Radiation imaging device

Abstract

The present invention provides a radiographic imaging device that reduces afterimage components without correction during video and still image capture in a binning setting. [Solution] The radiation imaging device 100 has a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and includes a radiation detection unit 201 that detects radiation incident on the plurality of pixels, and a control unit 102 that drives and controls the radiation detection unit 201. The control unit 102 switches and executes, for each row of the pixel array when binning is set, a first mode (charge readout row processing) in which the pixels are put into a charge accumulation state during the charge accumulation period and into a charge readout state during the charge readout period, and a second mode (charge discharge row processing) in which the pixels are put into a charge discharge state at least during the charge accumulation period, according to predetermined change conditions.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as an imaging apparatus used for medical imaging diagnosis and non-destructive inspection by radiation, a radiation imaging apparatus using a flat panel detector (hereinafter referred to as FPD) formed using a semiconductor material has been put into practical use. This FPD is configured to have a photodiode and a switching element (TFT) mainly made of amorphous silicon disposed on an insulating substrate such as a glass substrate. According to the FPD, radiation such as X-rays that has passed through a subject such as a patient can be converted into a charge signal by the FPD, and the charge signal can be subjected to analog-digital conversion to obtain a transmission image of the subject as a digital image.

[0003] In addition to still image shooting, radiation imaging using an FPD can also perform moving image shooting in which images are read out at high speed. In moving image shooting, two requirements are to achieve a high frame rate and reduce noise components. Here, the noise components include noise components such as afterimages caused by saturation by the photodiode and untransferred charges regardless of the presence or absence of radiation (hereinafter referred to as afterimage components).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Various methods can be used to remove afterimage components. Patent Document 1 describes a method in which the sensor readout interval is divided into two by performing sensor readout at different timings for even and odd rows in a sensor array, and afterimage component removal correction is achieved using the sensor values ​​obtained from each row.

[0006] However, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 corrects by inferring the afterimage component, which can lead to overcorrection or undercorrection. Furthermore, the technology in Patent Document 1 cannot perform binning, which involves downsampling pixels in the row and column directions of an image at regular intervals.

[0007] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a radiographic imaging device that reduces afterimage components without correction in radiographic imaging under binning settings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The radiation imaging apparatus of this disclosure has a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and includes a radiation detection unit for detecting radiation incident on the pixels, and a control unit for driving and controlling the radiation detection unit. The control unit switches between a first mode and a second mode for each row of the pixel array when binning is set, according to the change conditions. The first mode is a mode in which the pixels are in a charge accumulation state during the charge accumulation period and a charge readout state during the charge readout period. The second mode is a mode in which the pixels are in a charge discharge state at least during the charge accumulation period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, a radiographic imaging device is realized that reduces afterimage components without correction in radiographic imaging under binning settings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiation detection unit. [Figure 3] In the comparative example, this is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit in response to the radiation output. [Figure 4] In the first embodiment, this is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit based on the radiation output. [Figure 5] This is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit due to the radiation output in Modification 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] In the second embodiment, this is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit based on the radiation output. [Figure 7] This is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit due to the radiation output in Modification 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit due to the radiation output in a modified example 2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] In the third embodiment, this is a flowchart showing the process from specifying the shooting mode to driving the system and generating a radiographic image. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows the process from specifying the shooting mode to driving the device and generating a radiographic image in a modified example of the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] -Basic configuration of the radiographic imaging device in this disclosure- In disclosing specific embodiments, the basic configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus in this disclosure will be explained.

[0012] The radiation imaging apparatus of this disclosure has a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix, and includes a radiation detection unit for detecting radiation incident on the pixels, and a control unit for driving and controlling the radiation detection unit. The control unit switches between a first mode and a second mode for each row of the pixel array when binning is set, according to the change conditions. The first mode is a mode in which the pixels are placed in a charge accumulation state during the charge accumulation period and in a charge readout state during the charge readout period. The second mode is a mode in which the pixels are placed in a charge discharge state at least during the charge accumulation period.

[0013] In terms of a radiation imaging method categorized differently from the present disclosure, the radiation imaging method of the present disclosure is a method for acquiring a radiation image by injecting radiation into a pixel array in which multiple pixels are arranged in a matrix. In the present disclosure, for each row of the pixel array during binning setup, the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above are switched and executed according to the modification conditions.

[0014] When binning is set, for example, two-row binning, the resolution is reduced, but a high frame rate is achieved by performing a readout operation on every two rows of the pixel array. In normal two-row binning, the pixel information obtained from each corresponding pixel in the two rows where the readout operation is performed is the same. In this disclosure, the first and second modes are switched and executed for one row and the other row according to predetermined change conditions. The change conditions are at least one of every one or more frames and when changing the shooting mode. The shooting mode is at least one of video shooting and still image shooting, frame rate, sensitivity, and binning setting mode. By switching between the first and second modes in this way, the readout operation is performed with the afterimage component in the pixels discharged, and a high-quality radiographic image with the afterimage component reduced as much as possible can be obtained.

[0015] -Specific Description of Various 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 denoted by 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. Note that the radiation in the present disclosure includes not only X-rays but also α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, particle beams, cosmic rays, etc.

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

[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a radiation imaging system according to this embodiment. The radiation imaging system of this embodiment can be used, for example, for medical purposes. The radiation imaging system includes a radiation imaging device 100, a radiation source 301, and a control device 400 having a display unit 406. The radiation imaging device 100 has a radiation detection unit 200 in which a plurality of pixels for acquiring a radiation image in response to the incidence of radiation are arranged in a matrix. The radiation source 301 is controlled by a radiation generation device 300 and irradiates the radiation imaging device 100 with radiation. The control device 400 controls the radiation imaging device 100 and the radiation generation device 300. The control device 400 communicates a control signal with the radiation imaging device 100, collects data of a radiation image 131 (hereinafter referred to as radiation image data 131) from the radiation imaging device 100, and displays a radiation image based on the radiation image data 131. Further, the control device 400 includes a radiation imaging application 404 capable of receiving an imaging order for generating a control signal including an imaging mode when acquiring a radiation image by the radiation detection unit 200 and registering imaging information.

