24 stores various programs executed by the control unit 21, parameters required for executing processes by the programs, data such as processing results, etc.

[0050] The storage unit 24 stores the cradle ID of the cradle 30 corresponding to the device itself (console 20) and the NW settings of the device itself (console 20). The storage unit 24 also stores the panel ID acquired from the panel 10 and the NW settings of the panel 10 (sixth embodiment, described later). Furthermore, the storage unit 24 temporarily stores image data acquired from the panel 10 during imaging before transferring the data to an external device (such as a PACS).

[0051] The communication unit 25 includes a first communication unit 28 and a second communication unit 29. The first communication unit 28 wirelessly transmits and receives data to and from the panel 10. For wireless communication in the first communication unit 28, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like is used. The second communication unit 29 transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as a RIS, a PACS, etc., connected to a communication network (hospital network) such as a LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. The second communication unit 29 may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

[0052] The driving unit 26 is a circuit that drives the tube of the radiation source 40. The driving unit 26 and the radiation source 40 are connected via a cable.

[0053] The connector 27 can be electrically connected to the cradle 30. When the panel 10 is attached to the cradle 30, the connector 27 performs data communication (wired communication) with the connected panel 10 via the cradle 30.

[0054] The cradle 30 has a cradle ID storage unit 31. In the cradle ID storage unit 31, a cradle ID unique to the cradle 30 is stored.

[0055] The radiation source 40 is driven by the driving unit 26 and irradiates the subject with radiation (X-rays).

[0056] Next, the operation of the radiation image capturing system 100 will be described. 4 is a ladder chart showing the pre-setting process executed in the panel 10 and the console 20. The pre-setting process is a process for setting in advance the console 20 as a connection candidate for the panel 10. The pre-setting process is performed with the cradle 30 connected to the console 20.

[0057] First, a service person (a service engineer who installs and maintains the console 20 and the panel 10) performs installation settings on the console 20 (step S1). Specifically, the service person inputs the cradle ID of the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20 from the operation unit 22. The control unit 21 of the console 20 registers the input cradle ID in the storage unit 24 (step S2).

[0058] Next, the service technician mounts the panel 10 on the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20 to be newly registered, and connects the panel 10 to the cradle 30 (step S3). At this point, the panel 10 is connected to the console 20 by wire via the cradle 30. The control unit 11 of the panel 10 acquires the cradle ID from the cradle ID holding unit 31 of the cradle 30 via the cradle connection unit 18 (step S4).

[0059] Next, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 transmits a registration request to the console 20 (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 transmits the registration request including the cradle ID to the console 20 via the cradle connection unit 18 and the cradle 30.

[0060] When the control unit 21 of the console 20 receives a registration request from the panel 10 via the connector 27, it confirms that the cradle ID included in the registration request matches the cradle ID of the cradle 30 corresponding to its own device (console 20) (the cradle ID registered in step S2).

[0061] Then, the control unit 21 of the console 20 transmits a registration response to the panel 10 (step S6). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the console 20 transmits the registration response including the console ID and NW settings of its own device (console 20) to the panel 10 via the connector 27 and the cradle 30.

[0062] When the control unit 11 of the panel 10 receives the registration response from the console 20 via the cradle connection unit 18, it stores the registered information in the storage unit 14 (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 associates the cradle ID, console ID, and NW setting, and stores them in the storage unit 14 as association information. This completes the presetting process.

[0063] When multiple consoles 20 are pre-configured for a panel 10, the combinations of cradle ID, console ID, and NW setting are stored in the storage unit 14 for the number of consoles 20. When a console 20 is pre-configured, if the same console ID has already been registered, the older information is deleted to prevent unused information from remaining.

[0064] 5 is a ladder chart showing the registration execution process executed in the panel 10 and the console 20. The registration execution process is a process for associating the panel 10 with the console 20 through an operation on the panel 10. The registration execution process does not require the cradle 30 to be connected to the console 20.

[0065] First, when the user performs an association operation (long press of the mode button 121) on the panel 10 from the operation unit 12 (step S11), if there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 causes the display unit 13 to display the multiple consoles 20 as selection candidates (step S12). The association operation is an operation that triggers association between the panel 10 and the console 20. The user operates the operation unit 12 of the panel 10 to select the console 20 to be associated from among the plurality of consoles 20 (step S13).

[0066] Next, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 obtains the NW settings corresponding to the console ID of the selected console 20 from the memory unit 14, and changes the NW settings based on the NW settings to connect to the selected console 20 (step S14).

[0067] After step S11, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 acquires the NW setting corresponding to the console ID of this console 20 from the storage unit 14, and changes the NW setting based on the acquired NW setting to connect to the console 20 (step S14). In other words, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the processes of steps S12 and S13 are omitted.

[0068] After step S14, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 transmits a registration request to the console 20 to be associated (step S15). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 transmits the registration request, including the cradle ID of the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20 and the panel ID (identification information for identifying the panel 10) of its own device (panel 10), to the console 20 to be associated via the wireless communication unit 15. Here, the registration request transmitted from the panel 10 to the console 20 corresponds to a connection command for connecting to the console 20 to be associated.

