Radiography apparatus and its control method, radiation imaging system, and program

Abstract

In a radiography apparatus where communication with the power supply unit is difficult during a stop in contactless power supply, the present invention provides a radiography apparatus that can appropriately stop and restart contactless power supply. [Solution] In a radiography system having a radiography apparatus for use in radiography and a power receiving unit that receives power and communicates, and a power supply device that provides contactless power, the radiography apparatus communicates with the power supply device via the power receiving unit and issues a temporary suspension instruction to temporarily suspend the contactless power supply for a predetermined period, the power supply device temporarily suspends the power supply based on the temporary suspension instruction so that it can be resumed after the predetermined period has elapsed, and the radiography apparatus controls the timing of execution of a predetermined process related to radiography based on the information of the predetermined period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus that performs radiation imaging. The radiation imaging apparatus is provided in the form of an X-ray flat panel detector, etc. as a medical diagnostic device or a non-destructive inspection device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a radiation imaging apparatus that irradiates radiation emitted from a radiation source to a subject and detects the intensity distribution of the radiation transmitted through the subject and converts it into an image, and a radiation imaging system including the radiation imaging apparatus are known. As a method of supplying power to such a radiation imaging apparatus from the outside, non-contact power supply has recently attracted attention.

[0003] Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a radiation imaging apparatus that receives non-contact power supply. Further, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose a technique of stopping non-contact power supply at the timing of radiation imaging in order to reduce the adverse effect on a radiation image due to non-contact power supply.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, there are two methods of non-contact power supply: the electromagnetic induction (MI) method and the magnetic resonance (MR) method. In particular, in the MI method, currently, the "Qi" standard established by the Wireless Power Consortium is the mainstream.

[0006] In contactless power transfer compliant with the Qi standard, communication is performed using backscatter modulation, which fluctuates the load on the receiving side during contactless power transfer. In other words, in contactless power transfer compliant with the Qi standard, communication cannot be performed when power is not being supplied. Therefore, it was difficult to adopt the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, which require communication when restarting power supply from a stopped state.

[0007] In light of the above-mentioned issues, the objective is to provide a radiography apparatus that can appropriately stop and restart contactless power supply in a radiography apparatus where communication with the power supply unit is difficult when contactless power supply is stopped.

[0008] In particular, the objective is to provide a radiography system that can properly utilize the power supply temporary suspension function called the Re-Ping function of the Qi standard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a radiography system for use in radiography, comprising a radiography apparatus equipped with a power receiving unit for receiving and communicating power, and a power supply device for contactless power supply, wherein the radiography apparatus communicates with the power supply device via the power receiving unit and issues a temporary suspension instruction to temporarily suspend the contactless power supply for a predetermined period, the power supply device temporarily suspends the power supply based on the temporary suspension instruction so that it can be resumed after the predetermined period has elapsed, and the radiography apparatus controls the timing of execution of a predetermined process related to radiography based on the information of the predetermined period. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, in a radiography apparatus where communication with the power supply unit is difficult when contactless power supply is stopped, it is possible to provide a radiography system that can appropriately stop and restart contactless power supply. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example configuration of a radiography system using an X-ray imaging device according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the imaging panel of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the X-ray imaging apparatus according to Example 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the charging circuit according to Example 1. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the shooting operation according to Example 1. [Figure 6] This is a timing chart showing an example of the shooting operation according to Example 1. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows an example of the operation for acquiring correction image data according to Example 1. [Figure 8] This is a timing chart showing an example of the acquisition operation of correction image data according to Example 1. [Figure 9] This is a timing chart showing a comparative example. [Figure 10] This is a timing chart showing an example of operation where X-ray imaging is performed after the acquisition of correction image data according to Example 1 has begun. [Figure 11] This is a timing chart showing a comparative example. [Figure 12] This is a timing chart showing an example of operation where X-ray imaging is performed after the acquisition of correction image data according to Example 1 has begun. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example configuration of a radiography system using an X-ray imaging device according to Example 2. [Figure 14] This is a timing chart showing a comparative example. [Figure 15] This timing chart shows an example of operation in which X-ray imaging is performed after the detection operation for the start of X-ray irradiation according to Example 2 has begun. [Figure 16] This is a timing chart showing an example of the operation for continuously acquiring X-ray images according to Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings by giving specific examples. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative positions of components, etc. described in the following examples are merely examples and can be changed according to various conditions. In the following description and drawings, common configurations across multiple drawings are given common reference numerals. Therefore, the common configurations are described by referring to multiple drawings mutually, and the description of the configurations with common reference numerals will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] Note that the radiation appearing in the following examples includes, in addition to α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, etc., which are beams formed by particles (including photons) emitted by radioactive decay, beams having energy equal to or higher than the same level, such as X-rays, particle beams, cosmic rays, etc.

[0014] Also, in the following examples, as a method of non-contact power supply (wireless power supply), non-contact power supply based on the Qi standard defined by WPC is used as an example. However, the method of non-contact power supply applicable to the present disclosure is not limited to the above method only. The method of non-contact power supply applicable to the present disclosure may be any method in which the power receiving unit and the power supply device communicate in non-contact power supply. In particular, any method in which the power supply device can stop and resume power supply based on the signal may be used. Note that, for example, backscatter communication or the like is used for communication in non-contact power supply.

[0015] (Example 1) Hereinafter, a radiation imaging system using the non-contact power supply function according to Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

[0016] In this embodiment, the contactless power supply device is stopped during periods such as the sensor unit's empty reading operation (empty reading process), storage operation (storage process), and actual reading operation (readout process). This suppresses the impact on image quality due to noise caused by contactless power supply. Furthermore, when stopping the contactless power supply device, a temporary stop instruction is given using a delay time (Re-Ping Delay, stop period). With a temporary stop instruction for power supply using a delay time (Re-Ping Delay, stop period), power supply automatically resumes after the time has elapsed, so there is no need to perform communication during the power supply stop. In other words, temporary power supply can be achieved solely through communication via contactless power supply, without the need to provide a separate means of communication.

[0017] <Radiology System> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a radiography system using an X-ray imaging device. The radiography system 100 includes an X-ray generator 101, an X-ray control device 102, a control computer 103, a relay device 104, an X-ray imaging device 105, a non-contact power supply device 120, a contact power supply device 121, and an interface device 117.

[0018] The X-ray generator 101 is an example of a radiation generating device and is equipped with a radiation source such as an X-ray tube. The X-ray generator 101 irradiates X-rays (radiation) under the control of the X-ray control device 102.

[0019] The X-ray control device 102 controls the X-ray generator 101. The X-ray control device 102 is equipped with a switch (not shown), and the operator can control the X-ray generator 101 and irradiate it with X-rays by pressing this switch. The switch can be a manual switch that can be operated by hand or a foot switch that can be operated with the foot while performing other tasks. If it is a manual switch that can be operated by hand, it is often configured as a two-stage switch. A suitable configuration is one in which pressing the first stage switch sends an irradiation preparation request signal to the X-ray generator 101, and pressing the second stage switch sends an irradiation request signal to the X-ray imaging device 105 via the interface device 117. The interface device 117 is a device that converts from a dedicated line to a general communication interface such as Ethernet. Computer 103 is a control device that controls the X-ray imaging apparatus 105. Computer 103 communicates with the X-ray imaging apparatus 105 via the relay device 104 and controls the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 105. For example, computer 103 can control the driving of the X-ray imaging apparatus 105 and the acquisition of images by the X-ray imaging apparatus 105. Computer 103 may be a computer equipped with a processor and memory, and may be a general-purpose computer or a computer dedicated to the radiography system. Computer 103 may be a personal computer (PC), and may be a desktop PC, a notebook PC, or a tablet PC (portable information terminal).

[0020] The relay device 104 is a device for relaying communications between the computer 103, the X-ray imaging device 105, the interface device 117, and other devices. The communications used in the radiography system 100 may be wired communications such as Ethernet, or wireless communications such as wireless LAN. In a configuration using wired communications, the relay device 104 may be a device such as a switching hub that relays Ethernet signals. In a configuration using wireless communications, a device such as a wireless access point may be used. Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow selection of either wired or wireless communications, or it may be configured to use a mixture of wired and wireless communications.

[0021] <Radiography equipment> The X-ray imaging apparatus 105 is an example of a radiography apparatus, and for example, an FPD (Flat Panel Detector) can be used. The X-ray imaging apparatus 105 is equipped with a sensor unit 106, a control unit 107, and a communication unit 108. The X-ray imaging apparatus 105 is also equipped with a battery 109, a charging circuit unit 110, a non-contact power receiving unit 111 (Qi standard power receiving device), a contact power receiving unit 112, a power supply unit 113, a display unit 114, a memory unit 115, and an image processing unit 116.

[0022] The sensor unit 106 includes a two-dimensional detector for detecting X-rays. The sensor unit 106 is a sensor in which elements for detecting X-rays are arranged in an XY matrix array, and it detects X-rays and outputs image data corresponding to the detected X-rays. Details of the sensor unit 106 will be described later.

[0023] The control unit 107 controls the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 105. For example, the control unit 107 can control the sensor unit 106 and acquire image data corresponding to the X-rays detected by the sensor unit 106. The control unit 107 can also send the image data to the image processing unit 116 and acquire image data that has undergone image processing. Furthermore, the control unit 107 can control the non-contact power receiving unit 111, the contact power receiving unit 112, etc., and control the power receiving process of the X-ray imaging apparatus 105. More specifically, the control unit 107 can control the sensor unit 106 using a driving method requested by the computer 103. In addition, the control unit 107 can control the charging circuit unit 110 based on whether or not the contact power supply device 121 is connected to the contact power receiving unit 112. Furthermore, the control unit 107 can also control the display unit 114, the memory unit 115, and the image processing unit 116. For this reason, the control unit 107 can function as an example of a display control unit that controls the display unit 114.

