Radiation imaging system and power supply control method

Abstract

To provide a radiographic system and a power feeding control method which are capable of enhancing the power feeding efficiency in multiple radiographic devices.SOLUTION: A radiographic system can be connected to at least three or more radiographic devices, and comprises: a power supply unit to supply the power to the radiographic devices; and a power feeding control unit which, in a state where the at least three or more radiographic devices are connected, controls the power fed to multiple radiographic devices of the at least three or more radiographic devices on the basis of the maximum power supplied by the power supply unit and the maximum power fed to the radiographic devices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation image capturing system and a power supply control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a radiographic imaging system that includes a plurality of radiographic imaging devices is known. Such a radiographic imaging device is, for example, a portable type such as a flat panel detector (FPD), and is configured to be able to receive power from a power supply unit or the like provided in the radiographic imaging system. When power is supplied to the radiographic imaging device, for example, a built-in battery is charged and a control unit is operated.

[0003] In a radiographic imaging system, if the battery charge of each radiographic imaging device is low, radiographic images cannot be captured promptly. Therefore, various techniques for controlling the power supply to each radiographic imaging device have been proposed to prevent a shortage of the battery charge of each radiographic imaging device.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which batteries whose stored charge amount is below a predetermined target value are charged with priority, and if a surplus in charging current occurs, the remaining batteries are also charged with the surplus.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration for supplying power to the batteries of some or all of a plurality of radiographic imaging devices in accordance with the relationship between the required power of each battery and the available power to be supplied. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-108898 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-120943 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the charging speed is slow in radiographic imaging devices for batteries other than the battery that is given priority for charging. Therefore, when radiographic images are taken continuously, there is a risk that the radiographic imaging device will not be able to charge in time, which could result in a shortage of battery storage capacity.

[0008] Furthermore, in a system in which the port to be powered is determined to be a specific port, the radiographic imaging device used for radiographic imaging must be connected to that port each time, making the system inconvenient for the user.

[0009] For the reasons described above, in conventional systems, there is a risk that the power supply efficiency in the multiple radiation image capturing devices may deteriorate.

[0010] Furthermore, in the configuration described in Patent Document 2, when the required power is greater than the available power, the batteries of some of the radiographic imaging devices are charged and the batteries of the other radiographic imaging devices are not charged. In other words, the configuration described in Patent Document 2, under certain conditions, may cause a delay in charging the batteries of the other radiographic imaging devices, so there is room for improvement as a system for supplying power to the batteries of multiple radiographic imaging devices.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a radiographic imaging system and a power supply control method that can improve the power supply efficiency in a plurality of radiographic imaging devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The radiation image capturing system according to the present invention comprises: A radiation image capturing system to which at least three or more radiation image capturing devices can be connected, a power supply unit for supplying power to the radiation image capturing apparatus; a power supply control unit that controls power supply to a plurality of the at least three or more radiographic image capturing devices based on a maximum supply power of the power supply unit and a maximum power supply to the at least three or more radiographic image capturing devices in a state in which the at least three or more radiographic image capturing devices are connected; a plurality of power supply ports connectable to the at least three or more radiation image capturing devices, respectively; Equipped with The power supply control unit determines a power supply number, which is the number of power supply ports to which the power supply unit supplies power, based on a maximum supply power of the power supply unit, and The number of the power supplies, choice A selection operation is performed to select Repeat stomach, The power supply control unit determines, as the number of power supplies, the number of the radiographic image capturing devices that can be simultaneously powered with the maximum power supply within a range of the maximum power supply of the power supply unit. .