[0069] When the control unit 21 of the console 20 receives a registration request from the panel 10 via the first communication unit 28, the control unit 21 confirms that the cradle ID included in the registration request matches the cradle ID (cradle ID stored in the storage unit 24) of the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20 itself. The control unit 21 of the console 20 stores the panel ID acquired from the panel 10 in the storage unit 24 as information about the panel 10 under the management of the console 20.

[0070] Then, the control unit 21 of the console 20 transmits a registration response to the panel 10 (step S16). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the console 20 transmits the registration response including the console ID and NW settings of its own device (console 20) to the panel 10 via the first communication unit 28. This completes the registration execution process.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first roaming process executed in the panel 10. As shown in FIG. First, the user performs an association operation using the operation unit 12 of the panel 10 (step S21). Specifically, when the mode button 121 is pressed and held, the mode transitions to the roaming mode.

[0072] Here, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the association information (cradle ID, console ID, NW setting) is stored in the storage unit 14.

[0073] If there is a console 20 that can be associated (step S22; YES), the control unit 11 determines whether there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S23). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether multiple pieces of association information are stored in the storage unit 14.

[0074] If there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S23; YES), the control unit 11 presents selection candidates on the display unit 13 and accepts a selection operation of the console 20 to be associated from the operation unit 12 (step S24). Then, the control unit 11 performs a process of associating with the selected console 20 (step S25). The process of associating corresponds to the processes of steps S15 and S16 of the registration execution process (see FIG. 5).

[0075] When there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated, pressing and holding the mode button 121 (association operation) as shown in Fig. 7(a) causes the mode LED 131 to light up and the information LED 132 to display "1" as shown in Fig. 7(b). This "1" is an LED display ID that corresponds to one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated. When the mode button 121 is pressed briefly in the state shown in Fig. 7(b), the mode LED 131 continues to light up and the information LED 132 displays "2", as shown in Fig. 7(c). This "2" is an LED display ID corresponding to one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (a console 20 different from the console 20 identified by "1"). In this way, each time the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the number displayed on the information LED 132 (the LED display ID corresponding to the console 20) changes from "1" to "2" to . . . .

[0076] As shown in Fig. 7(c), when the selection button 122 is pressed briefly while "2" is displayed by the information LED 132, the console 20 corresponding to "2" is selected. When the console 20 corresponding to "2" is selected, roaming (association) begins with the console 20 corresponding to "2", as shown in Fig. 7(d). During roaming, the information LED 132 displays the LED display ID corresponding to the console 20 to be associated, and the mode LED 131 and link LED 134 flash rapidly. Then, after roaming is completed and a wireless connection is established with the corresponding console 20, the display of the LED display ID by the information LED 132 disappears, the mode LED 131 goes out, and the link LED 134 goes into a flashing state, as shown in FIG. 7(e).

[0077] In step S23, if there are not multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S23; NO), that is, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated, the control unit 11 sets this console 20 as the association target and performs association processing with the console 20 that is the association target (step S25).

[0078] When there is only one console 20 that can be associated, pressing and holding the mode button 121 as shown in Fig. 8(a) will start roaming with this console 20 as shown in Fig. 8(b). During roaming, the information LED 132 displays "1", and the mode LED 131 and link LED 134 flash rapidly. In this example, "1" is used as the LED display ID that corresponds to the only console 20 that can be associated. Then, after roaming is completed and a wireless connection is established with the corresponding console 20, the display of the LED display ID by the information LED 132 disappears, the mode LED 131 goes out, and the link LED 134 goes into a flashing state, as shown in FIG. 8(c).

[0079] After step S25, or if there is no console 20 that can be associated in step S22 (step S22; NO), the first roaming process ends.

[0080] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the panel 10 (radiation image detection device) and the console 20 (control device) can be associated with each other through simple operations without using an external device such as the cradle 30.

[0081] The panel 10 can change the behavior when an operation button is pressed, depending on the number of consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10. Specifically, when there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, a connection target is selected from the multiple consoles 20 in response to a long press of the mode button 121, and a registration request (connection command) is sent to the selected console 20 upon confirmation of the selection (a short press of the select button 122), thereby associating the selected console 20 with the panel 10. On the other hand, when there is only one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, a connection target is confirmed by a long press of the mode button 121, and a registration request (connection command) is sent to the selected console 20, thereby immediately associating the console with the panel 10 with the console 20. Therefore, when a selection operation is not required, an operation procedure can be omitted.

[0082] In addition, on the panel 10, by assigning a common button to the instruction to transition to roaming mode (long press of the mode button 121) and the instruction to switch when selecting the console 20 to be associated from multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (short press of the mode button 121), it is possible to incorporate multiple functions into a limited space.

[0083] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the second embodiment will be described below.

[0084] In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which, in addition to the roaming method based on button operations on the panel 10 shown in the first embodiment, a conventional roaming method (association triggered by attachment to the cradle 30) is also used in combination. In the conventional roaming method, the panel 10 acquires a cradle ID for associating with the console 20 by connecting (physically connecting) it to the cradle 30 by wire, and then associates it with the console 20 that corresponds to this cradle ID, so no pre-setting was required. If the association function were realized by the panel 10 alone, as in the first embodiment, it would be possible to simultaneously perform the physical connection (attaching it to the cradle 30) and the button operation on the panel 10, which could result in the association not being as intended by the user.

