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

Abstract

The aim is to avoid cumbersome operations performed by the radiographer during radiography, while also reducing the manufacturing costs of radiography equipment. [Solution] In a radiography apparatus 110 that detects incident radiation and performs radiography of a subject, the apparatus includes a detection unit 250 that detects motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110, and a control unit 210 that controls the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus, a radiation imaging system, a control method for a radiation imaging apparatus, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, as an imaging apparatus used for medical image diagnosis and non-destructive inspection by radiation such as X-rays, a radiation imaging apparatus using a flat panel detector (FPD) formed of a semiconductor material has become widespread. Such a radiation imaging apparatus is used as a radiation imaging system that combines a radiation generating apparatus that generates radiation, a control apparatus that controls the radiation imaging apparatus and the radiation generating apparatus, and the like.

[0003] When performing radiation imaging in the above-described radiation imaging system, an operator controls the radiation imaging apparatus and the radiation generating apparatus by operating an input apparatus communicably connected to, for example, a control apparatus. At this time, the position where radiation imaging is performed varies depending on an imaging protocol including an imaging technique, and there are cases where the distance between the position where radiation imaging is performed and the position where the input apparatus is operated is long. In this case, the operator needs to move back and forth between the position where radiation imaging is performed and the position where the input apparatus is operated, which is a factor that reduces the imaging efficiency in radiation imaging. In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for controlling a radiation imaging apparatus by operating a switch provided in the radiation imaging apparatus.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, assigning many functions to the operation of a single switch, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, makes operation complicated for the radiographer, and more switches are required to control more functions. Here, radiography equipment generally requires a structure with excellent waterproofing and sealing properties, but as mentioned above, if many switches are provided, it becomes necessary to consider waterproofing and sealing for each switch, which ultimately increases the manufacturing cost of the radiography equipment.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these problems, and aims to avoid complicated operations by the radiographer when performing radiography, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of radiography equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a radiographic imaging apparatus that detects incident radiation and performs radiographic imaging of a subject, and comprises a detection means for detecting motion applied to the radiographic imaging apparatus, and a control means for controlling the operation related to radiographic imaging according to the type of motion detected by the detection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid complicated operations performed by the radiographer when performing radiography, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the radiography equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a radiography system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a radiography apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4]This figure shows an example of a motion setting management table that illustrates the relationship between the types of motion detected by the radiography apparatus according to the first embodiment and the processing (control) of the apparatus when that motion is detected. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for tap detection in the control method of a radiography apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for attitude detection in the control method of a radiography apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a radiography system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a motion setting management table that illustrates the relationship between the types of motion detected by the radiography apparatus according to the second embodiment and the processing (control) of the apparatus itself and the coordinated processing (coordinated control) of other apparatuses when that motion is detected. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of a processing procedure in the control method for a radiography system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a motion setting management table that illustrates the relationship between the types of motion detected by the radiography apparatus according to the third embodiment and the processing (control) of the apparatus itself and the coordinated processing (coordinated control) of other apparatuses when that motion is detected. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the features described in each embodiment are essential to the present invention, and the features may be combined in any way.

[0011] (First embodiment) First, let me describe the first embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a radiation imaging system 100 according to a first embodiment. In the following description, the radiation imaging system 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as "radiation imaging system 100-1".

[0013] The radiation imaging system 100-1 includes a radiation imaging device 110, a radiation generator 120, an exposure switch 130, a synchronization control device 140, a control device 150, an access point 160, an input device 170, and a display device 180.

[0014] The radiation imaging device 110 is a radiation imaging device that detects incident radiation and performs radiation imaging of a subject H. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging device 110 is for performing radiation imaging of the subject H placed on a imaging gantry K1 (a lying gantry in the example shown in FIG. 1) by the operation of the operator S. And the radiation imaging device 110 acquires a radiation image of the subject H.

[0015] The radiation generator 120 is a radiation generator that irradiates radiation toward the subject H based on the control of the control device 150 and the synchronization control device 140. This radiation generator 120 is configured to include, for example, a radiation tube that accelerates electrons at a high voltage and collides them with an anode. In the present embodiment, the radiation generated by the radiation generator 120 may be any of α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, X-rays, and neutron rays.

[0016] When performing radiation imaging of the subject H, the operator S installs the radiation imaging device 110 and the radiation generator 120 at desired positions. Specifically, the operator S arranges the radiation imaging device 110 and the radiation generator 120 to face each other with the subject H sandwiched therebetween.

[0017] The exposure switch 130 is a switch that the operator S operates when irradiating radiation from the radiation generator 120 to perform radiation imaging of the subject H.

[0018] The synchronization control device 140 includes a circuit for mediating communication and monitors the states of the radiation imaging device 110 and the radiation generation device 120. For example, the synchronization control device 140 performs control to synchronize, for example, the irradiation of radiation from the radiation generation device 120 and the radiation imaging of the subject H by the radiation imaging device 110. This synchronization control device 140 may incorporate a HUB or the like that connects a plurality of network devices.