[0013] The power supply control method according to the present invention comprises: A power supply control method for a radiation image capturing system having a plurality of power supply ports to which at least three or more radiation image capturing devices can be respectively connected, comprising: supplying power to the radiation image capturing device; when supplying the power, in a state in which the at least three or more radiographic imaging devices are connected, controlling power supply to a plurality of the at least three or more radiographic imaging devices based on a maximum supply power of a power supply unit and a maximum power supply to the at least three or more radiographic imaging devices; having The control of the power supply includes determining a number of power supplies, which is the number of power supply ports to which the power supply unit supplies power, based on a maximum supply power of the power supply unit, and The number of the power supplies, choice A selection operation is performed to select This includes repeatedly fruit, Controlling the power supply includes determining, as the number of power supplies, the number of the radiographic image capture devices that can be simultaneously powered with the maximum power supply within a range of the maximum power supply of the power supply unit. . Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the power supply efficiency in a plurality of radiation image capturing devices. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation image capturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the change in charging power over time when the battery is being charged. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the power supply control operation in the power supply control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a radiation image capturing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] 1, a radiographic image capturing system 100 according to the present embodiment is a mobile system such as a medical cart, and is configured to include a radiation irradiation device 1, a radiographic image capturing device 2, a console 3, a power supply unit 4, and a board 5. The radiographic image capturing system 100 is also connectable to a Radiology Information System (RIS), a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), and the like, which are not shown.

[0018] The radiation irradiation device 1 is connected to a console 3 via a board 5. The radiation irradiation device 1 is also configured to include a generator 11, an exposure switch 12, and a radiation source 13.

[0019] The generator 11 is configured to be able to apply a voltage to the radiation source 13 according to preset radiation exposure conditions (tube voltage, tube current, irradiation time, tube current time product (mAs value), etc.) based on the operation of the exposure switch 12.

[0020] The radiation source 13 (bulb) has a rotating anode, a filament, etc. (not shown). When a voltage is applied from the generator 11, the filament irradiates the rotating anode with an electron beam according to the applied voltage, and the rotating anode generates a dose of radiation (X-rays, etc.) according to the intensity of the electron beam.

[0021] The radiographic image capturing device 2 is a portable device such as a flat panel detector (FPD) and is connected to the console 3 via a board 5. The radiographic image capturing device 2 is configured to be capable of receiving radiation X from the radiation irradiating device 1 via a subject, thereby generating image data of a radiographic image of the subject.

[0022] At least three or more radiographic image capturing devices 2 are provided in the radiographic image capturing system 100. In the example shown in Fig. 1, four radiographic image capturing devices 2 are provided. One of these radiographic image capturing devices 2 is used for one radiographic image capture in the radiographic image capturing system 100.

[0023] The radiographic image capturing device 2 includes a control unit 21, a radiation detection unit 22, a readout unit 23, a communication unit 24, a storage unit 25, and a battery .

[0024] The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Upon receiving a control signal or the like from an external device such as the console 3, the CPU of the control unit 21 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 25 and loads them into the RAM, executes various processes according to the loaded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each unit in the radiographic image capturing device 2.

[0025] The control unit 21 is also connected to the power supply unit 4 via the substrate 5, and operates when power is supplied from the power supply unit 4.

[0026] The radiation detection unit 22 is configured by a substrate on which pixels, each of which has a radiation detection element that receives radiation X and generates an electric charge according to the dose, and a switching element, are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix).

[0027] The readout section 23 is configured to be able to read out the amount of charge discharged from each pixel as a signal value and generate image data from a plurality of signal values.

[0028] The communication unit 24 is configured to be able to receive (acquire) various control signals, various data, etc. from external devices, and transmit (output) various control signals, generated image signals, etc. to external devices.

[0029] The storage unit 25 is configured with a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the control unit 21 and parameters required for executing processes by the programs. The storage unit 25 is also capable of storing image data generated by the reading unit 23 and various data processed by the control unit 21.

[0030] When the radiographic imaging device 2 configured in this manner is exposed to radiation with the control unit 21 turning off each switch element of the radiation detection unit 22, charge corresponding to the radiation dose is accumulated in each pixel. When the control unit 21 turns on each switch element to release charge from each pixel, the readout unit 23 converts each charge amount into a signal value and reads it out as image data.

[0031] The radiographic image capturing device 2 may have a built-in scintillator or the like, and convert the irradiated radiation X into light of another wavelength, such as visible light, using the scintillator to generate electric charges according to the converted light, or may generate electric charges directly from the radiation X without going through a scintillator or the like.

[0032] The battery 26 is a battery built into the radiographic image capturing device 2 that stores power to be supplied to the radiation detection unit 22 and the like, and supplies power to each unit of the radiographic image capturing device 2 other than the control unit 21. The battery 26 is connected to the power source unit 4 via the board 5, for example, and is configured to be able to receive power from the power source unit 4 and store it.