[0085] In the second embodiment, when there are multiple triggers associated with the panel 10 and the console 20, a priority is determined in advance for each trigger. That is, while a trigger with a higher priority is occurring, a trigger with a lower priority is disabled. Specifically, the panel 10 has a first trigger (operation on the operation unit 12 of the panel 10) and a second trigger (connection of the panel 10 to a roaming device) for associating the panel 10 with the console 20. The memory unit 14 stores a priority for each trigger. Here, the priority of the second trigger is assumed to be higher than the priority of the first trigger. In other words, while the panel 10 is connected to the cradle 30, button operations on the panel 10 are disabled.

[0086] When the second trigger occurs, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 prohibits association with the console 20 based on an operation on the operation unit 12 (first operation means) of the panel 10.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the second roaming process executed in the panel 10. First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S31).

[0088] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S32). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the cradle 30 is connected to the cradle connection unit 18, that is, whether or not the panel 10 is attached to the cradle 30.

[0089] If a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S32; YES), the control unit 11 prioritizes association using the roaming device (cradle 30) and prohibits association with the console 20 based on an operation on the operation unit 12. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires a cradle ID from the cradle 30 to identify the console 20 corresponding to the cradle 30, and associates the cradle 30 with this console 20. Then, the second roaming process ends.

[0090] In step S32, if no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S32; NO), the process proceeds to step S33. The processing of steps S33 to S36 is similar to the processing of steps S22 to S25 in the first roaming processing (see FIG. 6), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] As described above, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the association between the panel 10 and the console 20 can be performed with a simple operation without using any external device.

[0092] Furthermore, when a high-priority trigger (connection of the panel 10 to a roaming device) occurs in associating the panel 10 with the console 20, association based on a low-priority trigger (operation on the operation unit 12 of the panel 10) is prohibited, thereby avoiding conflicts of instructions to the panel 10. This allows the user to associate the correct target. In this way, by setting priorities among a plurality of triggers for associating the panel 10 with the console 20, it is possible to perform the association process using a trigger with a higher priority.

[0093] In addition, if a high-priority trigger is detected during matching processing based on a low-priority trigger (including button operation) on panel 10, the matching processing in progress may be terminated and matching processing based on the high-priority trigger may be performed.

[0094] Furthermore, when two conflicting triggers occur on the panel 10, the panel 10 may perform a matching process based on the trigger with the highest priority, and may also issue a warning by displaying a message or sounding an alarm.

[0095] Furthermore, in the panel 10, it is also possible to set no priority for each trigger, and when two conflicting triggers occur, to select immediately which trigger to use for the association process.

[0096] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the third embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the third embodiment will be described below.

[0097] In the third embodiment, in addition to determining whether one or more consoles 20 can be associated with the panel 10, the operation in roaming mode is changed depending on whether the independent shooting function of the panel 10 is enabled. Information indicating whether the independent shooting function of the panel 10 is enabled is stored in the storage unit 14.

[0098] The standalone imaging function is a function in which the panel 10 itself detects irradiation of radiation, thereby generating and saving radiation image data. When the standalone imaging function is enabled and selected, the panel 10 enters a radiation standby state, and the panel 10 itself detects the timing of irradiation of radiation and starts acquiring radiation image data. In other words, when imaging is performed using the standalone imaging function, imaging is performed without the console 20, which controls the driving of the radiation source 40, informing the panel 10 of the timing of radiation irradiation. The image data saved in the panel 10 is later acquired by the console 20 and associated with the examination.

[0099] When the single imaging function is disabled in the panel 10, or when the single imaging function is enabled but not selected, the panel 10 and the console 20 that controls the driving of the radiation source 40 coordinate their timing to perform imaging. For example, the panel 10 receives from the console 20 the timing to start radiation irradiation by the radiation source 40, and starts imaging upon receiving this information.

[0100] The control unit 11 of the panel 10 changes the operation (behavior) in response to the operation of the mode button 121 (first operating means) based on the number of consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 and whether or not the single shooting function is enabled. When the independent photographing function is enabled, the mode button 121 for selecting the console 20 to be associated also serves as an operating means for selecting the independent photographing function.

[0101] FIG. 10 shows the operation of panel 10 according to the number of roaming targets and whether the standalone shooting function is enabled or disabled when an operation (association operation) for transitioning to roaming mode is performed on panel 10. If the number of roaming targets is "0" and the independent shooting function is "disabled", neither independent shooting nor roaming will be performed. If the number of roaming targets is "0" and the standalone shooting function is "enabled", standalone shooting will be performed. When the number of roaming targets is "1" and the independent shooting function is "disabled", roaming is performed between one console 20 that can be associated. If the number of roaming targets is "1" and the standalone shooting function is "enabled", the system transitions to a selection mode, where one of the consoles 20 that can be associated or the standalone shooting function is selected. In the selection mode, options for subsequent processing are presented and the user is prompted to select one. If the number of roaming targets is "two or more" and the independent shooting function is "disabled", the mode transitions to a selection mode, and one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated is selected. If the number of roaming targets is "two or more" and the independent photographing function is "enabled", the mode transitions to a selection mode, and one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated or the independent photographing function is selected.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the third roaming process executed in the panel 10. First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S41). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S42). Note that in this embodiment, the processing of step S42 is not essential but optional, and after the processing of step S41, the process may proceed directly to step S43 without making the determination of step S42.

