Mobile radiography equipment

Abstract

To provide a movable type radiographic apparatus which can perform relatively stable wireless communication even when the apparatus moves with the travel of a carriage and an arm rotates.SOLUTION: A movable type radiographic apparatus comprises: a radiation source; a radiation image detector which detects a radiation image of a subject by receiving the radiation emitted from the radiation source and passing through a subject; an arm which holds the radiation source and the radiation image detector; a body part to which the arm is rotatably attached; a carriage on which the body part is mounted; and an antenna which radiates a radio wave for wireless communication with an external device, is provided at a spot where the radiation direction of the radio wave does not change even when the arm rotates and can change the radiation direction of the radio wave.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a mobile radiography apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In the medical field, a radiographic imaging device that captures a radiographic image of a subject is known (see Patent Document 1). The radiographic imaging device described in Patent Document 1 includes a portable radiographic image detector and a console that displays a radiographic image detected by the radiographic image detector. The radiographic image detector is also provided with an antenna for wirelessly transmitting the radiographic image to the console. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2006 / 101231 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Among radiation imaging devices, there is a mobile radiation imaging device used, for example, for capturing video during surgery. Such a mobile radiation imaging device includes an arm that holds a radiation source that generates radiation and a radiation image detection unit, a main body to which the arm is rotatably attached, and a dolly on which the main body is mounted. The arm has, for example, a so-called C-arm that is C-shaped, and a radiation source and a radiation image detection unit are provided at both ends of the C-arm, respectively.

[0005] It has been considered to provide such a mobile radiography device having a rotatable arm with an antenna for wirelessly transmitting a radiographic image to an external device. The antenna is preferably provided in a position where radio waves emitted toward the external device with which the antenna is to communicate are not easily blocked. Since the upper end of the arm that holds the radiation source and the radiographic image detection unit is located at a relatively high position, it is conceivable to provide the antenna at the upper end of the arm. However, in this position, the relative positions of the external device and the antenna change due to the rotation of the arm, making it difficult to achieve stable communication.

[0006] In addition, since the mobile radiography device moves by moving the dolly, simply fixing the antenna to a location other than the arm is not sufficient to accommodate changes in the relative positions of the external device and the antenna when the dolly moves, and this also makes it difficult to achieve stable communication.

[0007] Patent Document 1 describes providing an antenna on a portable radiation image detector, but does not disclose or suggest providing an antenna on a mobile radiation imaging device or the problems associated with providing an antenna on a mobile radiation imaging device.

[0008] The technique disclosed herein provides a mobile radiography device that is capable of relatively stable wireless communication even when the device moves due to the travel of a dolly or when the arm rotates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The mobile radiography device according to the disclosed technique includes a radiation source, a radiographic image detection unit that detects a radiographic image of a subject by receiving radiation that is irradiated from the radiation source and passes through the subject, an arm that holds the radiation source and the radiographic image detection unit, a main body to which the arm is rotatably attached, a cart on which the main body is mounted, and an antenna that emits radio waves for wireless communication with an external device, the antenna being located at a position where the radiation direction of the radio waves does not change even when the arm is rotated, and the antenna being capable of changing the radiation direction of the radio waves.

[0010] The radio wave frequency band may be the 60 GHz band.

[0011] The arm may be a C-arm having a C-shape when viewed from the side.

[0012] The antenna may be provided on the upper surface side of the main body.

[0013] The arm may be rotatably supported by a support part that is arranged on the upper side of the main body and that is movable up and down relative to the main body, and the antenna may be provided on the support part.

[0014] The radiation direction in which the antenna radiates radio waves is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction, and if the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction is α, α may satisfy the following conditional expression (1). 0°<α<90° Condition (1)

[0015] The tilt angle may be fixed at an angle at which radio waves are not blocked by the arm.

[0016] The antenna may have a variable tilt angle.

[0017] The antenna may be attached to an antenna pole extending upward from the upper surface side of the main body.

[0018] The top of the antenna may be less than the highest reachable position of one end of the arm.

[0019] The antenna may be rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0020] When a position where the arm is positioned in the direction of radiation of radio waves from the antenna is taken as a reference position, the rotation angle range of the antenna may be within a range of ±90° with respect to the reference position.

[0021] A console monitor is provided for use in operation, and the antenna may be displaceable within a range that does not physically interfere with the console monitor.

[0022] A locking mechanism for fixing the orientation of the antenna may be provided.

[0023] The antenna may be provided with an orientation adjustment mechanism that adjusts the orientation of the antenna based on a change in the relative position with respect to the external device.

[0024] The orientation adjustment mechanism may include a sensor that detects rotation of the main body about an axis extending in the vertical direction, and an actuator that rotates the antenna in a direction opposite to that of the main body.

[0025] The orientation adjustment mechanism may include a position sensor that detects the position of the external device, and an actuator that causes the orientation of the antenna to follow the position of the external device detected by the position sensor.

[0026] In addition to the wireless communication section using an antenna, a wired communication section using a cable may be provided.

[0027] The wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication using an antenna may be a wireless communication unit that complies with the Wireless HDMI (registered trademark) standard and uses radio waves in the 60 GHz frequency band.

[0028] The external device may be a mobile monitor device that has a dolly and can be moved by running the dolly. Effect of the Invention

[0029] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a mobile radiography device that is capable of relatively stable wireless communication even when the device moves due to the running of a dolly or when the arm rotates. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall perspective view showing a mobile radiation imaging system; [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a side view of the mobile radiography apparatus. [Diagram 3] 11 is a side view of the mobile radiation imaging device when the arm is rotated about its axis. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a side view of the mobile radiation imaging device when the arm is rotated orbitally. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a side view of the mobile radiation imaging device when the arm is raised. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the rotation range of the antenna. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a locking mechanism for the antenna. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the antenna of the mobile monitoring device. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the mobile monitor device. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram relating to communication in the mobile radiography system. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between a mobile radiation imaging device and a mobile monitor device. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the mobile radiation imaging device and the mobile monitor device. FIG. [Figure 14] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the tilt angle of the antenna is changed. [Figure 15] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of raising and lowering an antenna. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a first example of a direction adjustment mechanism. [Figure 17] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the orientation adjustment mechanism of the first example. [Figure 18] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a direction adjustment mechanism of a second example. [Figure 19] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the orientation adjustment mechanism of the second example. [Figure 20] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a direction adjustment mechanism according to a third example. [Figure 21] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the orientation adjustment mechanism of the third example. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection state of a connection cable when wireless communication is performed. [Diagram 23] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an arrangement of repeaters. [Figure 24] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection state of a connection cable when performing wired communication. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] "First embodiment" A mobile radiography system (hereinafter simply referred to as a radiography system) 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the radiography system 10 includes a mobile radiography device (hereinafter simply referred to as a radiography device) 11 and a mobile monitor device (hereinafter simply referred to as a monitor device) 12. In the drawings, the arrow X indicates the front-rear direction of the radiography device 11, the arrow Y indicates the width direction of the radiography device 11, and the arrow Z indicates the vertical direction, that is, the up-down direction.

[0032] The radiation imaging device 11 is a device that captures a radiation image of the subject H. The radiation imaging device 11 is capable of, for example, capturing moving images and still images of the subject H. Moving image capture is performed, for example, when a treatment target area of ​​the subject H is displayed as a moving image during surgery (also called fluoroscopic imaging). The monitor device 12 is an example of an external device that can communicate with the radiation imaging device 11, and is capable of displaying moving or still radiation images captured by the radiation imaging device 11.

[0033] Since both the radiation imaging device 11 and the monitor device 12 are mobile, their installation locations can be moved individually and their orientations can be changed. When either the radiation imaging device 11 or the monitor device 12 moves, the relative positional relationship between them changes.

[0034] The radiation imaging device 11 includes a radiation source 21, a radiation image detection unit 22, an arm 23, a main body 24, a dolly 26, and an antenna 27. The monitor device 12 includes a monitor 51, an antenna 52, a monitor support 53, and a dolly 54. The antenna 27 and the antenna 52 are used to wirelessly transmit a radiation image from the radiation imaging device 11 to the monitor device 12. The monitor device 12 includes the dolly 54, and can be moved by the movement of the dolly 54. The dolly 54 includes casters 54A, and moves by the rotation of the casters 54A.