[0018] The control device 400 is connected to a hospital network 600, which is configured, for example, by a LAN (Local Area Network). The hospital network 600 is connected to a Hospital Information System (HIS) / Radiology Information System (RIS) 601. The control device 400 and the HIS / RIS 601 can communicate with each other, enabling, for example, the exchange of radiographic image acquisition orders, imaging information including patient information, and radiographic image data 131 within the hospital.

[0019] The radiation imaging device 100 includes a radiation detection unit 200, a control unit 101, and a power supply unit 199. The radiation detection unit 200 detects radiation incident on itself and generates image data corresponding to the detected radiation dose. The control unit 101 controls each component arranged in the radiation imaging device 100. The control unit 101 includes a drive control unit 102, an image processing unit 120, a storage unit 130, a communication control unit 140, a radiation generator control unit 141, and an offset image update control unit 142.

[0020] The drive control unit 102 controls the operation of the radiation detection unit 200 so that it can acquire radiation image data 131 corresponding to radiation irradiation, and offset image data 132 for correcting the radiation image data 131 (hereinafter referred to as offset image data 132). Offset correction is a process that corrects the sensitivity of the signal due to leakage current when radiation is not being applied.

[0021] The image processing unit 120 performs image processing on the radiation image data 131 acquired from the radiation detection unit 200. The storage unit 130 stores the acquired radiation image data 131. The communication control unit 140 controls communication with the control device 400 and the radiation source control device 300. The communication control unit 140 receives control signals from the control device 400, for example, including the imaging mode when acquiring radiation images with the radiation detection unit 200. The radiation generator control unit 141 controls the driving of the radiation generator 300. The offset image update control unit 142 controls the timing of updating the offset image. The power supply unit 199 supplies power to each component in the radiation imaging device 100.

[0022] The control unit 101 may, for example, read a program stored in the memory unit 130 and control the entire radiation imaging device 100 based on the read program. Alternatively, the control unit 101 may include a control signal generation circuit such as an ASIC to control the radiation imaging device 100. Furthermore, the control of the entire radiation imaging device 100 may be achieved by both the program and the control signal generation circuit.

[0023] The drive control unit 102 controls the radiation detection unit 200 by switching between multiple control modes, including imaging preparation drive control 103, radiation image acquisition control 104, offset image acquisition control 105, binning setting unit 106, row designation processing unit 107, and row designation determination unit 108. The imaging preparation drive control 103 is a control that prepares the radiation detection unit 200 to a state where radiation images can be captured. The radiation image acquisition control 104 is a control that drives the radiation detection unit 200 so that radiation image data 131 is acquired. The offset image acquisition control 105 is a control that drives the radiation detection unit 200 so that offset image data is acquired.

[0024] In imaging preparation drive control 103, the drive control unit 102 applies the same voltage to the radiation detection unit 200 as during imaging, and periodically reads out the charge, resetting the dark charge accumulated in each pixel of the radiation detection unit 200. The signals read out from the pixels at this time are not treated as image data and do not need to be stored in the storage unit 130. In radiation image acquisition control 104, the drive control unit 102 drives the radiation detection unit 200 in the same way as in imaging preparation drive control 103, accumulating charge in the pixels of the radiation detection unit 200 according to the radiation irradiation. Next, the charge accumulated in the pixels is read out as radiation image data 131 and stored in the storage unit 130. By continuously performing this radiation image acquisition control 104, the drive control unit 102 can capture moving images. In offset image acquisition control 105, the drive control unit 102 causes the radiation detection unit 200 to perform the same drive as in imaging preparation drive control 103, and stores the image data 103 read out without radiation as offset image data 132 in the storage unit 130.

[0025] The binning setting unit 106 sets the binning setting configuration specified by the user (for example, 2-row binning, 4-row binning, etc.). The row specification processing unit 107 specifies how each row should behave according to the binning setting in the binning setting unit 106. The row specification determination unit 108 sets whether to instruct the row specification processing unit 107 to switch the settings for each row on a frame-by-frame basis (1 or a predetermined number of frames) or when the shooting mode (video shooting and still image shooting, frame rate, sensitivity, binning setting configuration, etc.) is changed. The row extraction unit 122 extracts the rows specified by the row specification processing unit 107 when generating the offset image data 132.

[0026] The radiation image data 131 acquired from the radiation detection unit 200 by the radiation image acquisition control 104 is offset corrected using the offset image data 132 acquired in advance by the offset image acquisition control 105. The offset correction process may also be performed by the offset correction unit 121 of the image processing unit 120. The offset corrected radiation image data 131 is transferred to the control device 400 via the communication control unit 140. Although only the offset correction process is described here, the image processing unit 120 includes a row extraction unit 122 and may perform other correction processes, such as correcting missing pixels or gain correction to correct gain variations of the amplifiers arranged in the radiation detection unit 200. Furthermore, these correction processes do not have to be performed in the radiation imaging device 100. For example, the acquired radiation image data 131 and offset image data 132 may be transferred to the control device 400 without any correction or other processing being performed, and the control device 400 may perform these correction processes. In addition, as the offset image data used for offset correction, for example, multiple offset image data may be acquired and image data that has undergone processing to reduce afterimage components by averaging or the like may be used.

[0027] The radiation source control device 300 includes an operation UI 302 for operating the radiation source control device 300. The operation UI 302 may include a keyboard, mouse, exposure switch, etc. The user may use the operation UI 302 to set radiation irradiation conditions and irradiate radiation. Information can be exchanged between the radiation source control device 300 and the radiation imaging device 100 via a dedicated signal line. Synchronization signals, such as notifications of the start and end of radiation irradiation and notifications of the timing when radiation irradiation is possible, may be exchanged between the radiation source control device 300 and the radiation imaging device 100. This configures the radiation imaging device 100 and the radiation source 301 controlled by the radiation source control device 300 to be able to capture radiation images without going through the control device 400.