[0024] The communication unit 108 can communicate with the computer 103 via the relay device 104. As described above, communication between the communication unit 108 and the relay device 104 may be wireless or wired. The communication unit 108 may be equipped with any communication interface depending on the desired configuration. It may be equipped with both wired and wireless communication interfaces, and for example, it may switch between wired and wireless communication by detecting the connection or disconnection of the communication cable. To achieve more stable communication, it may be configured to use both communication methods in combination depending on the application and content of the communication.

[0025] The battery 109 is removable and replaceable, and has a capacity that allows for at least one image acquisition. The X-ray imaging device 105 can be operated by power supplied by the battery 109. For example, a lithium-ion battery can be used for the battery 109, but different types of batteries may be used. The battery 109 may also consist of multiple batteries, and batteries of different capacities or types may be combined as a main battery and sub-batteries.

[0026] The charging circuit unit 110 converts the power supply voltage from the non-contact power receiving unit 111 or the contact power receiving unit 112 as needed, and charges the battery 109 at a voltage appropriate to the type of battery 109. The charging circuit unit 110 has a current limiting function and can limit the charging current to the battery 109. In addition, the charging circuit unit 110 can convert the power supply voltage from the non-contact power receiving unit 111 or the contact power receiving unit 112 as needed and supply it to the power supply unit 113.

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of the configuration of the charging circuit. The charging circuit 110 is equipped with a charging control unit 402 and a changeover switch 405. The charging control unit 402 determines whether or not power is supplied from the non-contact power receiving unit 111 or the contact power receiving unit 112. If power is supplied, the charging control unit 402 converts the power supplied from the non-contact power receiving unit 111 or the contact power receiving unit 112 into a voltage and current preset by the control unit 107 to charge the battery 109 and supply power to the power supply unit 113. If there is no power supply, the charging control unit 402 supplies power to the power supply unit 113 from the battery 109.

[0028] The changeover switch 405 is turned off when power is being supplied from the contact power receiving unit 112, thereby turning off the power supply path from the non-contact power receiving unit 111. On the other hand, the changeover switch 405 is turned on when power is not being supplied from the contact power receiving unit 112, thereby turning on the power supply path from the non-contact power receiving unit 111. This prevents the changeover switch 405 from short-circuiting the power supplied between the non-contact power receiving unit 111 and the contact power receiving unit 112.

[0029] The power supply unit 113 supplies power to the X-ray imaging apparatus 105. The power supply unit 113 performs voltage conversion and supplies power to the sensor unit 106, control unit 107, communication unit 108, display unit 114, memory unit 115, and image processing unit 116. The power supply unit 113 can be mainly configured using circuits such as a DC-DC converter or a series regulator. The circuit that directly receives input from the charging circuit unit 110 is composed of a DC-DC converter with boost and buck functions, which enables reliable power supply to subsequent stages even with various input voltages.

[0030] The display unit 114 is a display unit for notifying the operator, such as a technician, of the status of the X-ray imaging device 105. The display unit 114 can be configured using any display element or display such as an LED, OLED, or LCD. For example, the control unit 107 can display on the display unit 114 that power is being supplied when non-contact power is being supplied.

[0031] The memory unit 115 stores data read from the sensor unit 106 and parameter data. The memory unit 115 is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), or Flash. It may also be configured using any storage medium such as an optical disk such as a hard disk or a solid-state drive.

[0032] The image processing unit 116 receives image data output from the sensor unit 106 from the control unit 107 and performs arbitrary image processing on the image data. The image processing unit 116 and the control unit 107 may be implemented by a processor executing software modules stored in the memory unit 115. These components may also be composed of circuits that perform specific functions, such as ASICs, or they may be composed of a combination of software and circuits. Here, the processor may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Alternatively, the processor may be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

[0033] <Contactless power supply device> The non-contact power supply device 120 is a power supply device for supplying power to the X-ray imaging device 105 in a non-contact manner. When the non-contact power supply device 120 is in close proximity to the non-contact power receiving unit 111, it supplies power to the non-contact power receiving unit 111. The non-contact power supply device 120 and the non-contact power receiving unit 111 shall perform non-contact power transmission using an electromagnetic induction method for non-contact power transmission based on the Qi standard specified by the WPC. That is, in this embodiment, non-contact power transmission based on the Qi standard is performed between the power transmitting antenna of the non-contact power supply device 120 and the power receiving antenna (coil) of the non-contact power receiving unit 111.

[0034] The Qi standard defines multiple phases, including the Power Transfer phase in which power transmission takes place and the phases preceding actual power transmission. Communication for necessary power transmission control takes place in each phase. The phases preceding power transmission include the Selection phase, Ping phase, Identification and Configuration phase, Negotiation phase, and Calibration phase. In the following, the Identification and Configuration phase will be referred to as the I&C phase.

[0035] In the Selection phase, the power transmission device (power supply device) intermittently transmits Analog Pings to detect when an object is placed on the power transmission device (for example, when a power receiving device or conductive piece is placed on a charging base). The power transmission device detects at least one of the voltage and current values ​​of the power transmission antenna when the Analog Ping is transmitted, and determines that an object is present if the voltage value falls below a certain threshold or the current value exceeds a certain threshold, and then transitions to the Ping phase.

[0036] In the Ping phase, the power transmitter sends a Digital Ping with a higher power level than the Analog Ping. The power level of the Digital Ping is sufficient to activate the control unit of the power receiving device mounted on top of the power transmitter. In other words, the Digital Ping is the power transmitted from the power transmitter to activate the power receiving device. The power receiving device notifies the power transmitter of the magnitude of the received voltage. This notification is made using a Signal Strength Packet as defined in the Qi standard. In this way, the power transmitter recognizes that the object detected in the Selection phase is a power receiving device by receiving a response from the power receiving device that received the Digital Ping.

[0037] Upon receiving notification of the received voltage value, the power transmission device transitions to the I&C phase. Furthermore, before transmitting a Digital Ping, the power transmission device measures the Q-factor of the transmission antenna. This measurement result is used when performing foreign object detection processing using the Q-factor measurement method.

[0038] In the I&C phase, the power transmission device identifies the power receiving device and obtains equipment configuration information (capacity information) from the power receiving device. The power receiving device sends an ID Packet and a Configuration Packet. The ID Packet contains the identifier information of the power receiving device, and the Configuration Packet contains the equipment configuration information (capacity information) of the power receiving device. Upon receiving the ID Packet and Configuration Packet, the power transmission device responds with an acknowledgment (ACK). Once the acknowledgment is made, the I&C phase ends.

[0039] In the Negotiation phase, the power transmission and receiving equipment determine the power value based on the power request of the receiving equipment and the transmission capacity of the power transmission equipment. The power transmission equipment also performs foreign object detection processing using the Q-value measurement method according to the request from the power receiving equipment. Furthermore, the Qi standard specifies a method in which, after transitioning to the Power Transfer phase, the same processing as the Negotiation phase is performed again at the request of the power receiving equipment. The phase in which these processes are performed after transitioning from the Power Transfer phase is called the Renegotiation phase.

[0040] In the Calibration phase, the power transmission and receiving equipment perform calibration based on the Qi standard. The receiving equipment also notifies the power transmission equipment of a predetermined power received value (power received value under light load conditions / power received value under maximum load conditions), and the power transmission equipment makes adjustments to efficiently transmit power. The power received value notified to the power transmission equipment may be used for foreign object detection processing using the Power Loss method.

[0041] In the Power Transfer phase, control is performed for starting power transmission, continuing power transmission, and stopping power transmission due to errors or full charge. In the Power Transfer phase, the power transmission device and the power reception device perform control for notifying the charging state and stopping power transmission due to full charge while performing real-time control of the transmitted power. Here, real-time control refers to highly immediate control. In the Power Transfer phase, the transmitted power is immediately controlled according to the request from the power reception device. Thereby, the power reception device can appropriately control, for example, the output to the battery. Note that real-time control does not necessarily have to be control at exactly the same timing. That is, the transmitted power may be controlled simultaneously with the request from the power reception device, or the transmitted power may be controlled within a certain short period with respect to the request from the power reception device.

[0042] The non-contact power supply device 120 continues to supply power equal to or higher than Digital Ping from the start of Digital Ping power transmission until it receives an EPT (End Power Transfer) signal (data) requesting power transmission stop from the non-contact power reception unit 111.

[0043] The contact power supply device 121 is a power supply device that supplies power to the X-ray imaging device 105 by being electrically connected to the contact power reception unit 112.

[0044] <Basic Flow of X-ray Imaging> An example of the flow of X-ray imaging using this system is shown.

[0045] After starting the X-ray imaging device 105, the operator operates the computer 103 to transition the X-ray imaging device 105 from standby mode to ready-to-shoot mode. Standby mode refers to a state where only some parts of the X-ray imaging device 105, mainly the control unit 107, memory unit 115, and communication unit 108, are powered on. Although this is a low-power consumption state, X-ray imaging is not possible. Ready-to-shoot mode refers to a state where almost all blocks of the X-ray imaging device 105 are powered on, and X-ray imaging is possible. The operation that instructs the transition to the ready-to-shoot mode described above is performed on the X-ray imaging console operating on the computer 103. Specifically, the transition instruction may be given by the operator selecting the area or procedure to be photographed, or by selecting to start the examination after selecting the area or procedure. Alternatively, after selecting the area or procedure, the transition instruction may be given by performing a predetermined switch operation on the X-ray imaging device 105 itself. Next, the operator operates the X-ray control device 102 to set the imaging conditions for X-ray irradiation (such as the tube voltage, tube current, and irradiation time of the X-ray tube). Depending on the device, the imaging conditions may be set from the computer 103 to the X-ray control device 102 based on the selection of the body part and procedure on the console mentioned above. Alternatively, the console and the X-ray control device 102 may be linked, and settings for the X-ray control device 102 may be made from the console.

