Radiography system and radiography apparatus

Abstract

This enables the realization of a user-friendly and highly convenient radiography device and radio imaging system that can obtain alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject. [Solution] The radiography system 100 includes a radiation generator 106 that irradiates radiation and a radiography device 101 that detects radiation that has passed through the subject 107. The radiography device 101 includes a control unit 328 that controls the notification of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography device 101, and a notification unit 200 that notifies the relative positional relationship.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A radiation imaging apparatus that detects the intensity distribution of radiation transmitted through an object to obtain a radiation image is widely and commonly used in the field of medical diagnosis. For such a radiation imaging apparatus, good-quality image data cannot be obtained unless the incident surface of the radiation imaging apparatus is substantially perpendicular to the irradiation direction of the radiation by the radiation generating apparatus. Therefore, a method has been disclosed in which a gravity sensor is provided in the radiation imaging apparatus or a camera is provided in the radiation generating apparatus so that imaging can be performed while maintaining the radiation source and the radiation imaging apparatus substantially perpendicular to each other.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional radiation imaging system, as a means for notifying whether the radiation generating apparatus and the radiation imaging apparatus are facing each other, the alignment determination information is displayed on a console screen such as a display or a personal computer provided on the radiation generating apparatus side away from the subject. However, in cases where radiation imaging is performed in a small number of people and a limited space, such as during imaging during a ward round or during home imaging, the above notification means may be difficult to use.

[0005] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a user-friendly and highly convenient radiography system that can obtain alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The radiography system of this disclosure comprises a radiation generator that emits radiation and a radiography device that detects radiation that has passed through a subject. The radiography device has a control unit that controls notification of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator and the radiography device.

[0007] The radiography apparatus of this disclosure is a radiography apparatus for detecting radiation that has passed through a subject, and includes a control unit that controls the notification of the relative positional relationship between a radiation generating device that irradiates radiation and the radiography apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, a user-friendly and highly convenient radiography apparatus and radiography imaging system will be realized that can obtain alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiography system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a radiography apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of a radiography apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of image display in the notification unit of a radiography apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing a radiography apparatus in a modified example 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the radiography apparatus and notification device in a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the radiography apparatus and notification device in a modified example 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a radiography apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a radiography apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] -Basic Configuration of Radiography Systems in Various Embodiments- In disclosing specific embodiments, the basic configuration of the radiography system in each embodiment will be described.

[0011] The radiography system of this disclosure comprises a radiation generator that emits radiation and a radiography device that detects radiation that has passed through a subject. The radiography device has a control unit that controls the notification of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator and the radiography device. The radiography device has a notification unit controlled by this control unit. Alternatively, instead of the notification unit, a notification device that notifies the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator and the radiography device may be provided separately from the radiography device. By providing the notification device as an accessory to the radiography device, the notification device can be appropriately moved and positioned in a location that is not obstructed by the subject, depending on the situation of the subject, enabling convenient radiography.

[0012] In radiography systems, users of the radiography equipment (e.g., radiographers, nurses, doctors, etc.) often move back and forth between the radiation generator and the radiography equipment, and are therefore frequently at a distance from the radiation generator. The radiography system disclosed herein is designed to be convenient for users in such situations. Based on alignment determination information provided by a notification unit on the radiography equipment or a notification device located near the radiography equipment, users can easily confirm and correct the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator and the radiography equipment. Thus, this disclosure realizes a highly convenient radiography system that is easy to use and allows users to obtain alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject.

[0013] The radiography apparatus has a first position detection unit that detects, for example, the tilt of the radiography apparatus as a first positional relationship for acquiring the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator and the radiography apparatus. The radiation generator has a second position detection unit that detects, for example, the relative position of the subject to the radiography apparatus as a second positional relationship for acquiring the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator and the radiography apparatus. The first position detection unit and the second position detection unit are used in combination (or individually) as appropriate. The control unit of the radiography apparatus uses the first and second positional relationships to calculate alignment determination information, including the tilt angle of the radiography apparatus relative to the radiation generator, as the above relative positional relationship, and displays it as appropriate on the notification unit or notification device. The control unit may also acquire alignment determination information from a PC or the like and display it on the notification unit or notification device. With this configuration, the user can grasp the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator and the radiography apparatus and make adjustments suitable for radiography.

[0014] As a notification unit or a notification device, it is conceivable to display the facing determination information indicating the above relative positional relationship as an image. The notification unit or the notification device may have a light-emitting element that displays the facing determination information in a light-emitting state, a speaker that notifies the facing determination information according to a sounding state, or a vibration generator that notifies the facing determination information according to a vibrating state. By using such a notification unit or notification device, the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator and the radiation imaging device can be easily grasped with a relatively simple configuration.

[0015] -Specific Description of Embodiments- Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although a plurality of features are described in the embodiments, not all of these plurality of features are essential, and the plurality of features may be arbitrarily combined. Further, in the drawings, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. The details of the dimensions and structures shown in each embodiment are not limited to those shown in the text and the drawings. In this specification, not only X-rays but also α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, particle beams, cosmic rays, etc. are included in radiation.