[0035] 1 and 2, arm 23 is, for example, a C-arm that has a C-shape when viewed from the side. More precisely, the C-arm is an arm that has at least a portion of an arc shape so as to enable orbital rotation, which will be described later. Arm 23 is displaceably attached to main body 24. In the following, the side where arm 23 is provided is referred to as the front of radiation imaging apparatus 11, and the side where main body 24 is provided is referred to as the rear of radiation imaging apparatus 11.

[0036] The arm 23 has two ends, and the radiation source 21 is provided at one end of the arm 23, and the radiological image detection unit 22 is provided at the other end. The arm 23 is capable of holding the radiation source 21 and the radiological image detection unit 22 in an opposing position. A gap is provided between the radiation source 21 and the radiological image detection unit 22 such that the subject H and the bed S on which the subject H lies on his / her back can be inserted. Note that hereinafter, in a side view of the arm 23 (see FIG. 2), the direction in which the radiation source 21 and the radiological image detection unit 22 are provided relative to the arm 23 may be referred to as the front of the arm 23, and the side of the main body unit 24 may be referred to as the rear of the arm 23.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 2, in the radiography device 11, the radiation source 21 includes a radiation tube 21A that generates radiation, and an irradiation field limiter (also called a collimator) 21B that narrows the irradiation field of the radiation. The radiation is, for example, X-rays. The radiation tube 21A generates radiation X by causing electrons generated from a cathode to collide with an anode. The position at which the electrons collide on the anode becomes a focal point F where the radiation X is generated.

[0038] The radiological image detection section 22 detects a radiological image of the subject H by receiving radiation X that has been irradiated from the radiation source 21 and transmitted through the subject H. The radiological image detection section 22 includes a detection panel 22A and a case 22B that houses the detection panel 22A. The case 22B is removable from, for example, the arm 23. The detection panel 22A can be removed from the case 22B, and it is also possible to change, for example, the type or size of the detection panel 22A housed in the case 22B.

[0039] The detection panel 22A is, for example, a flat panel detector (FPD) of a digital radiography (DR) type. The FPD has a detection surface on which a plurality of pixels are two-dimensionally arranged, and a thin film transistor (TFT) panel (not shown) for driving the pixels. The detection panel 22A converts incident radiation into an electric signal, and outputs a radiographic image showing the subject H based on the converted electric signal. For example, an indirect conversion type is used as the detection panel 22A, which converts radiation into visible light by a scintillator, and converts the converted visible light into an electric signal. The detection panel 22A may be of a direct conversion type, which directly converts radiation into an electric signal. In addition, the radiation image detection unit 22 may have a configuration other than that of using an FPD as the detection panel 22A, and for example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which an image intensifier (II) and a camera are combined.

[0040] A connecting portion 28 arranged on the main body portion 24 side is attached to the arc-shaped portion of the arm 23. The connecting portion 28 is attached to a supporting portion 29. The supporting portion 29 is then attached to the main body portion 24. In this manner, the arm 23 is indirectly attached to the main body portion 24 via the connecting portion 28 and the supporting portion 29.

[0041] The arm 23 can be rotated by manual operation of an operator OP such as a surgeon. A handle 23A is provided along the C-shaped outer shape on the side of the arm 23. The handle 23A is used, for example, when rotating the arm 23.

[0042] Regarding the rotation of the arm 23, first, the arm 23 is capable of axial rotation, which is rotation around an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the main body 24 (an axis extending in the X direction in FIG. 2). The support part 29 extends in the front-rear direction of the main body 24, and rotatably houses therein a rotation shaft (not shown) for the arm 23 to rotate about its axis. The connection part 28 disposed in front of the support part 29 is fixed to the rotation shaft, and rotates about the axis together with the arm 23. The rotation shaft rotates inside the support part 29, but the housing of the support part 29 that houses the rotation shaft does not rotate about the axis itself.

[0043] This axial rotation can invert the vertical positions of the radiation source 21 and the radiological image detection unit 22 provided at both ends of the arm 23 with respect to the subject H. That is, the posture of the arm 23 can be changed to one in which the radiation source 21 is disposed below the radiological image detection unit 22, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, or conversely, to one in which the radiation source 21 is disposed above the radiological image detection unit 22, as shown in Figure 3.

[0044] 1 and 2 is called an under-tube position or the like because the radiation tube 21A (see FIG. 2) included in the radiation source 21 is positioned below the subject H. On the other hand, the position of the arm 23 shown in FIG. 3 is called an over-tube position or the like because the radiation tube 21A is positioned above the subject H.

[0045] In the overtube position shown in FIG. 3, the radiation image detection unit 22 is closer to the position of the bed S compared to the undertube position, and the distance between the radiation source 21 and the subject H can be made wider. This makes it possible to image a relatively wide area. For this reason, the overtube position is often used mainly for capturing still images of the subject H. On the other hand, in the undertube position, the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 21 is partially shielded by the bed S or the like, so that the amount of exposure of the operator OP and the like around the subject H (see FIG. 1) can be reduced. For this reason, the undertube position is often used for video imaging in which radiation is continuously irradiated.

[0046] 4, the arm 23 is capable of orbital rotation. The orbital rotation is rotation about a virtual axis extending in the Y direction, with the outer shape of the arc-shaped arm 23 as the orbit. The arm 23 is attached to the connection part 28 in a state in which it can rotate orbitally.

[0047] Thus, the rotation of arm 23 includes two types of rotation: axial rotation and orbital rotation. Support part 29 rotatably supports arm 23. Since support part 29 is attached to main body part 24, arm 23 is indirectly rotatably attached to main body part 24 via support part 29.

[0048] Further, radiation source 21 is attached to arm 23 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the Y direction. The center of rotation of radiation source 21 is focal point F of radiation tube 21A. As shown in Fig. 4, by orbital rotation of arm 23 and rotation of radiation source 21 relative to arm 23, it becomes possible to dispose, for example, a portable radiation image detector (so-called electronic cassette) 31 separate from radiation image detection unit 22 opposite radiation source 21. This makes it possible to perform imaging using a combination of radiation image detector 31 and radiation source 21 instead of radiation image detection unit 22.

[0049] 5, the support part 29 is attached to the main body part 24 so as to be movable up and down. The arm 23 can be raised and lowered by raising and lowering the support part 29. The support part 29 is disposed on the upper side of the main body part 24 as shown in FIG. 1 (see also FIG. 6).

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body 24 of the radiation imaging device 11 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction. The rear of the main body 24 forms an inclined surface, and the width of the main body 24 in the front-rear direction increases from the top to the bottom. The main body 24 is mounted on a dolly 26. The dolly 26 has a plurality of casters 26A and can run on a floor surface 30. In addition, at least a part of the casters 26A is a swiveling steering wheel. Since the dolly 26 has a steering wheel, the direction in which the dolly 26 moves can be easily changed.

[0051] A handle 36 is provided on the upper part of the main body 24. The handle 36 is held by an operator OP and is used when moving the radiation imaging apparatus 11. The handle 36 is, for example, pipe-shaped, and is provided so as to surround the sides and rear of the main body 24.

[0052] An exposure switch 39 for starting radiation imaging is provided on the back surface of the main body 24. An instruction to start radiation irradiation is input by operating the exposure switch 39. The exposure switch 39 is attached to the main body 24 via, for example, an elastic cable, and the exposure switch 39 can be operated from a position away from the main body 24 by stretching the elastic cable.

[0053] Furthermore, a recess for accommodating support part 29 is formed in the center of upper surface 24A of main body part 24 in the width direction (i.e., Y direction). Support part 29 has a rectangular cylindrical shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction, and upper surface 24A is approximately flat, similar to upper surface 24A of main body part 24. When support part 29 is accommodated in the recess of main body part 24, upper surface 24A of main body part 24 and upper surface 29A of support part 29 are approximately at the same height.