[0046] After the above processes are completed, the operator confirms that the imaging setup is complete and presses a switch on the X-ray control device 102. In this embodiment, a two-stage switch (not shown) is used.

[0047] When the operator presses the first switch and an irradiation preparation request signal is output to the X-ray generator 101, the X-ray generator 101 begins preparing to irradiate with X-rays, and preparation is completed after a predetermined time has elapsed. Specifically, this preparation time is the time from when the rotation of the rotating anode of the X-ray generator 101 starts until the rotation stabilizes, and this preparation time varies depending on the X-ray irradiation conditions. When the operator presses the second switch and an irradiation request signal is output, the X-ray imaging device 105 receives the signal via the interface device 117 and the relay device 104. When the irradiation request signal reaches the X-ray imaging device 105, the X-ray imaging device 105 performs preparatory operations before performing X-ray imaging. Once the preparatory operations are complete, the X-ray imaging device 105 transmits an irradiation permission signal to the X-ray control device 102 and transitions to a state in which it can accumulate charge due to X-ray irradiation. When the X-ray generator 101 is ready for irradiation and has received an irradiation permission signal from the X-ray imaging device 105, the X-ray control device 102 instructs the X-ray generator 101 to irradiate with X-rays. Upon receiving the instruction, the X-ray generator 101 irradiates with X-rays.

[0048] When the charge accumulation state ends, the X-ray imaging device 105 reads out the accumulated charge and starts generating X-ray image (radiation image) data, either by notification from the X-ray control device 102 or by referring to a predetermined set time. The generated image data is sent to the computer 103 via the aforementioned communication path. The image data sent to the computer 103 can be displayed as an X-ray image on, for example, a display unit (not shown) connected to the computer 103. The image can be generated from top to bottom or from left to right, corresponding to the matrix order of pixels read from the sensor unit 106. The generated image can also be displayed in the order in which the image data was generated. However, the image generation order and display order are not limited to these and may be changed as appropriate according to the desired configuration. Before transmission to the computer 103, necessary image processing is performed on the X-ray image via the image processing unit 116 and the memory unit 115.

[0049] <Sensor Panel Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the imaging panel of an X-ray imaging device. For simplicity of explanation, Figure 2 shows an FPD with 3 rows x 3 columns of pixels. However, actual imaging devices have more pixels; for example, a 17-inch imaging device can have approximately 2800 rows x 2800 columns of pixels.

[0050] The detection unit 212 is a two-dimensional detector having multiple pixels arranged in a matrix. Each pixel has a conversion element 202 (conversion elements S11 to S31) that converts radiation or light into electric charge, and a switch element 201 (switch elements T11 to T33) that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to that charge.

[0051] In this embodiment, a MIS-type photodiode made primarily of amorphous silicon and placed on an insulating substrate such as a glass substrate is used as the photoelectric conversion element that converts light irradiated onto the conversion element 202 into electric charge, but a PIN-type photodiode may also be used. Furthermore, as the conversion element 202, an indirect type conversion element equipped with a wavelength converter on the radiation incident side of the above-mentioned photoelectric conversion element that converts radiation into light in a wavelength range that the photoelectric conversion element can sense, or a direct type conversion element that directly converts radiation into electric charge, are preferably used.

[0052] A transistor having a control terminal and two main terminals is preferably used as the switching element 201, and in this embodiment, a thin-film transistor (TFT) is used. One electrode of the conversion element 202 is electrically connected to one of the two main terminals of the switching element 201, and the other electrode is electrically connected to the bias power supply 203 via a common bias wiring Bs.

[0053] Multiple switch elements in the row direction, such as switch elements T11, T12, and T13, have their control terminals electrically connected in common to the drive wiring G1 of the first row. A drive signal Vg controlling the conduction state of the switch elements is supplied to the row-direction switch elements from the shift register via the drive wiring on a row-by-row basis. Multiple switch elements in the column direction, such as switch elements T11, T21, and T31, have their other main terminals electrically connected to the signal wiring Sig1 of the first column. While in a conduction state, switch elements T11, T21, and T31 output an electrical signal corresponding to the charge of the conversion element 202 to the readout circuit 213 via the signal wiring Sig1. Multiple signal wirings Sig1 to Sig3 arranged in the column direction transmit the electrical signals output from multiple pixels in parallel to the readout circuit 213.

[0054] The readout circuit 213 is provided with an amplification circuit 206 corresponding to each signal wiring, which amplifies the electrical signal output in parallel from the detection unit 212. Each amplification circuit 206 includes an integral amplifier 205 that amplifies the output electrical signal, a variable amplifier 204 that amplifies the electrical signal from the integral amplifier 205, and a sample-and-hold circuit 207 that samples and holds the amplified electrical signal.

[0055] The integrating amplifier 205 comprises an operational amplifier that amplifies and outputs the read-out electrical signal, an integrating capacitor, and a reset switch. The amplification factor of the integrating amplifier 205 can be changed by changing the value of the integrating capacitor. The output electrical signal is input to the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier, the reference voltage Vref from the reference power supply 211 is input to the forward input terminal, and the amplified electrical signal is output from the output terminal. The integrating capacitor is positioned between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the operational amplifier. The sample-and-hold circuit 207 is provided corresponding to each amplification circuit and consists of a sampling switch and a sampling capacitor.

[0056] Furthermore, the readout circuit 213 has a multiplexer 208 that sequentially outputs the electrical signals read in parallel from each amplification circuit 206 and outputs them as a series signal image signal. In addition, the sensor unit 106 is provided with a buffer amplifier 209 that impedance-converts and outputs the image signal, and an A / D converter 210 that converts the image signal into digital image data. The image signal Vout, which is an analog electrical signal output from the buffer amplifier 209, is converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 210 and output to the control unit 107.

[0057] The power supply unit (not shown) includes a reference power supply 211 and a bias power supply 203 for the amplification circuit 206 shown in Figure 2. The reference power supply 211 supplies a reference voltage Vref to the forward input terminal of each operational amplifier. The bias power supply 203 supplies a common bias voltage Vs to the other electrode of each conversion element via bias wiring Bs. The shift register 214 outputs drive signals Vg1 to Vg3 to each drive wiring in response to control signals (D-CLK, OE, and DIO) input from the control unit 107 shown in Figure 1. The drive signals Vg1 to Vg3 have a conduction voltage that makes the switch element 201 conduct or a non-conducting voltage that makes it non-conducting. In this way, the shift register 214 controls the conduction and non-conducting states of the switch element 201 and drives the detection unit 212. Here, the control signal D-CLK is the shift clock of the shift register 214 used as a drive circuit, the control signal DIO is the pulse transferred by the shift register 214, and OE is a signal that controls the output terminal of the shift register 214. The shift register 214 is also capable of simultaneously selecting adjacent pixels, and the ADD signal determines whether or not simultaneous selection is occurring. Simultaneous selection of pixels increases the effective pixel size, reduces the number of pixels, and enables faster readout. Using these signals, the control unit 107 can set the required drive time and scanning direction.

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit 107 controls the operation of each component of the readout circuit 213 by providing control signals RC, SH, and CLK to the readout circuit 213. Here, control signal RC controls the operation of the reset switch of the integrating amplifier 205. Control signal SH controls the operation of the sample-and-hold circuit 207. Control signal CLK controls the operation of the multiplexer 208.

[0059] <Drive the sensor panel> Figure 3 shows an example of the operation flow of an X-ray imaging device. The control unit 107 repeatedly performs a blank read drive from the time it is instructed by the console to transition to the ready-to-imaging state until X-ray irradiation begins. In the blank read drive, the power to the sensor unit 106 is turned on, and the switch elements 201 are sequentially activated from the first row (row 0) to the last row (row Y-1). By having the sensor unit 106 perform a blank read drive, the control unit 107 removes the charge accumulated in the pixels by the dark current and resets the charge accumulation. Hereinafter, the time during which the sensor unit 106 performs a blank read is referred to as the blank read time or the accumulation reset time. When the blank read reaches the last row, it returns to the first row and continues the blank read. The degree of charge accumulation of the dark current component gradually stabilizes with the elapsed time since the power to the sensor unit 106 was turned on, or with the number of blank read drives. Therefore, the number of blank read drives per unit of time is not always constant, and the number of blank reads can be gradually reduced from the start of the blank read drive, or the interval between blank read drives can be extended.

[0060] When the control unit 107 receives an irradiation request signal by pressing the second-stage switch by the operator, it performs the 01 drive after a delay time Td has elapsed. The delay time Td will be explained later. The preparation drive, like the blank reading drive, performs a blank reading from the first row (row 0) to the last row (row Y-1). In the preparation drive, after the blank reading of the last row is completed, all the switch elements 201 in all rows are de-conducted to enter a charge accumulation state. Then, the control unit 107 transmits an irradiation permission signal to the X-ray control device 102. The sensor unit 106 continues the accumulation state until the X-ray irradiation is completed. Hereinafter, the time during which the sensor unit 106 accumulates charge will be referred to as the accumulation time.