[0016] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0017] (Configuration of Radiation Imaging System) In this embodiment, a case where the radiation imaging system 100 operates in a synchronous imaging mode in which the radiation imaging device 101 and the radiation generator 106 perform imaging synchronously will be exemplified. Hereinafter, first, the components of the radiation imaging system 100 and their respective relationships will be described using FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the radiation imaging system 100 according to this embodiment.

[0018] The radiography system 100 comprises a radiography device 101 and a radiation generator 106. The radiography device 101 includes a sensor unit for acquiring radiographic images. The radiography device 101 has wired or wireless communication capabilities, or both wired and wireless communication capabilities, and can send and receive data to and from the console 102 via a communication path.

[0019] Console 102 is comprised of a personal computer (PC) equipped with display functions such as a monitor and user input functions. Console 102 can transmit instructions from the user to the radiography device 101 and receive images acquired by the radiography device 101 and display them to the user. Console 102 also has wired or wireless communication functions, or both wired and wireless communication functions. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, a notebook PC is illustrated as the console 102, but there are no particular restrictions in the actual operation of the radiography system 100, and a stationary type or a type with a built-in radiation generator 106 may be used as the console 102.

[0020] The radiography apparatus 101 may send image data to the console 102 via a communication network 103, an access point (AP) 104, or a power supply device (not shown), depending on the system configuration. Alternatively, the radiography apparatus 101 may send image data directly to the console 102. The communication network 103 is, for example, a LAN network, and data transmission and reception are possible when the radiography apparatus 101 and the console 102 are connected to the communication network 103 by a wired cable.

[0021] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the dashed line 150 represents the communication connection (wired and / or wireless). In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the console 102 and the radiography device 101 are shown to be connected wirelessly, but they may also be connected electrically directly using a wired cable or the like. Also, in the configuration shown in Figure 1, AP 104 is shown to be connected to the console 102 via the communication network 103, but AP 104 may also be directly electrically connected to the console 102.

[0022] Furthermore, if the radiography device 101, console 102, and AP104 are equipped with the ability to directly send and receive data from each other, they may send and receive data from each other directly via wireless or wired connections. The above describes an example of a data transmission path between the radiography device 101 and the console 102.

[0023] In the example shown in Figure 1, the radiation generator 106 is depicted as a portable type that can be brought into a patient's room or similar location. The cradle 109 can house the radiography apparatus 101. A power supply device may also be provided inside the cradle 109 to allow charging of the radiography apparatus 101.

[0024] The radiation generator 106 has, for example, a camera 111 as a second position detection unit for detecting a second positional relationship to acquire the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography device 101. The camera 111 is mainly positioned on the radiation tube 105, which is the radiation source. The camera 111 photographs the state of the radiography device 101 and the subject 107 on the radiography device 101, and based on the acquired image, the relative positional information of the subject 107 with respect to the radiography device 101 is recognized as a second positional relationship. The camera 111 can communicate with the radiography device 101 to determine whether the radiography device 101 is directly facing the radiation tube 105 of the radiation generator 111. At that time, the determination of direct alignment can be made in combination with a first position detection unit that detects tilt, such as an acceleration sensor, provided on the radiography device 101, which will be described later. Furthermore, although the camera 111 was used as an example of the second position detection unit in the above example, one of various sensors such as an acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, or geomagnetic sensor may be used instead of the camera 111, or multiple types of such sensors may be provided as the second position detection unit.

[0025] (An example of a radiographic imaging method) An example of a radiography method using the radiography system 100 will be described. After a user, such as a radiologic technologist, starts the radiography device 101, the user operates the console 102 to put the radiography device 101 into a ready-to-use state. Next, the user operates the radiation generator 106 to set the imaging conditions for radiation irradiation (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, etc. of the radiation generator 106). After the above processes are completed, the user confirms that the imaging preparations, including the subject 107, are complete, and presses the exposure switch on the console 102 to expose the subject to radiation.

[0026] During radiation exposure, the radiation generator 106 notifies the radiography device 101 via the connector 110 and communication network 103 that radiation will soon be emitted. In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the radiography device 101 and the radiation generator 106 are connected via the connector 110 and communication network 103, but the connection is not limited to this configuration and may be directly connected as described above.

[0027] When the radiography device 101 receives an electrical signal indicating that radiation should be emitted, the radiography device 101 checks whether it is ready for radiation exposure, and if there are no problems, it sends a response to the radiation generator 106 granting permission for irradiation. This initiates radiation exposure. The radiography device 101 can also have an Auto Exposure Control (AEC) function. It measures the radiation dose from the start of radiation exposure, detects the appropriate dose and transmits it to the console 102, and signals the end of exposure to the radiation generator 106 via the connector 110 from the cradle 109.

[0028] When the radiography device 101 detects the end of radiation exposure by various means, such as notification from the radiation generator 106 or by referring to a predetermined set time, it starts generating image data of the radiation image. The generated image data is sent to the console 102 via the aforementioned communication path. The image data sent to the console 102 can be displayed as a radiation image on the display unit included in the console 102, for example.

[0029] The radiography apparatus 101 may be incorporated into a radiography stand or bed 112, depending on conditions such as the area to be photographed and the condition of the subject, and radiography may be performed in this manner. The above describes the operation in synchronous imaging mode, in which the radiography device 101 and the radiation generator 106 perform radiography in sync.