[0019] The control device 150 is a device that performs overall control and various processes of the radiation imaging system 100-1. For example, the control device 150 performs operation control of the radiation imaging device 110, control to display the radiation image acquired by the radiation imaging device 110 on the display device 180, control based on the imaging condition information input via the input device 170, and the like. Further, the control device 150 performs various setting processes such as processes for enabling wireless communication with the radiation imaging device 110 and setting of operations related to radiation imaging.

[0020] The access point 160 is a radio wave relay device that exchanges information with the radiation imaging device 110 through wireless communication.

[0021] The input device 170 is a device that inputs various types of information operated and input by a user (for example, the photographer S) to the control device 150.

[0022] The display device 180 is a display device that displays various types of information (including images and data) on the display screen 181 based on the control of the control device 150.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the radiation imaging device 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation imaging device 110 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, an input unit 230, a radiation imaging unit 240, a detection unit 250, a communication unit 260, and a bus 270.

[0025] The control unit 210 is a control means that controls the entire radiography apparatus 110 and performs various processing tasks. For example, the control unit 210 may be composed of a processor such as a CPU. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 210 controls the entire radiography apparatus 110 and performs various processing tasks by executing a program stored in the memory unit 220.

[0026] The memory unit 220 is a storage means that stores programs and various information (including images and data) necessary for the control unit 210 to perform overall control and various processing of the radiography apparatus 110. The memory unit 220 is also a storage means that stores various information (including images and data) obtained by the control unit 210 as a result of performing overall control and various processing of the radiography apparatus 110.

[0027] The input unit 230 is an input means that receives input from, for example, the photographer S, and inputs the received input information to the control unit 210.

[0028] The radiation imaging unit 240 is a radiation imaging means that detects incident radiation (including radiation that has passed through the subject H) and performs radiation imaging of the subject H. This radiation imaging unit 240 may be composed of a flat panel detector (FPD).

[0029] The detection unit 250 is a detection means for detecting motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110. The detection unit 250 includes at least one sensor as a sensor 251 for detecting motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110, which is an acceleration sensor for detecting acceleration and an angular velocity sensor for detecting angular velocity. Furthermore, the detection unit 250 may further include a position detection sensor as a sensor 251 for detecting the position of the radiography apparatus 110.

[0030] In this embodiment, the detection unit 250 includes a configuration in which it detects at least a tapping motion (specifically, a light tapping motion by the radiographer S with a finger, etc.) applied to the radiography apparatus 110 based on the detection signal of the sensor 251 as a motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110. For example, if the detection unit 250 includes a 3-axis (XYZ axis) acceleration sensor as the sensor 251, it detects the tapping motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110 when an acceleration above a predetermined threshold and below a predetermined pulse width is detected in the 3-axis acceleration sensor. Alternatively, for example, if the sensor 251 includes a 3-axis (XYZ axis) angular velocity sensor, the tapping motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110 can be detected by using angular velocity instead of the acceleration of the 3-axis acceleration sensor described above. Furthermore, the sensor 251 may include the 3-axis acceleration sensor, the 3-axis angular velocity sensor, and a position detection sensor, and this sensor 251 may be used to detect the tapping motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the detection unit 250 includes a configuration in which it detects at least the motion of a change in posture applied to the radiography apparatus 110 based on the detection signal of the sensor 251 as the motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110. For example, if the detection unit 250 includes a 3-axis (XYZ axis) angular velocity sensor as the sensor 251, it detects the motion of a change in posture applied to the radiography apparatus 110 based on the detection results of the angular velocity in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions of the 3-axis angular velocity sensor. Alternatively, if the sensor 251 includes a 3-axis (XYZ axis) acceleration sensor, it is possible to detect the motion of a change in posture applied to the radiography apparatus 110 by using acceleration instead of the angular velocity of the 3-axis angular velocity sensor described above. Furthermore, the sensor 251 may include the 3-axis angular velocity sensor, the 3-axis acceleration sensor, and a position detection sensor, and this sensor 251 may be used to detect the motion of a change in posture applied to the radiography apparatus 110.

[0032] The communication unit 260 is a communication means for communicating with an external device (for example, the control device 150 shown in Figure 1).

[0033] Bus 270 is a bus that connects the control unit 210, storage unit 220, input unit 230, radiation imaging unit 240, detection unit 250, and communication unit 260 to each other.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the control device 150 according to the first embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the control device 150 includes a control unit 310, a storage unit 320, an input unit 330, a communication unit 340, and a bus 350.

[0036] The control unit 310 is a control means that controls the entire control device 150 and performs various processes. For example, the control unit 310 may be composed of a processor such as a CPU. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 310 controls the entire control device 150 and performs various processes by executing a program stored in the memory unit 320.

[0037] The memory unit 320 is a storage means that stores programs and various information (including images and data) necessary for the control unit 310 to perform overall control and various processing of the control device 150. The memory unit 320 is also a storage means that stores various information (including images and data) obtained by the control unit 310 as a result of performing overall control and various processing of the control device 150.

[0038] The input unit 330 is an input means that receives input from the user (e.g., photographer S) and inputs the received input information to the control unit 310. Note that this input unit 330 can be replaced by the input device 170 shown in Figure 1, in which case the input unit 330 can be omitted.