[0054] A console monitor 37 is provided on the upper surface 29A of the support portion 29. The console monitor 37 is an example of a console monitor used for operation. The display screen of the console monitor 37 displays an operation screen for setting the radiation imaging device 11, and can also display radiation images captured by the radiation imaging device 11. The settings of the radiation imaging device 11 include, for example, irradiation conditions such as the tube voltage and tube current of the radiation tube 21A and the irradiation time of radiation. In the case of moving image capture, basically, the irradiation time is not set, and after an instruction to start moving image capture is given, moving image capture continues until an instruction to end it is input.

[0055] The console monitor 37 is attached to the upper surface 29A of the support unit 29 via a support arm 37A. The support arm 37A is rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z direction). This allows the console monitor 37 to be rotated about an axis extending in the Z direction. In the initial position, the display screen of the console monitor 37 faces the rear of the main body unit 24. The console monitor 37 is also attached rotatably about an axis extending in the Y direction, which allows it to be tilted.

[0056] In addition to the console monitor 37, an antenna 27 is provided on the upper surface 29A of the support portion 29. As described above, the antenna 27 is an antenna for wireless communication that radiates radio waves for wireless communication with the monitor device 12, which is an example of an external device. The antenna 27 is an example of the antenna of the present disclosure. The antenna 27 is provided on the upper surface 29A via an antenna column 38 extending in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z direction). In this way, the antenna 27 is provided on the upper surface 24A side of the main body portion 24. Further, the lower end of the antenna column 38 is attached to the upper surface 29A of the support portion 29 and extends above the main body portion 24. That is, the antenna 27 is attached to the antenna column 38, which is an example of a column extending upward from the upper surface 24A side of the main body portion 24 to above the main body portion 24. Further, the support portion 29 is an example of a location where the radiation direction RD of the radio wave does not change even when the arm 23 rotates.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end of the antenna 27 is below the highest reachable position that one end of the arm 23 can reach. That is, in FIG. 2, when the height of the upper end of the antenna 27 is T1 and the highest reachable position of the arm 23 is T0, the relationship between T1 and T0 is T1 < T0.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 5, the arm 23 can move up and down together with the support portion 29. And in this example, since the antenna 27 is provided on the support portion 29 of the arm 23, the antenna 27 also moves up and down as the arm 23 moves up and down. Therefore, in this example, even when the arm 23 moves up and down, the relationship of T1 < T0 between the highest reachable position T0 of the arm 23 and the height T1 of the upper end of the antenna 27 does not change. That is, the relative height of the antenna 27 with respect to the arm 23 does not change.

[0059] Further, the location where the antenna 27 is attached is the support portion 29, and the support portion 29 does not displace even when the arm 23 rotates (orbital rotation or axial rotation). That is, the antenna 27 is provided at a location where the radiation direction of the radio wave does not change even when the arm 23 rotates. Further, as will be described later, the antenna 27 can change the radiation direction RD of the radio wave independently of the rotation of the arm 23.

[0060] In this example, the antenna 27 emits radio waves modulated from a radiographic image captured by the radiation imaging device 11. The monitor device 12 receives the radio waves emitted by the antenna 27, and thereby the radiographic image can be displayed on the monitor device 12. The monitor device 12 is a device independent of the radiation imaging device 11, and is movable. Therefore, for example, as shown in Fig. 1, the monitor device 12 can be disposed at a distance from the radiation imaging device 11, and the monitor device 12 can be disposed at a position where it is easily visible to an operator OP such as a surgeon.

[0061] When the monitor device 12 is moved, the relative positions of the radiation imaging device 11 and the monitor device 12 change. As a result, the relative positions of the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11 and the antenna 52 of the monitor device 12 also change. As a result, the radio wave intensity of the radio waves transmitted and received between the antenna 27 and the antenna 52 may change, or a shield (including a person) that blocks the radio waves may enter between the antenna 27 and the antenna 52. In such a case, the communication quality of the wireless communication can be stabilized by changing the direction in which the radio waves of the antenna 27 are radiated.

[0062] 2, in the initial position, antenna 27 is disposed in a position in which radio wave radiation direction RD faces forward of main body 24. Antenna 27 in this example is a plate-shaped antenna with a flat radio wave radiation surface, and in the initial position, the radiation surface faces forward. Here, radiation direction RD is a direction representative of the traveling direction of radio waves, and in the case where the radio waves have a spread angle spreading from the radiation surface as a base point, radiation direction RD is a direction coinciding with the center of the spread angle.

[0063] Furthermore, the radiation direction RD in which the antenna 27 radiates radio waves is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction HL (a direction parallel to the XY plane in FIG. 2). If the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction HL is α, in this example, the inclination angle α is 45° and is fixed. By inclining the radiation direction RD of the radio waves of the antenna 27 upward by 45° with respect to the horizontal direction HL, it is possible to radiate radio waves toward the ceiling 56, for example. The radio waves that reach the ceiling 56 are reflected by the ceiling 56. By setting the inclination angle α to 45°, it is possible to transmit radio waves to the monitor device 12 by utilizing the reflection from the ceiling 56.

[0064] Further, the inclination angle α is fixed to an angle at which the radio waves are not blocked by the arm 23. The inclination angle α of 45° in this example is an example of an angle at which the radio waves are not blocked by the arm 23. As shown in FIG. 2, when the inclination angle α is 45°, the radio waves radiated by the antenna 27 travel above the arm 23 arranged in front of the antenna 27, and therefore the radio waves are not blocked by the arm 23.

[0065] In addition, the antenna 27 is attached to an antenna support pole 38 that extends upward from the upper surface 24A side of the main body 24. By attaching the antenna 27 to the antenna support pole 38, the antenna 27 can be disposed at a position higher than the upper surface 24A of the main body 24.

[0066] As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the antenna 27 can rotate around an axis extending in the vertical direction. The rotation center RO of the antenna 27 coincides with, for example, the central axis of the antenna support 38. As shown in Fig. 7, when the position where the arm 23 is in the radiation direction RD of the radio waves of the antenna 27 in a plan view is taken as the reference position, the rotation angle range of the antenna 27 is a range of ±90° with respect to the reference position. In this example, the position shown in Fig. 7(A) is the reference position where the arm 23 is in the radiation direction RD of the radio waves of the antenna 27 in a plan view of the radiography device 11. More specifically, the reference position is a position where the radiation direction RD of the radio waves of the antenna 27 is parallel to the front-rear direction of the main body 24. With respect to this reference position, the antenna 27 can rotate within a range between a position of -90° shown in Fig. 7(B) and a position of +90° shown in Fig. 7(C). This makes it possible to adjust the orientation of the antenna 27 when the relative positions of the radiography device 11 and the monitor device 12 change.

[0067] Both the antenna 27 and the console monitor 37 are attached to the upper surface 29A of the support portion 29, and are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction of the main body portion 24. As shown in Fig. 7, at least when the console monitor 37 is in the initial position (a position where the display screen faces rearward), the antenna 27 can be displaced within a range that does not physically interfere with the console monitor 37. Specifically, the antenna 27 is arranged at a distance from the console monitor 37 in the initial position so that the console monitor 37 does not enter the rotation range of the antenna 27.

[0068] Moreover, the antenna 27 is disposed behind the arm 23, and the distance between the antenna 27 and the arm 23 in the front-rear direction of the main body 24 is fixed. Therefore, the antenna 27 is disposed at a position where it does not physically interfere with the arm 23 either.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the lock mechanism 41 is provided to fix the orientation of the antenna 27. The lock mechanism 41 fixes the orientation of the antenna 27 at any position within the rotation range of the antenna 27 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 8(A) is a side view of the antenna 27 and the antenna support 38, and FIG. 8(B) is a conceptual diagram of the lock mechanism 41. The lock mechanism 41 has a rotation operation unit 41A provided on the antenna support 38. The lock mechanism 41 can be switched between a locked state in which the orientation of the antenna 27 is fixed and an unlocked state in which the lock is released and the rotation of the antenna 27 is permitted by manually rotating the rotation operation unit 41A. For example, when the rotation operation unit 41A is rotated, the lock mechanism 41 changes the frictional resistance of the rotation shaft that rotates the antenna 27. This change in frictional resistance is a mechanism that switches between the locked state and the unlocked state. Note that an electric mechanism using an actuator may be used as the lock mechanism 41.

