Radiographic system

Abstract

To provide a system capable of easily and accurately executing radio settings with radio equipment of an intended radiographic system for a radiographic device.SOLUTION: A radiographic system according to the present invention includes: an access point for executing first radio communication with a radiographic device for executing control of imaging by the radiographic device for capturing a radiation image; a communication device for executing second radio communication with the radiographic device for executing settings used in the first radio communication for the radiographic device; and an information processing device. The information processing device causes the communication device to execute the second radio communication with the radiographic device on the basis of information on a distance between the communication device and the radiographic device, and a threshold set beforehand.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system, a radiation imaging device, and a control device.

Background Art

[0002] In the medical field, a radiation imaging system using radiation is known. With the digitization of the radiation imaging system, a system has become widespread in which radiation is irradiated from radiation to a radiation imaging device through a subject, the radiation imaging device generates a digital radiation imaging image, and an image can be confirmed immediately after radiation imaging by a imaging control device. This has improved the workflow compared to the conventional film-based imaging method, enabling imaging to be performed in a short cycle.

[0003] In such a radiation imaging system, a device is disclosed in which the connection between the radiation imaging device and the imaging control device is made wireless, eliminating the installation limitation due to the cable of the radiation imaging device. In order to establish a wireless connection between these devices, it is necessary to set the same settings for the SSID (Service Set Identifier), authentication method, encryption type, encryption key, etc. between the devices to be connected. Usually, these settings are manually set for both devices performing the wireless connection, or are set by the push button method or PIN code method defined by WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).

[0004] However, when setting manually, input work is essential and there is a possibility that the connection cannot be established due to a work error. Similarly, in the PIN code method, input work of the PIN code is required on the master unit side. Also, in the push button method, an operation different from the normal workflow as a radiation imaging system is required, such as simultaneously pressing or contacting the push buttons of both the slave unit and the master unit.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a means for performing wireless setting between a radiation imaging device and an imaging control device via a connection means using short-range wireless communication such as infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark), which has a communication range narrower than that of wireless communication. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually perform the wireless setting operation.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the method of Patent Document 1, when another radiation imaging system exists in the vicinity, there is a possibility that wireless setting may be performed between the radiation imaging device and the wireless device of the radiation imaging system that is not intended. The object of the present invention is to provide a system that can perform wireless setting between the radiation imaging device and the wireless device of the intended radiation imaging system simply and with higher accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The above problems are solved by a portable radiation imaging device including a wireless LAN communication unit and a communication unit corresponding to a standard, a first communication device corresponding to the standard, a second communication device corresponding to the standard, a first access point for connecting to a network using a first radiation irradiation device, and a second access point for connecting to a network using a second radiation irradiation device. A radiation imaging system, wherein the communication unit transmits and the first communication device receives the predetermined corresponding to the standard short-range wireless communication unit, and the predetermined first communication device corresponding to the standard short-range wireless communication device, and the predetermined second communication device corresponding to the standard short-range wireless communication device, and a first access point for connecting to a network using a first radiation irradiation device, and a second access point for connecting to a network using a second radiation irradiation device. A radiation imaging system, wherein the communication unit transmits and the first communication device receives the short-range wireless transmitted from the communication unit and received by the first short-range wireless communication device predeterminedWhen the advertisement packet of the standard satisfies a first condition including a condition regarding signal strength, the first short-range wireless means for establishing a wireless connection relationship between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point based on first connection information transmitted from the communication device to the short-range wireless communication unit, and the short-range wireless means for establishing a wireless connection relationship between the wireless LAN communication unit and the second access point based on second connection information transmitted from the communication device to the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the second predetermined communication device, when the advertisement packet of the standard satisfies a second condition including a condition regarding signal strength, the second short-range wireless means for establishing a wireless connection relationship between the wireless LAN communication unit and the second access point based on second connection information transmitted from the communication device to the short-range wireless communication unit, and having The radiography apparatus synchronizes the timing of radiography with the first radiation irradiating apparatus by communication via the first access point, and synchronizes the timing of radiography with the second radiation irradiating apparatus by communication via the second access point. Different conditions can be set for the first condition and the second condition, and the short-range wireless When the advertisement packet of the standard transmitted from the communication unit and received by the first short-range wireless communication device satisfies the first condition, a wireless connection relationship is established between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point, and the predetermined When the advertisement packet of the standard transmitted from the communication unit and received by the first short-range wireless communication device does not satisfy the first condition, a wireless connection relationship is not established between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point, which is solved by a radiography system characterized by short-range wireless communication device satisfies the first condition, a wireless connection relationship is established between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point, and the predetermined communication device does not satisfy the first condition, a wireless connection relationship is not established between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to perform wireless setting with a wireless device of a radiography system intended for a radiography apparatus simply and with higher accuracy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] (First Embodiment) Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. First, a configuration example of a radiation imaging system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described using the conceptual diagram of FIG. 1.