[0039] The communication unit 340 is a communication means for communicating with external devices (for example, the radiography apparatus 110 shown in Figure 1).

[0040] Bus 350 is a bus that connects the control unit 310, the storage unit 320, the input unit 330, and the communication unit 340 to each other via communication.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example of a motion setting management table 400 that shows the relationship between the type of motion detected by the radiography apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment and the processing (control) of the apparatus when that motion is detected. Specifically, in the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4, "motion number," "motion definition," and "processing (control)" are set in association. In this embodiment, the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4 is assumed to be stored and managed in the storage unit 320 of the control device 150, but for example, the radiography apparatus 110 may acquire it from the control device 150 and store it in the storage unit 220.

[0042] In "Motion Number: 1" in Figure 4, when the detection unit 250 detects one tap within a first predetermined time, which is the tap detection time, the radiography device 110 selects the imaging protocol that is stored in the control device 150 and displayed on the display device 180 as processing (control).

[0043] In "Motion Number: 2" in Figure 4, when the detection unit 250 detects two taps within a first predetermined time, which is the tap detection time, the state of the radiography apparatus 110 is transitioned to the state of preparation for imaging as part of the processing (control) of the radiography apparatus 110.

[0044] In "Motion Number: 3" in Figure 4, when the detection unit 250 detects three taps within a first predetermined time, which is the tap detection time, the radiation imaging device 110 is processed (controlled) by transitioning its state to a standby state.

[0045] In "Motion Number: 4" in Figure 4, when the detection unit 250 detects a change in posture within the range of 30±5° during the second predetermined posture change time, the power of the radiography apparatus 110 is turned ON as part of the processing (control) of the radiography apparatus 110.

[0046] In "Motion Number: 5" in Figure 4, when the detection unit 250 detects a change in posture within the range of 90±5° during the second predetermined posture change time, the power to the radiography apparatus 110 is turned OFF as part of the processing (control) of the radiography apparatus 110.

[0047] In the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4, the types of motion detected by the detection unit 250 include different numbers of taps during the first predetermined time, which is the tap detection time (motion numbers: 1 to 3). In addition, the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4 also includes different angles of posture change during the second predetermined time, which is the posture change time (motion numbers: 4 to 5).

[0048] The control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 is configured as a control means that controls the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250, according to the settings of the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 controls the operation of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250, according to the settings of the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the display device 180 associates the type of motion given to the radiography apparatus 110 with the operation related to radiography (i.e., the contents of the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4 in this embodiment) and displays them on the display screen 181. This makes it possible for the radiographer S to operate the radiography apparatus 110 appropriately according to the progress.

[0050] The "Motion Number," "Motion Definition," and "Processing (Control)" in the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4 are editable by the control device 150. For example, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 can freely set the tap detection time, number of taps, posture change time, posture change angle in the "Motion Definition," and the operation of the radiography device 110 in the "Processing (Control)." In this case, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 constitutes a setting means for setting the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4 (i.e., the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250 of the radiography device 110).

[0051] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for tap detection in the control method of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0052] First, in step S101 in Figure 5, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 determines whether or not a tap operation has occurred on the radiography apparatus 110 based on the detection result of the detection unit 250 (sensor 251). If the control unit 210 determines in step S101 in Figure 5 that there has been no tap operation on the radiography apparatus 110 (S101 / No), it waits in step S101.

[0053] Furthermore, in step S101 of Figure 5, if the control unit 210 determines that a tap operation has occurred with respect to the radiography device 110 (S101 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S102. When the process proceeds to step S102 in Figure 5, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 starts timing a timer that measures the tap detection time, which is the first predetermined time defined in "Motion Definition" in Figure 4, and sets the number of taps to 1.

[0054] Next, in step S103 of Figure 5, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 determines whether the tap detection time, which is the first predetermined time defined in "Motion Definition" of Figure 4, has elapsed since the timer started counting in step S102.

[0055] In step S103 of Figure 5, if the control unit 210 determines that the tap detection time, which is the first predetermined time defined in the "Motion Definition" of Figure 4, has not elapsed since the timer started counting in S102 (S103 / No), the process proceeds to step S104. When the process proceeds to step S104 in Figure 5, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 determines whether or not a tap operation occurred on the radiography apparatus 110 based on the detection result of the detection unit 250 (sensor 251). If the control unit 210 determines in step S104 of Figure 5 that no tap operation occurred on the radiography apparatus 110 (S104 / No), the process returns to step S103.

[0056] Furthermore, in step S104 of Figure 5, if the control unit 210 determines that a tap operation has occurred with respect to the radiography device 110 (S104 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S105. When the process proceeds to step S105 in Figure 5, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 updates the tap count by adding 1. After the processing in step S105 in Figure 5 is completed, the process returns to step S103.

[0057] Furthermore, in step S103 of Figure 5, if the control unit 210 determines that the tap detection time, which is the first predetermined time defined in "Motion Definition" of Figure 4, has elapsed since the timer started counting in S102 (S103 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S106. When the process proceeds to step S106 in Figure 5, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 terminates the timer that measures the tap detection time, which is the first predetermined time defined in "Motion Definition" in Figure 4.