[0033] The console 3 is provided in the radiation image capturing system 100, and is connected to the radiation irradiating device 1, the radiation image capturing device 2, etc. via a board 5. The console 3 is capable of setting the imaging conditions and the imaging target area of ​​the radiation irradiating device 1 and the radiation image capturing device 2 based on an imaging order from an external device (such as a RIS) or an operation by a user.

[0034] The console 3 includes an imaging control unit 31, a communication unit 32, a storage unit 33, a display unit , and an operation unit .

[0035] The imaging control unit 31 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU of the imaging control unit 31 reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 33 in response to the operation of the operation unit 35, expands the programs in the RAM, executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each unit of the console 3.

[0036] The communication unit 32 includes, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), and the like, and controls data transmission and reception between each device connected to the communication network.

[0037] The storage unit 33 is composed of a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc., and stores various programs executed by the imaging control unit 31 and parameters required for executing processes by the programs, etc. In addition, the storage unit 33 is capable of storing image data received from the radiation image capturing device 2 and image data processed by the imaging control unit 31 in association with supplementary information.

[0038] The display unit 34 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), and displays input instructions and data from the operation unit 35 according to instructions of a display signal input from the imaging control unit 31.

[0039] The operation unit 35 is configured with a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, etc., and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs instruction signals input by key operations on the keyboard or mouse operations to the imaging control unit 31. The operation unit 35 may also have a touch panel on the display screen of the display unit 34, and in this case, outputs instruction signals input via the touch panel to the imaging control unit 31.

[0040] The power supply unit 4 is a power supply unit mounted on the radiation image capturing system 100, and supplies power to the board 5 and to the control unit 21 and battery 26 of the radiation image capturing devices 2 connected to the board 5 (radiation image capturing system 100). The power supply unit 4 is configured to be able to supply power to the multiple radiation image capturing devices 2 via a DC / DC converter 53 provided on the board 5.

[0041] Furthermore, since the power supply unit 4 has a size corresponding to that of the mobile radiation image capturing system 100, the maximum supply power is smaller than the supply power of a commercial power source such as a general outlet.

[0042] The maximum supply power of the power supply unit 4 is the maximum amount of power that can be supplied by the power supply unit 4. The power supply unit 4 is appropriately selected taking into consideration the arrangement space in the radiographic imaging system 100 and the maximum power supply power of the radiographic imaging device 2.

[0043] The maximum supply power of the radiographic imaging device 2 is the maximum amount of power that can be supplied to one radiographic imaging device 2. The maximum supply power may be a value determined in the radiographic imaging device 2 and preset in the radiographic imaging system 100, or may be detectable from the radiographic imaging device 2 within the radiographic imaging system 100. The power supplied to the radiographic imaging device 2 includes, for example, power used to operate the control unit 21 and power used to charge the battery 26.

[0044] However, if the maximum charging power of the battery 26 is not secured to power the radiographic imaging device 2, the charging speed of the battery 26 will be slow, and the battery 26 will not be charged as expected, which may affect imaging in the radiographic imaging system 100.

[0045] Specifically, under the control of power supply control section 52 described later, battery 26 is charged so that the charging power gradually increases over time, for example as shown in Fig. 2. Then, after the charging power of battery 26 reaches a predetermined maximum value (maximum charging power) (time t1), the charging power of battery 26 is charged so that it gradually decreases over time until it is fully charged (time t2). The predetermined maximum value is appropriately determined depending on the type of battery 26, etc.

[0046] In addition, in this embodiment, the maximum supply power of the power supply unit 4 is, for example, greater than the sum of the maximum power supply of two radiographic image capturing devices 2 and less than the sum of the maximum power supply of three radiographic image capturing devices 2.

[0047] The board 5 is a circuit board for connecting the radiation irradiation device 1, the radiographic imaging device 2, the console 3, and the power supply unit 4, and for example, acquires a control signal from the console 3 or a control signal from the radiographic imaging device 2, and passes them to the device to be controlled. The board 5 also has, for example, a plurality of power supply ports 51 and a power supply control unit 52, and controls the power supply to the radiographic imaging device 2 by the power supply unit 4.