[0028] The control device 400 is an arithmetic processing unit that performs predetermined calculations based on information acquired by the radiation imaging device 100. It includes a radiation imaging application 404, a display unit 406, an operation UI 407, and a power supply 405, and controls each component of the radiation imaging system. The radiation imaging application 404 accepts imaging orders and registers imaging information. The display unit 406 displays information such as radiation images based on radiation image data 131 obtained by the radiation imaging device 100, and imaging conditions such as the imaging mode used when performing imaging. The operation UI 407 is a device for operating the radiation imaging application 404, and may be, for example, a keyboard or mouse. The power supply 405 supplies power to each component within the control device 400.

[0029] Here, communication between the control device 400 and the radiation imaging device 100, and communication between the control device 400 and the radiation source control device 300, may be cable connection communication using standards such as RS232C, USB, or Ethernet. Furthermore, communication between the control device 400 and the radiation imaging device 100, and communication between the control device 400 and the radiation source control device 300, may be communication using dedicated signal lines or wireless communication. Additionally, communication between the control device 400 and the radiation imaging device 100, and communication between the control device 400 and the radiation source control device 300, may be a combination of wired and wireless communication.

[0030] In communication between the control device 400 and the radiation imaging device 100, for example, the radiation imaging device 100 transmits signals indicating image data and the device status of the radiation imaging device 100 to the control device 400. Also, for example, the control device 400 transmits control signals to the radiation imaging device 100, including signals for setting conditions such as the imaging mode when acquiring image data. Furthermore, in communication between the control device 400 and the radiation source control device 300, for example, signals for setting radiation irradiation conditions are transmitted from the control device 400 to the radiation source control device 300. Also, for example, the radiation source control device 300 transmits signals indicating the device status of the radiation source control device 300 and signals such as actual irradiation information when radiation is irradiated to the control device 400.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the radiation detection unit 200. The radiation imaging device 200 includes a pixel array having multiple pixels arranged in the imaging area IR to form multiple rows and multiple columns, a power supply circuit 240 connected to the pixel array, multiple drive lines 210, multiple signal lines 220, and multiple bias lines 230. The multiple drive lines 210 are arranged to correspond to multiple rows of the pixel array, with each drive line 210 corresponding to any one pixel row. The multiple signal lines 220 are arranged to correspond to multiple columns of pixels, with each signal line 220 corresponding to any one pixel column.

[0032] The pixel array comprises multiple imaging pixels 201 used to acquire radiation images and one or more detection pixels 204 used to monitor the radiation dose. Each imaging pixel 201 has a photoelectric conversion element 202 that converts radiation into an electrical signal and a switch element 203 that connects the corresponding signal line 220 to the photoelectric conversion element 202. Each detection pixel 204 has a photoelectric conversion element 205 that converts radiation into an electrical signal and a switch element 206 that connects the corresponding signal line 220 to the photoelectric conversion element 205. The detection pixels 204 are arranged to be included in rows and columns formed by the multiple imaging pixels 201. In Figure 2 and subsequent drawings, the imaging pixels 201 and detection pixels 204 are distinguished by hatching over the photoelectric conversion element 205, unlike the photoelectric conversion element 202.

[0033] The photoelectric conversion elements 202 and 205 may be 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 IR and is shared by multiple pixels. Alternatively, the photoelectric conversion elements 202 and 205 may be composed of conversion elements that directly convert radiation into an electrical signal. The switch elements 203 and 206 may include, for example, thin-film transistors (TFTs) in which the active region is composed of a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon.

[0034] The detection pixel 204 has the same pixel configuration as the imaging pixel 201 and is connected to the corresponding drive line 210 and the corresponding signal line 220. The imaging pixel 201 may also be connected to the same signal line 220 as the detection pixel 204.

[0035] Next, we will explain the radiation dose monitoring operation using the radiation detection unit 200. The drive circuit 250 is configured to supply drive signals to the pixels to be driven through a plurality of drive lines 210 according to control signals from the drive control unit 102. When drive signals are supplied to a pixel, the signal accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element of that pixel becomes readable by the readout circuit 260. When a drive line 210 is connected to at least one of the detection pixels 204, that drive line 210 is called a detection drive line 211. The drive control unit 102 monitors changes in the irradiation dose by controlling the imaging pixels 201 to an accumulation state and continuously and repeatedly reading out only the pixels connected to the detection drive line 211, including the detection pixels 204. Based on the repeatedly read dose information 133, the drive control unit 102 can determine an increase or decrease in the irradiation dose.

[0036] The readout circuit 260 is configured to read signals from multiple pixels through multiple signal lines 220. The readout circuit 260 includes multiple amplifiers 261, a multiplexer 262, and an analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an AD converter) 263. Each of the multiple signal lines 220 is connected to the corresponding amplifier 261 among the multiple amplifiers 261 of the readout circuit 260. One signal line 220 corresponds to one amplifier 261. The multiplexer 262 selects the multiple amplifiers 261 in a predetermined order and supplies the signals from the selected amplifiers 261 to the AD converter 263. The AD converter 263 converts the supplied signals into digital signals. The image data converted to digital values ​​is stored in the storage unit 130 in Figure 1.

[0037] The drive control unit 102 includes an image acquisition control unit 104 that controls the acquisition of various images, such as radiation images acquired by irradiating with radiation and offset images acquired without irradiating with radiation. The image acquisition control unit 104 irradiates each pixel with radiation while it is being stored, reads out the image data, and stores it in the storage unit 130 as a radiation image. It can also store image data read out without irradiating with radiation as an offset image in the storage unit 130 while performing the same drive as for radiation image acquisition.

[0038] The above describes the process from irradiating the radiation imaging device 100 with radiation from the radiation generator 300 via the subject, to its conversion into an electric charge, and finally to the creation of a single still image. By continuously performing this operation, it is possible to record a video. However, when recording a video, if irradiation occurs at a time when the radiation imaging device 100 cannot acquire an image, it results in ineffective exposure and is harmful. Therefore, by periodically and alternately repeating the irradiation of radiation and the reading of electric charge to acquire a radiation image, it becomes possible to record a video. In video recording, the irradiation of radiation and the reading of electric charge constitute one frame, and it is necessary to periodically maintain frame processing during radiation irradiation and to start and stop this alternating operation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the timing of the alternating irradiation and reading corresponds to the frame rate, and adjusting the period of charge accumulation and the period of sensor reading ultimately adjusts the frame rate of the video.