[0058] Next, in step S107 of Figure 5, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 determines whether the number of taps at the end of the timer count in S106 matches the number of taps defined in the "motion definition" of Figure 4. Specifically, in this embodiment, if the number of taps at the end of the timer count in S106 is 1, 2, or 3, it is determined to match the number of taps defined in the "motion definition" of Figure 4. If, in step S107 of Figure 5, the control unit 210 determines that the number of taps at the end of the timer count in S106 does not match the number of taps defined in the "motion definition" of Figure 4 (S107 / No), the process returns to step S101.

[0059] Furthermore, in step S107 of Figure 5, if the control unit 210 determines that the number of taps at the time the timer in S106 has finished counting matches the number of taps defined in the "motion definition" in Figure 4 (S107 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S108. When the process proceeds to step S108 in Figure 5, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 performs the "processing (control)" shown in Figure 4 for the motion in which the number of taps was determined to match in S107. For example, if the number of taps is determined to match at 1 in S107, the control unit 210 performs processing (control) to select the imaging protocol stored in the control device 150 and displayed on the display device 180, based on the "processing (control)" in Figure 4. Also, for example, if the number of taps is determined to match at 2 in S107, the control unit 210 performs processing (control) to transition the state of the radiography apparatus 110 to the imaging preparation state, based on the "processing (control)" in Figure 4. Also, for example, if the number of taps is determined to match at 3 in S107, the control unit 210 performs processing (control) to transition the state of the radiography apparatus 110 to the standby state, based on the "processing (control)" in Figure 4.

[0060] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for attitude detection in the control method of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment.

[0061] First, in step S201 of Figure 6, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 performs a process to detect posture 1, which is the current posture of the radiography apparatus 110, based on the detection result of the detection unit 250 (sensor 251).

[0062] Next, in step S202 of Figure 6, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 waits for the posture change time, which is the second predetermined time defined in "Motion Definition" of Figure 4, to elapse.

[0063] Next, in step S203 of Figure 6, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 performs a process to detect posture 2, which is the posture of the radiography apparatus 110 after a second predetermined time, which is the posture change time, has elapsed, based on the detection result of the detection unit 250 (sensor 251).

[0064] Next, in step S204 of Figure 6, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 first calculates the change in posture (in this embodiment, the angle of change in posture), which is the difference between posture 1 detected in step S201 and posture 2 detected in step S203. Then, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 determines whether the angle of change in posture calculated in S204 based on posture 1 detected in S201 and posture 2 detected in S203 is within the range of the angle of change in posture defined in the "motion definition" of Figure 4. In step S204 of Figure 6, if the control unit 210 determines that the angle of change in posture calculated in S204 is not within the range of the angle of change in posture defined in the "motion definition" of Figure 4 (S204 / No), the process returns to step S201.

[0065] Furthermore, in step S204 of Figure 6, if the control unit 210 determines that the attitude change angle calculated in S204 is within the range of the attitude change angle defined in "Motion Definition" of Figure 4 (S204 / Yes), the process proceeds to step S205. When the process proceeds to step S205 in Figure 6, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 performs the "processing (control)" shown in Figure 4 for the motion in which the attitude change angle was determined to be within the range and match in S204. For example, if the attitude change angle is determined to be within the range of 30±5° in S204, the control unit 210 performs the processing (control) to turn on the power of the radiography apparatus 110 based on the "processing (control)" in Figure 4. Also, for example, if the attitude change angle is determined to be within the range of 90±5° in S204, the control unit 210 performs the processing (control) to turn off the power of the radiography apparatus 110 based on the "processing (control)" in Figure 4. When the processing in step S205 in Figure 6 is completed, the process returns to step S201.

[0066] The radiography apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment described above is a radiography apparatus that detects incident radiation and performs radiography of a subject H, and has the following configuration. The radiography apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment has a detection unit 250, which is a detection means for detecting motion applied to the radiography apparatus 110. The radiography apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment also has a control unit 210, which is a control means for controlling operations related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the control unit 210 controls the operation of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250 ("Processing (Control)" in Figure 4). With this configuration, it is possible to avoid complicated operations by the radiographer S when performing radiography (for example, complicated operation of switches on the radiography apparatus 110), and the manufacturing cost of the radiography apparatus 110 can be reduced.

[0067] In the first embodiment described above, the control unit 210 is shown as controlling the operation of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. In the present invention, the control unit 210 is also applicable in which it controls operations related to radiography other than the operation of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250. For example, an operation related to radiography other than the operation of the radiography apparatus 110 is an operation that transitions the screen displayed on the display device 180 according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250. Another example of an operation related to radiography other than the operation of the radiography apparatus 110 is an operation that prepares the communication environment of the radiography system 100 (for example, an operation that establishes communication between each device when the motion of the radiographer S checking into the radiography room is detected).

[0068] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment below, matters common to the first embodiment described above will be omitted, and matters that differ from the first embodiment described above will be explained.

