Portable radiation detector

Abstract

This portable radiation detector is equipped with a detection panel for detecting radiation and generating a radiograph, a housing for housing the detection panel, and an ultraviolet ray source which generates ultraviolet rays and is positioned on the outer surface of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to a portable radiation detector and a housing device.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus (official name: SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)-Cov (Coronavirus)-2), cluster infections have occurred even in medical institutions. Therefore, meticulous infection prevention measures are required for various examinations and diagnoses in medical institutions. As an infection prevention measure, sterilization by ultraviolet irradiation is effective. It has also been reported that the novel coronavirus can be inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation.

[0003] Among the radiation detectors used in radiation diagnostic devices, there are portable ones. Portable radiation detectors are often directly touched by operators such as radiological technologists and patients, and are prone to attachment of bacteria, viruses, etc. Therefore, it has been proposed to irradiate the portable radiation detector with ultraviolet rays for sterilization by providing an ultraviolet light source in the equipment used for radiography.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-172243 describes providing an ultraviolet light source inside a charging cradle for charging a portable radiation detector. The portable radiation detector loaded in the cradle is sterilized by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light source.

[0005] In addition, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-248124 describes providing a germicidal lamp (i.e., an ultraviolet light source) inside a storage holder for storing a portable radiation detector provided in a mobile radiation generating device. The portable radiation detector stored in the storage holder is sterilized by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays from the ultraviolet light source.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the devices described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-172243 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-248124, in order to sterilize a portable radiation detector, it is necessary to store it in a charging cradle or a storage holder provided with an ultraviolet light source. Using a device provided with an ultraviolet light source to sterilize a portable radiation detector increases costs. Instead, having an operator or the like sterilize the portable radiation detector themselves places a heavy workload. In order to reduce such costs and workload, it is desired to improve the efficiency of sterilizing the portable radiation detector.

[0007] An object of the technology of the present disclosure is to provide a portable radiation detector and a housing device that enable efficient sterilization by ultraviolet light.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The portable radiation detector of the present disclosure includes a detection panel that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, a housing that houses the detection panel, and an ultraviolet light source that is disposed on the outer surface of the housing and emits ultraviolet light.

[0009] Preferably, the ultraviolet light source is disposed outside the region corresponding to the detection panel on the outer surface of the housing.

[0010] Preferably, the ultraviolet light source emits at least a part of the ultraviolet light toward the region corresponding to the detection panel on the outer surface of the housing.

[0011] Preferably, the housing is rectangular, and one ultraviolet light source is disposed on each side of the housing.

[0012] Preferably, the ultraviolet light source is disposed at the center of each side of the housing.

[0013] Indicators are provided at the center of each side of the housing, and preferably, the ultraviolet light source is integrated with the indicators.

[0014] The housing is rectangular, and it is preferable that a plurality of ultraviolet light sources are arranged along each side of the housing.

[0015] It is preferable to provide a phosphorescent part on the outer surface of the housing that absorbs ultraviolet light and emits visible light.

[0016] It is preferable that the phosphorescent part is formed by applying or attaching a phosphorescent material outside the area corresponding to the detection panel on the outer surface of the housing.

[0017] It is preferable to include a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person, and a light emission control unit that prohibits the emission of ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet light source when the human presence sensor detects the presence of a person.

[0018] The human presence sensor is preferably a moving object sensor that detects moving objects or an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration.

[0019] It is preferable to include a light emission control unit that controls the ultraviolet light source and can execute a normal sterilization mode with a relatively long ultraviolet irradiation time and a rapid sterilization mode with a relatively short ultraviolet irradiation time.

[0020] It is preferable that the light emission control unit sets the intensity of ultraviolet light to less than a certain value in the normal sterilization mode and to be equal to or greater than a certain value in the rapid sterilization mode.

[0021] The ultraviolet light source includes a first ultraviolet light source that emits first ultraviolet light having a first central wavelength, and a second ultraviolet light source that emits second ultraviolet light having a second central wavelength longer than the first central wavelength. It is preferable that the light emission control unit causes the first ultraviolet light source to emit the first ultraviolet light in the normal sterilization mode and causes the second ultraviolet light to be emitted in the rapid sterilization mode.