[0012] The radiation imaging system 100 includes a radiation imaging apparatus 101, an information processing apparatus 102, an access point 103, a communication device 104, a synchronization control apparatus 105, and a radiation generator 106.

[0013] The radiation imaging apparatus 101 is an apparatus that captures a radiation image based on radiation 107 that has passed through a subject H. As this radiation imaging apparatus 101, for example, a portable radiation imaging apparatus can be used.

[0014] The information processing device 102 is realized by a known technology such as a general-purpose computer, and includes a display unit, an input unit, and a control unit. The information processing device 102 displays, through the display unit, a radiation image captured by the radiation imaging device 101 for the operator on the display unit, and gives an instruction to perform imaging, etc. Further, the input unit of the information processing device 102 has a function for the operator to input instructions on imaging conditions, etc. Further, the control unit of the information processing device 102 has functions such as comparing the acquired signal strength with a threshold value, giving a response to a connection request, and transmitting setting information of the wireless communication unit.

[0015] The access point 103 is a device that relays radio waves for wireless information exchange between the radiation imaging device 101 and the information processing device 102.

[0016] The communication device 104 is connected to the information processing device 102, and is a device that transmits and receives radio waves for performing short-range wireless communication between the radiation imaging device 101 and the information processing device 102. For example, the communication device 104 is a dongle connected to the information processing device 102 by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface. Further, the communication device 104 is a device corresponding to at least one of the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Basic Rate / Enhanced Data Rate (BR / EDR) standard or the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) standard.

[0017] Further, the communication device 104 may be an RFID (radio frequency identifier) device that exchanges information by short-range wireless communication using an electromagnetic field, radio waves, etc. from a tag embedded with ID information. The communication method of the RFID may be either an electromagnetic induction method or a radio wave method. Further, the communication device 104 may have an access point function.

[0018] In the above description and FIG. 1, an example where the communication device 104 is connected to the information processing device 102 has been shown, but this is not the only case. The communication device 104 may be connected to other devices constituting the radiation imaging system 100, such as the radiation generator 106. Further, the communication device 104 may be substituted by using a device built in the radiation imaging system 100 in advance.

[0019] The synchronization control device 105 has a circuit for mediating communication and monitors the states of the radiation imaging device 101 and the radiation generator 106. For example, the synchronization control device 105 controls the irradiation of the radiation 107 from the radiation generator 106 and controls the imaging of the subject H by the radiation imaging device 101. Further, the synchronization control device 105 may incorporate a HUB or the like for connecting a plurality of network devices.

[0020] The radiation generator 106 has a radiation tube that accelerates electrons at a high voltage and collides them with an anode, for example, to generate radiation 107 such as X-rays. Note that typically X-rays are used as the radiation 107, but α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, or neutron rays may be used.

[0021] The in-hospital LAN 108 is a local area network constructed within the hospital and has a function of transmitting and receiving radiation images taken by the radiation imaging system 100 to and from various locations within the hospital.

[0022] In the radiation imaging system 100 shown in FIG. 1, the radiation 107 irradiated from the radiation generator 106 is irradiated onto the subject H, who is a patient. The radiation imaging device 101 generates a radiation image based on the radiation 107 that has passed through the subject H.

[0023] The radiation imaging system 100 can perform imaging by synchronous imaging and asynchronous imaging. Synchronous imaging is an imaging method in which an electrical synchronization signal is exchanged between the radiation imaging device 101 and the radiation generator 106 via the synchronization control device 105 to match the timings of radiation irradiation and imaging.

[0024] On the other hand, asynchronous imaging is a imaging method in which the radiation imaging apparatus 101 starts imaging by detecting the incidence of radiation without exchanging electrical synchronization signals between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the radiation generator 106. In asynchronous imaging, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may transfer a radiation image for each imaging, or may store the captured image inside the radiation imaging apparatus 101 without transferring it for each imaging.

[0025] In addition, the radiation imaging system 100 can perform imaging according to imaging conditions generally used in radiation imaging, such as fluoroscopic imaging, continuous imaging, still image imaging, DSA imaging, roadmap imaging, program imaging, tomographic imaging, and tomosynthesis imaging.

[0026] For the radiation imaging system 100, various function settings are performed, such as the imaging frame rate, tube voltage, tube current, sensor readout area, sensor drive binning setting, collimator aperture setting, radiation window width, and whether to accumulate radiation images in the radiation imaging apparatus 101. In addition, function settings such as automatic voltage control setting (ADC: Auto Dose Contorol) and automatic exposure control setting (AEC: Auto Exposure Contorol) may be performed for the radiation imaging system 100.

[0027] Next, a configuration example of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The power button 11 is an operation unit (including devices, circuits, programs, and other things described by circuits having the function) for instructing the start or stop of power supply to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The user prepares for imaging by operating this power button. The power button 11 is provided, for example, on the side surface of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, but the installation location is not limited as long as it is a surface other than the radiation incident surface.

[0028] The battery unit 4 supplies a predetermined voltage to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. As the battery unit 4, for example, a lithium ion battery or an electric double layer capacitor is used. When the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is constantly supplied with power from an external power source 5, the battery unit 4 may not be installed.