[0030] (Configuration of a radiography system) The configuration of the radiography apparatus 101 will be described below. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the radiography apparatus 101. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the radiography apparatus 101.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 204 is an integrated housing made of one or more parts, and its outer shape has a thick-walled portion 202 that is thicker along the radiation incidence direction and a thin-walled portion 203 that is thinner than the thick-walled portion 202. The effective imaging area of ​​the radiation detector 300 is located in the thin-walled portion 203 when viewed from the radiation incidence direction. At least a part of the control board, which has a drive circuit 321 and a readout circuit 322, etc., is located in the thick-walled portion 202. The control board may consist of multiple boards rather than just one. The radiography apparatus 101 also has a battery (not shown) to supply the necessary power, which is located in the thick-walled portion 202. The battery may be a lithium-ion battery, an electric double-layer capacitor, or an all-solid-state battery, but other types may also be used. The thick-walled portion 202 is provided with a gripping portion 201 used when carrying the radiography apparatus 101.

[0032] The housing 204 is preferably constructed from magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy, fiber-reinforced resin, or resin to achieve both portability and strength, but other materials are also acceptable. In particular, the surface of the thin-walled section 203 where the effective imaging area is located and where radiation is incident is preferably constructed from carbon fiber-reinforced resin, which has high radiation transmittance and is lightweight, but other materials are also acceptable.

[0033] Here, when photographing a patient or other subject, it is conceivable to position the radiography device directly behind the area being photographed. In this case, the step created by the thickness of the radiography device may cause contact between the patient and the edge of the radiography device 1010, generating a reaction force that may cause discomfort to the patient. Conventionally, radiography devices are often provided in sizes compliant with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 4090:2001, and are often constructed with a thickness of approximately 15 mm to 16 mm. However, in this embodiment, the thickness of the housing of the thin-walled section 203 is set to 8.0 mm. Therefore, the step created by the thickness of the radiography device during imaging is reduced, and the reaction force generated between the patient and the edge of the radiography device can be mitigated. To obtain these effects, the thickness of the housing of the thin-walled section 203 is not limited to 8.0 mm and can be thinner. In particular, it has been confirmed that an effect is observed when it is thinner than 10.0 mm. 8 mm was set as an appropriate thickness considering the layer configuration and mechanical strength described above.

[0034] The notification unit 200 is located on the radiation incident surface side of the thickened portion 203, which is the outer part of the effective imaging area. The notification unit 200 is used to notify the selection of the Region of Interest (ROI) of the AEC and information on the alignment determination between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography device 101. In this embodiment, it is assumed that one notification unit 200 is located on the radiation incident surface side of the thickened portion 203, but multiple notification units 200 may be provided such that at least one is located on the radiation incident surface side of the thickened portion 203. By appropriately providing notification units 200 in multiple locations, it is possible to use a notification unit 200 in a location that is easy to see and operate depending on the imaging situation of the subject. It is desirable that the notification unit 200 be a thin display equipped with an input-enabled touch sensor, but it may also be a thin display with only a display function and no touch sensor. It is desirable that the notification unit 200 be located towards the edge of the thickened portion rather than the center so as not to interfere with the gripping portion 201.

[0035] As described above, the thin-walled section 203 can contribute to reducing the burden and pain on the patient during insertion. Furthermore, even with conventional radiography devices where the gripping section is outside the effective pixels, depending on the orientation, it may get stuck under the patient and be difficult to see. By mounting the display unit on the thick-walled section 202, the display unit is reliably exposed outside the patient and is also on a surface that is closer to the user, such as a technician, making it easier to see. Therefore, it can contribute to both reducing pain for the patient and improving visibility for the user.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the radiography apparatus 101 has a radiation detector 300. The radiation detector 300 has the function of detecting irradiated radiation. The radiation detector 300 has a plurality of pixels arranged to constitute a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. In the following description, the region in the radiation detector 300 where the plurality of pixels are arranged will be referred to as the imaging region. The plurality of pixels include a plurality of imaging pixels 301 for acquiring radiation image data and a detection pixel 311 for monitoring radiation irradiation.

[0037] The imaging pixel 301 includes a first conversion element 302 that converts radiation into an electrical signal, and a first switch 303 positioned between the column signal line 306 and the first conversion element 302. The detection pixel 311 includes a second conversion element 312 that converts radiation into an electrical signal, and a second switch 313 positioned between the detection signal line 315 and the second conversion element 312. The detection pixel 311 is positioned in the same column as some of the multiple imaging pixels 301. The first conversion element 302 and the second conversion element 312 are composed of a scintillator that converts radiation into light and a photoelectric conversion element that converts light into an electrical signal. The scintillator is generally formed in a sheet shape to cover the imaging area and is shared by multiple pixels. Alternatively, the first conversion element 302 and the second conversion element 312 are composed of a photoelectric conversion element that directly converts radiation into light. The first conversion element 302 and the second conversion element 312 are composed of a scintillator that converts radiation into light and a photoelectric conversion element that converts light into an electrical signal. The scintillator is generally formed in a sheet-like shape to cover the imaging area and is shared by multiple pixels. Alternatively, the first conversion element 302 and the second conversion element 312 are composed of photoelectric conversion elements that directly convert radiation into light.