[0022] The first central wavelength is preferably 222 nm, and the second central wavelength is preferably 254 nm.

[0023] The housing device of the present disclosure includes a housing portion in which any of the above portable radiation detectors is housed, and an ultraviolet reflection portion formed on the inner surface of the housing portion and reflecting ultraviolet rays emitted from an ultraviolet light source.

[0024] The housing portion is preferably a holder provided on a photographing table, a holder provided on a mobile radiation generator, or a holder provided on a charging cradle.

[0025] The ultraviolet reflection portion preferably faces at least the radiation detection surface of the portable radiation detector.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] It is possible to provide a portable radiation detector and a housing device capable of efficiently performing sterilization by ultraviolet rays.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the radiation diagnostic apparatus 10 includes a radiation source 11, a control device 12, an upright imaging table 13, and a supine imaging table 14. The radiation source 11 is shared for radiation imaging using the upright imaging table 13 and radiation imaging using the supine imaging table 14. Note that the upright imaging table 13 and the supine imaging table 14 are examples of the "imaging table" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0029] The radiation source 11 incorporates a radiation tube 15. The radiation tube 15 generates and emits radiation R. The radiation R is, for example, X-rays. Further, an irradiation field limiter 16 is attached to the radiation source 11. The irradiation field limiter 16 is also called a collimator and defines the irradiation field of the radiation R.

[0030] The radiation source 11 is suspended from the ceiling of the radiographic examination room by a support column 18. The support column 18 is attached to a rail provided on the ceiling via a carriage. The radiation source 11 can be moved horizontally within the radiographic examination room by the rail and the carriage. Further, the support column 18 is telescopable in the height direction, enabling the radiation source 11 to be moved in the height direction. Furthermore, the radiation source 11 is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the paper as a rotation axis.

[0031] The standing position imaging table 13 has a stand 20, a connecting portion 21, and a standing position holder 22. The stand 20 is composed of a pedestal 23 installed on the floor surface of the radiographic examination room and a support column 24 extending in the height direction from the pedestal 23. The connecting portion 21 connects the standing position holder 22 to the stand 20. The standing position holder 22 is movable in the height direction, enabling height adjustment according to the imaging site of the patient P.

[0032] The standing position holder 22 is box-shaped and houses an electronic cassette 30 inside. Most of the standing position holder 22 is formed of a conductive material having electromagnetic wave shielding properties such as aluminum or stainless steel. Also, most of the surface of the standing position holder 22 facing the radiation source 11 is formed of a material that transmits radiation R such as carbon. Note that the electronic cassette 30 is an example of the "portable radiation detector" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Also, the standing position holder 22 is an example of the "accommodating portion" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the standing position imaging table 13 is an example of the "accommodating device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0033] The lying position imaging table 14 has a pedestal 40 installed on the floor surface of the radiographic examination room, a connecting portion 41, a top plate 42, and a lying position holder 43. The connecting portion 41 connects the top plate 42 to the pedestal 40. The pedestal 40 is elevating, enabling height adjustment of the top plate 42. The top plate 42 has a length and width that allow the patient P to lie supine. The top plate 42 is formed of a material that transmits radiation R such as carbon.

[0034] The lying position holder 43 is disposed in the space 41A between the pedestal 40 formed by the connecting portion 41 and the top plate 42. The lying position holder 43 is box-shaped with its upper part covered by the top plate 42, and houses the electronic cassette 30 inside. The lying position holder 43 is formed of a conductive material having electromagnetic wave shielding properties such as aluminum or stainless steel. The lying position holder 43 is slidable in a direction along the long side direction of the top plate 42 by a slide mechanism (not shown). Note that the lying position holder 43 is an example of the "accommodating portion" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Further, the lying position imaging table 14 is an example of the "accommodating device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0035] The control device 12 is, for example, a console installed in a control room adjacent to the radiation imaging room. A imaging menu is input into the control device 12 by an operator. The control device 12 performs control related to radiation imaging by the radiation source 11 and the electronic cassette 30 based on irradiation conditions corresponding to the input imaging menu. Further, the control device 12 receives a radiation image transmitted from the electronic cassette 30 and causes the received radiation image to be displayed on a display (not shown). The control device 12 communicates with the electronic cassette 30 wirelessly or by wire.