[0029] The external power source 5 supplies a predetermined voltage from outside the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. The power supply method may be by wire or by non-contact power supply.

[0030] The power control circuit unit 3 controls the power supply from the battery unit 4 or the external power source 5 to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101 according to the operation status of the power button 11, and monitors the remaining battery level of the battery unit 4. For example, the power control circuit unit 3 transforms the voltage from the battery unit 4 or the external power source 5 into a predetermined voltage and supplies it to each component of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Also for example, when the external power source 5 is not connected to the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the power control circuit unit 3 switches between implementing and not implementing the power supply from the battery unit 4 according to the operation of the power button 11.

[0031] The radiation detection unit 20 detects the radiation 107 that has passed through the subject H as an image signal (charge). The radiation 107 that has passed through the subject H enters the phosphor that the radiation detection unit 20 has and is converted into light by the phosphor. This light is converted into an image signal (charge) by the photoelectric conversion elements 201 of a plurality of pixels 200 provided in a two-dimensional array shape. The image signal (charge) is read out by the readout circuit 16 and the drive circuit 17.

[0032] When a certain row of pixels 200 is selected by a drive signal generated by the drive circuit 17, the switch elements 202 of the pixels 200 in the certain row are sequentially turned on. The image signal (charge) accumulated in the photoelectric conversion elements 201 of the pixels 200 in the certain row is output to the signal lines connected to each pixel 200. The readout circuit 16 has a function of amplifying the image signal (charge) output to the signal lines and sequentially reads out the image signals of the radiation detection unit 20.

[0033] The ADC7 converts the image signal of the analog signal read by the readout circuit 16 into an image signal of a digital signal and outputs it to the control unit 14 as a radiation image. That is, the ADC7 is an A / D conversion unit that converts the image signal of the analog signal read by the readout circuit 16 into digital data.

[0034] The storage unit 15 stores the radiation image data output from the ADC7, the system identifier, the threshold value regarding the radio wave intensity between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the communication device 104, and the offset image. Further, the storage unit 15 may store the technician ID which is the identification information of the technician corresponding to the generated image data, the patient ID which is the identification information of the patient, the imaging time, the imaging dose, the imaging site, the imaging conditions including the number of imaging sheets, and the transfer history of the radiation image data.

[0035] The storage unit 15 is a device capable of reading and writing, and specifically, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory is used. However, it is not limited thereto, and a volatile storage device such as an SDRAM may also be used. Further, a removable device such as an SD card may be used, or it may be configured to be attachable to the information processing apparatus 102 or the like.

[0036] The first wireless communication unit 2 communicates with the access point 103 via a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), transmits and receives radiation images and the like to and from the information processing apparatus 102, and controls the radiation imaging by the radiation imaging apparatus 101 from the information processing apparatus 102. A wireless communication module is set in the first wireless communication unit 2 according to the medium used for communication with the information processing apparatus 102, the synchronization control apparatus 105, and the like. The first wireless communication unit 2 can set the transmission power of the radio wave by the control unit 14.

[0037] In addition, the first wireless communication unit 2 holds information such as data rate, packet loss amount per unit time, round trip time (RTT), and occupancy rate of the packet buffer. Further, the first wireless communication unit 2 holds information on the received signal strength (RSSI) of the signal in wireless communication and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0038] The second wireless communication unit 6 communicates with the communication device 104 via a wireless PAN (Personal Area Network). As the second wireless communication unit 6, a device corresponding to at least one of the Bluetooth BR / EDR standard or the Bluetooth LE standard is used according to the communication device 104 to be communicated with. The second wireless communication unit 6 can transmit and receive the identifier of the radiation imaging system 100, the SSID necessary for communicating with the first wireless communication unit 2, the encryption key, etc. by communicating with the communication device 104. Further, the second wireless communication unit 6 can set the transmission power of the radio wave by the control unit 14.

[0039] In addition, the second wireless communication unit 6 has a wireless communication module set according to the medium used for communication with the information processing device 102 or the synchronization control device 105. Further, the second wireless communication unit 6 holds information such as data rate, packet loss amount per unit time, round trip time (RTT), and occupancy rate of the packet buffer. Also, the second wireless communication unit 6 can hold information on RSSI and SNR for the signal in wireless communication.

[0040] The operation unit 12 may be used as a manual trigger when passing setting information between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the communication device 104. For example, when the operation unit 12 is operated, it may be possible to transmit and receive the identifier of the radiation imaging system 100, the SSID to be set in the first wireless communication unit 2, the encryption key, and the like. The operation unit 12 is provided, for example, on the side surface of the radiation imaging apparatus 101, but the installation location is not limited as long as it is a surface other than the radiation incident surface.