[0061] When X-ray irradiation ends, the control unit 107 controls the sensor unit 106 to sequentially activate the switch elements 201 from the first row to the last row, performing a drive that reads out signals and performs AD conversion, i.e., a full readout. Hereafter, the time during which the sensor unit 106 performs the full readout will be referred to as the full readout time. Note that each pixel of the sensor unit 106 generates a certain amount of signal even when there is no radiation irradiation, and this signal accumulates as charge. This signal is called dark current. Dark current has different characteristics in each pixel, and its characteristics also change with the temperature and aging of the sensor unit 106. Therefore, in image acquisition, a method is used to remove the effect of dark current on the image by taking the difference in signals from each pixel when X-ray irradiation was not performed on the image data. That is, an image obtained by driving the sensor unit 106 after X-ray irradiation and an image obtained by driving the sensor unit 106 without irradiation (hereinafter referred to as the dark image) are acquired separately. Then, the X-ray image is corrected by subtracting the corresponding pixels of these images to remove the effect of dark current on the image. In this embodiment, this method of obtaining an image of the subject is called dark image correction.

[0062] There are two main methods for acquiring dark images: acquiring a dark image after each X-ray exposure, and acquiring a dark image in advance before the X-ray exposure. The former has the advantage that the acquisition timing of the X-ray image and the dark image are close together, resulting in minimal change in the dark current characteristics and less likelihood of removal residuals. On the other hand, it has the disadvantage that it takes longer to complete the exposure or display the image because dark image acquisition is always required. The latter has the disadvantage that the acquisition of the X-ray image and the dark image are separated in time. On the other hand, it has the advantage that it is easier to improve the exposure cycle time. The ease with which dark current characteristics change depends on the characteristics of the sensor used and the temperature. Also, the magnitude of the dark image component changes depending on the accumulation time, so the likelihood of its effect differs. When adopting the latter method, a correction method is applied to the pre-acquired dark image by applying a correction coefficient consisting of time, temperature, etc., to reduce the effect of the time difference. Alternatively, measures are taken to acquire the dark image as close to the exposure time as possible. It is also necessary to acquire dark images with multiple accumulation times in advance.

[0063] In this embodiment, the system will be explained using a mechanism that acquires a dark image in advance before X-ray imaging. The dark image is acquired when the X-ray imaging device is started up, and also at predetermined intervals while the X-ray imaging device is powered on. The predetermined interval is, for example, at regular intervals. Alternatively, the predetermined interval may be when the temperature of a predetermined part inside the X-ray imaging device exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0064] Dark images acquired in advance at predetermined timings are stored in the memory unit 115 along with identification information for each dark image, such as the storage time and acquisition time.

[0065] The control unit 107 sends the X-ray image data acquired by the initial reading to the image processing unit 116, and also reads appropriate dark image data from the memory unit 115 for dark image correction of the X-ray image data and sends it to the image processing unit 116. The image processing unit 116 corrects the X-ray image using the dark image and sends the corrected image to the control unit 107. The control unit 107 transfers the corrected image to the computer 103 via the communication unit 108. The computer 103 performs any further necessary image processing on the received X-ray image data and displays the image on a display or the like.

[0066] <Non-contact power supply control during shooting> Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the imaging operation. More specifically, it is a flowchart illustrating an example of the transition from a state where non-contact power is being supplied to the X-ray imaging apparatus 105 to a state where imaging is being performed. Each process in Figure 5 is controlled by the control unit 107. Note that in this case, it is assumed that a dark image has already been acquired in advance. In this embodiment, the non-contact power supply device 120 is connected to the non-contact power receiving unit 111 while the contact power supply device 121 is not connected to the contact power receiving unit 112. As a result, the non-contact power receiving unit 111 and the non-contact power supply device 120 transition to the Power Transfer phase, and non-contact power supply is performed.

[0067] In step S501, the control unit 107 checks whether the imaging site and procedure have been set on the console on the computer 103, and whether an instruction to transition to the imaging-ready state has been given. If no instruction has been given, the control unit 107 proceeds to step S501 again. If an instruction has been given, the control unit 107 starts a blank reading drive on the sensor unit 106 and proceeds to step S502. At this time, the computer 103 transmits the information of the procedure selected on the console to the X-ray imaging device 105.

[0068] In step S502, the control unit 107 verifies the procedure transmitted from the computer 103. Here, the memory unit 115 holds a lookup table that associates the procedure with the power supply interruption period. The control unit 107 reads the information on the power supply interruption period to the non-contact power supply device 120 from the memory unit 115 according to the verified procedure and proceeds to step S503. The entity that reads the interruption period according to the procedure may be the X-ray imaging apparatus 105 including the control unit 107, or it may be the computer 103. If the computer 103 reads the interruption period, it transmits the interruption period setting information to the X-ray imaging apparatus 105.

[0069] Here, we will explain the Re-Ping function of the Qi standard. The Re-Ping function is a function that allows the contactless power supply device 120 to resume power supply after a specified delay time (Re-Ping Delay, stop period, predetermined period) has elapsed (restart timing) after the power supply has stopped. The contactless power receiving unit 111 stores Re-Ping, which indicates the resumption, as a reason code in the EPT signal and transmits it to the contactless power supply device 120. The specified delay time is determined by negotiation between the contactless power receiving unit 111 and the contactless power supply device 120 during the Negotiation phase. Specifically, this negotiation is achieved by the contactless power receiving unit 111 specifying the desired delay time, and the contactless power supply device 120 allowing or rejecting it. When the contactless power supply device 120 receives an EPT signal with the reason code Re-Ping, it stops power supply and resumes Digital Ping power transmission after the Re-Ping Delay has elapsed. The maximum Re-Ping Delay is specified as 12.6 seconds in the Qi standard.

[0070] In step S503, the control unit 107 checks if the stop period is greater than 12.6 seconds. As mentioned above, the Qi standard specifies that the maximum value of Re-Ping Delay is 12.6 seconds, so it is not possible to set a value greater than this. Since the stop period must be set in the contactless power supply device 120 using Re-Ping Delay, if the stop period is greater than 12.6 seconds, the main drive cannot be performed. In this case, the control unit 107 proceeds to step S510. In step S510, the control unit 107 displays an error message on the display unit 114 indicating that the main drive cannot be performed. After that, the control unit 107 terminates the blank reading drive and ends the series of shooting operations.

[0071] On the other hand, if the downtime is 12.6 seconds or less, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the control unit 107 sets the downtime for the contactless power supply device 120. Specifically, the control unit 107 transitions the contactless power supply device 120 to the Renegotiation phase and sets the Re-Ping Delay. At this point, the contactless power receiving unit 111 transmits a NEGO data packet. Upon receiving the packet, the contactless power supply device 120 transmits an ACK response. Upon receiving the ACK response, the contactless power receiving unit 111 and the contactless power supply device 120 transition to the Renegotiation phase. The setting value for Re-Ping Delay will be described later. After setting the Re-Ping Delay, the control unit 107 transitions the contactless power supply device 120 to the Power Transfer phase and proceeds to step S505.

[0072] In step S505, the control unit 107 checks whether or not an irradiation request signal has been transmitted from the X-ray control device 102. If no irradiation request signal has been transmitted, the control unit 107 proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, if an irradiation request signal has been transmitted, the control unit 107 proceeds to step S506.

[0073] In step S506, the control unit 107 takes an image. The operation in step S506 will be described later.

[0074] In step S507, the control unit 107 sends the captured image to the image processing unit 116, which then performs any desired image processing on the captured image, such as correction using a dark image. The image processing unit 116 then sends the processed image back to the control unit 107. Here, it is assumed that the dark image used for correction has been acquired in advance.

[0075] In step S508, the control unit 107 transfers the image to the computer 103 and checks whether the image transfer is complete. If the image transfer is not complete, the control unit 107 proceeds to step S508 again. On the other hand, if the image transfer is complete, the control unit 107 proceeds to step S505.

[0076] In step S509, the control unit 107 checks whether a test completion signal has been sent from the computer 103. If the test completion signal has not been sent, the control unit 107 proceeds to step S505. On the other hand, if the test completion signal has been sent, the control unit 107 terminates the blank reading drive and ends the series of imaging operations.

[0077] Figure 6 is a timing chart showing an example of the imaging operation. More specifically, it is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the sensor unit 106, the X-ray generator 101, and the non-contact power supply device 120 in step S506 of Figure 5.

[0078] Time t601 is the timing of the control unit 107's instruction to stop power supply to the contactless power supply device 120 in step S506. Specifically, when the control unit 107 receives the irradiation request signal, it controls the contactless power receiving unit 111 and transmits an EPT signal with reason code Re-Ping to the contactless power supply device 120. Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, "power supply stop instruction" refers to the contactless power receiving unit 111 transmitting an EPT signal with reason code Re-Ping. After receiving the EPT signal with reason code Re-Ping, the contactless power supply device 120 stops contactless power supply no later than the elapsed delay time Td. The delay time Td is stored in advance in the memory unit 115, and the control unit 107 can read the delay time Td from the memory unit 115. Note that the delay time Td is different from the delay time Re-Ping Delay and is a time specific to the contactless power supply device 120.

[0079] Time t602 is after a delay time Td has elapsed from time t601, and power supply from the non-contact power supply device 120 stops between time t601 and time t602. Because power supply from the non-contact power supply device 120 stops, the control unit 107 sets the charge control unit 402 to supply power from the battery 109 to each block of the X-ray imaging device 105.

[0080] Time t603 is the timing in step S506 when the control unit 107 transmits an irradiation permission signal to the X-ray control device 102. The time Tf from time t602 to time t603 is the time during which the sensor unit 106 performs preparation drive. That is, after the control unit 107 issues a power supply stop instruction to the non-contact power supply device 120 in step S506, it issues an imaging instruction after at least a delay time Td and a blank reading time Tf have elapsed. By providing a preparation drive time Tf, the influence of non-contact power supply on the sensor unit 106, particularly on the signal wiring Sig1 to Sig3 which is susceptible to noise, can be suppressed. In this embodiment, a blank reading time of one frame is provided from time t602 to time t603. However, it is not limited to this, and a blank reading time of at least one frame can be provided. For example, a blank reading time of three frames may be provided. In that case, the time from time t602 to time t603 will be three times Tf.