[0069] Figure 7 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the radiography system 100 according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the radiography system 100 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 7 will be referred to as "radiography system 100-2". Also, in Figure 7, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those shown in Figure 1, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0070] The radiography system 100-2 includes multiple radiography devices 110-1 and 110-2, a radiation generator 120, an exposure switch 130, a synchronization control device 140, a control device 150, an access point 160, an input device 170, and a display device 180.

[0071] Specifically, the first radiography apparatus 110-1 shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the radiography apparatus 110 shown in Figure 1, and the second radiography apparatus 110-2 shown in Figure 7 is an additional radiography apparatus 110 to the radiography system 100-1 shown in Figure 1. In the radiography system 100-2 shown in Figure 7, the second radiography apparatus 110-2 is installed in a predetermined position on the standing stand K2.

[0072] Here, the schematic configurations of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 and the second radiography apparatus 110-2 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 7 are the same as the schematic configuration of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. Also, the schematic configuration of the control device 150 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 7 is the same as the schematic configuration of the control device 150 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0073] Figure 8 shows an example of a motion setting management table 800 that shows the relationship between the type of motion detected by the radiography apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment and the processing (control) of the apparatus itself and the interlocking processing (interlocking control) of other apparatuses when that motion is detected. Specifically, in the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8, "motion number," "motion definition," "processing (control)," and "interlocking processing (interlocking control)" are set in association. Specifically, the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8 has "interlocking processing (interlocking control)" for controlling the operation of other radiography apparatuses 110 added to the motion setting management table 400 shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8 is assumed to be stored and managed in the storage unit 320 of the control device 150, but for example, the radiography apparatus 110 may acquire it from the control device 150 and store it in the storage unit 220.

[0074] In "Motion Number: 1" in Figure 8, when the detection unit 250 of the radiography apparatus 110 detects one tap within the tap detection time, the device selects the imaging protocol stored in the control unit 150 and displayed on the display device 180 as its own processing (control).

[0075] In "Motion Number: 2" in Figure 8, when the detection unit 250 of the radiography apparatus 110 detects two taps within the tap detection time, the apparatus transitions to a state ready for imaging as part of its own processing (control). Furthermore, in "Motion Number: 2" in Figure 8, when two taps are detected within the tap detection time, the apparatus transitions to a standby state as part of the linked processing (linked control) of the radiography apparatus 110 of another apparatus via the control device 150.

[0076] In "Motion Number: 3" in Figure 8, when the detection unit 250 of the radiography apparatus 110 detects three taps within the tap detection time, the apparatus transitions to a standby state as part of its processing (control).

[0077] In "Motion Number 4" in Figure 8, when the detection unit 250 of the radiography apparatus 110 detects a change in posture within a range of 30±5° in terms of posture change time, the apparatus itself is powered ON as part of its processing (control). Furthermore, in "Motion Number 4" in Figure 8, when a change in posture within a range of 30±5° in terms of posture change time is detected, the apparatus is powered OFF as part of the linked processing (linked control) of the radiography apparatus 110 of another apparatus via the control device 150.

[0078] In "Motion Number: 5" in Figure 8, when the detection unit 250 of the radiography apparatus 110 detects a change in posture within the range of 90±5° in terms of posture change time, the apparatus itself is turned off as part of its processing (control).

[0079] In this embodiment, the tap detection time described in the "Motion Definition" of Figure 8 corresponds to the first predetermined time. Also, the posture change time described in the "Motion Definition" of Figure 8 corresponds to the second predetermined time.

[0080] In the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8, the types of motion detected by the detection unit 250 include different numbers of taps during the first predetermined time, which is the tap detection time (motion numbers: 1 to 3). In addition, the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8 also includes different angles of posture change during the second predetermined time, which is the posture change time (motion numbers: 4 to 5).

[0081] The control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 is configured as a control means that controls the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250, according to the settings of the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 controls the operation of its own device (and in some cases the operation of other devices) according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250, according to the settings of the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the display device 180 associates the type of motion given to the radiography apparatus 110 with the operation related to radiography (i.e., the contents of the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8 in this embodiment) and displays them on the display screen 182. This makes it possible for the radiographer S to operate the radiography apparatus 110 appropriately according to the progress.

[0083] The "Motion Number," "Motion Definition," "Processing (Control)," and "Interlocking Process (Interlocking Control)" in the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8 are editable by the control device 150. For example, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 can freely set the tap detection time, number of taps, posture change time, posture change angle, etc. in the "Motion Definition." Furthermore, for example, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 can also freely set the operation of the radiography device 110 in "Processing (Control)," and the operation of other radiography devices 110 in "Interlocking Process (Interlocking Control)." In this case, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 constitutes a setting means for setting the motion setting management table 800 shown in Figure 8 (i.e., the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250 of the radiography device 110).

[0084] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the control method for the radiography system 100 according to the second embodiment. Specifically, Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the control method for the radiography system 100-2, which includes the first radiography apparatus 110-1, the control device 150, and the second radiography apparatus 110-2 shown in Figure 7.

[0085] In Figure 9, steps S301, S302, and S303 show the processing steps when the first radiography apparatus 110-1 detects a predetermined motion. Also in Figure 9, steps S304, S305, and S306 show the processing steps when the second radiography apparatus 110-2 detects a predetermined motion.