[0041] The control unit 14 switches the communication permission with external devices such as the communication device 104 and performs communication control with external devices. Further, when the second wireless communication unit 6 is controlled to perform wireless communication or when the operation unit 12 instructs to acquire the signal strength, the control unit 14 transmits the signal strength in the communication with the communication device 104 via the second wireless communication unit 6. And when the transmitted signal strength exceeds the signal strength threshold value stored in the information processing apparatus 102 in advance, it is possible to start the connection.

[0042] For example, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 transmits an identifier indicating that it is the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the address of the device, and the like in the advertisement packet to be broadcast. The information processing apparatus 102 determines whether it matches the identifier or the device address stored in advance for the advertisement packet received via the communication device 104. The radiation imaging apparatus 101 acquires the signal strength of the received advertisement packet, and when it exceeds the signal strength threshold value stored in the information processing apparatus 102 in advance, it is possible to start the connection with the communication device 104.

[0043] After starting the connection, the control unit 14 communicates the system identifier, the communication settings (SSID, encryption key, etc.) related to the first wireless communication unit 2, and the like. Subsequently, when there is a difference between the newly set communication settings and the currently set communication settings, the control unit 14 controls the first wireless communication unit 2 to communicate with the access point 103 with the newly set communication settings.

[0044] At this time, the newly set communication settings may be stored in the storage unit 15. Also, when communication is performed with the new communication settings, a display may be made on a display unit (not shown) of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Note that the system identifier may be information in an advertisement packet before connection or in a response (SCAN_RESP) packet when performing an active scan request (SCAN_REQ).

[0045] Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the operation of the radiation imaging system 100 until a connection is established between the first wireless communication unit 2 and the access point 103 will be described.

[0046] Step 301: In order to start communication for exchanging information on communication settings, the radiation imaging apparatus 101 broadcasts information such as signal strength at regular time intervals, and the information processing apparatus 102 receives the broadcast packet. The trigger for starting the communication may be an operation of the operation unit 12 or control by software in the information processing apparatus 102. Subsequently, the operation of step 302 is performed.

[0047] Step 302: When the received advertisement packet matches an identifier or device address stored in advance, the information processing apparatus 102 acquires the signal strengths of the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and subsequently the operation of step 303 is performed. If the received advertisement packet does not match the identifier or device address stored in advance, the process returns to step 301.

[0048] Step 303: The information processing apparatus 102 determines whether the signal strength in the communication between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 exceeds a threshold value set in advance in the information processing apparatus 102. If the information processing apparatus 102 determines that the threshold value is exceeded, the operation of step 304 is performed. If the signal strength does not exceed the threshold value, the process returns to step 301.

[0049] Step 304: The communication device 104 starts the connection with the second wireless communication unit 6. Subsequently, the operation of step 305 is performed.

[0050] Step 305: When the connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 is established, subsequently, the operation of step 306 is performed. If the connection is not established, the process returns to step 304.

[0051] Step 306: The communication device 104 starts data communication using the GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) that defines the data structuring method and the interaction method between applications. For example, the second wireless communication unit 6 is set to act as a client and the communication device 104 is set to act as a server respectively. Subsequently, the operation of step 307 is performed.

[0052] Step 307: The communication device 104 executes the communication settings (such as SSID and encryption key) according to an appropriate protocol (for example, the necessary information can be received in the determined order, etc.). When the communication is completed, subsequently, step 308 is executed. If the communication fails, step 306 is executed again.

[0053] The identifier UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) for uniquely identifying the GATT service may be predefined in the radiography apparatus 101 and the information processing apparatus 102, or may be configured to perform negotiation during communication. Further, the communication settings may be set with a wireless channel, the IP address of the radiography apparatus 101, the master unit / slave unit settings, the encryption method, the IP address of the synchronization control device, etc. as required. Also, the communication device 104 may not communicate the system identifier in S302 and may communicate here.

[0054] Step 308: If there is a difference between the newly set communication settings and the currently set communication settings, the operation of step 309 is performed. If there is no difference, the flow ends.

[0055] Step 309: The communication device 104 controls the first wireless communication unit 2 or the second wireless communication unit 6 to perform communication using the communication settings newly set in the steps up to this point. Subsequently, the operation of S310 is performed.

[0056] Step 310: The communication device 104 stores the newly set communication settings in the information processing device 102. Thus, the flow ends.

[0057] Next, with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. 4, the operation of the radiography system 100 until the connection between the first wireless communication unit 2 and the access point 103 is established will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation when the broadcaster (advertiser) that broadcasts data is the radiography device 101 and the observer (scanner) that monitors data is the information processing device 102.

[0058] Step 401: After startup, the radiography device 101 acts as an advertiser that broadcasts an advertisement packet in order to establish a connection with any one of the plurality of information processing devices 102. The radiography device 101 transmits information including a system identifier to the communication device 104 via the second wireless communication unit 6. The transmission power and the transmission period of the packet at the time of transmission can be set in advance.

[0059] At this time, a display indicating that the connection with the information processing device 102 is being established may be performed on the display unit (not shown) of the radiography device 101. For example, when the display unit is an LED, the LED may blink to indicate that the connection with the information processing device 102 is being established.