[0103] If no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S42; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 (step S43). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether or not association information (cradle ID, console ID, NW setting) is stored in the storage unit 14.

[0104] If there is a console 20 that can be associated (step S43; YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the individual shooting function is enabled on the panel 10 based on the settings related to the individual shooting function stored in the memory unit 14 (step S44). If the independent shooting function is not enabled (step S44; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S45). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether multiple pieces of association information are stored in the storage unit 14.

[0105] In step S45, if there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (the standalone shooting function is "disabled" and the number of roaming targets is "two or more") (step S45; YES), or if the standalone shooting function is enabled in step S44 (the standalone shooting function is "enabled" and the number of roaming targets is "1" or "two or more") (step S44; YES), the control unit 11 accepts an operation to select the console 20 or standalone shooting function to be associated from the operation unit 12 (step S46). However, if the process proceeds from YES in step S45 to step S46, only multiple consoles 20 are available for selection.

[0106] 12(a) to 12(e) show examples of button operations when the number of consoles 20 that can be associated on the panel 10 is "2" and the independent shooting function is "enabled." As shown in FIG. 12(a), when the mode button 121 is pressed and held (association operation), the mode transitions to the roaming mode. In the roaming mode, as shown in Fig. 12(b), the mode LED 131 lights up and the information LED 132 displays "1." This "1" is an LED display ID corresponding to one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated. When the mode button 121 is pressed briefly in the state shown in Fig. 12(b), the mode LED 131 continues to light up and the information LED 132 displays "2", as shown in Fig. 12(c). This "2" is an LED display ID corresponding to one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (a console 20 different from the console 20 identified by "1").

[0107] When the mode button 121 is pressed briefly in the state shown in Fig. 12(c), the mode LED 131 continues to light up and the information LED 132 displays "S" as shown in Fig. 12(d). This "S" indicates that the single shooting function is selected. In this way, each time the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the content displayed on the information LED 132 changes in the following order: "1" -> "2" -> "S" -> "1" . . .

[0108] In addition, when the number of associateable consoles 20 is "1" and the independent shooting function is "enabled," if the mode button 121 is pressed briefly while the information LED 132 is displaying "1" as shown in Fig. 12(b), the state changes to one where the information LED 132 displays "S" as shown in Fig. 12(d). That is, each time the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the content displayed on the information LED 132 changes from "1" to "S" to "1" to "S" and so on.

[0109] Also, if the number of associateable consoles 20 is "2" and the independent shooting function is "disabled," when the mode button 121 is pressed briefly with "2" displayed by the information LED 132 as shown in Fig. 12(c), the state changes to one in which "1" is displayed by the information LED 132 as shown in Fig. 12(b). That is, each time the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the content displayed by the information LED 132 changes from "1" to "2" to "1" to "2" and so on.

[0110] After step S46, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the console 20 to be associated has been selected in the selection operation of step S46 (step S47). When the console 20 to be associated is selected (step S47; YES), the control unit 11 performs an association process with the selected console 20 (step S48).

[0111] For example, when selecting the console 20 identified by "1," by briefly pressing the selection button 122 in the state shown in FIG. 12(b), the state transitions to that of FIG. 8(c) via that of FIG. 8(b). When selecting the console 20 identified by "2", by briefly pressing the selection button 122 in the state shown in Figure 12(c), the state will transition to Figure 7(e) via Figure 7(d).

[0112] In step S45, if there are not multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S45; NO), that is, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated (the standalone shooting function is "disabled" and the number of roaming targets is "1"), the control unit 11 performs the association process with this console 20 as the association target (step S48). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(a), when the mode button 121 is pressed and held down, the state transitions to the state in FIG. 8(c) via the state in FIG. 8(b).

[0113] In step S47, if the console 20 to be associated is not selected (step S47; NO), that is, if the standalone shooting function is selected in the selection operation in step S46, the control unit 11 performs standalone shooting function processing (step S50). In the standalone shooting function processing, shooting can be performed using only the panel 10 without determining the connection destination of the panel 10.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 12(d), when "S" is displayed by the information LED 132, short pressing the selection button 122 confirms the selection of the standalone shooting function. In the standalone shooting function, as shown in Fig. 12(e), the information LED 132 displays "0" indicating the standalone shooting function, and the mode LED 131 and information LED 132 flash and then remain lit.

[0115] In step S43, if there is no console 20 that can be associated (step S43; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the independent photographing function is enabled in the panel 10 (step S49).

[0116] In step S49, if the standalone shooting function is enabled (the standalone shooting function is "enabled" and the number of roaming targets is "0") (step S49; YES), the control unit 11 performs standalone shooting function processing (step S50). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when the mode button 121 is pressed and held down, the state directly transitions to the state shown in FIG. 12(e).