[0038] The first switch 303 includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) whose active region is made of a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon (preferably polycrystalline silicon). The radiography apparatus 100 has a plurality of column signal lines 306 and a plurality of drive lines 304. Each column signal line 306 corresponds to one of a plurality of columns in the imaging area. Each drive line 304 corresponds to one of a plurality of rows in the imaging area. Each drive line 304 is driven by a drive circuit 321. The first electrode of the first conversion element 302 is connected to the first main electrode of the first switch 303, and the second electrode of the first conversion element 302 is connected to a bias line 308. Here, one bias line 308 extends in the column direction and is commonly connected to the second electrodes of a plurality of first conversion elements 302 arranged in the column direction.

[0039] The bias line 308 receives a bias voltage Vs from the element power supply circuit 326. The bias voltage Vs is supplied from the element power supply circuit 326. The power control unit 323 consists of a battery, a DC-DC converter, etc. The power control unit 323 includes the element power supply circuit 326 and generates power for analog circuits and power for digital circuits that perform drive control and wireless communication. The second main electrode of the first switch 303 of multiple imaging pixels 301 constituting one column is connected to one column signal line 306. The control electrode of the first switch 303 of multiple imaging pixels 301 constituting one row is connected to one drive line 304. The multiple column signal lines 306 are connected to the readout circuit 322. Here, the readout circuit 322 includes multiple detection units 331, a multiplexer 332, and an analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an AD converter) 333.

[0040] Each of the multiple column signal lines 306 is connected to a corresponding detection unit 331 among the multiple detection units 331 of the readout circuit 322. Here, one column signal line 306 corresponds to one detection unit 331. The detection unit 331 includes, for example, a differential amplifier. The multiplexer 332 selects the multiple detection units 331 in a predetermined order and supplies the signals from the selected detection units 331 to the AD converter 333. The AD converter 333 converts the supplied signals into digital signals and outputs them.

[0041] The read circuit 322 sends the digitized image data to the control unit 328, which then sends it to the storage unit 345. The image data stored in the storage unit 345 may be immediately sent to an external device via the communication unit 344. Alternatively, the image data may be processed by the control unit 328 before being sent to an external device via the communication unit 344. The image data may also be stored in the storage unit 345.

[0042] The control unit 328 performs processing related to the control of each component of the radiography apparatus 101. For example, the control unit 328 outputs an instruction to the sensor drive circuit 321 to drive the radiation detector 300 for imaging. The control unit 328 may also drive the acquired image data to be stored in the storage unit 345, or it may retrieve the image data stored in the storage unit 345 and send it to an external image data device via the communication unit 206.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 328 transmits image data to other devices via the communication unit 344 and receives instructions from the console 102, etc., via the communication unit 344. The control unit 328 also switches the radiography apparatus 101 on / off based on user operations via the notification unit 200. In addition, the control unit 328 can also notify the user of the operating status and error status via the notification unit 200. In this embodiment, the above processing is handled by a single control unit 328, but the radiography apparatus 101 may have multiple control units 328 for each predetermined function, each handling a different task. Furthermore, the control unit 328 can be implemented with various configurations such as a CPU, MPU, FPGA, CPLD, etc., and there are no particular restrictions on specific implementation. An appropriate configuration should be selected according to the functions and performance required of the radiography apparatus 101.

[0044] The storage unit 345 can be used to store image data acquired by the radiography apparatus 101, log information indicating the results of internal processing, etc. Furthermore, if the control unit 328 uses software such as a CPU, the storage unit 345 can also store software for the control unit. There are no specific restrictions on the implementation of the storage unit 345; it can be installed in various combinations of different types of memory, HDDs, and volatile / non-volatile storage. Also, although only one storage unit 345 is shown in the configuration in Figure 3, multiple storage units 345 may be provided in the radiography apparatus 101.

[0045] The communication unit 206 performs processing to enable communication between the radiography apparatus 101 and other equipment constituting the radiography system 100. In this embodiment, the communication unit 206 can perform wireless or wired communication and can communicate with the console 102, AP 104, camera 111, etc. The communication unit 206 is not limited to the above configuration and may be configured to have only wired communication or only wireless communication. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the communication standards or methods.

[0046] The position detection unit 329 is a first position detection unit that detects a first position relationship for acquiring the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography device 101. The position detection unit 329 has one or more types of sensors, such as an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, and a geomagnetic sensor, and can detect the tilt (tilt angle) of the radiation detector 300. The control unit 328 performs calculations from the first position information obtained by the position detection unit 329 and the second position information obtained by a second position detection unit such as the camera 111 received by the communication unit 200, and determines whether the radiography device 101 and the radiation generator 106 are facing each other. The control unit 328 controls the notification unit 200 to notify the user of the facing determination information from the notification unit 200. The user includes radiologists, doctors, nurses, and other persons involved in radiography.

[0047] Note that the calculation of whether the radiography device 101 and the radiation generator 106 are facing each other may be performed by the console 102 instead of the control unit 328. In this case, the communication unit 344 receives the calculation information from the console 102, and the control unit 328 displays it on the notification unit 200.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first position detection unit and the second position detection unit are mainly combined as appropriate to determine alignment. However, in some cases, the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography device 101 can be determined even if only the first position detection unit is present. Specifically, if the radiation tube 105 of the radiation generator 106 is calibrated after confirming that it is in a still water state before radiography is performed, then the first position detection unit on the radiography device 101 side alone may suffice.