[0060] The communication device 104 acts as a scanner that can receive advertisement packets. When the information processing device 102 recognizes the partner to be connected from the identifier of the system received by the communication device 104 from the second wireless communication unit 6, it performs a determination based on a threshold value determined in advance for the signal strength. If it is determined that the threshold value is exceeded, the operation of step 402 is subsequently performed. If it is determined that the threshold value is not exceeded, the operation of step 401 is performed again.

[0061] When starting the broadcast of the advertisement packet, a timeout time is set in the control unit 14 of the radiography apparatus 101. If the radiography apparatus 101 determines that the identifiers do not match between the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 and the threshold value is not exceeded within the timeout time after starting the broadcast of the advertisement packet, the broadcast is aborted.

[0062] When the radiography apparatus 101 aborts the broadcast due to timeout, it may display on the display unit of the radiography apparatus 101 that the broadcast of the advertisement packet has been aborted. For example, if the display unit is composed of an LED, it may indicate that the broadcast of the advertisement packet has been aborted by turning off the LED that was blinking or blinking at a different period.

[0063] Also, until it is determined that the identifiers match between the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 and the threshold value is exceeded, the connection may be cancellable by operating the power button 11 of the radiography apparatus 101. Also in this case, similar to the case of timeout, it may indicate that the connection has been cancelled by turning off the LED or blinking at a different period.

[0064] Step 402: The communication device 104 transmits a connection request to the second wireless communication unit 6, and then the operation in step 403 is performed. The transmission of the connection request may be performed by an operation of an operator using the input unit of the information processing apparatus 102. Further, when implementing step 402, the communication device 104 becomes an initiating state which is a connection start state.

[0065] Also, when the second wireless communication unit 6 receives a connection request from the communication device 104, a link timeout time is set in the control unit 14. If the connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 is not established by the link timeout time, it is notified to the information processing apparatus 102 from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 that the connection has not been established.

[0066] The information processing apparatus 102 that has received the notification aborts the establishment of the connection with the radiation imaging apparatus 101. At this time, a display indicating that the establishment of the connection has been aborted may be performed on the display unit of the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Also in this case, similar to the case of timeout, it may be indicated that the connection has been aborted by turning off the LED that was in the blinking state or blinking at a different period.

[0067] Step 403: The second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104 enter a connected state. At this time, pairing which is sharing of encryption keys or mutual service search may be performed between the second wireless communication unit 6 and the communication device 104. Then, the operation in step 404 is performed.

[0068] Step 404: The communication device 104 transmits the SSID of the access point 103 to the second wireless communication unit 6. For example, the SSID is a character string "X". It is preferable that the SSID is encrypted, but it is not necessarily required to be encrypted. Then, the operation in step 405 is performed.

[0069] Step 405: The communication device 104 transmits the encryption key (Key) of the access point 103 to the second wireless communication unit 6. For example, the Key is a character string "ABCDEFGH". It is preferable that the Key is encrypted, but it is not necessarily required to be encrypted. Subsequently, the operation of step 406 is performed.

[0070] Step 406: Disconnect the connection between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6, and subsequently, the operation of step 407 is performed.

[0071] Step 407: The control unit 14 of the information processing device 102 controls the first wireless communication unit 2 to connect to the access point 103 according to the communication settings received in step 404 and step 405. The access point 103 performs authentication with the new communication settings and conducts communication.

[0072] Next, using the arrangement example of each device in FIG. 5, a method for connecting the radiation imaging device 101 and the information processing device 102 when a plurality of information processing devices 102 exist in the vicinity will be described. In FIG. 5, a broadcaster (advertiser) that broadcasts data is the radiation imaging device 101, and an observer (scanner) that monitors data is the information processing device 102. Also, in FIG. 5, the information processing device used in the radiation imaging room 1 is 102-1, and the information processing device used in the radiation imaging room 2 is 102-2. The number after the hyphen is used to distinguish the imaging room in which each device is used.

[0073] Here, considering the case where a plurality of communication devices 104 are in proximity as shown in FIG. 5 in the transfer of the setting information as described in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. When the radiation imaging device 101-1 acts as an advertiser that broadcasts an advertise packet, both the communication device 104-1 and the communication device 104-2 are determined as devices to be connected.

[0074] In this case, the SSID and key associated with the information processing device 102 connected to the communication device 104 with a fast connection establishment are set in the radiation imaging device 101. Therefore, there may be a possibility that the radiation imaging device 101 connects to an unintended information processing device 102.

[0075] Therefore, in the present invention, the information processing device 102 causes the communication device 104 to perform wireless communication with the radiation imaging device 101 based on information regarding the distance between the radiation imaging device 101 and the communication device 104 and a threshold value set in advance for the radiation imaging device 101. In the present invention, the threshold value can be determined for each information processing device 102. By doing so, it is possible to prevent an unintended combination connection between the radiation imaging device 101 and the information processing device 102.