[0086] First, we will explain the processing steps S301 to S303 in Figure 9, which are the steps taken when the first radiography device 110-1 detects a predetermined motion.

[0087] In step S301 of Figure 9, the detection unit 250 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 detects one of the motions defined in "Motion Definition" of Figure 8. Then, the control unit 210 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 performs the processing (control) of its own device as defined in "Processing (Control)" of Figure 8, according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250. For example, in step S301 of Figure 9, if the detection unit 250 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 detects a motion with motion number 2 in Figure 8, the control unit 210 of its own device transitions the state of its own device to the state of preparation for imaging as the processing (control) of its own device. Subsequently, the control unit 210 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 performs control to transmit the state of its own device and the contents of "Interlocking Processing (Interlocking Control)" of Figure 8 to the control device 150 via the communication unit 260.

[0088] Next, in step S302 of Figure 9, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 performs control to receive the status of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 and the contents of the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" in Figure 8 from the first radiography apparatus 110-1 via the communication unit 340. Then, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 updates the status information of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 based on the received status information of the first radiography apparatus 110-1. Furthermore, if the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" in Figure 8 that was received is set, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 performs control to transmit the contents of the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" to the second radiography apparatus 110-2 via the communication unit 340.

[0089] Next, in step S303 of Figure 9, the control unit 210 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 receives the contents of the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" in Figure 8 from the control device 150 via the communication unit 260. The control unit 210 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 then performs processing (control) based on the received contents of the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" in Figure 8. For example, if the control unit 210 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 receives the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" with motion number 2 in Figure 8, it transitions the state of its own device to a standby state. Subsequently, the control unit 210 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 transmits the state of its own device to the control device 150 via the communication unit 260. The control unit 310 of the control device 150 then updates the state information of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 based on the received state information of the second radiography apparatus 110-2.

[0090] Next, we will explain the processing steps S304 to S306 in Figure 9, which occur when the second radiography device 110-2 detects a predetermined motion.

[0091] In step S304 of Figure 9, the detection unit 250 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 detects one of the motions defined in "Motion Definition" in Figure 8. Then, the control unit 210 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 performs the processing (control) of its own device as defined in "Processing (Control)" in Figure 8, according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250. For example, in step S304 of Figure 9, if the detection unit 250 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 detects a motion with motion number 4 in Figure 8, the control unit 210 of its own device turns on the power of its own device as processing (control) of its own device. After that, the control unit 210 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 performs control to transmit the status of its own device and the contents of "Interlocking Processing (Interlocking Control)" in Figure 8 to the control device 150 via the communication unit 260.

[0092] Next, in step S305 of Figure 9, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 receives the status of the second radiography device 110-2 and the contents of the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" in Figure 8 from the second radiography device 110-2 via the communication unit 340. Then, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 updates the status information of the second radiography device 110-2 based on the received status information of the second radiography device 110-2. Furthermore, if the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" in Figure 8 that was received is set, the control unit 310 of the control device 150 performs control to transmit the contents of the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" to the first radiography device 110-1 via the communication unit 340.

[0093] Next, in step S306 of Figure 9, the control unit 210 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 receives the contents of the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" in Figure 8 from the control device 150 via the communication unit 260. The control unit 210 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 then performs processing (control) based on the received contents of the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" in Figure 8. For example, if the control unit 210 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 receives the "interlocking process (interlocking control)" with motion number 4 in Figure 8, it turns off the power to its own device. After that, the control unit 210 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 transmits the status of its own device to the control device 150 via the communication unit 260. The control unit 310 of the control device 150 then updates the status information of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 based on the received status information of the first radiography apparatus 110-1.

[0094] In the radiography system 100-2 according to the second embodiment, the control device 150 controls the operation of the second radiography device 110-2 according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250 of the first radiography device 110-1 (S301-303 in Figure 9). Also, in the radiography system 100-2 according to the second embodiment, the control device 150 controls the operation of the first radiography device 110-1 according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250 of the second radiography device 110-2 (S304-306 in Figure 9). With this configuration, for example, it is possible to control the operation of other radiography equipment 110 that is not being used for radiography, thereby enabling the construction of a radiography system 100-2 that reduces power consumption and wear and tear on the other radiography equipment 110.

[0095] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment below, matters common to the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted, and matters that differ from the first and second embodiments described above will be explained.

[0096] The schematic configuration of the radiography system according to the third embodiment is the same as the schematic configuration of the radiography system 100-2 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 7. The schematic configurations of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 and the second radiography apparatus 110-2 according to the third embodiment shown in Figure 7 are the same as the schematic configuration of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, the schematic configuration of the control device 150 according to the third embodiment shown in Figure 7 is the same as the schematic configuration of the control device 150 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0097] In the radiography system 100-2 according to the third embodiment, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 controls the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250 for each of the multiple imaging protocols in radiography.