[0081] Upon receiving a shooting instruction from the control unit 107, the sensor unit 106 performs accumulation drive for an accumulation time Ta from time t603 to a predetermined time t604. Simultaneously, X-ray irradiation is performed from the X-ray generator 101. Subsequently, the sensor unit 106 performs main reading drive for a main reading time Tr from time t604 to time t605. During the operation from time t602 to time t605, the sensor unit 106 acquires an X-ray image. After the delay time Re-Ping Delay has elapsed, the non-contact power supply device 120 resumes power supply from time t606.

[0082] The blank reading time Tf, storage time Ta, and main reading time Tr can be determined from the confirmation of the procedure in step S502 in Figure 5 and from the number of pixels of the X-ray imaging device 105. Since the storage time is uniquely determined by confirming the procedure, the storage time Ta can be determined. For example, in imaging procedures for thick parts of the body such as the torso, the storage time Ta is set to be long. On the other hand, in imaging procedures for moving parts such as the lungs or infants, the storage time Ta is set to be short. In addition, the blank reading time Tf and main reading time Tr are determined by the size of the imaging unit, the D-CLK input to the shift register 214, the conversion speed of the A / D converter 210, and whether or not pixels are selected simultaneously.Therefore, depending on the imaging unit and procedure used, the parameters such as the size of the imaging unit and the D-CLK input to the shift register 214 are determined, and the blank reading time Tf, main reading time Tr, and blank reading time Tm can be determined.The correspondence between the size of the imaging unit, the storage time according to the procedure, and the reading time is stored in the memory unit 115. Therefore, the control unit 107 can read out the preparation drive time Tf, storage time Ta, and actual read time Tr by referring to the memory unit 115.

[0083] The Re-Ping Delay set in step S503 of Figure 5 is set to a time equal to or greater than the time from time t602 to time t605 calculated from the preparation drive time Tf, storage time Ta, and actual reading time Tr. Specifically, the Re-Ping Delay is set to a time equal to or greater than the sum of time Tf (time t602 - time t603), time Ta (time t603 - time t604), and time Tr (time t604 - time t605). For example, if the preparation drive time Tf = 100 ms, storage time Ta = 1000 ms, and actual reading time Tr = 300 ms, the time from time t602 to time t605 is 1400 ms. Since the Re-Ping Delay is specified to be set in increments of 200 ms, in this case, a time of 1400 ms or more is set as the Re-Ping Delay. Alternatively, the Re-Ping Delay may be determined by adding time Td to the time from time t602 to time t605.

[0084] As explained above, by temporarily suspending contactless power supply during X-ray image acquisition, it is possible to suppress the impact on image quality caused by noise resulting from contactless power supply.

[0085] <Non-contact power supply control during dark image acquisition> The explanation above addressed the impact of noise caused by non-contact power supply on X-ray images. This type of noise can also affect image quality when acquiring dark images. If the dark image is affected, the X-ray image processed using that dark image will naturally also be affected. Therefore, it is desirable to temporarily suspend non-contact power supply when acquiring dark images, just as when acquiring X-ray images.

[0086] The flowchart in Figure 7 illustrates contactless power supply control during dark image acquisition. Each process in Figure 7 is controlled by the control unit 107.

[0087] In step S701, the control unit 107 checks whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous dark image acquisition. The predetermined time is set in advance using the threshold at which the desired dark image correction becomes impossible due to the passage of time. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 107 repeats S701; otherwise, it proceeds to S702. Here, a predetermined time is used as the determination factor, but for example, a temperature change exceeding a predetermined threshold may be used as the determination factor, or the dark image correction result of the previously acquired X-ray image may be used as the determination factor.

[0088] In S702, the control unit 107 calculates the period for temporarily suspending the contactless power supply operation based on the time required to acquire the dark image to be updated. When acquiring a dark image, the image is acquired by accumulating charge only by dark current without irradiating with X-rays. In this case, it is advisable to acquire multiple dark images for each accumulation time, or to acquire multiple images for the same accumulation time and average them to reduce noise. As the acquisition conditions and number of acquisitions may change, it is necessary to determine the temporary suspension period for contactless power supply accordingly. The period may be calculated each time based on the required conditions and number of acquisitions, or a lookup table of suspension periods corresponding to combinations of conditions and number of acquisitions may be prepared in advance. In some cases, a period longer than the maximum suspension period of 12.6 seconds may be required. In that case, the acquisition operation and suspension operation are divided into several parts and set so that the total duration is 12.6 seconds or less (S703).

[0089] If the shutdown period is appropriately determined in S703, the control unit 107 sets the power supply shutdown time in S704.

[0090] The control unit 107 acquires dark images from S705 to S708. For example, when acquiring dark images with storage time Ta1 and storage time Ta2, it is determined in S702 and S703 that the required time is 12.6 seconds or less. In S705, the control unit 107 proceeds to S706 because the acquisition of dark images is not yet complete. In S706, the control unit 107 acquires the dark image with storage time Ta1. In S707, the control unit 107 saves the dark image. In S708, once saving is complete, the control unit 107 returns to S705 and then performs the acquisition and saving operation of the dark image with storage time Ta2. Returning to S705 again, the acquisition of the required dark images is complete, so the control unit 107 terminates the series of operations.

[0091] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation for acquiring correction image data. More specifically, it is a timing chart showing an example of the operation of the sensor unit 106, the X-ray generator 101, and the non-contact power supply device 120 in step S706 of Figure 7.

[0092] Time t801 is the timing of the instruction by the control unit 107 to stop supplying power to the contactless power supply device 120 in step S706.

[0093] Time t802 is after a delay time Td has elapsed since time t801, and power supply from the non-contact power supply device 120 stops between time t801 and time t802. Because power supply from the non-contact power supply device 120 stops, the control unit 107 sets the charge control unit 402 to supply power from the battery 109 to each block of the X-ray imaging device 105.

[0094] Time t803 is the timing when the control unit 107 transitions the sensor unit 106 to the storage state in step S706. Since this is for acquiring a dark image, operations such as sending an irradiation permission signal to the X-ray control device 102 are not performed here. The time Tf1 from time t802 to time t803 is the time during which the sensor unit 106 performs preparation drive. By providing a preparation drive time Tf1, the influence of non-contact power supply on the sensor unit 106, especially the influence on the signal wiring Sig1~Sig3 which is susceptible to noise, can be suppressed. As in the case of Figure 6, Tf1 can be longer than at least one frame's worth of idle reading time.

[0095] Upon receiving a shooting instruction from the control unit 107, the sensor unit 106 performs accumulation drive during the accumulation time Ta1 from time t803 to t804. Subsequently, the sensor unit 106 performs main reading drive during the main reading time Tr from time t804 to time t805. During the operation from time t802 to time t805, the sensor unit 106 acquires a dark image using the dark current generated during the accumulation time Ta1.

[0096] Next, a blank reading operation is performed during a predetermined time Tf2 between time t805 and t806, and then an accumulation drive is performed during time Ta2 between time t806 and t807. After that, a main reading drive is performed between time t807 and t808, and the sensor unit 106 acquires a dark image using the dark current generated during the accumulation time Ta2.

[0097] Once the delay time Re-Ping Delay has elapsed, the contactless power supply device 120 resumes power supply from time t809.

[0098] The storage times Ta1 and Ta2 are determined by the required imaging conditions in the radiography system 100. The blank reading times Tf1 and Tf2 can be determined by the storage times Ta1 and Ta2, which are the conditions for acquiring the dark image. Generally, the longer the blank reading time, the more stable the dark current characteristics tend to be, and the longer the storage time, the more susceptible it becomes to the effects of dark current. For this reason, the blank reading time is often set to be longer when the storage time is long. Thus, the relationship between the storage time and the blank reading time can be predetermined from the sensor characteristics. In addition, the main reading time Tr can be determined by the size of the imaging unit, the D-CLK input to the shift register 214, the conversion speed of the A / D converter 210, and whether or not pixels are selected simultaneously, as explained in Figure 6.

[0099] The Re-Ping Delay set in step S703 in Figure 7 is set to be at least the time between t802 and t808 calculated from the blank reading times Tf1 and Tf2, the storage times Ta1 and Ta2, and the actual reading time Tr. Note that, as in the example in Figure 6, the Re-Ping Delay may also be determined by adding Td.

[0100] If the time required to acquire the necessary dark image exceeds 12.6 seconds, the acquisition process will be divided into several steps, with each step taking less than 12.6 seconds. The Re-Ping Delay will then be set according to each step to perform the acquisition process only as needed.

[0101] As explained above, by temporarily suspending contactless power supply when acquiring a dark image, it is possible to suppress the impact on image quality caused by noise resulting from contactless power supply.

[0102] <Challenges when X-ray image acquisition is started while dark image acquisition is in progress> So far, we have explained non-contact power supply control during X-ray image acquisition and non-contact power supply control during dark image acquisition. Here, we will explain the case where the dark image acquisition operation is canceled (interrupted) and the operation transitions to X-ray image acquisition.

[0103] If a dark image acquisition process is included, there may be cases where the operator wants to take an X-ray image but the system is in the process of acquiring a dark image. In this case, if the operator tries to wait until the dark image processing is complete before proceeding to X-ray image acquisition, they may have to wait up to 12.6 seconds. This situation is inconvenient for both the operator and the patient, so it is desirable to cancel the dark image acquisition process and proceed directly to X-ray image acquisition.