[0049] While orientation determination information can also be displayed on the console 102, there are cases where multiple radiologic technologists cannot perform imaging, such as during rounds in a patient's room or at home. When imaging is performed by a small number of people, it becomes more difficult to adjust the positions of the radiation generator, subject, and radiography equipment to avoid distortion in the captured image. In this case, if the position information is only displayed on the radiation generator or the PC console screen, there is a possibility of rework due to the position shifting while the user is going back and forth to check. To alleviate these difficulties, orientation determination information can be displayed on the notification unit 200 of the radiography equipment 101. This allows the user to more quickly grasp the position of the radiation generator 106 and adjust the main surface of the radiography equipment 101 so that it is perpendicular to the direction of radiation incidence. The user can also choose to receive the orientation determination information on the notification unit 200, the console 102, or both. As a means of selection, if the notification unit 200 is a touch panel, the user can switch it on and off as appropriate to select either the notification unit 200 or the console 102, or both. Furthermore, if the device is not a touch panel, the notification unit 200 and the console 102 can be switched using the switch 205.

[0050] (An example of image display by the notification unit of a radiography device) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of image display in the notification unit 200 of the radiography apparatus 101 according to this embodiment. In the notification unit 200 of Figure 2, under the control of the control unit 328, the alignment determination information is displayed as an image using predetermined icons, etc., and also along with a numerical value of the alignment ratio (alignment rate), so that the user can understand it immediately.

[0051] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate display patterns that show the radiation irradiation area (irradiation field) to which a subject is exposed, along with icons. In Figure 4(a), the subject's chest is scheduled to be exposed to radiation. In this case, it is shown that the radiation may be emitted at an angle to the chest, and that a portion of the chest may extend beyond the radiation irradiation area. Based on this alignment determination information, the user can adjust the position of the radiation generator 106 or the subject 107 to expose the entire chest to radiation with the correct irradiation area and tilt angle. In Figure 4(b), the subject's feet are scheduled to be exposed to radiation.

[0052] Figure 4(c) illustrates a display pattern for projecting the radiation area onto the radiography apparatus 101. In this example, the subject icon is not displayed, but the alignment rate indicates whether the radiation irradiation area is aligned with the radiography apparatus 101 as alignment determination information. In Figure 4(c), the icon display is as if viewed from above from the radiation tube 111 of the radiation generator 106. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction to correct the tilt in order to correct the alignment state. In the case of Figure 4(c), regardless of the size of the radiation irradiation area, the alignment rate will be 100% if the main surface of the radiography apparatus 101 is positioned perpendicular to the direction of radiation incidence (the normal of the main surface is parallel). Figure 4(d) illustrates a display pattern of icons as viewed from the side of the radiation generator 106 and the radiography apparatus 101. These alignment rate displays allow the user to easily adjust the position of the radiation generator 106 or the subject so that the alignment rate is approximately 100%.

[0053] In this embodiment, the user selects an icon from the console 102 depending on the radiation irradiation site or other irradiation conditions, and the control unit 328 displays various display patterns on the notification unit 200 based on this selection, for example, as shown in Figures 4(a) to 4(d). If the notification unit 200 is a touch panel, the user can also switch the display pattern on the notification unit 200.

[0054] As described above, this embodiment provides a user-friendly and highly convenient radiographic apparatus 101 and radiographic imaging system 100 that can obtain alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject.

[0055] [Various variations of the first embodiment] Here, various modifications of this embodiment will be described. In these modifications, any points that overlap with the description of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0056] (Variation 1) Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a radiography apparatus 101 in a modified example 1 of this embodiment, where (a) is a plan view of the first example and (b) is a side view of the second example.

[0057] In the radiography apparatus 101, the housing 204 is an integrated housing made of one or more parts, and its outer thickness is approximately constant. In this housing structure, in the first example shown in Figure 5(a), the notification unit 200 is located outside the effective imaging area 401 and on the radiation incident surface. In the second example shown in Figure 5(b), the notification unit 200 is located on the side of the housing 204. In the radiography apparatus 101 as well, it is possible to switch between the console 102 and the notification unit 200 for input and output of alignment determination information using the display screen of the notification unit 200 or a switch 205.

[0058] According to Modification 1, a user-friendly and highly convenient radiography apparatus 101 and radiography imaging system 100 are realized that can obtain orientation determination information in the vicinity of the subject.

[0059] (Modification 2) Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the radiography apparatus 101 and notification device 210 according to Modification 2 of this embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the radiography apparatus 101 and the notification device 210. In Modification 2, instead of the configuration in this embodiment in which the radiography apparatus 101 has a notification unit 200, the notification device 210 is provided as a separate unit from the radiography apparatus 101.

[0060] The notification device 210 is provided independently of the radiography apparatus 101 and has the same functions as the notification unit 200 in this embodiment. It is used to notify the ROI selection of the AEC and the alignment determination information between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography apparatus 101. The notification device 210 has a display screen 211 on which alignment determination information is notified, and a switch 205 similar to that of the radiography apparatus 101. The notification device 210 is wirelessly connected to the control unit 328 of the radiography apparatus 101. The electrical connection between the notification device 210 and the radiography apparatus 101 may be a wired connection using a cable, or a configuration that allows for the selection of either wireless or wired connection as appropriate.