[0036] The control device 12 is communicably connected to a radiology information system (RIS) via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The control device 12 receives an imaging order from the RIS. The imaging order includes patient information of the patient P and an imaging menu. Further, the control device 12 is communicably connected to an image database server (not shown) via the network. The image database server is, for example, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) server, receives the radiation image from the control device 12, and stores and manages the received radiation image.

[0037] Figures 2 to 4 show an example of the external configuration of the electronic cassette 30. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic cassette 30 as seen from the front side where the radiation R is incident. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electronic cassette 30 as seen from the back side. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the electronic cassette 30 as seen from the front side.

[0038] The electronic cassette 30 includes a detection panel 31 that detects the radiation R and generates a radiation image, and a housing 32 that houses the detection panel 31. The housing 32 has a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 32 is composed of a front surface 32A where the radiation R is incident, a back surface 32B facing the front surface 32A, and four side surfaces 32C. The front surface 32A and the back surface 32B are substantially rectangular in plan view. Hereinafter, the surfaces composed of the front surface 32A, the back surface 32B, and the four side surfaces 32C are referred to as the outer surfaces of the housing 32.

[0039] The housing 32 is formed of, for example, a conductive resin. The housing 32 has the same size as that conforming to the international standard ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 4090:2001, similar to a film cassette, an IP (Imaging Plate) cassette, or a CR (Computed Radiography) cassette.

[0040] A rectangular opening 33 is formed in the front surface 32A of the housing 32. A transmission plate 34 that transmits the radiation R is attached to the opening 33. The transmission plate 34 is rectangular in plan view and is larger than the detection panel 31. The transmission plate 34 is formed of, for example, a carbon material that is lightweight, highly rigid, and has high radiation transmissivity. Lines 34A and 34B indicating the center of the detection panel 31 are formed on the transmission plate 34 by a method such as printing. The line 34A and the line 34B are orthogonal to each other, and the intersection of the two corresponds to the center of the imaging region. The imaging region is the region on the front surface 32A where the radiation R that contributes to the generation of the radiation image by the detection panel 31 is incident.

[0041] In addition, a resin protection film (not shown) through which the radiation R passes is attached to the surface of the transparent plate 34. The protection film protects the transparent plate 34 and flattens the surface of the transparent plate 34.

[0042] The electronic cassette 30 is housed in the standing holder 22 or the lying holder 43 so as to be held in a posture in which the radiation source 11 and the front surface 32A face each other. Also, the electronic cassette 30 can be used without being housed in a holder. In this case, the electronic cassette 30 is disposed, for example, between a patient lying supine on a bed and the bed for use.

[0043] A battery mounting portion 35 is provided at the central portion of the rear surface 32B of the housing 32. A battery 36 for supplying power to the electronic cassette 30 is detachably mounted on the battery mounting portion 35. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the battery 36 is mounted on the battery mounting portion 35. The battery 36 is a secondary battery such as a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

[0044] A light emitting portion 50 for indicating the operating state of the electronic cassette 30 and the like is provided on the outer surface of the housing 32. As shown in FIG. 4, in a plan view, the housing 32 has four sides 37. The side 37 corresponds to the side surface 32C described above. The light emitting portion 50 is disposed at the center of each side 37. That is, the light emitting portion 50 is formed at a position where the side 37 intersects with an extension line obtained by virtually extending the lines 34A and 34B. Also, the light emitting portion 50 is disposed outside the transparent plate 34. That is, the light emitting portion 50 is disposed outside a region (i.e., an imaging region) corresponding to the detection panel 31 on the outer surface of the housing 32.