[0117] After step S48, after step S50, or in step S49, if the stand-alone shooting function is not enabled (the stand-alone shooting function is "disabled" and the number of roaming targets is "0") (step S49; NO), the third roaming process ends.

[0118] In step S42, if a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S42; YES), the control unit 11 prioritizes association using the roaming device (cradle 30) and prohibits association with the console 20 based on an operation on the operation unit 12. Then, the third roaming process ends.

[0119] As described above, according to the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the association between the panel 10 and the console 20 can be performed with a simple operation without using an external device.

[0120] Furthermore, when it is not possible to provide many displays and operation buttons on panel 10 due to physical constraints such as the area and strength of panel 10, by configuring panel 10 so that multiple functions can be selected with the same operation, it becomes possible to realize more functions in a small space. For example, when the standalone shooting function is enabled, the mode button 121 can be assigned an operation for selecting the console 20 to be associated with and an operation for selecting the standalone shooting function.

[0121] Furthermore, the operation according to the operation of the mode button 121 (first operating means) is changed based on the number of consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 and whether or not the standalone shooting function is enabled, so even if the space for arranging the displays and operation buttons is limited, various functions can be executed with simple operations. At this time, in order to minimize the operation procedure, only functions that are likely to be used are available as options.

[0122] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the fourth embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0123] In the first to third embodiments, we have described cases where candidates for the console 20 to be associated with the panel 10 are set in advance, but in the fourth embodiment, the console 20 to be associated with the panel 10 is detected on the spot.

[0124] In conventional roaming methods (matching based on connection with roaming devices), registration information (such as the ID of the connection destination) was exchanged between the panel 10 and the console 20 via wired communication that did not require communication settings. However, in order for the panel 10 to exchange registration information with the console 20 by itself (wirelessly) without using an external device, communication setting information is required for wireless communication with the console 20. In the first to third embodiments, in the pre-setting process (see FIG. 4), the panel 10 obtains the console ID and NW settings from the console 20, but this required installation settings every time the configuration was changed, which was a cumbersome task. In the fourth embodiment, wireless communication is performed between the panel 10 and the console 20 to be associated without performing a pre-setting process on the panel 10.

[0125] The control unit 11 of the panel 10 detects the console 20 that can communicate wirelessly with the panel 10 itself (the panel 10) via the wireless communication unit 15. That is, the control unit 11 and the wireless communication unit 15 function as a detection unit. The control unit 11 stores the association information relating to the association with the detected console 20 in the storage unit 14.

[0126] The control unit 11 changes the operation (behavior) in response to the operation of the mode button 121 based on the number of consoles 20 that can be associated obtained by the detection and whether or not the independent shooting function is enabled.

[0127] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the fourth roaming process executed in the panel 10. First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S51). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S52). Note that in this embodiment, the processing of step S52 is not essential but optional, and after the processing of step S51, the process may proceed directly to step S53 without making the determination of step S52.

[0128] If no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S52; NO), the control unit 11 performs a detection process for the console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15 in accordance with a predetermined common communication setting (step S53). The communication between the panel 10 and the console 20 may be short-range communication such as NFC, or may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi communication using an SSID / passphrase for association communication), or the like.

[0129] In the detection process for the console 20, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 detects the console 20 that can communicate wirelessly with the panel 10. For example, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 detects the console 20 by detecting a Bluetooth beacon signal transmitted from the console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15. The control unit 11 of the panel 10 then acquires a console ID and NW settings from the detected console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15, associates the console ID with the NW settings, and stores the association information in the storage unit 14. The storage unit 14 stores the same number of combinations of console IDs and NW settings (association information) as the number of detected consoles 20. Note that in the fourth embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the cradle ID does not have to be included in the association information stored in the storage unit 14 of the panel 10.

[0130] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the console 20 has been detected within a specified time from the start of detection of the console 20 (step S54). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the correspondence information (console ID, NW setting) is stored in the storage unit 14.

[0131] The processing of steps S55 to S61 is the same as the processing of steps S44 to S50 in the third roaming processing (see FIG. 11) when step S43 is replaced with a determination of whether or not the console 20 has been detected (step S54), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The fourth embodiment also follows the operation of the panel 10 shown in FIG.

[0132] For example, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 searches for the consoles 20, and if multiple consoles 20 are detected within a specified time, it presents the detected consoles 20 as selection candidates and accepts a selection operation. Also, if only one console 20 is detected, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 performs association with this console 20. Furthermore, if the single shooting function is enabled, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 adds the single shooting function as one of the options when prompting the user to select a console 20 to be associated from one or more consoles 20.

[0133] After step S59, after step S61, or in step S60, if the independent shooting function is not enabled (step S60; NO), the fourth roaming process ends.

[0134] In step S52, if a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S52; YES), the control unit 11 prioritizes association using the roaming device (cradle 30) and prohibits association with the console 20 based on an operation on the operation unit 12. Then, the fourth roaming process ends.

[0135] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the association between the panel 10 and the console 20 can be performed with a simple operation without using any external device.

[0136] In the fourth embodiment, the panel 10 searches for the console 20, which eliminates the need for pre-setting processing, and even if the device configuration is changed, association can be established without performing installation settings.