[0070] 9, the antenna 27 includes, for example, two antenna units 27A. By having the two antenna units 27A, for example, wireless communication of the MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) method is possible. This improves the communication quality and throughput of the wireless communication.

[0071] The antenna unit 27A is connected to a wireless output I / F (Interface) 61. The wireless output I / F 61 is an example of a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication using the antenna 27. In this example, the wireless output I / F 61 is a wireless communication unit that uses radio waves in the 60 GHz frequency band and conforms to the Wireless HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) standard. The wireless output I / F 61 is composed of a modulation circuit that modulates a video signal into radio waves and outputs the radio waves, a communication circuit that performs transmission control according to a communication protocol, and the like.

[0072] 10, the monitor device 12 includes two monitors 51. Therefore, it is possible to use the monitors 12 such that a moving image is displayed on one monitor 51 and a still image is displayed on the other monitor 51. The still image may be a still image captured by the radiation imaging device 11 or a still image read from an image server (not shown).

[0073] The antenna 52 of the monitor device 12 also has two built-in antenna units 52A (see FIG. 11) of the same standard as the antenna unit 27A of the antenna 27. The antenna 52 is used to receive radio waves from the antenna 27. The antenna unit 52A is connected to a wireless input I / F (Inter / Face) 66. The wireless input I / F 66 is an example of a wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication using the antenna 52. In this example, the wireless input I / F 66 is for communicating with the wireless output I / F 61, and is therefore a wireless communication unit of the Wireless HDMI (registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) standard that uses radio waves in the 60 GHz frequency band, similar to the wireless output I / F 61.

[0074] The antenna 52 is displaceable with respect to the monitor support column 53. Specifically, the antenna 52 is rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction, similar to the antenna 27. This makes it possible to adjust the orientation of the antenna 52 when the relative positions of the radiation imaging device 11 and the monitor device 12 change.

[0075] The receiving surface of the antenna 52 that receives radio waves is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction HL. The inclination angle of the antenna 52 is set to 45°, which corresponds to the inclination angle α of the antenna 27.

[0076] Moreover, the antenna 52 is disposed above the monitor 51. There are often obstacles around the monitor device 12 that block radio waves. In order to avoid such obstacles, it is better to dispose the antenna 52 at a high height. Furthermore, by disposing the antenna 52 above the monitor 51, it is possible to prevent the monitor 51 from blocking radio waves.

[0077] 11, the radiation imaging apparatus 11 includes a wired output I / F 62, which is an example of a wired communication unit using a connection cable 65, in addition to a wireless output I / F 61 using an antenna 27. The wired output I / F 62 has a connector 62A for connecting the connection cable 65. The connector 62A is compliant with, for example, the DVI (Digital Visual Interface) standard. Of course, the connector 62A may be compliant with another standard, such as the HDMI (registered trademark) standard.

[0078] The radiographic imaging device 11 further includes a control unit 63 and a video splitter 64. The control unit 63 comprehensively controls the radiation source 21, the radiographic image detection unit 22, and other units of the radiographic imaging device 11. The control unit 63 acquires a radiographic image detected by the radiographic image detection unit 22. The control unit 63 outputs a video signal of the acquired radiographic image to the video splitter 64. The video splitter 64 outputs a video signal to be transmitted to the monitor device 12 to both the wireless output I / F 61 and the wired output I / F 62.

[0079] The monitor device 12 includes a switch 68 in addition to the wireless input I / F 66. The monitor 51 also includes a video input I / F 67. A connector 66A of the wireless input I / F 66 is, for example, HDMI (registered trademark) standard, and a connector 67A of the video input I / F 67 is, for example, DVI standard.

[0080] The switch 68 is disposed on a connection path connecting the monitor 51 and the antenna 52, and selectively outputs to the monitor 51 a video signal input from the antenna 52 and a video signal input from the wired output I / F 62 of the radiation imaging apparatus 11. The switch 68 has connectors 68A, 68B, and 68C. The connectors 68A, 68B, and 68C are, for example, of the DVI standard, similar to the connector 67A of the video input I / F 67.

[0081] An internal cable 69 extending from a connector 66A of the wireless input I / F 66 is connected to the connector 68A. A connection cable 65 for connection to the wired output I / F 62 of the radiation imaging apparatus 11 is connected to the connector 68B. An internal cable 69 for connection to a connector 67A of the video input I / F 67 is connected to the connector 68C. The connectors 68A and 68B are input ports for inputting a video signal, and the connector 68C is an output port for outputting the video signal input to the connector 68A or the connector 68B.

[0082] The switch 68 switches the input source of the video signal displayed on the monitor 51 between the wireless output I / F 61 and the wired output I / F 62 by switching the electrical connection destination with the connector 68C between the connector 68A and the connector 68B. The switch 68 monitors the video signal input from the wireless output I / F 61 to the connector 68A, for example, and automatically switches the input source of the video signal to the connector 68B when the input of the video signal to the connector 68A is interrupted or malfunctions. Therefore, even if a wireless communication failure occurs, if the operator OP connects the connection cable 65, the display of the radiation image on the monitor device 12 can be resumed by wired communication.

[0083] (Action and effect) As described above, the radiation imaging device 11 includes the radiation source 21, the radiation image detection section 22 that detects a radiation image of the subject H by receiving radiation X irradiated from the radiation source 21 and transmitted through the subject H, the arm 23 that holds the radiation source 21 and the radiation image detection section 22, the main body 24 to which the arm 23 is displaceably attached, a dolly 26 on which the main body 24 is mounted, and the antenna 27 that emits radio waves for wireless communication with the monitor device 12, which is an example of an external device, and is provided at a position where the radiation direction RD of the radio waves does not change even when the arm 23 rotates, and is an antenna that can change the radiation direction RD of the radio waves.

[0084] Therefore, even if the radiography device 11 moves or the arm 23 rotates due to the travel of the dolly 26, relatively stable wireless communication is possible. That is, the antenna 27 is provided at a position where the radiation direction RD of the radio waves does not change even if the arm 23 rotates. Therefore, even if the arm 23 rotates, the relative position between the monitor device 12 and the antenna 27 does not change. In addition, the antenna 27 can change the radiation direction RD of the radio waves as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, even if the radiography device 11 moves due to the travel of the dolly 26, the radiation direction RD of the radio waves of the antenna 27 can be made to correspond to the change in the relative position between the antenna 27 and the monitor device 12. Of course, it is also possible to make the radiation direction RD of the radio waves of the antenna 27 correspond to the change in the relative position between the antenna 27 and the monitor device 12 by moving only the monitor device 12 without changing the position of the radiography device 11, or by changing the orientation of the radiography device 11 or the monitor device 12. This allows stable wireless communication compared to a case where the radiation direction RD of the antenna 27 cannot be changed. Since the radiation imaging device 11 is mobile, the position relative to the monitor device 12 is likely to change, and therefore the technology of the present disclosure is particularly effective.

[0085] As an example of the relative positional relationship between the radiation imaging device 11 and the monitor device 12, the monitor device 12 may be disposed facing the front of the radiation imaging device 11 across the bed S, as shown in Fig. 12. In the case shown in Fig. 12, the orientation of the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11 is set to the reference position shown in Fig. 7(A) and the radiation direction RD of the radio waves is directed forward of the main body 24 in a planar view. This allows the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11 and the antenna 52 of the monitor device 12 to face each other in a planar view (i.e., within the XY plane).

[0086] As another example, the monitor device 12 may be disposed on the right side of the radiation imaging device 11 as shown in Fig. 13. In this case, the direction of the antenna 27 is set to a position at +90° with respect to the reference position as shown in Fig. 7(C) so that the radiation direction RD of the radio waves faces the right side of the main body 24 in a plan view. This allows the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11 and the antenna 52 of the monitor device 12 to face each other in a plan view.

[0087] When transmitting and receiving radio waves, the communication quality is more stable when the transmitting antenna 27 and the receiving antenna 52 face each other than when they are not facing each other. In particular, the higher the frequency band of the radio waves, the stronger the linearity of the radio waves, so the greater the need to have the antennas face each other. Therefore, the technology of the present disclosure is more effective for higher frequency bands.