[0048] The multiple power supply ports 51 are ports for connecting the radiographic image capturing devices 2 connected to the power supply ports 51 to the power supply unit 4, and are configured to be connectable to each of the multiple radiographic image capturing devices 2. A switch unit 51A is provided in a signal line connecting each power supply port 51 to the power supply unit 4, for switching between a state in which power can be supplied to the power supply port 51 (power supply enabled state) and a state in which power cannot be supplied to the power supply port 51 (power supply disabled state).

[0049] The power supply control unit 52 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU of the power supply control unit 52 reads out various programs stored in a storage unit (not shown), loads them in the RAM, and executes various processes according to the loaded programs to perform the above-mentioned power supply control. The power supply control unit 52 controls power supply to the radiographic image capturing device 2 via each power supply port 51 by setting each switch unit 51A to either a power supply enabled state or a power supply disabled state.

[0050] When multiple radiographic imaging devices 2 are connected to the power supply unit 4, the power supply control unit 52 controls the power supply to multiple radiographic imaging devices 2 out of at least three or more radiographic imaging devices 2 based on the maximum supply power of the power supply unit 4 and the maximum power supply to the multiple radiographic imaging devices 2.

[0051] The power supply control unit 52 determines the number of power supply ports 51 (power supply number) to which the power supply unit 4 supplies power in accordance with the maximum supply power of the power supply unit 4. Specifically, the power supply control unit 52 determines the number of radiographic image capturing devices 2 that can be simultaneously powered at the maximum supply power within the range of the maximum supply power of the power supply unit 4 as the power supply number.

[0052] Here, if power is supplied to all of the radiographic imaging devices 2 connected to the four power supply ports 51 so that the respective power supplies are equal, each of the radiographic imaging devices 2 will be charged at a level that does not reach the maximum power supply.

[0053] Therefore, it takes longer for the battery 26 of each radiographic imaging device 2 to reach a fully charged state, and there is a risk that the amount of stored electricity in the battery 26 of the radiographic imaging device 2 used for capturing a radiographic image may be insufficient.

[0054] For example, as described above, it is assumed that the maximum supply power of the power supply unit 4 is greater than the sum of the maximum power supply of two radiographic image capturing devices 2 and less than the sum of the maximum power supply of three radiographic image capturing devices 2.

[0055] In this embodiment, in this case, since the two radiographic imaging devices 2 can be simultaneously operated at the maximum power supply within the range of the maximum power supply, the power supply control unit 52 determines the number of power supplies to be 2. Then, the power supply control unit 52 selects a power supply port 51 according to the number of power supplies.

[0056] An example of a method for selecting the power supply port 51 is to select each power supply port 51 in rotation according to a user setting or a setting of the radiation image capturing system 100. In other words, the power supply control unit 52 performs power supply control by prioritizing power supply among the multiple power supply ports 51 according to the setting.

[0057] For example, first, the power supply ports 51 associated with the first and second radiographic imaging devices 2 from the top in Fig. 1 are selected, and power is supplied to each of them. Then, the power supply ports 51 associated with the third and fourth radiographic imaging devices 2 from the top in Fig. 1 are selected, and power is supplied to each of them. Then, the power supply ports 51 associated with the first and second radiographic imaging devices 2 from the top in Fig. 1 are selected again. This selection of power supply ports 51 is repeated.

[0058] In this way, it is possible to perform desired charging control (power supply control) on the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 associated with the selected power supply port 51 within the range of the maximum power supply of the power supply unit 4.

[0059] As a result, the battery 26 becomes fully charged in the expected time, and therefore it is possible to prevent radiographic images from being captured when the amount of stored power in the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 is insufficient.

[0060] In particular, in a mobile radiographic imaging system 100 such as a medical cart, when radiographic images are captured in a hospital room at the destination, it is necessary to power the radiographic imaging device 2 while moving so as to prevent the battery 26 of the radiographic imaging device 2 from running out of power.