[0137] Furthermore, when a detected console 20 is present on the panel 10 and the independent shooting function is enabled, the user is prompted to select whether to perform roaming (association from among the detected consoles 20) or the independent shooting function, and if roaming is selected, association can be performed.

[0138] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the fifth embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the fifth embodiment will be described below.

[0139] In the fifth embodiment, this may include both cases where candidates for the console 20 to be associated are set in advance, and cases where the console 20 to be associated with the panel 10 is detected on the spot (dynamic detection). Specifically, if there are pre-configured consoles 20, the user is prompted to decide whether to select a console 20 from among these to be associated with, or to perform a detection process (search for a console 20 that is not among the pre-configured candidates).

[0140] When associating the panel 10 with the console 20 without performing a pre-setting process, pre-processing for the association (identifying a connection destination via wireless communication, acquiring NW settings, etc.) is required on the spot. In the fifth embodiment, once a detected console 20 is associated with a panel 10, information about the console 20 is stored, and thereafter the console 20 is treated as a preset console 20.

[0141] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the fifth roaming process executed on the panel 10. First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S71). Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S72). Note that in this embodiment, the processing of step S72 is not essential but optional, and after the processing of step S71, the process may proceed directly to step S73 without making the determination of step S72.

[0142] If no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S72; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a console 20 that can be associated (step S73). Here, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a console 20 that can be associated has been set in advance, that is, whether or not association information (console ID and NW setting) has been stored in the storage unit 14.

[0143] If there is a console 20 that can be associated (step S73; YES), the control unit 11 accepts a selection operation of the console 20 to be associated or "perform detection" from the operation unit 12 (step S74). Specifically, the control unit 11 displays one or more preset consoles 20 and the execution of detection processing for the consoles 20 on the display unit 13, and accepts a selection operation from the operation unit 12 by the user.

[0144] Here, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the console 20 to be associated has been selected in the selection operation in step S74 (step S75). When the console 20 to be associated is selected (step S75; YES), the control unit 11 performs an association process with the console 20 to be associated (step S76).

[0145] If there is no console 20 that can be associated in step S73 (step S73; NO), or if no console 20 to be associated is selected in step S75 (step S75; NO), that is, if "perform detection" is selected, the control unit 11 performs a process of detecting the console 20 (step S77). The process of detecting the console 20 is the same as the process in step S53 of the fourth roaming process (see FIG. 13).

[0146] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the console 20 has been detected (step S78). If a console 20 is detected (step S78; YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there are a plurality of consoles 20 (detected consoles 20) that can be associated (step S79).

[0147] If there are a plurality of consoles 20 that can be associated (step S79; YES), the control unit 11 accepts a selection operation from the operation unit 12 for the console 20 to be associated (step S80).

[0148] In step S79, if there are not a plurality of consoles 20 that can be associated (step S79; NO), that is, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated, the control unit 11 sets this console 20 as the console to be associated.

[0149] In step S80, after the console 20 to be associated is selected, or in step S79, if there are not multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S79; NO), the control unit 11 performs an association process with the console 20 to be associated (step S81).

[0150] Next, the control unit 11 stores the console 20 for which the association process was performed in step S81 in the storage unit 14 as a console 20 that can be associated in subsequent processes (step S82). Specifically, the control unit 11 associates the console ID and NW settings of the console 20 to be associated, and stores the association information in the storage unit 14. In other words, the console 20 for which the association process was performed this time will be treated as a pre-configured console 20 from now on.

[0151] After step S76, after step S82, or in step S78, if the console 20 is not detected (step S78; NO), the fifth roaming process ends.

[0152] In step S72, if a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S72; YES), the control unit 11 prioritizes association using the roaming device (cradle 30) and prohibits association with the console 20 based on an operation on the operation unit 12. Then, the fifth roaming process ends.

[0153] As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the panel 10 and the console 20 can be associated with each other by a simple operation without using any external device.

[0154] When the detection process of the console 20 is performed, no pre-setting is required, and even if the device configuration is changed, correspondence can be established without performing installation settings. In the fifth embodiment, when a panel 10 is associated with a newly detected console 20, information about the console 20 is stored as an associateable console 20, so that from the next time onwards, the console 20 can be treated as a pre-set console 20. Therefore, for a console 20 that has been newly detected and associated by the panel 10, from the next time onwards, association can be achieved in a short time without pre-processing.

[0155] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a sixth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the sixth embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the sixth embodiment will be described below.

[0156] In the first to fifth embodiments, the case where the console 20 to be associated is selected on the panel 10 side has been described, but in the sixth embodiment, the console 20 selects the associated panel from one or more panels 10. In this case, it is not necessary to set information about the panel 10 in advance in the console 20, and the console 20 searches for and detects an associable panel 10.

[0157] The control unit 21 of the console 20 detects the panel 10 that can communicate wirelessly with its own device (console 20) via the first communication unit 28. That is, the control unit 21 and the first communication unit 28 function as a detection unit. The control unit 21 acquires association information relating to the association with the detected panel 10 from the panel 10, and stores the acquired association information in the storage unit 24.