[0045] Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light emitting portion 50 is formed so as to extend from the side surface 32C to the front surface 32A and the rear surface 32B. Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 50 spreads so as to include directions orthogonal to the side surface 32C, the front surface 32A, and the rear surface 32B, respectively, and is emitted radially.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the light emitting unit 50. As shown in FIG. 5, the light emitting unit 50 is, for example, an LED module configured by mounting a plurality of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 52 to 55 on a substrate 51. The LED module is provided inside the housing 32 and emits light through a light transmissive plate provided on the outer surface of the housing 32.

[0047] LED 52 is a green LED that emits green light. LED 53 is a blue LED that emits blue light. LED 54 is a red LED that emits red light. LED 55 is an ultraviolet LED that emits ultraviolet rays. LED 55 emits at least a part of the ultraviolet rays toward the region corresponding to the detection panel 31 on the outer surface of the housing 32.

[0048] LEDs 52 to 55 function as an indicator 57 that indicates the operating state of the electronic cassette 30 to the operator. The operating states include a power-on state, a ready state, and an error state. The power-on state is a state in which the power of the electronic cassette 30 is turned on. The ready state is a state in which the detection of the radiation R by the detection panel 31 is completed. The error state is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the electronic cassette 30. For example, in the power-on state, the green LED 52 emits light. In the ready state, the blue LED 53 emits light. In the error state, the red LED 54 emits light.

[0049] The ultraviolet LED 55 is an example of an ultraviolet source that emits ultraviolet rays for sterilization. That is, in the present embodiment, the ultraviolet source is integrated with the indicator 57. In the present disclosure, sterilization means making bacteria, microorganisms, or viruses attached to the irradiation object inactive by light energy. The irradiation time of ultraviolet rays required for sterilization varies depending on the irradiation energy of ultraviolet rays, the distance from the ultraviolet source to the irradiation object, the type of bacteria or virus to be sterilized, etc., but is about several minutes to several tens of minutes. For example, there are reports that the novel coronavirus is inactivated by irradiation with ultraviolet rays for several minutes.

[0050] The ultraviolet rays emitted by the ultraviolet LED 55 are, for example, deep ultraviolet rays having a central wavelength in the range of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less. In the present embodiment, the ultraviolet LED 55 emits deep ultraviolet rays having a central wavelength of 222 nm. The deep ultraviolet rays with a central wavelength of 222 nm are known to have little impact on the human body (see, for example, Patent No. 6306097). Therefore, even if the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet LED 55 irradiate the patient P or the like, safety is maintained. The ultraviolet LED 55 emits ultraviolet rays during a period when the detection operation of the radiation R by the detection panel 31 is not being performed (that is, during a non-imaging period). For example, the ultraviolet LED 55 emits light for a predetermined irradiation time when the power is on.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the standing imaging table 13. As shown in FIG. 6, a tray 25 is slidably attached to the standing holder 22. Inside the standing holder 22, there are provided a rail 26 (see FIG. 7) for guiding the movement of the tray 25, a position fixing frame 27 for determining the attachment position of the electronic cassette 30 with respect to the tray 25, and a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the tray 25 in the inserted state. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the locking of the locking mechanism is released and the tray 25 is pulled out from the standing holder 22.

[0052] The electronic cassette 30 is detachably set on the tray 25. The tray 25 is provided with a holding mechanism for sandwiching and holding the electronic cassette 30 in the vertical direction.

[0053] Further, the surface 22A of the standing holder 22 has a radiation transmission region 28 formed of a material that transmits the radiation R such as carbon.

[0054] FIG. 7 schematically shows a cross section of the standing holder 22. As shown in FIG. 7, on the inner surface of the standing holder 22, an ultraviolet ray reflecting portion 29 that reflects the ultraviolet ray UV emitted from the LED 55 (see FIG. 5) included in the light emitting portion 50 of the standing holder 22 is formed. The ultraviolet ray reflecting portion 29 faces at least the radiation detection surface of the electronic cassette 30. The radiation detection surface is a region corresponding to the detection panel 31 on the outer surface of the housing 32.