[0061] However, since the power supply unit 4 mounted on the mobile radiographic imaging system 100 has a size according to the system in which it is mounted, the maximum power supply is less than the amount of power that can be supplied from a commercial power source, etc. Therefore, in the case of a radiographic imaging system 100 mounted with a plurality of radiographic imaging devices 2, if the batteries 26 of each radiographic imaging device 2 are charged equally, there is a possibility that desired charging control cannot be performed.

[0062] In this embodiment, among a plurality of radiographic imaging devices 2, power supply ports 51 corresponding to two radiographic imaging devices 2 that can supply power within the range of the maximum power supply are selected, so that desired power supply control (charging control) can be performed for the two radiographic imaging devices 2 to which power is being supplied.

[0063] As a result, in the mobile radiographic imaging system 100, power supply during movement can be performed by the desired power supply control, so that it is possible to prevent a shortage of stored power in the battery 26 of the radiographic imaging device 2 when capturing a radiographic image in a hospital room at the destination.

[0064] In addition, the power supply control unit 52 may be configured to stop supplying power to power supply ports 51 other than the power supply port 51 connected to the radiation image capturing device 2 of the imaging target of the radiation image capturing system 100 when capturing a radiation image.

[0065] The multiple radiographic imaging devices 2 are connected to each other via a substrate 5. Here, for example, a load fluctuation may occur in the substrate 5, and noise due to the load fluctuation may occur. Then, when a radiographic image is captured, the radiographic imaging device 2, which is the subject of the capture, may be affected by the noise via the substrate 5.

[0066] A load fluctuation is, for example, a phenomenon in which a radiographic image capturing device 2 that is not the subject of imaging becomes detached from the power supply port 51 due to an external disturbance or the like while a radiographic image is being captured, causing a sudden change in the amount of power supplied to the power supply port 51.

[0067] In this case, by stopping the supply of power to the power supply ports 51 other than the power supply port 51 connected to the radiographic image capturing device 2 of the image capture target, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned noise, and ultimately to perform desired image capture in the radiographic image capturing device 2 of the image capture target. Note that, during image capture, at least the radiographic image capturing device 2 of the image capture target is selected as a power supply target, but power may be supplied to the radiographic image capturing device 2 that is not the image capture target during image capture. Also, the radiographic image capturing device 2 that is not the image capture target is selected, for example, in rotation.

[0068] The power supply control unit 52 may also be configured to output a first notification command for notifying the power supply port 51 to which power is being supplied from the power supply unit 4. The first notification command is output to, for example, the display unit 34 of the console 3. The display unit 34 corresponds to the "first notification unit" of the present invention.

[0069] This allows the user to quickly check which power supply port 51 is associated with the radiographic image capturing device 2 that is in a power supply state.

[0070] The power supply control unit 52 may also be configured to output a second notification command to notify the amount of power stored in the battery 26 of the radiographic imaging device 2 connected to the power supply port 51 to which power is supplied from the power supply unit 4. The second notification command is output to, for example, the display unit 34 of the console 3. The display unit 34 corresponds to the "second notification unit" of the present invention.

[0071] This allows the user to quickly grasp the amount of charge stored in the battery 26 of the radiographic imaging device 2 that is in a powered state, making it easier to capture radiographic images using a radiographic imaging device 2 that is fully charged or close to being fully charged.

[0072] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 52 may detect the power supply port 51 to which the radiographic imaging device 2 is connected among the multiple power supply ports 51, and determine the detected power supply port 51 as the power supply target. Whether the radiographic imaging device 2 is connected to the power supply port 51 can be detected by a known method.

[0073] The power supply port 51 is exposed to the outside so that the radiographic imaging device 2 can be connected, but if the radiographic imaging device 2 is not connected, there is a possibility that a foreign object may get into the power supply port 51. Therefore, when power is supplied to the power supply port 51, the operation of the radiographic imaging system 100 may be affected by the foreign object.

[0074] Therefore, by setting the power supply port to which the radiographic image capturing device 2 is connected as the power supply target, it is possible to prevent influence on the operation of the radiographic image capturing system 100 caused by a foreign object.

[0075] A description will be given of an operation example of power supply control in the power supply control unit 52 configured as above. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation example of power supply control in the power supply control unit 52. The process in Fig. 3 is appropriately executed when the power supply of the radiation image capturing system 100 is turned on, for example.