[0158] The storage unit 24 of the console 20 stores association information regarding association with the panel 10 obtained by detection. The association information includes a panel ID and network settings (NW settings). The panel ID is identification information for the panel 10. The NW settings are setting information for wireless communication with the panel 10.

[0159] The operation unit 22 of the console 20 functions as an operation means for associating the console itself (the console 20) with the panel 10 based on the association information stored in the storage unit 24. When there is one panel 10 that can be associated with the console 20, the control unit 21 associates the console 20 with that one panel 10 in response to an operation of the operation unit 22. When there are multiple panels 10 that can be associated with the console 20, the control unit 21 associates the console 20 with the selected panel 10 after the operation unit 22 selects the panel 10 to be associated from the multiple panels 10.

[0160] The control unit 21 of the console 20 searches for the panel 10 through a matching operation (an operation that triggers matching between the console 20 and the panel 10), and if multiple panels 10 are detected within a specified time, it presents selection candidates and accepts a selection operation. If there is only one panel 10 that can be matched, the control unit 21 accepts a confirmation operation (execute / cancel) as necessary and performs the matching.

[0161] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the console-side processing executed in the console 20. First, the user performs an association operation from the operation unit 22 of the console 20 (step S91). The association operation on the console 20 may be performed by pressing a physical button, or by issuing an association instruction on the screen displayed on the display unit 23.

[0162] Triggered by the association operation on the console 20, the control unit 21 performs a detection process for the panel 10 via the first communication unit 28 in accordance with a predetermined common communication setting (step S92). In the process of detecting the panel 10, the control unit 21 of the console 20 detects the panel 10 that can communicate wirelessly with the console 20. For example, the control unit 21 detects the panel 10 by transmitting a search signal via the first communication unit 28 and detecting a response signal from the panel 10. Then, the control unit 21 acquires a panel ID and a network setting from the detected panel 10 via the first communication unit 28, associates the panel ID with the network setting, and stores the association information in the storage unit 24. The storage unit 24 stores the same number of combinations of panel IDs and network settings (association information) as the number of detected panels 10.

[0163] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a panel 10 that can be associated (step S93). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the association information (panel ID, NW setting) is stored in the storage unit 24.

[0164] If there is a panel 10 that can be associated (step S93; YES), the control unit 21 determines whether there are multiple panels 10 that can be associated (step S94). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether multiple pieces of association information are stored in the storage unit 24.

[0165] If there are multiple panels 10 that can be associated (step S94; YES), the control unit 21 presents the multiple panels 10 that can be associated as selection candidates on the display unit 23, and accepts a selection operation of the panel 10 to be associated from the operation unit 22 (step S95).

[0166] In step S94, if there are not multiple panels 10 that can be associated (step S94; NO), that is, if there is only one panel 10 that can be associated, the control unit 21 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 23 to confirm that this panel 10 is to be associated, and accepts a confirmation operation from the operation unit 22 (step S96).

[0167] After step S95 or step S96, control unit 21 determines whether or not to perform association (step S97). Specifically, control unit 21 determines to perform association if any panel 10 is selected in step S95, or if association with one of the associateable panels 10 is instructed in step S96. On the other hand, control unit 21 determines not to perform association if the selection of panel 10 is canceled in step S95, or if association with one of the associateable panels 10 is canceled in step S96.

[0168] If the association is to be performed (step S97; YES), the control unit 21 transmits an association instruction to the panel 10 to be associated via the first communication unit 28 (step S98). The association instruction includes the console ID and NW settings of the console 20. The association instruction transmitted from the console 20 to the panel 10 corresponds to a connection command for connecting to the associated object.

[0169] After step S98, if there is no panel 10 that can be associated in step S93 (step S93; NO), or if association is not performed in step S97 (step S97; NO), the console-side processing ends.

[0170] It is also possible to set the console 20 to be in a standby state at all times and automatically detect the panel 10 without performing any association operation in step S91.

[0171] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing panel-side processing executed on the panel 10. First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S101).

[0172] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S102). Note that in this embodiment, the processing of step S102 is not essential but optional, and after the processing of step S101, the process may proceed directly to step S103 without making the determination of step S102.

[0173] If no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S102; NO), the control unit 11 performs association start communication with the console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15 in accordance with a predetermined common communication setting (step S103). The communication between the panel 10 and the console 20 may be short-range communication such as NFC, or may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like. Specifically, in the case of Wi-Fi communication, the control unit 11 starts wireless operation using an SSID / passphrase for communication. In addition, in the case of Bluetooth, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 establishes a connection with the console 20.

[0174] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an association instruction has been received from the console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15 (step S104). When an association instruction is received from the console 20 (step S104; YES), the control unit 11 performs an association process with the console 20 that sent the association instruction (step S105). Specifically, the control unit 11 stores the console ID and NW setting received from the console 20 in the storage unit 14 as information on the connection target.

[0175] In step S104, if an association instruction is not received from the console 20 (step S104; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the association wait timeout (predetermined time has elapsed) has occurred (step S106). If the association wait timeout has not occurred (step S106; NO), that is, if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the processing of step S103, the process returns to step S104, and the control unit 11 continues to wait for an association instruction from the console 20.