[0088] In this example, the support part 29 has been described as an example of a part where the radiation direction RD of the radio wave does not change even when the arm 23 rotates, but the part where the radiation direction RD of the radio wave does not change even when the arm 23 rotates may be a part other than the support part 29, for example, the upper surface 24A of the main body part 24. However, since the support part 29 moves up and down together with the arm 23 relative to the main body part 24, it is preferable to provide the antenna 27 on the support part 29. This is because there are advantages such as the fact that the antenna 27 can be disposed at a higher position on the support part 29 than on the main body part 24, and further, that the relative heights of the antenna 27 and the arm 23 do not change even when the arm 23 moves up and down.

[0089] In addition, in this example, the radio wave radiation direction RD of antenna 27 is inclined 45° upward with respect to the horizontal direction, and the receiving surface of antenna 52 is also inclined 45° upward with respect to the horizontal direction HL. Therefore, by arranging antenna 27 and antenna 52 opposite each other in a plan view (i.e., in the XY plane), the radio waves radiated by antenna 27 can be reflected by ceiling 56 and transmitted to antenna 52.

[0090] In general, there is a tendency that there are more obstructions blocking radio waves closer to the floor surface 30 (see FIG. 2 ) and fewer obstructions closer to the ceiling 56. By emitting radio waves upward in the horizontal direction HL from the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11 and utilizing the reflection of the radio waves on the ceiling 56, it is possible to transmit radio waves to the monitor device 12 arranged at a distance while avoiding obstructions.

[0091] In this example, the frequency band of the radio waves emitted by the antenna 27 is 60 GHz. Radio waves in the frequency bands of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which are used in wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards, are used in many communication devices such as tablet terminals and wireless access points, and are therefore prone to radio wave interference. By using radio waves in the 60 GHz band, radio wave interference is suppressed, and the communication quality of wireless communication is stabilized. In addition, by using radio waves in the 60 GHz band, the amount of transmission per unit time can be increased compared to radio waves in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Therefore, radio waves in the 60 GHz band are suitable for transmitting data such as videos that have a large amount of data. When transmitting videos, display delays are often a concern when using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, but the concern of display delays can be reduced when using radio waves in the 60 GHz band.

[0092] As described above, the higher the frequency band of radio waves, the more linear the radio waves tend to travel and the more susceptible they are to being affected by obstructions. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein is particularly effective when using the 60 GHz frequency band, which has a stronger linear tendency than frequency bands such as the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

[0093] The frequency band of the radio waves emitted by the antenna 27 is not limited to the 60 GHz band, and may be other frequency bands. Frequency bands such as the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band that comply with the wireless LAN standard may also be used. However, compared to using radio waves that comply with the wireless LAN standard, there are the above-mentioned advantages, and the need for the technology of the present disclosure is high when using radio waves with a higher frequency than the radio waves that comply with the wireless LAN standard.

[0094] In this example, the arm 23 of the radiation imaging apparatus 11 is a C-arm. The radiation imaging apparatus 11 having a C-arm is often used for imaging moving images. Since moving images have a large amount of data and require continuous communication, there is a high need to stabilize the quality of wireless communication. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein is particularly effective for the radiation imaging apparatus 11 having a C-arm.

[0095] Moreover, in this example, the antenna 27 is provided on the upper surface 24A side of the main body 24. There are fewer obstructions that block radio waves on the upper side compared to the lower side of the main body 24. Therefore, by disposing the antenna 27 on the upper surface 24A side of the main body 24, blocking of radio waves is suppressed, and the communication quality of wireless communication becomes more stable.

[0096] In this example, antenna 27 is provided on support part 29 that rotatably supports arm 23, and support part 29 is disposed on the upper side of main body part 24 and is movable up and down relative to main body part 24. Therefore, antenna 27 also moves up and down as arm 23 moves up and down, but the relative height of antenna 27 with respect to arm 23 does not change, so that the radio waves of antenna 27 are not blocked by arm 23 due to the change in the height of arm 23.

[0097] In this example, the inclination angle α is set to 45°, but α only needs to satisfy the following conditional expression (1). 0°<α<90° Condition (1)

[0098] When the inclination angle α is 0°, that is, when the radiation direction RD is the horizontal direction HL, the radio waves are likely to be blocked by obstructions, which is not preferable. As described above, the closer to the floor surface 30 around the radiography device 11, the more obstructions there are in many cases. When the inclination angle α is greater than 0°, the radiation direction RD of the radio waves faces upward, so that the radio waves can be radiated upward where there are fewer obstructions. When the inclination angle α is 90°, that is, when the radiation direction RD is vertical, the radio waves radiated from the antenna 27 and reflected by the ceiling 56 return to the antenna 27, which is not preferable. Therefore, it is preferable that the inclination angle α satisfies the above conditional formula (1).

[0099] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the inclination angle α satisfies the following conditional expression (2). 30°<α<60° Condition (2)

[0100] If the inclination angle α is 30° or more, it is easier to avoid many of the obstructions present to the side of the radiation imaging device 11 compared to when the inclination angle α is less than 30°. Also, if the inclination angle α is 60° or less, it is easier to extend the reach of the radio waves in the horizontal direction HL compared to when the inclination angle α exceeds 60°.

[0101] The inclination angle α of 45° is an example of an angle at which radio waves are not blocked by arm 23. By setting the inclination angle α at such an angle, communication quality can be stabilized. Note that, although the angle at which radio waves are not blocked by arm 23 is set to 45° in this example, it may be set to an angle other than 45°. The angle at which radio waves are not blocked by arm 23 is set appropriately depending on the size of arm 23, the height of antenna 27, the distance between arm 23 and antenna 27, and the like.

[0102] In this example, the antenna 27 is attached to an antenna support 38 that extends from the top surface 24A of the main body 24 upwardly of the main body 24. This allows the antenna 27 to be disposed at a position higher than the top surface 24A of the main body 24, compared to a case in which the antenna support 38 is not provided. The higher the position of the antenna 27, the more it can avoid radio wave obstructions present around the radiation imaging device 11, and therefore the communication quality of the wireless communication becomes more stable.

[0103] 2, in this example, the height T1 of the upper end of antenna 27 is less than the highest reachable position T0 that can be reached by one end of arm 23. If the height T1 of the upper end of antenna 27 is lower than the highest reachable position T0 of arm 23, there is little concern that antenna 27 will physically interfere with ceiling 56 and a shadowless lamp or the like installed on ceiling 56.

[0104] In addition, the antenna 27 is rotatable about an axis extending in the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 7. As a result, even if the radiation imaging device 11 moves in the horizontal direction HL due to the travel of a dolly or the like, the antenna 27 rotates about an axis extending in the vertical direction, so that it is easy to respond to a change in the relative position between the antenna 27 and the monitor device 12, as shown in Figs. 12 and 13.

[0105] 7(A), when the position where arm 23 is in the radiation direction RD of radio waves from antenna 27 is taken as the reference position, the rotation angle range of antenna 27 is within a range of ±90° with respect to the reference position. By restricting a part of the rotation angle range in this way, it is possible to accommodate changes in the relative position between antenna 27 and external devices such as monitor device 12 while avoiding physical interference with other parts.

[0106] Furthermore, the radiation imaging apparatus 11 includes a console monitor 37 used for operation, and the antenna 27 is movable within a range that does not physically interfere with the console monitor 37. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, at least when the console monitor 37 is in the initial position, the antenna 27 is movable within a range that does not physically interfere with the console monitor 37. This ensures a degree of freedom in changing the orientation of the antenna 27 compared to a case in which the console monitor 37 and the antenna 27 physically interfere with each other.

[0107] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the radiation imaging apparatus 11 of this embodiment is provided with a lock mechanism 41 for fixing the orientation of the antenna 27, so that the orientation of the antenna 27 can be prevented from being inadvertently changed.

[0108] 11, the radiation imaging device 11 of this example includes a wired output I / F 62 which is an example of a wired communication unit using a connection cable 65, in addition to a wireless output I / F 61 which is an example of a wireless communication unit using an antenna 27. As a result, even if wireless communication is not available due to radio wave interference with other devices or a malfunction of the wireless output I / F 61, communication with an external device such as the monitor device 12 can be performed via wired communication.