[0039] Next, the conventional process between the radiation generator 100 and the radiation imaging device 300, from the emission of radiation to the generation of an image, will be described as a comparative example of this embodiment. Figure 3 is a timing chart of comparative examples showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit 200 due to the radiation output, with (a) showing the case of Comparative Example 1, where one line is read out at a time, and (b) showing the case of Comparative Example 2, where two lines are read out at a time using two-line binning.

[0040] In Figure 3, "Radiation" indicates whether or not radiation is present. Low levels indicate no radiation exposure, and high levels indicate radiation exposure. "Drive" represents the charge accumulation period W and charge readout period RO during radiation image acquisition.

[0041] Radiation is output periodically at regular intervals X(1,2,3). Upon receiving the output, the drive control unit 102 alternately processes storage W and readout RO while synchronizing with the radiation source control device 300 and the radiation imaging device 100. "Vg1" to "Vg2n" indicate the level of the drive signal supplied from the drive circuit 250 to each drive line Vg1 to Vg2n. The switch element 203 of the imaging pixel 201 connected to the drive line Vg to which a low-level (off signal) drive signal is supplied is off, and the switch element 203 of the imaging pixel 201 connected to the drive line Vg to which a high-level (on signal) drive signal is supplied is on.

[0042] (Comparative Example 1) Using Figure 3(a), the operation of the drive line Vg in radiation image acquisition will be explained using Comparative Example 1, which reads one line at a time in the usual manner. During the charge accumulation period W, the drive circuit 250 supplies an off signal to each drive line Vg1 to Vg2n for a predetermined time. This causes charge corresponding to the radiation incident on each photoelectric conversion element 202 of each imaging pixel 201 to accumulate in the photoelectric conversion element 202, and at the same time, the dark current flowing through each photoelectric conversion element 202 is also accumulated. Subsequently, during the charge readout period RO, the drive control unit 102 reads out the charge signals accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element 202. The following description will mainly focus on the charge read out through a predetermined signal line 220, but the same applies to the charge read out through each signal line 220.

[0043] First, the drive circuit 250 supplies an ON signal only to the drive line Vg1. This turns on the switch element 203, creating a conductive state between the photoelectric conversion element 202 and the signal line 220, so the charge signal obtained by the photoelectric conversion element 203 is read out to the signal line 220. By repeating this operation up to the drive line Vg2n, the charge signals read out from each photoelectric conversion element 202 are output to each signal line 220.

[0044] (Comparative Example 2) Using Figure 3(b), the operation of the drive line Vg in radiation image acquisition will be explained using Comparative Example 2, which reads every two rows using two-row binning. In the case of two-row binning, unlike in Figure 3(a), for example, an ON signal is supplied simultaneously to drive line Vg1 and drive line Vg2, and the charge signal is read out to the signal line, thereby reading out the charge signals of two rows of imaging pixels 201 at once. By repeating this operation for drive line Vg2 and drive line Vg4 to drive line Vg2n-1 and drive line Vg2n, the charge signals read out from each photoelectric conversion element 202 are output to each signal line 220. As a result, a high frame rate can be achieved by shortening the readout time.

[0045] The operation of the drive line Vg in radiation image acquisition when two-row binning is set according to this embodiment will be described below. Figure 4 is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit 200 due to the radiation output in this embodiment. Here, we will mainly explain the differences from image acquisition by two-row binning in Comparative Example 2 shown in Figure 3(b).

[0046] In this embodiment, two different driving processes are set for each row of imaging pixels 201, switching between them every frame as a change condition. First, the driving processes from the detection of radiation irradiation X1 until the acquisition of the charge signal of the first frame in the video, specifically the charge accumulation period W1 and the charge readout period RO1, will be described.

[0047] In the odd-numbered drive lines Vg1, Vg3 to Vg2n-1, charge is accumulated during the charge accumulation period W1 by turning off the switch element 203 of the imaging pixel 201, similar to Figure 3(b). During the charge readout period RO1, the pixel value is read out to the drive processing unit 102 by temporarily turning on the switch element 203. Hereafter, this type of drive processing will be defined as the "readout line processing" in the first embodiment.

[0048] In the even-numbered drive lines Vg2, Vg4 to Vg2n, the afterimage components accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element 202 of the even-numbered row are discharged by turning on the switch element 203 of the imaging pixel 201 during the charge accumulation period W1. Hereafter, this drive process will be defined as the "discharge row process" in the second aspect.

[0049] Next, we will explain the drive process from the detection of radiation irradiation X2 until the acquisition of the charge signal for the second frame in the video, specifically the charge accumulation period W2 and the charge readout period RO2.

[0050] Next, discharge processing is performed on the odd-numbered drive lines Vg1, Vg3 to Vg2n-1. That is, by turning on the switch element 203 of the imaging pixel 201 during the charge accumulation period W2, the afterimage components accumulated in each of the odd-numbered photoelectric conversion elements 202 are discharged.

[0051] In the even-numbered drive lines Vg2, Vg4 to Vg2n, readout processing is performed. Specifically, during the charge accumulation period W2, charge is accumulated by turning off the switch element 203 of the imaging pixel 201. During the charge readout period RO2, the pixel value is read out to the drive processing unit 102 by temporarily turning on the switch element 203.

[0052] Focusing on the even-numbered drive lines Vg2, Vg4~Vg2n, for example, in the first frame, discharge line processing is specified, resulting in a state where the charge is not saturated and there is no untransferred charge. In the subsequent second frame, read line processing is specified, so during the charge accumulation period W2, charge accumulation is performed with unnecessary afterimage components reduced as much as possible, and the pixel value can be read out during the charge readout period RO2.

[0053] On the other hand, focusing on the odd-numbered drive lines Vg1, Vg3 to Vg2n-1, for example, in the second frame, discharge line processing is specified, resulting in a state where the charge is not saturated and there is no untransferred charge. In the subsequent third frame, read line processing is specified, so during the charge accumulation period W3, charge accumulation is performed with unnecessary afterimage components reduced as much as possible, and the pixel value can be read out during the charge readout period RO3.