[0076] 3, the power supply control unit 52 determines the number of power supply ports 51 to which the power supply unit 4 supplies power (the number of power supplies) (step S101), and selects the power supply ports in rotation according to the number of power supplies (step S102). Then, the power supply control unit 52 supplies power to the selected power supply ports 51 (step S103).

[0077] Next, the power supply control unit 52 judges whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed since the power supply time (step S104). The certain period of time may be, for example, when a certain set period of time has elapsed since the power supply time or when the battery 26 has reached a fully charged state. Note that the certain period of time may be determined to have elapsed since the power supply time based on other judgment conditions.

[0078] As a result of the determination, if the fixed time of power supply has not elapsed (step S104, NO) and the power supply of the radiation image capturing system 100 is off (step S105, YES), this control ends. On the other hand, if the fixed time of power supply has not elapsed (step S104, NO) and the power supply of the radiation image capturing system 100 has not been turned off (step S105, NO), the process returns to step S104.

[0079] Returning to the judgment of step S104, if the fixed time of power supply has elapsed (step S104, YES) and the power supply of the radiographic imaging system 100 is off (step S106, NO), the process returns to step S102. On the other hand, if the fixed time of power supply has elapsed (step S104, YES) and the power supply of the radiographic imaging system 100 is off (step S106, YES), this control ends. Note that, after the end of this control, if radiographic imaging is started or if charging of the battery 26 is required, this control may be started from step S102.

[0080] According to the present embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to perform desired power supply control to supply power to the radiographic image capturing device 2 in the radiographic image capturing system 100. For example, in a mobile radiographic image capturing system 100, it is possible to perform desired power supply control to supply power to the radiographic image capturing device 2 while the system is moving. As a result, it is possible to prevent the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 from running out of charge when capturing a radiographic image.

[0081] Furthermore, in a state where four radiographic imaging devices 2 are connected, for example, two of the four radiographic imaging devices 2 are selected and power is supplied to them, so that it is possible to automatically supply power to each radiographic imaging device 2. This eliminates the need to connect a radiographic imaging device 2 to a power supply port each time, as is the case with a system in which the ports capable of supplying power to a specific port are limited.

[0082] That is, in this embodiment, the power supply efficiency of the multiple radiographic image capturing devices 2 can be improved.

[0083] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 52 determines the number of power supply ports 51 to which the power supply unit 4 supplies power in accordance with the maximum supply power of the power supply unit 4, so that it is possible to perform desired charging control (power supply control) on the battery 26 of the radiographic imaging device 2 associated with the selected power supply port 51 within the range of the maximum supply power of the power supply unit 4.

[0084] As a result, the battery 26 becomes fully charged in the expected time, and therefore it is possible to prevent radiographic images from being captured when the amount of stored power in the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 is insufficient.

[0085] In the above embodiment, two power supply ports 51 to which power is supplied are selected from the multiple power supply ports 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power supply control unit 52 may adjust the amount of power supply to each power supply port 51 based on the relationship between the amount of stored power in the battery 26 of each radiographic image capturing device 2 and the maximum supply power.

[0086] For example, the power supply control unit 52 initially charges all of the batteries 26 of the four radiographic imaging devices 2, and as the sum of the amounts of power supplied to each battery 26 approaches the maximum supply power, the number of power supply ports 51 to which the power supply unit 4 supplies power is reduced to the number of power supplies as described above.

[0087] 2, the charging power to the battery 26 increases over time toward the maximum power supply (a predetermined maximum value). Therefore, the power supply control unit 52 initially charges all the batteries 26, and then controls the number of power supply ports 51 supplying power to be gradually reduced, such as to three, two, and so on, as the sum of the respective supply powers approaches the maximum power supply.

[0088] In this way, the maximum power supply amount will ultimately be supplied to two radiographic imaging devices 2, and the remaining radiographic imaging device 2 will also be slightly charged, thereby improving the overall power supply efficiency.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the power supply ports 51 are selected in rotation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power supply control unit 52 may select a power supply port 51 to be used for power supply with priority from among the multiple power supply ports 51 according to the usage status of each power supply port 51.