[0076] The information regarding the distance between the radiation imaging device 101 and the communication device 104 is a value related to the distance between the radiation imaging device 101 and the communication device 104 obtained by some means. The information regarding the distance may be a value obtained by means such as a sensor capable of measuring the distance between the radiation imaging device 101 and the communication device 104, or may be any value that changes according to the distance between the radiation imaging device 101 and the communication device 104. In the present embodiment, the signal strength of the signal from the communication device 104 acquired by the radiation imaging device 101 is used as the information regarding the distance. Hereinafter, a specific method for connecting the radiation imaging device 101 and the information processing device 102 when the signal strength is used as the information regarding the distance will be described.

[0077] The information processing device 102-1 sets the signal strength corresponding to a distance of 1 m as a threshold value so as to return a connection request when the distance between the communication device 104-1 and the second wireless communication unit 6 provided in the radiation imaging device 101 is within 1 m. Also, the information processing device 102-2 sets the signal strength corresponding to a distance of 0.1 m as a threshold value so as to return a connection request when the distance between the communication device 104-2 and the second wireless communication unit 6 provided in the radiation imaging device 101 is within 0.1 m.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows two regions with dotted circles. One is the region where the communication device 104-1 returns a connection request based on the threshold value set by the information processing device 102-1 for the radiation imaging device 101. The other is the region where the communication device 104-2 returns a connection request based on the threshold value set by the information processing device 102-2 for the radiation imaging device 101. As shown in FIG. 5, these two regions do not overlap. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connection between the radiation imaging device 101 and the information processing device 102 in an unintended combination.

[0079] Since the relationship between the distance and the signal strength varies depending on the output of the wireless module etc., it is desirable to measure the relationship between the distance and the signal strength for each usage environment to be used and set the threshold value of the signal strength. Also, ideally, the signal strength weakens as the distance increases, but in the actual usage environment, the variation in the value increases as the distance increases due to the influence of reflected waves etc. Therefore, it is desirable that the threshold value of the signal strength set by the information processing device 102 be the signal strength when the distance between the communication device 104-2 and the second wireless communication unit 6 is within 1 m.

[0080] Here, the relationship between the distance and the signal strength will be described. Since the signal strength has the characteristic of attenuating in proportion to the square of the distance, it is possible to calculate the distance between the devices from the signal strength acquired by the second wireless communication unit 6. When calculating the received power of the receiving antenna from the power radiated from the transmitting antenna, the Friis transmission formula is preferably used.

[0081] For example, the radiation imaging device 101 and the communication device 104 are arranged at a position separated by a distance XX (unit: m), and the signal strength YY (unit: dBm) is acquired by the first wireless communication unit 2 or the second wireless communication unit 6 of the radiation imaging device 101. At this time, the calibration data CAL can be shown as follows. CAL = 20×log(XX) + YY ··· (1)

[0082] Also, when the signal strength YY at a certain distance ZZ is α, the theoretical value of the distance ZZ can be expressed as in the following formula (2). ZZ = 10^((CAL - α) / 20) ··· (2)

[0083] The signal strength may be determined using the average value, median value, maximum value, minimum value, and standard deviation, etc. of the values obtained multiple times by performing sampling multiple times in consideration of the variation for each acquisition.

[0084] Calibration data CAL may be acquired during manufacturing at a factory or the like. However, when attempting to obtain a more accurate value, it is desirable to acquire it in the actual usage environment in consideration of the effects of the characteristics of the wireless device and the environment of the room. Also, the relationship between the distance XX and the signal strength YY in the calibration data CAL is determined by measuring the signal strength YY at one or more distances XX. More preferably, it is desirable to acquire the calibration data CAL by measuring the signal strength YY at two or more distances XX.

[0085] Also, in order to correct the signal strength with respect to the distance between different communication devices 104 due to the device differences of the communication devices 104, it is desirable that at least one of the distances XX in the calibration data CAL is 0 m. Also, when acquiring the signal strength, it is preferable to acquire an arbitrary number and suppress the effects of multipath and radio interference by means such as arithmetic mean.

[0086] As described above, in the present invention, the information processing apparatus 102 causes the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 to perform wireless communication based on the information regarding the distance between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and a preset threshold value. The threshold value can be set for each of the information processing apparatuses 102 included in the plurality of radiation imaging systems 100. The threshold value can be set, for example, using the input unit included in the information processing apparatus 102.

[0087] By doing so, it is possible to avoid overlapping of the areas where each of the plurality of radiation imaging systems 100 performs wireless communication, and prevent wireless setting between the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and an unintended communication device 104 from being performed.

[0088] As information on the distance between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the signal strength of the signal from the communication device 104 acquired by the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be used. In this case, the information processing apparatus 102 causes the wireless communication between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 according to the result of comparing the signal strength of the signal from the communication device 104 acquired by the radiation imaging apparatus 101 with a preset threshold value.