[0098] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a motion setting management table 1000 that shows the relationship between the type of motion detected by the radiography apparatus 110 according to the third embodiment and the processing (control) of the apparatus itself and the linked processing (linked control) of other apparatuses when that motion is detected. In the motion setting management table 1000 shown in Figure 10, the "motion number," "motion definition," "processing (control)," and "linked processing (linked control)" are set for each of the multiple imaging protocols (imaging protocols 1 and 2 in Figure 10). In this embodiment, the motion setting management table 1000 shown in Figure 10 is assumed to be stored and managed in the storage unit 320 of the control device 150, but for example, the radiography apparatus 110 may acquire it from the control device 150 and store it in the storage unit 220. In addition, the radiography apparatus 110 acquires the imaging protocol information used for radiography from the control device 150.

[0099] Specifically, in the motion setting management table 1000 shown in Figure 10, imaging protocol 1 is an imaging protocol in which the radiographer S performs radiography with the radiography device 110 in a handheld (free) state. Also, in the motion setting management table 1000 shown in Figure 10, imaging protocol 2 is an imaging protocol in which radiography is performed with the radiography device 110 mounted on the standing stand K2. Below, we will explain the motion settings when imaging protocol 1 uses the first radiography device 110-1 and imaging protocol 2 uses the second radiography device 110-2.

[0100] In the imaging protocol 1 (free) shown in Figure 10, the first radiography apparatus 110-1 may come into contact with the subject H or the examination table when preparing for radiography. As a result, the aforementioned contact by the first radiography apparatus 110-1 may be detected as a tapping operation, potentially leading to unintended processing. Taking this into consideration, in this embodiment, the imaging protocol 1 (free) in Figure 10 does not set the detection of motion due to tapping operations as a "motion definition," but only the detection of motion due to changes in posture is set. With this setting, the imaging protocol 1 (free) can perform processing (control) of its own device and other devices based on the detection of motion due to changes in posture without causing malfunctions due to the detection of tapping operations.

[0101] In the imaging protocol 1 (free) in Figure 10, the "motion number" is "1-1", "1-2", "1-3", ... Specifically, in "motion number: 1-1" in Figure 10, when the detection unit 250 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 detects a change in posture within the range of 45±5° in posture change time, the apparatus itself transitions to the state of preparation for imaging as part of its own processing (control). Furthermore, in "motion number: 1-1" in Figure 10, when a change in posture within the range of 45±5° in posture change time is detected, the second radiography apparatus 110-2, via the control device 150, transitions to the standby state as part of its linked processing (linked control). Also, in "motion number: 1-2" in Figure 10, when the detection unit 250 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 detects a change in posture within the range of 90±5° in posture change time, the apparatus itself transitions to the standby state as part of its own processing (control). Furthermore, in "Motion Number: 1-3" in Figure 10, when the detection unit 250 of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 detects a change in posture within the range of 180±5° in terms of posture change time, the apparatus itself is powered ON as part of its processing (control). In addition, in "Motion Number: 1-3" in Figure 10, when a change in posture within the range of 180±5° in terms of posture change time is detected, the second radiography apparatus 110-2 is powered OFF as part of its interlocking processing (interlocking control) via the control device 150.

[0102] In the imaging protocol 2 (standing stand) shown in Figure 10, the second radiography device 110-2 is often used continuously while mounted on the standing stand K2. Taking this into consideration, in this embodiment, in the imaging protocol 2 (standing stand) shown in Figure 10, the "motion definition" does not include detection of motion due to changes in posture, but only detection of motion due to tapping.

[0103] In the imaging protocol 2 (standing stand) in Figure 10, the "motion numbers" are "2-1", "2-2", "2-3", "2-4", ... Specifically, in "motion number: 2-1" in Figure 10, when the detection unit 250 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 detects one tap within the tap detection time, the imaging protocol is selected as the processing (control) of the apparatus itself. The imaging protocol selected here is the imaging protocol stored in the control device 150 and displayed on the display device 180. Furthermore, in "motion number: 2-2" in Figure 10, when the detection unit 250 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 detects two taps within the tap detection time, the apparatus itself transitions to the imaging preparation state as the processing (control) of the apparatus itself. In addition, in "motion number: 2-2" in Figure 10, when two taps are detected within the tap detection time, the first radiography apparatus 110-1 is transitioned to the standby state as the interlocking processing (interlocking control) via the control device 150. Furthermore, in "Motion Number: 2-3" of Figure 10, when the detection unit 250 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 detects three taps within the tap detection time, the device itself transitions to a standby state as part of its own processing (control). Also, in "Motion Number: 2-4" of Figure 10, when the detection unit 250 of the second radiography apparatus 110-2 detects four taps within the tap detection time, the device itself turns on its power as part of its own processing (control). Moreover, in "Motion Number: 2-4" of Figure 10, when four taps are detected within the tap detection time, the power of the first radiography apparatus 110-1 is turned OFF as part of the interlocking processing (interlocking control) via the control device 150.

[0104] The control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the third embodiment controls the radiography operations of its own apparatus according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250 for each of the multiple imaging protocols ("Processing (Control)" in Figure 10). Furthermore, the control unit 210 of the radiography apparatus 110 according to the third embodiment controls the radiography operations of other apparatus according to the type of motion detected by the detection unit 250 for each of the multiple imaging protocols ("Interlocking Processing (Interlocking Control)" in Figure 10). With this configuration, the operation of the radiography apparatus 110 can be controlled for each of the multiple imaging protocols used in radiography. This makes it possible to construct a radiography system 100-2 that can control the operation of the radiography apparatus 110 by detecting motion suitable for various usage modes of the radiography apparatus 110.