[0054] From the above, in this embodiment, for example, in the first frame, the afterimage components in each imaging pixel 201 of the even-numbered drive lines Vg2, Vg4 to Vg2n are discharged, and in the second frame, the pixel values ​​are read out. This makes it possible to generate radiation image data 131 composed of charge signals from the even-numbered imaging pixels 201, in which the afterimage components have been reduced as much as possible. Similarly, for example, in the second frame, the afterimage components in each imaging pixel 201 of the odd-numbered drive lines Vg1, Vg3 to Vg2n-1 are discharged, and in the third frame, the pixel values ​​are read out. This makes it possible to generate radiation image data 131 composed of charge signals from the odd-numbered imaging pixels 201, in which the afterimage components have been reduced as much as possible. In this way, by sequentially switching between readout row processing and discharge row processing for each frame, continuous video recording with reduced afterimage components becomes possible, and image quality improvement at high frame rates is achieved.

[0055] In Figure 4, for two rows read simultaneously during the binning process, the switch element 203 is turned ON during the discharge row processing at the same timing as during the read row processing. This ensures a uniform duration between the end of the discharge row processing and the start of the next read row processing, suppressing the occurrence of image unevenness.

[0056] The above example illustrates a case where the read-line processing and discharge-line processing are switched every frame for each line, but the switching can also be done every two frames, every three frames, or in other multi-frame increments for each line. For example, in the case of every three frames, in the first to third frames, the read-line processing is performed on the odd-numbered drive lines Vg1, Vg3 to Vg2n-1, and the discharge-line processing is performed on the even-numbered drive lines Vg2, Vg4 to Vg2n. In the following fourth to sixth frames, the driving processing switches, and the discharge-line processing is performed on the odd-numbered drive lines Vg1, Vg3 to Vg2n-1, and the read-line processing is performed on the even-numbered drive lines Vg2, Vg4 to Vg2n. In this way, the drive processing is performed by sequentially switching between read-line processing and discharge-line processing, for example, every three frames. By repeatedly performing this series of driving processes, it becomes possible to shoot video with reduced afterimage components, resulting in improved image quality at high frame rates.

[0057] As described above, this embodiment provides a radiation imaging device that, in video recording with binning enabled, can avoid as much as possible the untransferred accumulated charge and the charge saturation state of the photoelectric conversion element, thereby reducing afterimage components and improving image quality without correction.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates the case where the switch element 203 is kept on at all times during the charge accumulation period W in the discharge process. By performing the discharge process throughout the entire charge accumulation period W, the accumulated charge can be discharged as much as possible, thereby reducing the afterimage component as much as possible. On the other hand, it is also possible to perform the discharge process only for a portion of the charge accumulation period W. In this case, we will explain using the drive line Vg1 in Figure 4 as an example. For example, by performing discharge only for a portion of the charge accumulation period W2 in the second frame, it becomes possible to read out with reduced afterimage components during the charge readout period RO2. As a result, in the second frame, the charge signal read out by the drive line Vg2 can be appropriately used in addition to the charge signal read out by the drive line Vg2, and a large pixel value can be obtained.

[0059] In this embodiment, the pixel values ​​obtained from the two rows of the pixel array subjected to two-row binning are smaller than those obtained in the known two-row binning process shown in Figure 3(b). This is because, while Figure 3(b) obtains pixel values ​​for two rows, this embodiment only obtains pixel values ​​for one row. Therefore, the drive control unit 102 determines which rows are designated for read row processing based on the contents of the row designation determination unit 107, and corrects the pixel values ​​based on the settings of the binning setting unit 106. This correction may be performed by the amplification unit 261, or by adding or multiplying a certain value to each pixel of the acquired radiation image 131. By correcting the pixel values ​​in this way, the sensitivity can be improved.

[0060] The above example illustrates the case where two-row binning is set, but this embodiment can also be applied when three or more rows are binned. In the case of three or more rows of binning, for example, the drive processing for each row that was assigned as even and odd rows as described above may be combined and executed as appropriate. As an example, let's consider the case of four-row binning. The drive processing for odd rows described above will be called odd-row processing, and the drive processing for even rows described above will be called even-row processing. In this case, among the four rows of the pixel array to be binned, possible combinations include one row being processed as odd-row processing and the other three rows as even-row processing, two rows being processed as odd-row processing and the other two rows as even-row processing, and three rows being processed as odd-row processing and the other one row as even-row processing.

[0061] [Various variations of the first embodiment] Hereinafter, various modifications of the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0062] (Variation 1) First, let me explain the first variation. Figure 5 is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit 200 due to the radiation output in Modification 1 of this embodiment, where (a) shows the first example and (b) shows the second example.

[0063] In the first example of Modification 1, as shown in Figure 5(a), when performing the discharge process, the switch element 203 is kept ON throughout the entire charge accumulation period W and the charge readout period RO. This shortens the accumulation time, and a further reduction in afterimage components can be expected.

[0064] Furthermore, as a second example of modification 1, as shown in Figure 5(b), it is also possible to keep the switch element 203 in the OFF state throughout the entire charge readout period RO when performing the discharge row processing.

[0065] (Modification 2) Next, we will explain the second modified example. Modification 2 describes a case where correction is performed using previously acquired offset correction data 132.

[0066] In the embodiment described above, offset correction is performed using offset image data acquired without binning (without binning setting). In the modified example 2, the drive control unit 102 generates data for a second offset image corresponding to the generated radiation image data 131 from the offset image data 132, which is the data of the first offset image without binning setting stored in the storage unit 130. The row extraction unit 122 extracts pixel values ​​for one row only, which are the rows to be read and processed, as specified by the row specification processing unit 107. The drive control unit 102 separately stores the second offset image data in a storage area different from the offset image data without binning setting.