[0176] In step S106, if the association wait timeout occurs (step S106; YES), the control unit 11 returns to the state before the association operation (step S107).

[0177] After step S105, after step S107, or in step S102, if a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S102; YES), the panel-side processing ends.

[0178] The "association operation" in step S101 of the panel-side processing does not have to be a physical operation on the panel 10, such as a button operation or connection to a roaming device. For example, instead of the "association operation," the panel 10 in a standby state may automatically detect a trigger to start association, such as by reading a tag corresponding to the console 20 using an NFC reader built into the panel 10, or by the panel 10 detecting a Bluetooth beacon signal transmitted from the console 20.

[0179] As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the association operation with the panel 10 can be easily performed using a device (console 20) that has fewer restrictions on the display unit / operation unit compared to the panel 10. Even if the panel 10 cannot be provided with many displays and operation buttons due to physical limitations such as the area and strength of the panel 10, selection and operation from an external device can be performed.

[0180] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the radiographic imaging system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. The detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, characteristic processes of each embodiment may be combined.

[0181] In the first to fifth embodiments, the mode button 121 on the panel 10 is assigned with a transition to roaming mode when pressed for a long time, and a selection from multiple consoles 20 or a single shooting function when pressed for a short time, so that one button has multiple functions, but separate buttons may be provided for each function.

[0182] Furthermore, the method by which the panel 10 detects the console 20 and the method by which the console 20 detects the panel 10 are not limited to the above examples.

[0183] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the cradle 30 is used as the roaming device, but the roaming device only needs to have a connector for connecting to the panel 10 and be able to provide the panel 10 with the unique ID it holds. In other words, the roaming device does not necessarily need to have a function for charging and powering the panel 10 or a function for directly or indirectly connecting to the console 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0184] 10 Panels 11 Control section 12 Control section 13 Display section 14 Storage section 15. Radio Communication Department 16 detectors 17 Battery 18 Cradle connection 20A, 20B, 20C console 20 Console 21 Control section 22 Control section 23 Display section 24 Memory section 25 Communications Department 26 Drive unit 27 Connector 28 First Communications Department 29 Second Communications Department 30A, 30B, 30C Cradle 30 Cradle 31 Cradle ID holder 40 Radiation source 100 Radiation imaging system 121 Mode button 122 Select button 131 Mode LED 132 Information LED 133 Status LED 134 Link LED

Claims

1. A portable radiological image detection device that acquires radiological image data based on irradiated radiation, a storage means for storing correspondence information relating to correspondence between the radiation image data acquired by the radiation image detection device and a control device that outputs the radiation image data; a first operation means for associating with the control device based on the association information stored in the storage means; when there is only one control device that can be associated with the radiation image detecting device, associating the radiation image detecting device with the one control device in response to operation of the first operation means; a control means for associating a control device with the selected control device after the first operation means selects a control device to be associated with the radiological image detection device from among the plurality of control devices when there are a plurality of control devices that can be associated with the radiological image detection device; A radiation image detection device comprising:

2. 2. The radiological image detection device according to claim 1, wherein, when there are a plurality of control devices that can be associated with the radiological image detection device, after a control device to be associated with the radiological image detection device is selected by the first operation means, the control means associates the selected control device with the radiological image detection device in response to an operation of the second operation means.

3. The radiological image detecting device according to claim 1 , wherein the association information is set in advance and stored in the storage unit.

4. a detection means for detecting a control device capable of wireless communication with the radiation image detection device; 3. The radiological image detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the storage means to store association information relating to association with the control device detected by the detection means.

5. a predetermined trigger other than an operation on the first operating means for association with the control device; 5. The radiological image detection device according to claim 1, wherein the control means prohibits association with the control device based on operation of the first operation means when the predetermined trigger occurs.

6. the radiation image detection device itself has a standalone imaging function of generating and storing radiation image data by detecting irradiation of radiation, 6. The radiological image detection device according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes an operation in response to an operation on the first operation means based on the number of control devices that can be associated with the radiological image detection device and whether the standalone imaging function is enabled.

7. 7. The radiological image detection device according to claim 6, wherein when the single imaging function is enabled, the first operation means for selecting the control device to be associated also serves as the operation means for selecting the single imaging function.

8. The radiological image detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the control device; A radiation image capturing system comprising:

9. A control device that outputs radiation image data acquired by a portable radiation image detection device that acquires radiation image data based on irradiated radiation, a storage means for storing correspondence information relating to correspondence with the radiation image detection device; an operation means for associating the radiological image detecting device with the radiological image detecting device based on the association information stored in the storage means; when there is only one radiological image detection device that can be associated with the control device, associating the control device with the one radiological image detection device in response to an operation of the operation means; a control means for associating the control device with a radiographic image detection device selected by the operation means from among the plurality of radiographic image detection devices when there are a plurality of radiographic image detection devices that can be associated with the control device; and A control device comprising:

10. a detection unit for detecting a radiological image detection device capable of wireless communication with the control device; The control device according to claim 9 , wherein the control means causes the storage means to store association information relating to association with the radiation image detection device detected by the detection means.

11. The control device according to claim 9 or 10; the radiation image detection device; A radiation image capturing system comprising:

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