[0104] However, since the power supply for the Re-Ping Delay is stopped at the same time as the dark image acquisition operation begins, if the dark image acquisition operation is canceled and the operation is switched to X-ray image acquisition, there is a risk that contactless power supply will be restarted in the middle of the X-ray image acquisition operation. In addition, since the power supply is stopped and communication is not possible, it is difficult to update the Re-Ping Delay for dark image acquisition to the Re-Ping Delay for X-ray image acquisition.

[0105] In this embodiment, we will describe a method for appropriately stopping and restarting contactless power supply even when the dark image acquisition operation is canceled after the dark image acquisition operation has started and the operation is switched to X-ray image acquisition.

[0106] <Measures to take if power supply is resumed during the storage period> Figure 9 is a timing chart showing a comparative example. Figure 10 is a timing chart showing an example of operation in which X-ray imaging is performed after the acquisition of correction image data according to this embodiment has started.

[0107] First, in order to acquire a dark image, at time t901, the control unit 107 sends a power supply suspension instruction to the non-contact power supply device 120, and power supply is stopped at time t902 after Td has elapsed. The Re-Ping Delay at this time is set to match the time required for dark image acquisition. Therefore, power supply is set to be resumed at time t903, which is later than the time when dark image acquisition is completed. However, at time t904, the operator presses the switch on the X-ray control device 102 to take an X-ray image. This sends an irradiation request signal to the X-ray imaging device 105. Upon receiving the irradiation request signal, the X-ray imaging device 105 cancels the dark image acquisition operation and proceeds to the X-ray image acquisition operation. The processing of the X-ray image acquisition operation itself is as described above. That is, after preparation drive, charge due to X-ray irradiation is accumulated in the accumulation state, and the charge is read out in the main read operation to generate X-ray image data. In this example, the X-ray image acquisition operation is started before time t903 when power supply is resumed. Therefore, power supply may be resumed during X-ray image acquisition. In Figure 9, power supply is resumed at time t903, and the power supply operation overlaps with the scheduled reading time from time t906 to t907. If left as is, noise caused by non-contact power supply will be generated in the X-ray image.

[0108] If X-ray image acquisition is started while dark image acquisition is in progress, the above-mentioned problems may occur. This embodiment provides a method to avoid the power supply being restarted during the reading time.

[0109] The control unit 107 of the X-ray imaging apparatus 105 knows the time t901 when it instructed the non-contact power supply device 120 to temporarily suspend power supply, the Re-Ping Delay setting value, and the time Td until the suspension is stopped. Therefore, it also knows the time t903 when power supply will resume. Consequently, if the dark image acquisition operation is canceled and X-ray image acquisition is started, it is possible to calculate which timing in the imaging operation the time t903 when power supply resumes coincides with. Based on this calculation result, the control unit 107 can control the operation of the X-ray imaging apparatus 105.

[0110] Figure 10 is a timing chart showing an example of operation where X-ray imaging is performed after the acquisition of correction image data has started. At time t1001, the control unit 107 instructs the non-contact power supply device 120 to temporarily suspend power supply again. The non-contact power supply device 120 temporarily suspends power supply again at time t1002, after time Td. Furthermore, in order to perform the main reading after time t1002, the control unit 107 extends the original storage time Ta to Ta' so that the end timing of the storage state is later than time t1002, when the power is temporarily suspended again. After that, the X-ray imaging device 105 performs the main reading operation, thus avoiding the generation of noise caused by non-contact power supply. The Re-Ping Delay when temporarily suspending power again is set so that the power supply resumes after time t907, when the main reading is completed.

[0111] The operation of extending the storage time from Ta to Ta' has been explained, but the X-ray irradiation time is determined according to the imaging conditions, the area being scanned, and the patient, so there is no extension to the time that the X-ray generator 101 irradiates with X-rays. Since the dark image characteristics may change when the storage time changes, it is advisable to acquire dark images for the extended storage time in advance.

[0112] <Measures to take if power is restored while reading a book> Figures 9 and 10 show examples where the timing of power supply restart overlaps with the storage period. This method can be applied to cases where the timing of power supply restart overlaps during the main reading. In this case, it is advisable to delay the end of the storage period so that the power supply pause instruction can be given again before the main reading time. Alternatively, instead of extending the storage period, the transmission timing of the irradiation permission signal sent from the X-ray imaging device 105 to the X-ray control device 102 can be delayed. This method makes it possible to pause power supply again to avoid the generation of noise caused by non-contact power supply.

[0113] Figure 11 is a timing chart showing a comparative example. Figure 12 is a timing chart showing an example of operation in which X-ray imaging is performed after the acquisition of correction image data according to this embodiment has started.

[0114] In the example in Figure 11, the dark image acquisition operation is canceled and the shooting operation starts at time t904. Then, due to the Re-Ping Delay set when the dark image acquisition started, power supply resumes at time t903, which is during the blank reading operation. In contrast, in Figure 12, after power supply resumes at time t903, the control unit 107 issues another instruction to temporarily suspend power supply to the contactless power supply device 120 at time t1001. The contactless power supply device 120 receives the instruction and temporarily suspends power supply at time t1002, after time Td.

[0115] The control unit 107 extends the preparation drive time to Tf' so that the X-ray imaging device 105 performs the actual reading after time t1002. This makes the time of transmission of the irradiation permission signal t905', delaying the start of the storage time. This prevents the timing of the actual reading operation from overlapping with the timing of non-contact power supply, thereby suppressing the effects of noise.

[0116] Even if dark image acquisition is canceled and X-ray image acquisition is started, the aforementioned control is not necessary if the main reading drive does not occur after power supply is resumed. Therefore, there is no need to change the storage time, preparation drive time, or the timing of transmission of the irradiation permission signal. The time when power supply is resumed and the time of each imaging operation are known to the control unit 107. Therefore, triggered by the cancellation of dark image acquisition and the start of X-ray image acquisition (start instruction), the control unit 107 can calculate and determine whether it is necessary to change the storage time, preparation drive time, or the timing of transmission of the irradiation permission signal.

[0117] If you cancel the acquisition of a dark image and proceed with X-ray imaging, it is best to use a previously acquired dark image for dark image correction in that imaging. If the acquisition of a dark image is completed without any cancellation, update the dark image and use it for dark image correction in subsequent X-ray imaging.

[0118] <Supplement> According to the configuration described above, predetermined processes (storage process, readout process, irradiation permission process) in the normal still image acquisition of the radiography apparatus are controlled based on the time information when contactless power supply resumes after being temporarily suspended. This control allows for adjustment of the execution timing of processes (readout process) that should not overlap with the timing of contactless power supply. This makes it possible to suppress the noise effect on X-ray images caused by contactless power supply.

[0119] In this embodiment, it was explained that noise influence occurs in X-ray image data when the main reading drive and non-contact power supply overlap. However, noise influence can also occur with operations other than the main reading drive. For example, even with a preparation drive, which is an operation that reads out charge in advance, noise influence may occur in image data if the timing overlaps with non-contact power supply, depending on the type of device or sensor, or the imaging conditions. In such cases, it is possible to avoid or sufficiently reduce the influence by controlling the system in the same way as in this embodiment so that non-contact power supply does not occur during the period in which the influence occurs.

[0120] This embodiment shows an example where dark image acquisition is canceled and X-ray image acquisition is started. However, it is useful in cases where X-ray image acquisition is started before power supply is resumed, while performing operations that require a temporary suspension of power supply due to noise caused by non-contact power supply, in addition to the dark image. For example, in an X-ray imaging device that has an internal automatic exposure control (AEC) function, if the readout data from the AEC pixel is used as the AEC signal for control, the AEC pixel is also affected by dark current. Therefore, dark current correction data for the AEC pixel is required. This dark current correction data is affected by temperature changes and the passage of time, similar to the dark image example given in this embodiment. For this reason, it is necessary to acquire it periodically, and at the time of acquisition, it may be affected by noise caused by non-contact power supply, similar to the dark image. Also, if imaging cannot be performed while correction data is being acquired, it will be detrimental to both the operator and the patient. Therefore, similar to the dark image example, it is good to cancel the correction data acquisition operation and perform X-ray imaging when you want to take an X-ray. In that case, it is good to adopt the same control as in the dark image example. Specifically, the dark image acquisition in Figures 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 may be replaced with the acquisition of dark current correction data for AEC pixels.

[0121] (Example 2) Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that it performs control without using the interface device 117. Figure 13 shows an example of the configuration of a radiography system using an X-ray imaging device. The configuration of the radiography system 100' is substantially the same as the configuration of the radiography system 100 in Figure 1. However, it differs in that it does not have the interface device 117 that mediated communication between the X-ray control device 102 and the X-ray imaging device 105. In other words, the radiography system 100' is configured so that, during X-ray imaging, the X-ray control device 102 and the X-ray imaging device 105 do not exchange irradiation request signals and irradiation permission signals. Therefore, the X-ray imaging device 105 detects that X-rays have been irradiated from the X-ray generator 101 by itself, rather than by an irradiation request signal, and transitions to an accumulation state. As a means of detecting X-ray irradiation, for example, a dedicated sensor for detecting the start of irradiation can be used. Alternatively, a method of periodically reading out a specific pixel and detecting the start of irradiation may be adopted, or a method of detecting the start of irradiation by a change in a predetermined current value flowing in the sensor unit 106 may be adopted. Since both methods rely on reading signals from pixels, they are susceptible to noise caused by contactless power supply.

[0122] Therefore, this noise may cause a false detection that X-rays have been emitted. For this reason, it is desirable to temporarily suspend contactless power supply while the irradiation start detection operation is in progress (during the operation period). Therefore, a command to temporarily suspend contactless power supply should be issued before starting the irradiation start detection operation. On the other hand, since it is unknown when the operator will emit X-rays, it is advisable to implement control measures to prevent actual readings from occurring after power supply is resumed.