[0109] The wireless output I / F 61 is a wireless communication unit that uses radio waves in the 60 GHz frequency band and conforms to the Wireless HDMI (registered trademark) standard. By using a general-purpose interface, the number of types of connectable external devices can be increased, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0110] The external device is the monitor device 12 that has a dolly 54 and is movable by traveling the dolly 54. Since both the radiation imaging device 11 and the monitor device 12 are mobile, the relative positions of the two are likely to change. Therefore, the technology of the present disclosure that aims to stabilize wireless communication by varying the radiation direction RD of the radio waves from the antenna 27 is particularly effective for mobile devices.

[0111] In this embodiment, the antenna 52 is displaceable with respect to the monitor support 53. Even if the relative position of the radiation imaging device 11 with respect to the monitor device 12 changes, the radio wave reception condition can be improved by displacing the antenna 52. This makes it possible to further stabilize the communication quality.

[0112] In this example, the antenna 52 is disposed above the monitor 51. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the monitor 51 from blocking the radio waves received by the antenna 52.

[0113] The monitor device 12 also includes a switch 68 that is disposed on a connection path connecting the monitor 51 and the antenna 52 and selectively outputs to the monitor 51 a video signal input from the antenna and a video signal input from the wired output I / F 62 of the radiation imaging device 11. By providing the switch 68, it is easy to switch to wired communication when wireless communication by the antenna 52 is impossible or malfunctions. This switching may be performed manually. However, it is more preferable if the switch 68 automatically switches the input source of the video signal. In this way, for example, the operator OP can simply connect the connection cable 65 to resume displaying the radiation image on the monitor device 12 by wired communication.

[0114] The radiation imaging apparatus 11 also includes a video splitter 64 that outputs a video signal to be transmitted to the monitor device 12 to both the wired output I / F 62, which is an example of a wired communication unit, and the wireless output I / F 61, which is an example of a wireless communication unit. Therefore, the radiation imaging apparatus 11 does not require a switch for switching between the wired output I / F 62 and the wireless output I / F 61 as the output destination of the video signal from the control unit 63.

[0115] In this example, the inclination angle α of the antenna 27 is set to 45°. As described above, the inclination angle α of 45° is an example of an angle at which the radio wave is not blocked by the arm 23. However, for example, when the size of the arm 23 is larger than that of this example and the height of the antenna 27 is lower, the arm 23 may enter the radiation direction RD in the reference position shown in FIG. 7(A) even with the inclination angle α of 45°. Even in such a case, the arm 23 can be avoided by making the antenna 27 rotatable around an axis extending in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 7. That is, the antenna 27 of this example can change the radiation direction RD to a position where the radio wave is not blocked by the arm 23. This makes it easier to ensure the communication quality of wireless communication. In addition, as an example of the arm 23 entering the radiation direction RD of the radio wave in the reference position shown in FIG. 7(A), a case where the inclination angle α is close to 0° can be considered. Even in such a case, the arm 23 can be avoided by rotating the antenna 27 as shown in FIG. 7(B) or FIG. 7(C).

[0116] (Antenna tilt angle can be changed) The example shown in FIG. 14 is an example in which the inclination angle α of the antenna 27 is variable. The antenna 27 can rotate around an axis extending in the Y direction in addition to rotating around an axis extending in the vertical direction (Z direction in FIG. 14). A rotation mechanism 38A is provided at the upper end of the antenna support 38 to rotatably support the antenna 27. The rotation mechanism 38A changes the inclination angle α of the antenna 27 in a range of 30° to 60°, for example, with the reference position being a position where the inclination angle α is 45°. In this way, if the inclination angle α is variable, the adjustment range of the radiation direction RD of the radio wave is widened, and it becomes possible to flexibly respond to changes in the environment, such as the relative positional relationship with the monitor device 12 and the presence or absence of a shield. This makes it possible to further stabilize the communication quality of the wireless communication. In this example, the range of the inclination angle α is set to 30° to 60°, but it may be set to a range of 0°<α<90°. In addition, it is preferable that the range of the inclination angle α includes an angle at which the radio wave is not shielded by the arm 23.

[0117] (The antenna can be raised and lowered) 15, the antenna 27 may be made movable in the vertical direction. This allows a wider range of adjustment in the height direction of the antenna 27. It also allows the antenna 27 to be set at a higher position, making it easier to avoid obstructions.

[0118] Even when the antenna 27 is made movable in this way, it is preferable that the highest position T1A of the upper end of the antenna 27 is lower than the highest position T0 of the arm 23. This is because this makes it possible to prevent the antenna 27 from physically interfering with a shadowless lamp or the like installed on the ceiling 56.

[0119] "Second embodiment" In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the orientation of antenna 27 is adjusted manually, but radiation imaging apparatus 11 may be provided with an orientation adjustment mechanism that adjusts the orientation of antenna 27 based on a change in the position relative to an external device. This makes it easy to adjust the orientation of antenna 27 in response to a change in the position relative to an external device.

[0120] (First example of orientation adjustment mechanism) 16 and 17 includes a direction adjustment mechanism 70. The direction adjustment mechanism 70 includes a gyro sensor 71, which is an example of a sensor that detects the rotation of the main body unit 24 when the main body unit 24 rotates around an axis extending in the up-down direction, which is the vertical direction, and a motor 72, which is an example of an actuator that rotates the antenna 27 in the opposite direction to the main body unit 24.

[0121] The gyro sensor 71 is provided, for example, in the main body 24, and detects the rotation of the main body 24 around an axis in the up-down direction (Z direction in FIG. 16). Specifically, the gyro sensor 71 outputs the angular velocity when the main body 24 rotates to the control unit 63. The control unit 63 detects the rotation angle and rotation direction of the main body 24 based on the input angular velocity. The control unit 63 outputs a drive signal to the motor 72 to rotate the antenna 27 in the opposite direction based on the detected rotation angle and rotation direction. The motor 72 rotates the antenna 27 based on the input drive signal.

[0122] For example, consider a case where the main body 24 rotates clockwise by +30° as shown in Fig. 17 from a state in which the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11 and the antenna 52 of the monitor device 12 face each other as shown in Fig. 16. In this case, the control unit 63 outputs a drive signal to the motor 72 for rotating the antenna 27 counterclockwise by -30°. As a result, even if the main body 24 rotates, the change in the orientation of the antenna 27 is cancelled, so that the positional relationship in which the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11 and the antenna 52 of the monitor device 12 face each other is maintained.

[0123] Such an orientation adjustment mechanism 70 can stabilize the orientation of the antenna 27 regardless of rotation of the main body 24. As a result, even if the main body 24 rotates, stable communication quality of wireless communication can be maintained.

[0124] (Orientation adjustment mechanism of the second example) 18 and 19 includes a second example of an orientation adjustment mechanism 76. The orientation adjustment mechanism 76 includes a camera 77, which is an example of a position sensor that detects the position of a monitor device 12 serving as an external device, and a motor 72, which is an example of an actuator that adjusts the orientation of an antenna 27 to the position of the monitor device 12 detected by the camera 77.

[0125] The camera 77 is, for example, a digital camera that captures an image of a subject based on visible light. The camera 77 is provided, for example, on the upper part of the antenna 27, and its attitude is adjusted so that the subject present in the radiation direction RD of the antenna 27 is included in the field of view FOV. The camera 77 captures moving images at a preset frame rate during startup, and outputs the captured moving images to the control unit 63 as captured images.

[0126] 18, when the monitor device 12 is located opposite the antenna 27, the monitor device 12 appears in the captured image output by the camera 77. The control unit 63 recognizes the monitor device 12 from the captured image by executing an image recognition process based on the captured image input from the camera 77. The recognition process of the monitor device 12 is performed by a method using, for example, pattern matching or a machine learning model.

[0127] Then, the control unit 63 executes a movement detection process to detect the movement direction and amount of movement of the monitor device 12 recognized in the captured image. The control unit 63 detects the movement direction of the monitor device 12 moving in the captured image. Based on the detected movement direction, the control unit 63 changes the orientation of the antenna 27 via the motor 72 so that the monitor device 12 is captured in approximately the center of the captured image, for example.