[0090] For example, a power supply port 51 to which a frequently used radiographic imaging device 2 is connected is set to have a high priority, and a power supply port 51 to which a less frequently used radiographic imaging device 2 is connected is set to have a low priority, and the power supply port 51 is selected according to the priority to perform power supply control.

[0091] This increases the frequency of power supply to the power supply port 51 of the radiographic imaging device 2 in which the stored power of the battery 26 is likely to become insufficient, thereby preventing the occurrence of a shortage of stored power in the battery 26 of the radiographic imaging device 2.

[0092] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 52 may select the power supply port 51 to supply power depending on the amount of power stored in the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2.

[0093] In other words, the power supply control unit 52 selects the power supply port 51 associated with the radiographic image capturing device 2 having the least amount of stored power in the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2, and supplies power to that power supply port 51.

[0094] In this way, power is supplied to the radiographic image capturing device 2 with a low amount of stored power in the battery 26, thereby preventing the presence of a radiographic image capturing device 2 with an insufficient amount of stored power in the battery 26 when using the radiographic image capturing system 100.

[0095] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 52 may select the power supply port 51 to supply power in accordance with a user's setting that matches the user's usage environment.

[0096] This allows the power supply port 51 to be selected according to the user's usage environment, which contributes to improved operability.

[0097] In the above embodiment, the power supply control unit 52 controls the power supply by prioritizing the power supply among the multiple power supply ports 51 according to the settings, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0098] For example, the power supply control unit 52 may control power supply by prioritizing power supply among the multiple power supply ports 51 according to the operation state of the radiographic image capturing devices 2. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 supplies power preferentially to a radiographic image capturing device 2 that is turned on among the multiple radiographic image capturing devices 2, for example.

[0099] This makes it possible to prevent a shortage of the charged amount of the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 that is likely to be used for capturing a radiographic image from occurring. Also, power can be supplied to the control unit 21 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 used for capturing a radiographic image.

[0100] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 52 may control power supply by prioritizing power supply among the multiple power supply ports 51 based on an imaging order in the radiographic imaging system 100. In this case, for example, since the radiographic imaging device 2 to be used for imaging is known in advance in the imaging order, the power supply control unit 52 selects the power supply port 51 and supplies power so that the stored power of the battery 26 of the radiographic imaging device 2 does not become insufficient during imaging.

[0101] As a result, the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 is reliably charged when used to capture a radiographic image, making it possible to prevent the battery 26 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 from running out of charge during capture. Also, power can be reliably supplied to the control unit 21 of the radiographic image capturing device 2 used to capture a radiographic image.

[0102] In addition, in the above embodiment, the power supply control unit 52 is provided on the board 5, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the power supply control unit may be provided separately from the board 5, such as in the console 3.

[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the number of power supply ports is determined to be two, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number may be determined to be three or more.

[0104] In the above embodiment, power is supplied to the radiographic imaging device 2 by allowing the power to reach the maximum supply power of the radiographic imaging device 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, power may be supplied to the radiographic imaging device 2 without reaching the maximum supply power, as long as the power is at a level that does not affect the total charging time.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, four radiographic image capturing devices can be connected, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least three radiographic image capturing devices can be connected.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the radiation image capturing system 100 is a mobile system, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a system provided in a capturing room.

[0107] In the above embodiment, no particular upper limit is set on the number of power supply ports 51 that can supply power, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an upper limit may be set. In this case, the power supply control unit 52 determines the number of power supply ports to which power is supplied within the range of the upper limit of the number of power supply ports 51 that can supply power.