[0089] Specifically, when the signal strength is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the information processing apparatus 102 causes the wireless communication between the communication device 104 and the second wireless communication unit 6 included in the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Then, the second wireless communication unit 6 functions as a receiving unit that receives the setting information used in the wireless communication between the first wireless communication unit 2 and the access point 103, which is transmitted from the communication device 104.

[0090] In the description so far, the signal strength is used as information on the distance between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101, but it is not limited thereto. For example, a measuring instrument capable of measuring the distance may be separately provided in the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and the measured value may be used.

[0091] For example, an acceleration sensor may be mounted on the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the value measured by the acceleration sensor may be integrated to calculate the speed, and further the speed may be integrated to calculate the distance, and the value may be used as information on the distance between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Further, a laser distance meter or the like may be mounted on the radiation imaging apparatus 101, and the value acquired by the laser distance meter may be used as information on the distance between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101. Further, the information on the distance between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be acquired by other known techniques.

[0092] In the present invention, the information processing apparatus 102 has a plurality of modes for responses to connection requests from the communication device 104. A mode in which the information processing apparatus automatically responds to a connection request based on a threshold value set in advance for the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the acquired signal strength is referred to as an automatic mode.

[0093] Also, a mode in which the information processing apparatus 102 responds to a connection request based on an input using an input unit of the information processing apparatus 102 by an operator, regardless of the threshold value set in advance for the radiation imaging apparatus 101, is referred to as a manual mode. Specifically, in the manual mode, when the information processing apparatus 102 receives an advertisement packet from the radiation imaging apparatus 101, the information processing apparatus 102 displays on a display unit of the information processing apparatus 102 that there is a connection request from the radiation imaging apparatus 101 which is the transmission source of the advertisement packet. The operator inputs a response to the connection request using the input unit of the information processing apparatus 102.

[0094] Also, a mode in which a response to a connection request is made based on the response in the automatic mode and the response in the manual mode is referred to as a semi-manual mode. In the semi-manual mode, for example, a response to a connection request is made by the logical sum of the response in the automatic mode and the response in the manual mode. That is, when a response to start wireless communication is made either by the signal strength exceeding the threshold value or by a response due to an input to the input unit of the operator, the wireless communication between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 is started.

[0095] Also, the response in the semi-manual mode may be made by the logical product of the response in the automatic mode and the response in the manual mode. That is, when the signal strength exceeds the threshold value and a response due to an input to the input unit of the operator is made, the wireless communication between the communication device 104 and the radiation imaging apparatus 101 may be started. That is, the response in the semi-manual mode is made by at least either the logical sum or the logical product of the response in the automatic mode and the response in the manual mode.

[0096] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4 in that the roles of the observer and the broadcaster are swapped. Using the sequence diagram of FIG. 6, an operation example will be described in the case where the observer (scanner) that monitors data is the radiation imaging apparatus 101 and the broadcaster (advertiser) that broadcasts data is the information processing apparatus 102. Note that descriptions of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0097] Step 601: After startup, the information processing apparatus 102 acts as an advertiser that broadcasts an advertisement packet, and transmits information including a device address to the second wireless communication unit 6 using the communication device 104. At this time, the transmission power and the transmission period of the packet can be set in advance. The second wireless communication unit 6 acts as a scanner that can receive an advertisement packet. Then, when the second wireless communication unit 6 receives the advertisement packet and recognizes the partner to be connected from the device address, it proceeds to step 602.

[0098] Step 602: If the information is insufficient only with the data of the advertisement packet, the second wireless communication unit 6 transmits a SCAN_REQ and proceeds to step 603.

[0099] Step 603: When the communication device 104 receives the SCAN_REQ, it transmits a SCAN_RSP to the second wireless communication unit 6. The second wireless communication unit 6 receives the SCAN_RSP, proceeds to step 604, and enters the initiating state which is the connection start state.

[0100] Steps 604 to 609: These are the same as steps 403 to 407, respectively.

[0101] The above are representative embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown above and in the drawings, and can be appropriately modified and implemented without changing the gist thereof.

[0102] (Other Embodiments) The present invention can also be implemented by supplying a program for realizing the above-described functions to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and causing one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus to read and execute the program.

[0103] Moreover, as the recording medium, various recording media such as a flexible disk, an optical disk (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory (e.g., USB memory), and a ROM can be used. Further, the program for implementing the above-described functions may be downloaded via a network and executed by a computer.

[0104] Also, the functions of the above-described embodiments are not limited to being realized only by executing the program code read by a computer. Based on the instructions of the program code, an OS (Operating System) or the like running on the computer may perform part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments may be realized by such processing.