[0061] Since the notification device 210 is provided separately from the radiography apparatus 101, it is possible to appropriately move and position the notification device 210 to a location that is not obstructed by the subject, depending on the situation of the subject, thus enabling convenient radiography. Thus, according to this modified example 2, a radiography imaging system 100 is realized that is equipped with a highly convenient notification device 210 that is easy to use and can obtain direct alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject.

[0062] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, explanations will be omitted where necessary where they overlap with the explanation of the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a plan view showing an example configuration of the radiography apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, where (a) shows the first example and (b) shows the second example. Figure 9 is a plan view showing an example configuration of the radiography apparatus 101 according to this embodiment, where (a) shows the third example and (b) shows the fourth example.

[0063] In the first and second examples of Figure 8, similar to the first embodiment, the radiography apparatus 101 is illustrated in which the housing 204 has an external shape with a thick-walled portion 202 that is thicker along the radiation incidence direction and a thin-walled portion 203 that is thinner than the thick-walled portion 202. In this embodiment, the notification unit 200 has a light-emitting element that notifies the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography apparatus 101 by emitting light, and is provided in the thick-walled portion 202. As this light-emitting element, it is desirable to use an element that can be placed even in a narrow area, such as an LED or EL.

[0064] The control unit 328 calculates alignment determination information based on the position information of the radiography apparatus 101 obtained from the camera 101 and the tilt information of the radiography apparatus 101 obtained from the position detection unit 329, and changes the emission color of the notification unit 200 according to the alignment determination information. For example, if the radiography apparatus 101 is tilted relative to the radiation tube 111 of the radiation generator 106, the emission color of the notification unit 200 is appropriately changed according to the side that needs to be corrected. Specifically, it is desirable to make the emission color such that an alert is indicated according to the direction of tilt that the user needs to correct, such as making the notification unit 200 corresponding to the side of the effective imaging area of ​​the radiography apparatus 101 that is moving away from the radiation tube 111 emit orange light.

[0065] For example, as shown in the first example in Figure 8(a), each notification unit 200 has an elongated shape, and notification can be given by a change in the emitted light color, such as a gradient. Alternatively, as shown in the second example in Figure 8(b), each notification unit 200 can be placed in a small area corresponding to each side or point of the effective imaging area of ​​the radiography apparatus 101, and the emitted light color of only the notification unit 200 of the area to be corrected can be changed from the emitted light color of the other notification units 200.

[0066] In the third and fourth examples of Figure 9, a radiography apparatus 101 is shown in which the thickness of the housing 204 is substantially constant, similar to the first modification of this embodiment. The control unit 328 calculates alignment determination information based on the position information of the radiography apparatus 101 obtained from the camera 101 and the tilt information of the radiography apparatus 101 obtained from the position detection unit 329, and changes the light emission color of the notification unit 200 according to the alignment determination information.

[0067] For example, in the third example shown in Figure 9(a), a frame-shaped light-emitting element is arranged as the notification unit 200, surrounding the effective imaging area 401 of the radiography apparatus 101. In this case, it is conceivable that the notification unit 200 may change the emission color of the part of the effective imaging area corresponding to the side to be corrected to be different from the emission color of the other parts. In the fourth example shown in Figure 9(b), elongated light-emitting elements are arranged as notification units 200 in the outer, for example, central part, corresponding to each side of the effective imaging area 401 of the radiography apparatus 101. In this case, it is conceivable that the emission color of the notification unit 200 corresponding to the side of the effective imaging area corresponding to the side to be corrected to be different from the emission color of the other notification units 200.

[0068] In this embodiment as well, similar to Modification 2 of the first embodiment, instead of the configuration in this embodiment where the radiography apparatus 101 has a notification unit 200, a notification device 210 may be provided separately from the radiography apparatus 101. The notification device 210 has a light-emitting element that notifies the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography apparatus 101 in an illuminated state. Since the notification device 210 is provided separately from the radiography apparatus 101, it is possible to appropriately move and position the notification device 210 to a location that is not obstructed by the subject, depending on the situation of the subject, enabling convenient radiography.

[0069] As described above, by appropriately changing the emission color of the light-emitting element of the notification unit 200 or notification device 210, for example, partially, the user can easily correct the alignment state by visually observing the emission color. Thus, according to this embodiment, a user-friendly and highly convenient radiation imaging system 100 is realized that can obtain alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject.

[0070] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, any points that overlap with the description of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] In this embodiment, the notification unit 200 has a speaker that notifies the user of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography device 101 by voice. The speaker can emit multiple voice patterns corresponding to the alignment determination information. The control unit 328 calculates the alignment determination information based on the position information of the radiography device 101 obtained from the camera 101 and the tilt information of the radiography device 101 obtained from the position detection unit 329, and the notification unit 200 notifies the user by emitting a voice pattern corresponding to the alignment determination information. The user who recognizes this voice can easily adjust the tilt of the radiography device 101 relative to the radiation tube 111 of the radiation generator 106 according to the voice.

[0072] In this embodiment as well, similar to Modification 2 of the first embodiment, instead of the configuration in this embodiment where the radiography apparatus 101 has a notification unit 200, a notification device 210 may be provided separately from the radiography apparatus 101. The notification device 210 has a speaker that notifies the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography apparatus 101 by voice. Since the notification device 210 is provided separately from the radiography apparatus 101, it is possible to appropriately move and position the notification device 210 to a location that is not obstructed by the subject, depending on the situation of the subject, thereby enabling convenient radiography.