[0067] In the case of Figure 4 in this embodiment, when the drive control unit 102 generates offset image data corresponding to the first frame, the row extraction unit 122 extracts the pixel values ​​of the drive lines Vg1, Vg3, and Vg2n-1 that become the read rows, and generates offset image data 132'. Similarly, for the offset image data corresponding to the second frame, the drive control unit 102 has the row extraction unit 122 extract the pixel values ​​of the drive lines Vg2, Vg4, and Vg2n, and generates offset image data 132''. When actually performing offset correction, the drive control unit 102 performs offset correction using the offset image data 132' for the first frame, and uses the offset image data 132'' for the second frame.

[0068] Here, Figure 4 illustrates the case of two-row binning, but offset correction can also be performed in the same way for binning of three or more rows. In the case of two-row binning, two offset images are prepared, but in the case of binning of three or more rows, offset correction image data can be prepared for each combination of read rows and discharge rows, and offset correction can be performed. Furthermore, in the case of intermittent offset correction, which dynamically acquires offset image data 132 and performs offset correction, the following can be done. That is, instead of switching for each frame, intermittent offset correction is achieved by not switching rows for one frame to acquire radiation image data and one frame to acquire offset correction image data.

[0069] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0070] In this embodiment, when binning is set, the condition for switching between readout row processing and discharge row processing for each row of imaging pixels 201 is to change the shooting mode, in this case between video shooting and still image shooting. Figure 6 is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit 200 due to the radiation output in this embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment and various modifications, Figure 6 shows, for example, a case where video shooting is performed from radiation irradiation X1 to X3, and then a still image is taken as radiation irradiation X (SPOT) with a long charge accumulation time.

[0071] For example, consider an odd-numbered row, which is one of the multiple rows in a pixel array that undergoes two-row binning. In the drive lines Vg1, Vg3 to Vg2n-1 of the odd-numbered rows, after readout row processing is performed for, for example, the first to third frames, the shooting mode is changed from video recording to still image recording and discharge row processing is performed, and the afterimage components accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element 202 of the odd-numbered rows are discharged. After that, from the fourth frame onward, the shooting mode returns to video recording and readout row processing is performed. At this time, charge accumulation is performed during the charge accumulation period W with unnecessary afterimage components reduced as much as possible, and the pixel values ​​can be read out during the charge readout period RO.

[0072] Let's consider the even-numbered rows, which are the other rows among the multiple rows of the pixel array that undergo two-row binning. In the drive lines Vg2, Vg4~Vg2n of the even-numbered rows, discharge row processing is performed, for example, from the 1st to the 3rd frame, and the afterimage components accumulated in each photoelectric conversion element 202 of the odd-numbered rows are discharged. After that, the shooting mode is changed from video shooting to still image shooting and readout row processing is performed. At this time, during the charge accumulation period W(SPOT), charge accumulation is performed with unnecessary afterimage components reduced as much as possible, and the pixel values ​​can be read out during the charge readout period RO(SPOT). After that, from the 4th frame onward, the shooting mode returns to video shooting and discharge row processing is performed.

[0073] Based on the above, in this embodiment, when the shooting mode is changed from video recording to still image recording, the readout row processing and the discharge row processing are switched, the charge accumulation in the charge accumulation period W(SPOT) is completed, and reading is performed in the charge reading period RO(SPOT). Subsequently, when returning to video recording, the readout row processing and the discharge row processing are switched again triggered by the change in shooting mode. In this way, by performing video recording with the charge accumulated in the charge accumulation period W(SPOT) discharged, charge accumulation and reading can be performed without any untransferred afterimage components due to dark current.

[0074] In this embodiment, we have illustrated the case where the read-line processing and discharge-line processing are switched when changing between video recording and still image recording as shooting modes. However, it is also conceivable that the read-line processing and discharge-line processing may be switched in response to a change in other shooting modes. Other shooting modes include, for example, at least one of the following: frame rate, sensitivity, and binning setting mode (e.g., 2-line binning and 3-line binning).

[0075] As described above, this embodiment provides a radiation imaging device that, in video recording with binning enabled, can avoid as much as possible the untransferred accumulated charge and the charge saturation state of the photoelectric conversion element, thereby reducing afterimage components and improving image quality without correction.

[0076] Furthermore, the first embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment. For example, consider the case where the timing chart of Figure 4 is applied to Figure 6. In Figure 6, for example, from the first to the third frame, the read row processing and discharge row processing are switched and executed every frame between odd and even rows, as shown in Figure 4. Then, as shown in Figure 6, the read row processing and discharge row processing are switched and executed in accordance with the change in shooting mode from video shooting to still image shooting. After that, from the fourth frame onward, the shooting mode returns to video shooting, and the read row processing and discharge row processing are switched and executed every frame between odd and even rows, as shown in Figure 4. By further combining the first embodiment with this embodiment in this way, the afterimage component can be further reduced.

[0077] The above example illustrates the case where two-row binning is set, but this embodiment can also be applied when three or more rows are binned. In the case of three or more rows, for example, the drive processing for each row that was assigned as even and odd rows in the two-row binning described above may be combined and executed as appropriate. As an example, consider the case of four-row binning. The drive processing for odd rows described above will be called odd-row processing, and the drive processing for even rows described above will be called even-row processing. In this case, among the four rows of the pixel array to be binned, possible combinations include one row being processed as an odd-row row and the other three as even-row rows, two rows being processed as odd-row rows and the other two as even-row rows, and three rows being processed as odd-row rows and the other one as even-row rows.

[0078] [Various variations of the second embodiment] Hereinafter, various modifications of the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0079] (Variation 1) First, let me explain the first variation. Figure 7 is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit 200 in a modified example 1 of this embodiment.

[0080] In this embodiment, Figure 6 describes the case where two-row binning is performed not only during video recording but also during still image recording. However, for still image recording, we will describe the case where radiation irradiation X (SPOT) is performed without binning (no binning setting). The differences from this embodiment will be described below.

[0081] In Figure 6 of this embodiment, the switch element 203 was kept in the ON state at all times during the charge accumulation period W(SPOT). In Modification 1, when taking still images without binning settings, the switch element 203 is turned ON only for a certain period during the charge accumulation period W(SPOT) while the discharge process is being executed, thereby temporarily discharging the image. As a result, although there are no binning settings, images can be taken with the charge discharged, and subsequent video recording can be performed with reduced afterimage components.