[0128] For example, as shown in Fig. 18, when the monitor device 12 is located opposite the antenna 27, the monitor device 12 appears almost at the center of the captured image of the camera 77. Consider a case where the monitor device 12 moves from the position shown in Fig. 18 to the position shown in Fig. 19. In this case, the control unit 63 detects that the movement direction of the monitor device 12 is rightward based on the captured image input from the camera 77. The control unit 63 then rotates the antenna 27 clockwise via the motor 72 so that the monitor device 12 appears almost at the center of the captured image. This causes the orientation of the antenna 27 to follow the position of the monitor device 12.

[0129] In this way, the orientation adjustment mechanism 76 includes the camera 77 as a position sensor that detects the position of the monitor device 12, and the motor 72 that adjusts the orientation of the antenna 27 to the position of the monitor device 12 detected by the camera 77. This makes it possible to stabilize wireless communication even if the relative positional relationship between the radiation imaging apparatus 11 and the monitor device 12 as an external device changes.

[0130] (Third example orientation adjustment mechanism) 20 and 21 is a mechanism for adjusting the orientation of the antenna 52 on the monitor device 12 side that receives radio waves. The orientation adjustment mechanism 81 has a radio wave intensity detection unit that detects the intensity of radio waves received by the antenna 52, and changes the orientation of the antenna 52 based on the detected radio wave intensity. A control unit 83 provided in the monitor device 12 functions as the radio wave intensity detection unit.

[0131] Here, antenna 27 is an example of a first antenna, antenna 52 is an example of a second antenna, and the radio wave intensity received by antenna 52 is an example of the radio wave intensity between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0132] 20, the control unit 83 acquires radio wave intensity from the antenna 52. Then, the control unit 83 executes an orientation search process to search for an optimal orientation of the antenna 52 based on the radio wave intensity. For example, the control unit 83 searches for an orientation in which the radio wave intensity is maximum while rotating the orientation of the antenna 52 using the motor 82. Then, the control unit 83 adjusts the orientation of the antenna 52 to the orientation in which the radio wave intensity is maximum.

[0133] As shown in Fig. 20, when the antenna 52 of the monitor device 12 faces the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11, the radio wave strength of the antenna 52 is at its maximum. When the radiation imaging device 11 moves from the state shown in Fig. 20 to the state shown in Fig. 21, the radio wave strength of the antenna 52 decreases. In this case, the control unit 83 searches for the direction in which the radio wave strength is at its maximum while rotating the direction of the antenna 52, and adjusts the direction of the antenna 52 based on the search result. This makes it possible to stabilize wireless communication even if the relative positional relationship between the radiation imaging device 11 and the monitor device 12 as an external device changes.

[0134] In addition, in this example, the orientation of the antenna 52 of the monitor device 12 is adjusted based on the intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna 52, but the orientation of the antenna 27 of the radiation imaging device 11 may be adjusted based on the intensity of the radio wave received by the antenna 27. Also, the radio wave intensity of each of the antennas 27 and 52 may be detected. Also, the orientations of both the antennas 27 and 52 may be adjusted.

[0135] "Third embodiment" 22 to 24 is characterized by a method for switching between wired communication and wireless communication in the monitor device 12. The radiation imaging device 11 has the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 11, and a wired output I / F 62 serving as a wired communication unit has a connector 62A serving as a first cable connector for connecting a connection cable 91 from the monitor device 12.

[0136] On the other hand, the monitor device 12 includes a connection cable 91 that connects the monitor 51 and an antenna 52 serving as a second antenna, and a repeater 92 that is disposed between the antenna 52 and the connection cable 91 and has a connector 92A serving as a detachable second cable connector to which one end of the connection cable 91 is detached. The one end of the connection cable 91 detached from the connector 92A of the monitor device 12 is connectable to a connector 62A serving as a first cable connector of the radiation imaging device 11.

[0137] The repeater 92 is connected to the wireless input I / F 66 via an internal cable 93. A connector 92A of the repeater 92 is a connector conforming to the DVI standard, similar to the connectors 62A and 67A. As shown in Fig. 23, in the monitor device 12, the connector 92A of the repeater 92 is provided on the monitor support 53 and is exposed to the outside.

[0138] One end of the connection cable 91 is connected to the connector 67A of the video input I / F 67 of the monitor 51. When wireless communication is performed between the wireless output I / F 61 and the wireless input I / F 66, the other end of the connection cable 91 is connected to the connector 92A of the repeater 92. As shown in FIG. 23, the connection cable 91 passes through the inside of the monitor support 53 from the connector 67A of the monitor 51, and a part including the other end of the connection cable 91 is pulled out to the outside of the monitor support 53 from an opening 53A formed in the monitor support 53. The other end of the connection cable 91 pulled out to the outside from the monitor support 53 is connected to the connector 92A of the repeater 92. The length of the pulled-out portion 91A of the connection cable 91 pulled out to the outside from the monitor support 53 is, for example, several meters. The pulled-out portion 91A is, for example, wrapped in a circular ring shape and bundled, and is hung on a hook (not shown) provided on the monitor support 53.

[0139] 24, when a wireless communication failure occurs, the operator OP removes the other end of the connection cable 91 connected to the connector 92A from the connector 92A, extends the annularly wound drawn-out portion 91A to the radiation imaging apparatus 11, and connects it to the connector 62A of the wired output I / F 62. As a result, the wired output I / F 62 of the radiation imaging apparatus 11 and the video input I / F 67 of the monitor device 12 are connected by the connection cable 91, enabling wired communication.

[0140] Thus, according to this example, wireless communication can be switched to wired communication simply by connecting the other end of the connection cable 91 from the connector 92A of the repeater 92 to the connector 92A of the wired output I / F 62, making the switching operation extremely simple. Furthermore, in the monitor device 12, the connection cable 91 used for wireless communication is also used for wired communication. In addition, one video input I / F 67 provided in the monitor 51 can be used for both wired communication and wireless communication without using a switch 68 as shown in FIG. 11. Therefore, the device configuration of the monitor device 12 can be simplified.

[0141] In the above embodiments, the monitor device 12 has been described as an example of an external device, but the external device may be other than the monitor device 12. An example of an external device other than the monitor device 12 may be an image processing device that executes computer-based diagnostic support processing on a radiation image captured by the radiation imaging device 11. As an example of how to use such an image processing device, a radiation image captured by the radiation imaging device 11 is sent to the image processing device, and a processing result processed by the image processing device is returned to the radiation imaging device 11. In such a case, two-way communication is required between the radiation imaging device 11 and the external device, and therefore a wireless communication unit capable of two-way communication is provided as a wireless communication unit of each of the radiation imaging device 11 and the external device.

[0142] Among such image processing devices, in addition to stationary types such as server devices, small portable types are also being developed. By combining the radiography device 11 with a portable type image processing device, rapid image diagnosis becomes possible.

[0143] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, a C-arm capable of orbital rotation and axial rotation has been described as an example of arm 23, but an arm capable of axial rotation only, such as a U-arm having a U-shaped side surface, may also be used.

[0144] Although the radiation has been described by taking X-rays as an example, it is not limited to X-rays and may be gamma rays or the like.

[0145] In each of the above embodiments, various processors shown below can be used as the hardware structure of a processing unit that executes various processes, such as the wireless output I / F 61 and wireless input I / F 66 as an example of a wireless communication unit, the wired output I / F 62 as an example of a wired communication unit, and the control unit 63 and control unit 83. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software and functions as various processing units, as well as a programmable logic device (PLD), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electric circuit, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0146] A single processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs and / or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be composed of a single processor.

[0147] An example of configuring multiple processing units with one processor is one in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Secondly, there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units with one IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by System On Chip (SoC). In this way, the various processing units are configured as a hardware structure using one or more of the above various processors.

[0148] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0149] The technology of the present disclosure can be appropriately combined with the above-mentioned various embodiments and / or various modified examples. In addition, it is needless to say that the technology is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the technology.

[0150] The above explanation makes it possible to understand the following techniques.