[0105] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized 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 realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. This program and a computer-readable storage medium storing said program are included in the present invention.

[0106] The embodiments of the present invention described above are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented, and the technical scope of the invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or its main features.

[0107] This embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs. [Configuration 1] A radiography apparatus that detects incident radiation and performs radiographic imaging of a subject, A detection means for detecting motion applied to the radiography device, A control means for controlling the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection means, A radiography apparatus characterized by having the following features. [Configuration 2] The control means controls the operation of the radiography apparatus according to the type of motion. The radiography apparatus according to configuration 1, characterized by the above. [Configuration 3] The detection means detects, as the motion, at least the tapping operation applied to the radiography apparatus. A radiography apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above. [Structure 4] The type of motion includes a different number of taps in a first predetermined time. The radiography apparatus according to configuration 3, characterized by the above. [Composition 5] The detection means detects, as the motion, at least the movement of a change in posture applied to the radiography apparatus. A radiography apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized by the above. [Composition 6] The type of motion includes different angles of the change in posture during a second predetermined time. The radiography apparatus according to configuration 5, characterized by the features described herein. [Composition 7] The control means controls the operation related to the radiography for each of the multiple imaging protocols in the radiography, according to the type of motion. A radiography apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized by the above. [Structure 8] The detection means includes at least one sensor from among an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor as a sensor for detecting the motion. A radiography apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the above. [Composition 9] A radiography apparatus as described in any one of items 1 to 8, A control device for controlling the aforementioned radiography apparatus, A radiography system characterized by having the following features. [Configuration 10] The present invention further includes a display device that displays the type of motion and the operation related to radiography in association with each other. The radiography system according to configuration 9, characterized by the features described herein. [Composition 11] The system further includes other radiographic devices different from the aforementioned radiographic device, The control device controls the operation of the other radiography apparatus according to the type of motion detected by the detection means of the radiography apparatus. A radiography system according to configuration 9 or 10, characterized by the above. [Composition 12] The control device has setting means for setting operations related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection means of the radiography apparatus. A radiography system according to any one of the configurations 9 to 11, characterized in that it is a radiography system. [Method 1] A control method for a radiographic imaging apparatus that detects incident radiation and performs radiographic imaging of a subject, A detection step for detecting motion applied to the radiography device, A control step which controls the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected in the detection step, A method for controlling a radiography apparatus, characterized by having the following features. [Program 1] A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a radiographic apparatus described in any one of configurations 1 to 8. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 100: Radiography system, 110: Radiography device, 120: Radiation generator, 130: Exposure switch, 140: Synchronization control device, 150: Control device, 160: Access point, 170: Input device, 180: Display device, 181, 182: Display screen, 210, 310: Control unit, 220, 320: Memory unit, 230, 330: Input unit, 240: Radiation imaging unit, 250: Detection unit, 251: Sensor, 260, 340: Communication unit, 270, 350: Bus, H: Subject, K1: Imaging stand, K2: Standing stand, S: Photographer

Claims

1. A radiography apparatus that detects incident radiation and performs radiographic imaging of a subject, A detection means for detecting motion applied to the radiography device, A control means for controlling the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection means, A radiography apparatus characterized by having the following features.

2. The control means controls the operation of the radiography apparatus according to the type of motion. The radiography apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The detection means detects, as the motion, at least the tapping operation applied to the radiography apparatus. The radiography apparatus according to feature 1.

4. The type of motion includes a different number of taps in a first predetermined time. The radiography apparatus according to feature 3.

5. The detection means detects, as the motion, at least the movement of a change in posture applied to the radiography apparatus. The radiography apparatus according to feature 1.

6. The type of motion includes different angles of the change in posture during a second predetermined time. The radiography apparatus according to feature 5.

7. The control means controls the operation related to the radiography for each of the multiple imaging protocols in the radiography, according to the type of motion. The radiography apparatus according to feature 1.

8. The detection means includes at least one sensor from among an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor as a sensor for detecting the motion. The radiography apparatus according to feature 1.

9. A radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A control device for controlling the aforementioned radiography apparatus, A radiography system characterized by having the following features.

10. The present invention further includes a display device that displays the type of motion and the operation related to radiography in association with each other. The radiography system according to feature 9.

11. The system further includes other radiographic devices different from the aforementioned radiographic device, The control device controls the operation of the other radiography apparatus according to the type of motion detected by the detection means of the radiography apparatus. The radiography system according to feature 9.

12. The control device has setting means for setting operations related to radiography according to the type of motion detected by the detection means of the radiography apparatus. The radiography system according to feature 9.

13. A control method for a radiographic imaging apparatus that detects incident radiation and performs radiographic imaging of a subject, A detection step for detecting motion applied to the radiography device, A control step which controls the operation related to radiography according to the type of motion detected in the detection step, A method for controlling a radiography apparatus, characterized by having the following features.

14. A program for causing a computer to function as one of the means of a radiographic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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