[0082] In Figure 7, the charge accumulation period W(SPOT) and the charge readout period RO(SPOT) corresponding to radiation irradiation X(SPOT) may differ, potentially causing sensitivity variations between discharge and readout rows. To compensate for this variation, the difference in the average pixel values ​​obtained in the readout row processing and the discharge row processing may be added to the row being processed for discharge, or correction may be performed using filtering.

[0083] (Modification 2) Next, we will explain the second modified example. Figure 8 is a timing chart showing the radiation output over time and the operation of the radiation detection unit 200 due to the radiation output in Modification 2 of this embodiment. In Modification 1, the switch element 203 was in the ON state from the start of the charge readout period W(SPOT) in Figure 7, but a method of constantly monitoring the detection element 204 will be described.

[0084] In Figure 7, the switch element 203 was turned on from the start of the charge readout period W(SPOT), but in Modification 2, monitoring by the detection pixel 204 is performed continuously as shown in Figure 8. If the dose information 133 acquired by dose monitoring exceeds a predetermined threshold TH set in advance, it is considered that there is a risk of the photodiode charge saturating, and the switch element 203 is turned on for a certain period of time. By doing so, the switch element 203 is turned on only in the minimum cases in which the afterimage component increases, thereby minimizing the sensitivity variation that occurs from row to row in Figure 7.

[0085] In Figure 8, as in Figure 7, there is a risk of sensitivity variations between discharge rows and readout rows due to differences in the charge accumulation period W(SPOT) and the charge readout period RO(SPOT) corresponding to radiation irradiation X(SPOT). To correct this variation, the difference in the average pixel values ​​obtained in the readout row processing and the discharge row processing may be added to the row to be processed for discharge, or correction may be performed by filtering.

[0086] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0087] In this embodiment, a specific imaging method for the radiation imaging device 100 described in the first and second embodiments is disclosed. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the process from specifying the shooting mode to driving and generating a radiation image in this embodiment.

[0088] First, step S1 is executed. In step S1, it is determined whether or not to apply the first or second embodiment based on the set shooting mode. Specifically, in step S11, the drive control unit 102 checks whether or not binning is set in the binning setting unit 106. If it is confirmed that no binning processing is performed, the process proceeds to step S13, and conventional drive processing (for example, drive processing as shown in Figure 3(a)) is performed, and the processing of the first or second embodiment is not executed.

[0089] In step S11, if the binning setting unit 106 confirms that it has set to perform a predetermined binning process for two or more rows, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the drive control unit 102 refers to the row specification determination unit 108 to confirm whether there is a setting to switch between read row processing and discharge row processing due to a change in the shooting mode between video shooting and still image shooting. In addition to video shooting and still image shooting, the shooting mode can also include frame rate, sensitivity, and binning setting mode.

[0090] In step S12, if the row specification determination unit 108 is set to switch between read row processing and discharge row processing due to a change between video recording and still image recording, the drive control unit 102 specifies the switch to the row specification processing unit 107 in step S14. The system switches from video recording to still image recording, returns to video recording after still image recording, and proceeds to step S2. If the row specification determination unit 108 is not set to switch in step S12, the system proceeds directly to step S2.

[0091] Next, step S2 is executed. In step S2, first, in step S15, the drive control unit 102 refers to the row designation determination unit 108 to check whether the switching between read row processing and discharge row processing is set for every predetermined number of frames, for example, every frame.

[0092] In step S15, if the row specification determination unit 108 is set to switch between read row processing and discharge row processing for each frame number, the drive control unit 102 specifies the switch to the row specification processing unit 107 in step S16. Then, the process proceeds to step S17. If the row specification determination unit 108 is not set to switch in step S15, the process proceeds directly to step S17.

[0093] In step S17, the drive control unit 102 controls the radiation detection unit 200 to perform drive processing. This drive processing is performed for each frame (step S18). Until a request to switch the shooting mode is received during the drive processing (step S19), the drive control unit 102 repeatedly executes steps S15 to S17 for each frame. When a request to switch the shooting mode (step S19) is received, the drive control unit 102 returns to step S1 and starts again from step S11.

[0094] According to this embodiment, a radiation imaging method is realized that, in video recording with binning settings, can avoid as much as possible the untransferred accumulated charge and the charge saturation state of the photoelectric conversion element, and can reduce afterimage components without correction to improve image quality.

[0095] [Modified example of the third embodiment] A modified example of the third embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In this modified example, a specific imaging method for the radiation imaging device 100 described in the first embodiment and Modification 1 of the second embodiment is disclosed. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the process from specifying the shooting mode to driving and generating a radiation image in this modified example.

[0096] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 10, if the setting is to perform a predetermined binning process in step S11, steps S12, S14 to S18 are executed as appropriate, similar to Figure 9 of this embodiment.

[0097] If binning processing is not set in step S11, the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the drive control unit 102 refers to the row specification determination unit 108 to check whether the shooting mode immediately preceding the step was video recording and whether still image shooting is being performed. If this case is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S23, and conventional drive processing (for example, drive processing as shown in Figure 3(a)) is performed, and the processing of the first embodiment or the modified example 1 of the second embodiment is not executed.

[0098] In step S21, if the shooting mode immediately preceding the action was video recording and the setting for still image shooting is confirmed, the drive control unit 102 instructs the row specification processing unit 107 to switch in step S22. Then, in step S24, the drive control unit 102 performs the still image shooting shown in Figure 7 in Modification 1 of the second embodiment.

[0099] 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.