[0151] [Additional note 1] A mobile radiography system including a mobile radiography device and a mobile monitor device, The mobile radiography device is A radiation source; a radiation image detection unit that detects a radiation image of the subject by receiving radiation that has been irradiated from a radiation source and transmitted through the subject; an arm that holds the radiation source and the radiation image detection unit; a main body to which the arm is rotatably attached; A cart on which the main body is mounted; and a first antenna that emits radio waves for wireless communication with an external device, the first antenna being provided at a location where the radiation direction of the radio waves does not change even when the arm rotates, and the first antenna being capable of changing the radiation direction of the radio waves; The mobile monitor device is A monitor and A second antenna that receives radio waves from the first antenna; a monitor support pole for supporting the monitor and the second antenna; and a dolly on which the monitor support is mounted. Mobile radiography system. Here, antenna 27 is an example of the first antenna, and antenna 52 is an example of the second antenna. [Additional note 2] The second antenna is displaceable relative to the monitor support. Item 1. A mobile radiography system according to claim 1. [Additional note 3] The second antenna is located above the monitor. 3. A mobile radiography system according to claim 1 or 2. [Additional note 4] a direction adjustment mechanism for adjusting the direction of the antenna based on a change in the relative positions of the mobile radiation imaging device and the mobile monitor device; 4. A mobile radiography system according to claim 1. [Additional note 5] A radio wave intensity detection unit is provided to detect radio wave intensity between the first antenna and the second antenna, The antenna is provided with an orientation adjustment mechanism that changes the orientation of at least one of the first antenna and the second antenna based on the detected radio wave intensity. 5. A mobile radiography system according to claim 4. [Additional note 6] the orientation adjustment mechanism includes a position sensor that detects the position of the mobile monitoring device or the mobile radiation imaging device, and an actuator that adjusts the orientation of the first antenna or the second antenna to the position of the mobile monitoring device or the mobile radiation imaging device detected by the position sensor; 5. A mobile radiography system according to claim 4. [Additional note 7] Each of the mobile radiation imaging device and the mobile monitor device includes a wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication using the first antenna and the second antenna, and a wired communication unit for performing wired communication using a cable. 7. A mobile radiography system according to claim 1. [Additional note 8] In a mobile radiography device, the wired communication unit has a first cable connector for connecting a connection cable from the mobile monitor device; The mobile monitor device is a connection cable for connecting the monitor and the second antenna; a second cable connector disposed between the second antenna and the connection cable, the second cable connector having one end detachable thereto; One end of the connection cable detached from the second cable connector of the mobile monitor device is connectable to the first cable connector of the mobile radiation imaging device. 8. A mobile radiography system according to claim 7. [Additional note 9] The mobile monitor device is a switch disposed on a connection path connecting the monitor and the second antenna, for selectively outputting to the monitor a video signal input from the second antenna and a video signal input from a wired communication unit of the mobile radiation imaging device; 9. A mobile radiography system according to claim 8. [Additional Note 10] The mobile radiography device is a video splitter for outputting a video signal to be transmitted to the mobile monitor device is provided in both the wired communication unit and the wireless communication unit; 10. A mobile radiography system according to claim 7, wherein the mobile radiography system comprises:

[0152] The above description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, function, action, and effect is an example of the configuration, function, action, and effect of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replaced with respect to the description and illustrations shown above, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. In addition, in order to avoid confusion and to facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description and illustrations shown above omit explanations of technical common sense that do not require explanation in order to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0153] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. In addition, in this specification, the same idea as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed by connecting them with "and / or."

[0154] All publications, patent applications, and standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, and standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 10 Mobile radiography system 11 Mobile radiography equipment 12 Mobile monitoring device 21 Radiation source 21A radiation tube 22 Radiation image detection unit 22A Detection Panel 22B Case 23 Arm 23A Handle 24 Main body 24A top 26 Trolley 26A Caster 27 Antenna 27A Antenna Unit 28 Connection 29 Support part 29A Top 30 Floor 31 Radiation image detector 36 Handle 37 Console Monitor 37A Support arm 38 Antenna mast 38A Rotation mechanism 39 Irradiation switch 41 Locking mechanism 41A Rotational Control Unit 51 Monitor 52 Antenna 52A Antenna Unit 53 Monitor stand 53A aperture 54 Trolley 54A Caster 56 Ceiling 61 Wireless output I / F 62 Wired output I / F 62A Connector 63 Control Unit 64 Video Splitter 65 Connection cable 66 Wireless input I / F 66A Connector 67 Video input I / F 67A Connector 68 Switch 68A, 68B, 68C Connectors 69 Internal Cable 70, 76, 81 Orientation adjustment mechanism 71 Gyro sensor 72 Motor 77 Camera 82 Motor 83 Control Unit 91 Connection cable 91A Drawer section 92 Repeater 92A Connector 93 Internal Cable α Incline angle F focus FOV field of view H Subject HL Horizontal OP Operator RD Radiation direction RO Rotation Center S-berth T0 Highest reached position T1A highest position X radiation

Claims

1. A radiation source; a radiation image detection unit that detects a radiation image of the subject by receiving radiation that has been irradiated from the radiation source and transmitted through the subject; an arm for holding the radiation source and the radiation image detection unit; a main body to which the arm is rotatably attached; A carriage on which the main body is mounted; an antenna that emits radio waves for wireless communication with an external device, the antenna being provided at a location where the radiation direction of the radio waves does not change even when the arm rotates, and the antenna being capable of changing the radiation direction of the radio waves; a direction adjustment mechanism that adjusts the direction of the antenna based on a change in the relative position of the external device, The orientation adjustment mechanism includes a sensor that detects rotation of the main body around an axis extending in a vertical direction, and an actuator that rotates the antenna in a direction opposite to that of the main body. Mobile radiography equipment.

2. The frequency band of the radio wave is 60 GHz.

2. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The arm is a C-arm having a C-shape when viewed from the side.

3. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The antenna is provided on the upper surface side of the main body.

4. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

5. a support portion that rotatably supports the arm, the support portion being disposed on an upper side of the main body portion and capable of ascending and descending relative to the main body portion; The antenna is provided on the support.

5. A mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 4.

6. a radiation direction in which the antenna radiates the radio wave is inclined upward with respect to the horizontal direction, If the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal direction is α, α satisfies the following conditional expression (1):

6. A mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1. 0°<α<90° ... Conditional formula (1)

7. The inclination angle is fixed at an angle at which the radio wave is not blocked by the arm.

7. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The antenna has a variable tilt angle.

7. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 6.

9. The antenna is attached to an antenna pole extending upward from an upper surface side of the main body.

9. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1,

10. the top end of the antenna is less than the highest reachable position of one end of the arm; The mobile radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The antenna is rotatable about an axis extending in a vertical direction. The mobile radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. When the position where the arm is present in the direction of radiation of the radio wave from the antenna is taken as the reference position, The rotation angle range of the antenna is within a range of ±90° with respect to the reference position. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 11.

13. It is equipped with a console monitor used for operation, The antenna is movable within a range that does not physically interfere with the console monitor. The mobile radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A lock mechanism is provided to fix the orientation of the antenna. The mobile radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A radiation source; a radiation image detection unit that detects a radiation image of the subject by receiving radiation that has been irradiated from the radiation source and transmitted through the subject; an arm for holding the radiation source and the radiation image detection unit; a main body to which the arm is rotatably attached; A carriage on which the main body is mounted; an antenna that emits radio waves for wireless communication with an external device, the antenna being provided at a location where the radiation direction of the radio waves does not change even when the arm rotates, and the antenna being capable of changing the radiation direction of the radio waves; a direction adjustment mechanism that adjusts the direction of the antenna based on a change in the relative position of the external device, the orientation adjustment mechanism includes a position sensor that detects a position of the external device, and an actuator that causes the orientation of the antenna to follow the position of the external device detected by the position sensor. Mobile radiography equipment.

16. In addition to the wireless communication unit using the antenna, a wired communication unit using a cable is provided. The mobile radiography apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The external device is a mobile monitor device having a dolly and movable by running the dolly.

17. The mobile radiography apparatus according to claim 1.

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