[0123] Figure 14 is a timing chart showing a comparative example. In Figure 14, first, the console on the computer 103 instructs the X-ray imaging device 105 to start the X-ray imaging operation by detecting X-ray irradiation. Upon receiving the instruction, the control unit 107 in the X-ray imaging device 105 instructs the non-contact power supply device 120 to temporarily suspend power supply at time t1401 so that the detection operation that starts afterward is not affected by noise caused by non-contact power supply. The Re-Ping Delay at this time is arbitrary, but since it is not known when the operator will irradiate with X-rays and the duration of the detection operation is unknown, it is best to set the maximum possible value. However, if there are constraints on the duration of the detection operation that can be continued due to limitations of the X-ray imaging device 105 or the sensor unit 106, it will be within that range.

[0124] The non-contact power supply device 120 stops supplying power until time t1402 after time Td, following an instruction. Power supply is resumed at time t1403. The control unit 107 starts detection operation from time t1402, when power supply is stopped. The operator presses the switch on the X-ray generator 101 when the device and the subject are ready. This starts X-ray irradiation. When the control unit 107 detects the start of X-ray irradiation at time t1404, it transitions to an accumulation state and performs a readout drive from time t1405 to t1406, after a predetermined time Ta. Subsequently, the control unit 107 performs a blank readout drive from time t1406 to t1407 to discharge any remaining charge. After that, the control unit 107 accumulates the charge due to the dark current from time t1407 to t1408 and reads it out by a readout drive from time t1408 to t1409. The control unit 107 performs dark image correction using the readout X-ray image and dark image to generate corrected X-ray image data. Here, an example of an imaging mode in which a dark image is acquired for each X-ray exposure is shown, but this is not the only option. An imaging mode in which a dark image is acquired in advance, similar to Example 1, is also acceptable. In this comparative example, power supply is restarted at time t1403. As a result, non-contact power supply is performed during the main reading of the X-ray image or the main reading of the dark image, and noise caused by non-contact power supply is generated in the image.

[0125] Therefore, as shown in Figure 15, after power supply is resumed at time t1403, the control unit 107 sends an instruction to the non-contact power supply device 120 to temporarily suspend power supply again. Figure 15 is a timing chart showing an example of operation in which X-ray imaging is performed after the detection operation for the start of X-ray irradiation has begun. As a result, the non-contact power supply device 120 temporarily suspends power supply again at time t1502 after time Td. The control unit 107 extends the storage time to Ta' so that the main reading is performed after time t1502. The Re-Ping Delay is set so that power supply is resumed at time t1503, which is after time t1409', when the main reading time Tr for the X-ray image, the blank reading time Tm, the charge storage time Ta' due to dark current, and the main reading time Tr for the dark image have elapsed. The charge storage time Ta' due to dark current is matched to the X-ray storage time Ta'. If you want to extend the power supply time, you can configure the system to resume and pause power supply again between t1406' after the main X-ray image reading and t1408' before the main dark image reading. However, even in this case, it is desirable to take into account that power supply will be stopped after Td following the power supply pause instruction, and to ensure that power is not supplied during the main dark image reading time. In the acquisition mode where the dark image is acquired in advance, the Re-Ping Delay should be set to resume power supply after t1406' following the main X-ray image reading time Tr.

[0126] <Supplement> According to the configuration described above, predetermined processes (storage process, readout process, irradiation permission process) for imaging using radiation detection in the radiography apparatus are controlled based on the time information when contactless power supply resumes after being temporarily suspended. This control allows for adjustment of the timing of processes (readout process) that should not overlap with the timing of contactless power supply. This makes it possible to suppress the noise effect on X-ray images caused by contactless power supply.

[0127] (Example 3) Example 3 describes a radiography system capable of continuously capturing X-ray images, similar to a video. The system configuration of Example 3 is substantially the same as the radiography system 100 in Figure 1. However, it differs in that the X-ray generator, X-ray control device, interface device, computer, and console support continuous shooting. Furthermore, continuous shooting requires a predetermined frame rate to determine the time from image capture to image transfer. Therefore, the X-ray imaging device also needs sufficient bandwidth, for example, in its memory unit to hold the continuous shooting image data (radiation image data). In addition, the control unit and image processing unit require high-speed processing. The drive of the sensor unit and the transfer rate of the communication unit also need to be faster than when capturing only still images. In these respects, the performance of each device and function differs from the system in Figure 1.

[0128] Figure 16 is a timing chart showing an example of continuous X-ray image acquisition according to Embodiment 3. The operation will be explained using Figure 16. The operator sets the conditions for continuous acquisition in advance from the X-ray control device or console setting screen. The conditions may include setting the tube voltage related to the irradiation conditions, as well as the frame rate and acquisition time. When the operator presses the switch on the X-ray control device at time t1601, the control unit 107 instructs the non-contact power supply device 120 to temporarily suspend power supply. The non-contact power supply device 120 temporarily suspends power supply by time t1602 after time Td. The Re-Ping Delay at this time should preferably be longer than the set acquisition time, but the operator can decide when to stop continuous acquisition. In this embodiment, power supply is resumed at time t1603.

[0129] The continuous imaging sequence progresses as the operator continues to press the switch. After the initial reading is complete, the control unit 107 sends an irradiation permission signal to the X-ray control device and enters an accumulation state. Upon receiving the irradiation permission signal, the X-ray control device irradiates the X-ray generator with X-rays. The X-ray imaging device accumulates charge upon receiving the X-ray irradiation, and then generates X-ray image data by reading out the charge through a main reading drive. Multiple image data may be stored in the memory unit of the X-ray imaging device, or they may be transmitted to a computer via the sequential communication unit. Subsequently, the control unit 107 performs an initial reading and continues the sequence of operations for capturing the next image until the operator releases the switch. Meanwhile, as mentioned above, it is known that power supply will resume at time t1603. If continuous imaging has not been completed by time t1603, non-contact power supply may occur during the main reading, potentially causing noise in the image. Therefore, the control unit 107 controls the drive so that the period from time t1603 to time t1604, when power supply is temporarily paused again after it resumes, does not overlap with the main reading of continuous imaging. Specifically, the idle reading time and the timing of the transmission of the illumination permission signal are changed so that the actual reading drive does not occur between time t1603 and t1604. Alternatively, the frame rate is changed, or the drive start timing (execution timing) is delayed.

[0130] Starting from time t1601, the time t1603 when power supply resumes is represented by Td+Tp, and the time t1604 when power supply is temporarily suspended again is represented by Td+Tp+Td. Also, the actual reading time for each frame is represented by Td+n×Tc-Tr, which is Td+n×Tc (n=1,2,3...). Therefore, control is performed so that the time relationships are (Td+Tp)<(Td+n×Tc-Tr), (Td+n×Tc)<(Td+Tp), (Td+Tp+Td)<(Td+n×Tc-Tr), and (Td+n×Tc)<(Td+Tp+Td).

[0131] According to Examples 1 to 3, a pause command is issued as a trigger for any of the following start commands: acquisition of radiation image data, acquisition of correction data, detection of the start of X-ray irradiation, or acquisition of multiple consecutive radiation image data.

[0132] Furthermore, according to Examples 1 to 3, in a radiography system that provides power by contactless power supply, the execution of predetermined processes during imaging can be controlled based on information about the timing of resuming power supply after a temporary suspension of contactless power supply.

[0133] This makes it possible to avoid noise caused by non-contact power supply when canceling the correction data acquisition operation and performing X-ray imaging, when performing X-ray imaging after detection by the X-ray irradiation start detection operation, or when continuous imaging is continued for an arbitrary period of time.

[0134] According to the configuration described above, predetermined processes (storage process, readout process, irradiation permission process) in continuous imaging of the radiography apparatus are controlled based on the time information when contactless power supply resumes after being temporarily suspended. This control allows for adjustment of the timing of processes (readout process) that should not overlap with the timing of contactless power supply. This makes it possible to suppress the noise effect on X-ray images caused by contactless power supply.

[0135] (Other examples) The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of each embodiment) are possible based on the spirit of the invention, and these are not excluded from the scope of the invention.

[0136] In addition to the examples disclosed, there are many other situations in which this technology can be applied. For example, it is suitable for situations such as when X-ray imaging is performed after temporarily suspending power supply due to a temperature rise caused by non-contact power supply.

[0137] Furthermore, the implementation can also be achieved by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be achieved by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. A computer may have one or more processors or circuits and may include a plurality of separate computers or a network of a plurality of separate processors or circuits for reading and executing computer executable instructions.

[0138] The processors or circuits described in the above embodiments may include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessing unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gateway (FPGA), or a digital signal processor (DSP), a dataflow processor (DFP), or a neural processing unit (NPU).

[0139] (Note) The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following:

[0140] (Note 1) In a radiography system comprising a radiography apparatus used for radiography, which includes a power receiving unit for receiving power and communication, and a power supply device for contactless power supply, The radiography apparatus communicates with the power supply device via the power receiving unit and issues a temporary suspension instruction to temporarily suspend the contactless power supply for a predetermined period of time. The power supply device, based on the temporary suspension instruction, temporarily suspends the power supply so that it can be resumed after the predetermined period has elapsed. The radiography system is characterized in that the radiography apparatus controls the timing of execution of a predetermined process related to radiography based on information for the predetermined period.

[0141] (Note 2) When the radiography apparatus controls the execution timing of the predetermined process, The radiography system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that the power supply device further transmits a pause instruction after resuming the contactless power supply.

[0142] (Note 3) The radiography system according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the radiography apparatus controls the execution timing of the predetermined process when the timing of restarting contactless power supply by the power supply device coincides with the scheduled timing of the predetermined process.