[0100] The disclosure of various embodiments and variations includes the following configurations and methods. (Composition 1) A pixel array having multiple pixels arranged in a matrix, and a radiation detection unit that detects radiation incident on the pixels, A control unit that drives and controls the radiation detection unit, It is equipped with, The control unit, For each row of the pixel array when binning is set, A first embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge storage state during the charge storage period and into a charge readout state during the charge readout period, A second embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge discharge state at least during the charge accumulation period, Switch and execute according to the change conditions. Radiation imaging device. (Configuration 2) The aforementioned change conditions are at least one of each of one or more frames and when the shooting mode is changed. The radiation imaging device described in Configuration 1. (Composition 3) The aforementioned shooting mode is at least one of the following: video recording and still image recording, frame rate, sensitivity, and binning setting mode. The radiation imaging device described in Configuration 2. (Composition 4) The second embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge discharge state for part or all of the charge accumulation period. A radiation imaging device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Composition 5) The control unit, When switching between the first mode and the second mode is performed for each of the one or more frames, The frame performing the second embodiment is kept in a charge discharge state for the entire charge readout period. A radiation imaging device as described in configuration 2 or 4. (Composition 6) The control unit, When switching between the first mode and the second mode is performed for each of the one or more frames, In the frame performing the second embodiment, the charge is kept in a charge accumulation state for the entire charge readout period. A radiation imaging device as described in configuration 2 or 4. (Composition 7) The control unit, When switching between the first mode and the second mode when changing between video recording and still image recording, Of the multiple rows of the pixel array to be binned, the first mode is performed in one row during video recording, and the second mode is performed during still image recording. Of the multiple rows of the pixel array to be binned, the second mode is performed during video recording and the first mode is performed during still image recording for the other rows. The radiation imaging device described in Configuration 3. (Composition 8) The control unit, During video recording of the first row and the other row, the first mode and the second mode are alternately switched and executed for each of the one or more frames. The radiation imaging device described in Configuration 7. (Composition 9) The control unit, Binning is disabled only when taking still images. When capturing a still image of the first row, charge accumulation and charge reading are performed temporarily as a charge accumulation state during the execution of the second embodiment. A radiation imaging device as described in configuration 7 or 8. (Composition 10) The aforementioned pixel array has detection pixels for monitoring changes in the radiation dose, The control unit, When the dose information obtained by monitoring the radiation exposure amount with the aforementioned detection pixel exceeds a threshold, the pixel is put into a charge discharge state. The radiation imaging device described in configuration 9. (Composition 11) The control unit, Correct the pixel values ​​based on the binning settings. A radiation imaging device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 10. (Composition 12) The control unit, The pixel values ​​of the rows in which the first embodiment is performed are extracted according to the specified modification conditions, and a second offset-corrected image corresponding to the generated radiographic image is generated from the first offset-corrected image without binning. A radiation imaging device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 11. (Method 1) When radiation is incident on a pixel array in which multiple pixels are arranged in a matrix, and a radiation image is acquired, For each row of the pixel array when binning is set, A first embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge storage state during the charge storage period and into a charge readout state during the charge readout period, A second embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge discharge state at least during the charge accumulation period, Switch and execute according to the change conditions. Radiation imaging methods. (Composition 13) A radiation generating device that irradiates the subject with radiation, A radiographic imaging device as described in any one of configurations 1 to 12, A processing unit that performs predetermined calculations based on information acquired by the aforementioned radiation imaging device, A radiation imaging system characterized by including [a specific component]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 100: Radiation imaging device 101: Control unit 102: Drive control unit 120: Image processing unit 130: Memory unit 140: Communication control unit 200: Radiation detection unit 300: Radiation generator 400: Control device

Claims

1. A pixel array having multiple pixels arranged in a matrix, and a radiation detection unit that detects radiation incident on the pixels, A control unit that drives and controls the radiation detection unit, It is equipped with, The control unit, For each row of the pixel array when binning is set, A first embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge storage state during the charge storage period and into a charge readout state during the charge readout period, A second embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge discharge state at least during the charge accumulation period, Switch and execute according to the change conditions. Radiation imaging device.

2. The aforementioned change conditions are at least one of each of one or more frames and when the shooting mode is changed. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned shooting mode is at least one of the following: video recording and still image recording, frame rate, sensitivity, and binning setting mode. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The second embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge discharge state for part or all of the charge accumulation period. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, When switching between the first mode and the second mode is performed for each of the one or more frames, The frame performing the second embodiment is kept in a charge discharge state for the entire charge readout period. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The control unit, When switching between the first mode and the second mode is performed for each of the one or more frames, In the frame performing the second embodiment, the charge is kept in a charge accumulation state for the entire charge readout period. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 2.

7. The control unit, When switching between the first mode and the second mode when changing between video recording and still image recording, Of the multiple rows of the pixel array to be binned, the first mode is performed in one row during video recording, and the second mode is performed during still image recording. Of the multiple rows of the pixel array that are subjected to binning, the second mode is performed during video recording and the first mode is performed during still image recording for the other rows. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 3.

8. The control unit, During video recording of the first row and the other row, the first mode and the second mode are alternately switched and executed for each of the one or more frames. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The control unit, Binning is disabled only when taking still images. When capturing a still image of the first row, charge accumulation and charge reading are performed temporarily as a charge accumulation state during the execution of the second embodiment. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The aforementioned pixel array has detection pixels for monitoring changes in the radiation dose, The control unit, When the dose information obtained by monitoring the radiation exposure amount with the aforementioned detection pixel exceeds a threshold, the pixel is put into a charge discharge state. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 9.

11. The control unit, Correct the pixel values ​​based on the binning settings. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

12. The control unit, The pixel values ​​of the rows in which the first embodiment is performed are extracted according to the specified modification conditions, and a second offset-corrected image corresponding to the generated radiation image is generated from the first offset-corrected image without binning. The radiation imaging apparatus according to claim 1.

13. When radiation is incident on a pixel array in which multiple pixels are arranged in a matrix, and a radiation image is acquired, For each row of the pixel array when binning is set, A first embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge storage state during the charge storage period and into a charge readout state during the charge readout period, A second embodiment involves putting the pixel into a charge discharge state at least during the charge accumulation period, Switch and execute according to the change conditions. Radiation imaging methods.

14. A radiation generating device that irradiates the subject with radiation, A radiation imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A processing unit that performs predetermined calculations based on information acquired by the aforementioned radiation imaging device, A radiation imaging system characterized by including [a specific component].

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