[0073] This embodiment is particularly effective in cases where the radiation imaging device 101 is obscured by the subject. Thus, this embodiment realizes a highly convenient and user-friendly radiation imaging device 101 and radiation imaging system 100 that can obtain alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject.

[0074] [Fourth Embodiment] The fourth embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, any points that overlap with the description of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0075] In this embodiment, the notification unit 200 has a vibration generator that notifies the user of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography device 101 through vibration. The vibration generator can emit multiple vibrations of various patterns corresponding to the alignment determination information. The control unit 328 calculates the alignment determination information based on the position information of the radiography device 101 obtained from the camera 101 and the tilt information of the radiography device 101 obtained from the position detection unit 329, and the notification unit 200 notifies the user by emitting vibrations of a pattern corresponding to the alignment determination information. The user who recognizes this vibration can easily adjust the tilt of the radiography device 101 relative to the radiation tube 111 of the radiation generator 106 in accordance with the vibration.

[0076] In this embodiment as well, similar to Modification 2 of the first embodiment, instead of the configuration in this embodiment where the radiography apparatus 101 has a notification unit 200, a notification device 210 may be provided separately from the radiography apparatus 101. The notification device 210 has a vibration generator that notifies the relative positional relationship between the radiation generator 106 and the radiography apparatus 101 by vibration. Since the notification device 210 is provided separately from the radiography apparatus 101, it is possible to appropriately move and position the notification device 210 to a location that is not obstructed by the subject, depending on the situation of the subject, thereby enabling convenient radiography.

[0077] This embodiment is particularly effective in cases where the radiation imaging device 101 is obscured by the subject. Thus, this embodiment realizes a highly convenient and user-friendly radiation imaging device 101 and radiation imaging system 100 that can obtain alignment determination information in the vicinity of the subject.

[0078] Preferred embodiments and variations of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and variations, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of its gist. Furthermore, the embodiments and variations described above may be combined as appropriate.

[0079] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A radiation generating device that irradiates, A radiography device that detects radiation that has passed through a subject, It is equipped with, The aforementioned radiography apparatus, Control unit that controls the notification of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generating device and the radiation imaging device. Having, Radiography system. (Configuration 2) The aforementioned radiography apparatus, A notification unit that notifies the relative positional relationship under the control of the control unit. It further has, The radiography system described in Configuration 1. (Composition 3) The aforementioned notification unit, The aforementioned relative positional relationship is displayed as an image. The radiography system described in Configuration 2. (Composition 4) The aforementioned radiography apparatus, It has a thin-walled portion and a thick-walled portion that is thicker than the thin-walled portion. The aforementioned notification unit, The thickened portion is arranged as follows: The radiography system described in Configuration 3. (Composition 5) The aforementioned notification unit, The following is arranged in the outer portion of the effective imaging area on the radiation incident surface of the aforementioned radiography apparatus: A radiography system as described in configuration 3 or 4. (Composition 6) The aforementioned notification unit, The light-emitting element has a light-emitting element that displays the relative positional relationship in an illuminated state. A radiography system described in any one of configurations 2 to 5. (Composition 7) The aforementioned notification unit, The radiography apparatus has light-emitting elements arranged at multiple locations. The relative positional relationship is communicated by changing the light emission state of each of the aforementioned light-emitting elements. The radiography system described in configuration 6. (Composition 8) The aforementioned notification unit, The radiography apparatus has one or more light-emitting elements arranged around the effective imaging area on the radiation incident surface, By partially changing the light-emitting state of the light-emitting element, the relative positional relationship is communicated. The radiography system described in configuration 6. (Composition 9) The aforementioned notification unit, It has a speaker that emits sound, The relative positional relationship is notified by the sound output state of the speaker. The radiography system described in Configuration 2. (Composition 10) The aforementioned notification unit, It has a vibrating vibration generator, The relative positional relationship is notified by the vibration state of the vibration generator. The radiography system described in Configuration 2. (Composition 11) A notification device that notifies the relative positional relationship under the control of the control unit. It also has, A radiography system described in any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Composition 12) The notification device is The aforementioned relative positional relationship is displayed as an image. The radiography system described in configuration 11. (Composition 13) The notification device is The light-emitting element has a light-emitting element that displays the relative positional relationship in an illuminated state. The radiography system described in configuration 11. (Composition 14) The notification device is It has a speaker that emits sound, The relative positional relationship is notified by the sound output state of the speaker. The radiography system described in configuration 11. (Composition 15) The notification device is It has a vibrating vibration generator, The relative positional relationship is notified by the vibration state of the vibration generator. The radiography system described in configuration 11. (Composition 16) The control unit, The relative positional relationship is calculated, and the notification of the relative positional relationship is controlled. A radiography system described in any one of configurations 1 to 15. (Composition 17) The control unit, Controlling the notification of the calculated relative positional relationship, A radiography system described in any one of configurations 1 to 15. (Composition 18) The aforementioned radiography apparatus, A first position detection unit for detecting the first positional relationship for obtaining the aforementioned relative positional relationship. Having, A radiography system described in any one of configurations 1 to 17. (Composition 19) The first position detection unit is, As the first positional relationship, the tilt of the radiography apparatus is detected. The radiography system described in configuration 18. (Composition 20) The first position detection unit is, One or more of the following: acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. The radiography system described in configuration 19. (Composition 21) The aforementioned radiation generating device is Second position detection unit for detecting a second positional relationship in order to obtain the relative positional relationship. Having, A radiography system described in any one of configurations 1 to 20. (Composition 22) The second position detection unit is, As the second positional relationship, the relative position of the subject to the radiography device is detected. The radiography system described in configuration 21. (Composition 23) The second position detection unit is, One or more of the following: camera, accelerometer, angular velocity sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. The radiography system described in configuration 22. (Composition 24) The aforementioned relative positional relationship is the positional relationship between the radiation source of the radiation generating device and the radiography device. A radiography system described in any one of configurations 1 to 23. (Composition 25) The notification unit is capable of switching input / output on and off. A radiography system described in any one of configurations 1 to 24. (Composition 26) The notification device is capable of switching input and output on and off. A radiography system as described in any one of configurations 11 to 15. (Composition 27) A radiographic imaging device that detects radiation that has passed through a subject, A control unit that controls the notification of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generating device that emits radiation and the radiation imaging device. Having, Radiography equipment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 100 radiography systems 101 Radiography equipment 102 Console 105 Radiation Tube 106 Radiation Generator 107 Subject 200 Notification Department 210 Notification device 328 Control Unit 329 Position detection unit