[0108] In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by them. In other words, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the gist or main characteristics of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 Radiation irradiation device 2. Radiography equipment 3 Console 4 Power supply section 5 Substrate 11. Generator 12 Exposure switch 13 Radiation source 21 Control section 22 Radiation detection unit 23 Reading part 24 Communications Department 25 Memory section 26 Battery 31 Shooting control section 32 Communications Department 33 Storage section 34 Display section 35 Control section 51 Power supply port 51A Switch section 52 Power supply control section 53 DC / DC converter 100 Radiation imaging system

Claims

1. A radiation image capturing system to which at least three or more radiation image capturing devices can be connected, a power supply unit for supplying power to the radiation image capturing apparatus; a power supply control unit that controls power supply to a plurality of the at least three or more radiographic image capturing devices based on a maximum supply power of the power supply unit and a maximum power supply to the at least three or more radiographic image capturing devices in a state in which the at least three or more radiographic image capturing devices are connected; a plurality of power supply ports connectable to the at least three or more radiation image capturing devices, respectively; Equipped with the power supply control unit determines a power supply number, which is the number of power supply ports to which the power supply unit supplies power, based on a maximum supply power of the power supply unit, and performs a selection operation to select the power supply ports to which the power supply unit supplies power, the number of power supplies being the number of power supplies, and repeats the selection operation; the power supply control unit determines, as the number of power supplies, the number of the radiographic image capture devices that can be simultaneously powered with the maximum power supply within a range of the maximum power supply of the power supply unit. Radiography imaging system.

2. The radiation image capturing system is a mobile system. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 1 .

3. the power supply control unit adjusts the amount of power supplied to each power supply port based on a relationship between the amount of power stored in the batteries of the at least three or more radiation image capture devices and the maximum supply power, and controls the number of power supply ports supplied by the power supply unit.

3. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 1.

4. the power supply control unit supplies power to all of the power supply ports of the radiographic imaging system, the number of power supply ports being greater than the number of power supplies at the start of the power supply, and as a sum of the amounts of stored power in the batteries of the at least three or more radiographic imaging devices approaches the maximum supply power, the number of power supply ports to which the power supply unit supplies power is reduced to the number of power supplies. The radiation image capturing system according to claim 3 .

5. the power supply control unit supplies power to a power supply port connected to a radiation image capturing device of an imaging target of the radiation image capturing system during imaging of a radiation image, and stops power supply to power supply ports other than the power supply port. The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the power supply control unit, in the selection operation, selects, from the plurality of power supply ports, power supply ports that are to be preferentially supplied with power in accordance with a usage status of each power supply port, the number of power supply ports being equal to the number of power supplies. The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The power supply control unit is detecting a power supply port to which the radiographic imaging device is connected among the plurality of power supply ports; In the selection operation, a number of power supply ports equal to the number of power supplies are selected from the detected power supply ports to supply power. The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. the power supply control unit, in the selection operation, selects a number of power supply ports equal to the number of power supplies according to a power storage amount of a battery of the radiation image capture device. The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The power supply control unit performs control in the selection operation so as to assign a priority order to the power supply among the plurality of power supply ports according to a setting, and to select a number of power supply ports equal to the number of power supplies to supply power. The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The power supply control unit controls, in the selection operation, to assign a priority order to the power supply among the plurality of power supply ports according to an operation state of the radiographic image capturing device, and to select a number of power supply ports equal to the number of power supplies to supply power. The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The power supply control unit controls, in the selection operation, to select a number of power supply ports equal to the number of power supplies by prioritizing power supply among the plurality of power supply ports based on an imaging order in the radiation image imaging system. The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. a first notification unit that notifies a power supply port to which power is being supplied from the power supply unit; The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. a second notification unit configured to notify a charge level of a battery of a radiographic imaging device connected to a power supply port to which power is supplied from the power supply unit; The radiation image capturing system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A power supply control method for a radiation image capturing system having a plurality of power supply ports to which at least three or more radiation image capturing devices can be respectively connected, comprising: supplying power to the radiation image capturing device; when supplying the power, in a state in which the at least three or more radiographic imaging devices are connected, controlling power supply to a plurality of the at least three or more radiographic imaging devices based on a maximum supply power of a power supply unit and a maximum power supply to the at least three or more radiographic imaging devices; having Controlling the power supply includes determining a number of power supplies, which is the number of power supply ports to which the power supply unit supplies power, based on a maximum supply power of the power supply unit, performing a selection operation of selecting the number of power supplies, the number of power supply ports to which the power supply unit supplies power, and repeatedly performing the selection operation; and controlling the power supply includes determining, as the number of power supplies, the number of the radiographic imaging devices that can be simultaneously powered with the maximum power supply power within a range of the maximum power supply power of the power supply unit. Power supply control method.

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