[0143] (Note 4) The aforementioned radiation imaging device includes a sensor unit that accumulates electric charge in response to the incidence of radiation, The radiation imaging system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the predetermined process is a readout process performed after an accumulation process in which an electric charge is accumulated in the sensor unit in order to acquire a radiation image, and the readout process reads out the electric charge accumulated in the accumulation process from the sensor unit.

[0144] (Note 5) The radiography system according to Appendix 4, characterized in that the radiography apparatus controls the execution timing of the readout process by delaying the start timing of the storage process.

[0145] (Note 6) The radiography system according to Appendix 4, characterized in that the radiography apparatus controls the timing of the readout process by delaying the timing of the completion of the storage process.

[0146] (Note 7) The radiography system according to Appendix 6, characterized in that, when the timing of the end of the storage process is delayed, the correction data used to correct the result of the storage process is correction data corresponding to the delay.

[0147] (Note 8) When the pause command is issued triggered by the instruction to start acquiring correction data, Upon transmission of the aforementioned temporary suspension instruction, information indicating the suspension period during which power supply will be stopped during the period for acquiring the correction data will be transmitted to the power supply device. The radiography system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the acquisition of the correction data is started after the power supply device stops supplying power.

[0148] (Note 9) When the pause command is issued triggered by the instruction to start acquiring correction data, A radiography system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that, after starting to acquire the correction data, the acquisition of the correction data is interrupted in accordance with the receiving instruction to take a radiographic image, and after performing predetermined preparatory operations, the radiographic image taking operation is performed.

[0149] (Note 10) When the pause command is issued triggered by the start command for the operation that detects the start of X-ray irradiation, Based on the trigger, information indicating a stop period during which power supply is stopped during the operation period in which the pause instruction and the start of X-ray irradiation are detected is transmitted to the power supply device. A radiography system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the power supply device starts an operation to detect the start of X-ray irradiation after it has stopped supplying power.

[0150] (Note 11) When the pause command is issued triggered by the start command for the operation that detects the start of X-ray irradiation, A radiography system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that, after starting an operation to detect the start of X-ray irradiation, the detection operation is interrupted in accordance with the detection of the start of X-ray irradiation, and after performing a predetermined preparatory operation, an operation to generate a radiographic image is performed.

[0151] (Note 12) When the pause command is triggered by the instruction to start acquiring multiple consecutive radiation image data, Based on the trigger, the power supply device is sent the temporary suspension instruction and information indicating the suspension period for which power supply will be stopped for a predetermined period. A radiography system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the radiography system starts the operation to acquire radiographic image data after the power supply device stops supplying power.

[0152] (Note 13) When the pause command is triggered by the instruction to start acquiring multiple consecutive radiation image data, A radiography system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the timing of execution of a predetermined operation during the imaging operation is determined so that the period from when power supply is resumed after a predetermined period has elapsed until power supply is temporarily suspended again does not overlap with the reading period of radiographic image data.

[0153] (Note 14) A radiography system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that, when reading dark image data after reading radiographic image data, the timing of the end of the charge accumulation state of the dark image data is delayed by the same amount of time that the end of the charge accumulation state of the radiographic image data was delayed by the control described above.

[0154] (Note 15) The radiography system according to any one of the appendices 1 to 14, characterized in that the pause instruction is triggered by a start instruction for any of the following: capturing radiographic image data, acquiring correction data, detecting the start of X-ray irradiation, or acquiring multiple consecutive radiographic image data.

[0155] (Note 16) A radiography apparatus capable of receiving power from a non-contact power supply device, A power receiving unit that receives power and communicates, Means for communicating with the power supply device via the power receiving unit and issuing a temporary suspension instruction to temporarily suspend the contactless power supply for a predetermined period, A radiography apparatus characterized by having means for controlling the timing of execution of a predetermined process related to radiography based on information for the predetermined period.

[0156] (Note 17) A control method for a radiography apparatus comprising a power receiving unit that receives power from a contactless power supply device and communicates with the contactless power supply device, The process involves communicating with the power supply device via the power receiving unit and issuing a temporary suspension instruction to temporarily suspend the contactless power supply for a predetermined period of time, A control method characterized by comprising the step of controlling the timing of execution of a predetermined process related to radiography based on information for the predetermined period.

[0157] (Note 18) A program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in Appendix 17. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0158] 100 radiography systems 101 X-ray generator 102 X-ray control device 103 Computer 104 Relay device 105 X-ray imaging equipment 106 Sensor section 107 Control Unit 108 Communications Department 109 batteries 110 Charging circuit section 111 Contactless power receiving unit 112 Contact power receiving section 113 Power supply section 114 Display section 115 Memory section 116 Image Processing Unit 117 Interface device 120 Contactless power supply device 121 Contact power supply device 201 Switching element 202 conversion elements 203 Bias Power Supply 204 Variable Amplifier 205 Integrating Amplifier 206 Amplifier Circuit 207 Sample-and-Hold Circuit 208 Multiplexer 209 Buffer Amplifier 210 A / D converters 211 Reference power supply 212 Detection Unit 213 Readout circuit 214 Shift Register 402 Charging Control Unit 405 Changeover switch

Claims

1. In a radiography system comprising a radiography apparatus used for radiography, which includes a power receiving unit for receiving power and communication, and a power supply device for contactless power supply, The radiography apparatus communicates with the power supply device via the power receiving unit and issues a temporary suspension instruction to temporarily suspend the contactless power supply for a predetermined period of time. The power supply device, based on the temporary suspension instruction, temporarily suspends the power supply so that it can be resumed after the predetermined period has elapsed. The radiography system is characterized in that the radiography apparatus controls the timing of execution of a predetermined process related to radiography based on information for the predetermined period.

2. When the radiography apparatus controls the execution timing of the predetermined process, The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply device further transmits a pause instruction after resuming the contactless power supply.

3. The radiography system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radiography apparatus controls the execution timing of the predetermined process when the timing of restarting contactless power supply by the power supply device coincides with the scheduled timing of the predetermined process.

4. The aforementioned radiation imaging device includes a sensor unit that accumulates electric charge in response to the incidence of radiation, The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined processing is a readout process performed after an accumulation process in which an electric charge is accumulated in the sensor unit in order to acquire a radiation image, and the readout process is a readout process in which the electric charge accumulated in the accumulation process is read from the sensor unit.

5. The radiography system according to claim 4, characterized in that the radiography apparatus controls the execution timing of the reading process by delaying the start timing of the storage process.

6. The radiography system according to claim 4, characterized in that the radiography apparatus controls the timing of the readout process by delaying the timing of the completion of the storage process.

7. The radiography system according to claim 6, characterized in that, when the timing of the end of the storage process is delayed, the correction data used to correct the result of the storage process is correction data corresponding to the delay.

8. When the pause command is issued triggered by the instruction to start acquiring correction data, Upon transmission of the aforementioned temporary suspension instruction, information indicating the suspension period during which power supply will be stopped during the period for acquiring the correction data will be transmitted to the power supply device. The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acquisition of the correction data is started after the power supply device stops supplying power.

9. When the pause command is issued triggered by the instruction to start acquiring correction data, The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that, after starting to acquire the correction data, it interrupts the acquisition of the correction data in accordance with the instruction to take a radiographic image, performs predetermined preparatory operations, and then takes a radiographic image.

10. When the pause instruction is triggered by the start instruction of the operation that detects the start of X-ray irradiation, Based on the trigger, information indicating a stop period during which power supply is stopped during the operation period in which the pause instruction and the start of X-ray irradiation are detected is transmitted to the power supply device. The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply device starts an operation to detect the start of X-ray irradiation after it has stopped supplying power.

11. When the pause instruction is triggered by the start instruction of the operation that detects the start of X-ray irradiation, The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that, after starting an operation to detect the start of X-ray irradiation, the detection operation is interrupted in accordance with the detection of the start of X-ray irradiation, and after performing predetermined preparation operations, a radiographic image generation operation is performed.

12. When the pause command is triggered by the instruction to start acquiring multiple consecutive radiation image data, Based on the trigger, the power supply device is sent the temporary suspension instruction and information indicating the suspension period for which power supply will be stopped for a predetermined period. The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiography system starts the operation to acquire radiographic image data after the power supply device stops supplying power.

13. When the pause command is triggered by the instruction to start acquiring multiple consecutive radiation image data, The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that the timing of execution of a predetermined operation during the imaging operation is determined such that the period from when power supply is resumed after a predetermined period has elapsed until power supply is temporarily suspended again does not overlap with the reading period of radiographic image data.

14. The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that, when reading dark image data after reading radiographic image data, the timing of the end of the charge accumulation state of the dark image data is delayed by the same amount of time that the end of the charge accumulation state of the radiographic image data is delayed by the control described above.

15. The radiography system according to claim 1, characterized in that the pause instruction is triggered by a start instruction for any of the following: capturing radiographic image data, acquiring correction data, detecting the start of X-ray irradiation, or acquiring multiple consecutive radiographic image data.

16. A radiography apparatus capable of receiving power from a non-contact power supply device, A power receiving unit that receives power and communicates, Means for communicating with the power supply device via the power receiving unit and issuing a temporary suspension instruction to temporarily suspend the contactless power supply for a predetermined period, A radiography apparatus characterized by having means for controlling the timing of execution of a predetermined process related to radiography based on information for the predetermined period.

17. A control method for a radiography apparatus comprising a power receiving unit that receives power from a contactless power supply device and communicates with the contactless power supply device, The process involves communicating with the power supply device via the power receiving unit and issuing a temporary suspension instruction to temporarily suspend the contactless power supply for a predetermined period of time, A control method characterized by comprising the step of controlling the timing of execution of a predetermined process related to radiography based on information for the predetermined period.

18. A program that causes a computer to execute the control method described in claim 17.

Images