Claims

1. A radiation generating device that irradiates, A radiography device that detects radiation that has passed through a subject, It is equipped with, The aforementioned radiography apparatus, Control unit that controls the notification of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generating device and the radiation imaging device. Having, Radiography system.

2. The aforementioned radiography apparatus, A notification unit that notifies the relative positional relationship under the control of the control unit. It further has, The radiography system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned notification unit, The aforementioned relative positional relationship is displayed as an image. The radiography system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned radiography apparatus, It has a thin-walled portion and a thick-walled portion that is thicker than the thin-walled portion. The aforementioned notification unit, The thickened portion is arranged as follows: The radiography system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned notification unit, The following is arranged in the outer portion of the effective imaging area on the radiation incident surface of the aforementioned radiography apparatus: The radiography system according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned notification unit, The light-emitting element has a light-emitting element that displays the relative positional relationship in an illuminated state. The radiography system according to claim 2.

7. The aforementioned notification unit, The radiography apparatus has light-emitting elements arranged at multiple locations. The relative positional relationship is communicated by changing the light emission state of each of the aforementioned light-emitting elements. The radiography system according to claim 6.

8. The aforementioned notification unit, The radiography apparatus has one or more light-emitting elements arranged around the effective imaging area on the radiation incident surface, By partially changing the light-emitting state of the light-emitting element, the relative positional relationship is communicated. The radiography system according to claim 6.

9. The aforementioned notification unit, It has a speaker that emits sound, The relative positional relationship is notified by the sound output state of the speaker. The radiography system according to claim 2.

10. The aforementioned notification unit, It has a vibrating vibration generator, The relative positional relationship is notified by the vibration state of the vibration generator. The radiography system according to claim 2.

11. A notification device that notifies the relative positional relationship under the control of the control unit. It also has, The radiography system according to claim 1.

12. The notification device is The aforementioned relative positional relationship is displayed as an image. The radiography system according to claim 11.

13. The notification device is The light-emitting element has a light-emitting element that displays the relative positional relationship in an illuminated state. The radiography system according to claim 11.

14. The notification device is It has a speaker that emits sound, The relative positional relationship is notified by the sound output state of the speaker. The radiography system according to claim 11.

15. The notification device is It has a vibrating vibration generator, The relative positional relationship is notified by the vibration state of the vibration generator. The radiography system according to claim 11.

16. The control unit, The relative positional relationship is calculated, and the notification of the relative positional relationship is controlled. The radiography system according to claim 1.

17. The control unit, Controlling the notification of the calculated relative positional relationship, The radiography system according to claim 1.

18. The aforementioned radiography apparatus, A first position detection unit detects a first positional relationship for obtaining the aforementioned relative positional relationship. Having, The radiography system according to claim 1.

19. The first position detection unit is, As the first positional relationship, the tilt of the radiography apparatus is detected. The radiography system according to claim 18.

20. The first position detection unit is, One or more of the following: acceleration sensor, angular velocity sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. The radiography system according to claim 19.

21. The aforementioned radiation generating device is Second position detection unit for detecting a second positional relationship in order to obtain the relative positional relationship. Having, The radiography system according to claim 1.

22. The second position detection unit is, As the second positional relationship, the relative position of the subject to the radiography device is detected. The radiography system according to claim 21.

23. The second position detection unit is, One or more of the following: camera, accelerometer, angular velocity sensor, and geomagnetic sensor. The radiography system according to claim 22.

24. The aforementioned relative positional relationship is the positional relationship between the radiation source of the radiation generating device and the radiography device. The radiography system according to claim 1.

25. The notification unit is capable of switching input / output on and off. The radiography system according to claim 2.

26. The notification device is capable of switching input and output on and off. The radiography system according to claim 11.

27. A radiographic imaging device that detects radiation that has passed through a subject, A control unit that controls the notification of the relative positional relationship between the radiation generating device that emits radiation and the radiation imaging device. Having, Radiography equipment.

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