[0105] Furthermore, the program code read from the recording medium may be written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Based on the instructions of the program code, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit may perform part or all of the actual processing, and the above-described functions may be realized by such processing.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0106] 100 Radiographic imaging system 101 Radiographic imaging apparatus 102 Information processing apparatus 103 Access point 104 Communication device

Claims

1. A portable radiation imaging device including a wireless LAN communication unit and a short-range wireless communication unit corresponding to short-range wireless communication, a first short-range wireless communication device corresponding to the predetermined standard, a second short-range wireless communication device corresponding to the predetermined standard, a first access point for connecting to a network using a first radiation irradiation device, and a second access point for connecting to a network using a second radiation irradiation device, means for establishing a wireless connection relationship between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point based on first connection information transmitted from the first short-range wireless communication device to the short-range wireless communication unit when an advertisement packet of the predetermined standard transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the first short-range wireless communication device satisfies a first condition including a condition regarding signal strength; means for establishing a wireless connection relationship between the wireless LAN communication unit and the second access point based on second connection information transmitted from the second short-range wireless communication device to the short-range wireless communication unit when an advertisement packet of the predetermined standard transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the second short-range wireless communication device satisfies a second condition including a condition regarding signal strength; the radiation imaging device synchronizes the timing of radiation imaging with the first radiation irradiation device through communication via the first access point, and synchronizes the timing of radiation imaging with the second radiation irradiation device through communication via the second access point; different conditions can be set for the first condition and the second condition; a wireless connection relationship is established between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point when an advertisement packet of the predetermined standard transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the first short-range wireless communication device satisfies the first condition, and no wireless connection relationship is established between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point when the advertisement packet of the predetermined standard transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the first short-range wireless communication device does not satisfy the first condition. A radiation imaging system characterized by this.

2. The wireless communication using the wireless LAN communication unit and the wireless communication using the short-range wireless communication unit are wireless communications based on different methods. The radiation imaging apparatus includes a battery and an LED notification unit, and is characterized in that the transmission of the advertisement packet by the short-range wireless communication unit is stopped when the time-out period has elapsed, and the LED notification unit notifies the transmission status of the advertisement packet. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1.

3. The wireless LAN communication unit performs wireless communication with the first or second access point by wireless LAN, and the short-range wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with the first or second communication device by wireless PAN. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first short-range wireless communication device, the second short-range wireless communication device, and the short-range wireless communication unit conform to the predetermined standard. The radiation imaging system according to claim 3.

5. The first condition includes that the first signal strength, which is the signal strength of the advertisement packet transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the first short-range wireless communication device, satisfies the first threshold condition. The second condition includes that the second signal strength, which is the signal strength of the advertisement packet transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the second short-range wireless communication device, satisfies the second threshold condition. The radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first signal strength is a value that varies according to the distance between the short-range wireless communication unit and the first short-range wireless communication device. The second signal strength is a value that varies according to the distance between the short-range wireless communication unit and the second short-range wireless communication device. The radiation imaging system according to claim 5.

7. When the first signal strength exceeds the threshold indicated by the first threshold condition, a process of establishing a wireless connection relationship between the wireless LAN communication unit and the first access point is executed. When the second signal strength exceeds the threshold indicated by the second threshold condition, a process of establishing a wireless connection relationship between the wireless LAN communication unit and the second access point is executed. The radiation imaging system according to claim 6.

8. The signal strength of the advertisement packet transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the first short-range wireless communication device is acquired by the first short-range wireless communication device. The radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the signal strength of the advertisement packet transmitted from the short-range wireless communication unit and received by the second short-range wireless communication device is acquired by the second short-range wireless communication device.

9. The first threshold condition is a threshold condition corresponding to the short-range wireless communication unit and the first short-range wireless communication device being within a range of a first distance. The second threshold condition is a threshold condition corresponding to the short-range wireless communication unit and the second short-range wireless communication device being within a range of a second distance. The radiation imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that the first distance and the second distance are different distances.

10. The radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by comprising a first device using the first short-range wireless communication device and a second device using the second short-range wireless communication device.

11. The radiation imaging system according to claim 10, characterized in that the first device is a device used for imaging in a first imaging room, and the second device is a device used for imaging in a second imaging room.

12. The radiation imaging system according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first device and the second device are a radiation generating device that generates radiation or a control device that performs control for radiation imaging.

13. The first condition includes as a condition that an identifier included in the advertisement packet is registered in advance in the first device. The radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the second condition includes as a condition that an identifier included in the advertisement packet is registered in advance in the second device.

14. The first device and the second device have at least one mode among the following plurality of modes as a mode of response to a request for communication via the first or second short-range wireless communication device from the radiation imaging device. Among the plurality of modes, the response in the automatic mode is a response executed based on the signal strength of the received advertisement packet. Among the plurality of modes, the response in the manual mode is a response executed based on a user input by the input unit. The radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein among the plurality of modes, the response in the semi-manual mode is a response executed based on the signal strength of the received advertisement packet and a user input by the input unit.

15. The first device and the second device have a semi-manual mode as the mode of the response. The radiation imaging system according to claim 14, wherein the response in the semi-manual mode is executed based on at least one of a logical sum and a logical product of the signal strength of the received advertisement packet and a user input by the input unit.

16. The radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the first short-range wireless communication device is a device connected to and used with the first device.

17. The radiation imaging system according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the second short-range wireless communication device is a device connected to and used with the second device.

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