[0055] The ultraviolet reflection part 29 is a reflection film that specularly reflects or diffusely reflects deep ultraviolet rays. The ultraviolet reflection part 29 is formed, for example, by applying a paint having ultraviolet reflectivity to the inner surface of the standing holder 22 by screen printing or the like. As the paint having ultraviolet reflectivity, for example, the ultraviolet highly reflective ink "Hi-UVC" (https: / / ogc-jp.com / new / wp-content / uploads / 2020 / 10 / 1f43d53f50e92b1994284884afbb59ea.pdf) manufactured by Okamoto Glass Co., Ltd. can be adopted.

[0056] Note that the ultraviolet reflection part 29 may be formed by adhering a laminated substrate formed by depositing an ultraviolet reflection material on a metal substrate such as aluminum to the inner surface of the standing holder 22 via an adhesive layer. As this laminated substrate, the UVC reflector "MIRO-UV-C" (https: / / www.materialhouse.co.jp / miro-top / newmirouv / ) manufactured by Material House Co., Ltd. can be adopted. Also, the ultraviolet reflection part 29 may be formed by a metal member. In this case, for example, a metal body such as an aluminum material with a protective film on its surface, a SUS (Stainless Used Steel) material, or a composite material formed by vapor-depositing metal on a resin film (Alpet (registered trademark), etc.) can be used as the ultraviolet reflection part 29.

[0057] The ultraviolet ray UV emitted from the light emitting part 50 is reflected by the ultraviolet reflection part 29 and then enters the housing 32 of the electronic cassette 30. Inside the standing holder 22, the ultraviolet ray UV is repeatedly reflected, and the entire exposed part of the outer surface of the housing 32 is irradiated with the ultraviolet ray UV. Thereby, the electronic cassette 30 is sterilized. Also, the inside of the standing holder 22 and the tray 25, etc. are irradiated with the ultraviolet ray UV, and sterilization is performed.

[0058] Note that FIG. 7 schematically shows a part of the ultraviolet ray UV emitted from the light emitting unit 50. In addition, since the holder 43 for the lying position has the same configuration as the holder 22 for the standing position, the description thereof is omitted.

[0059] FIG. 8 shows an example of the internal configuration of the electronic cassette 30. As shown in FIG. 8, the electronic cassette 30 includes a detection panel 31, a drive unit 60, a signal processing unit 61, a sensor control unit 62, a communication unit 63, a light emission control unit 64, and a light emission unit 50. The electronic cassette 30 of the present embodiment is an indirect conversion type radiation detector that converts radiation into light (visible light) and then converts the converted light into electric charges.

[0060] The sensor control unit 62 and the light emission control unit 64 are each configured by a processor such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). Note that the sensor control unit 62 and the light emission control unit 64 may be configured by one processor. Further, the sensor control unit 62 and the light emission control unit 64 may be configured by a processor that executes processing based on a program stored in a memory.

[0061] A scintillator 65 as a conversion layer is laminated on the detection panel 31. The scintillator 65 is formed of, for example, GOS (Gd2O2:Tb) or CsI (CsI:TI). The scintillator 65 converts the radiation R emitted from the radiation source 11 (see FIG. 1) and transmitted through the imaging region of the patient P into visible light.

[0062] Photodiodes 66 as photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the detection panel 31. The photodiodes 66 generate electric charges in response to the light converted by the scintillator 65 and accumulate the generated electric charges. The photodiodes 66 are connected to signal lines 68 via TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) 67 as switch elements. The gates of the TFTs 67 are connected to scanning lines 69.

[0063] The driving unit 60 is, for example, a gate driver to which a plurality of scanning lines 69 are connected. The driving unit 60 applies a voltage to the scanning lines 69 based on a timing signal supplied from the sensor control unit 62.

[0064] When a voltage is applied to the TFT67 via the scanning line 69, it becomes an on state, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the charge accumulated in the photodiode 66 to the signal line 68. The electrical signal output to the signal line 68 is input to the signal processing unit 61.

[0065] The signal processing unit 61 generates image data corresponding to the electrical signals input from each of the signal lines 68, and outputs it as a radiation image to the outside via the communication unit 63. The signal processing unit 61 is a signal processing circuit including an amplifier circuit, a correlated double sampling circuit, a multiplexer, an A / D converter, and the like.

[0066] The communication unit 63 communicates with the control device 12, for example, wirelessly. The communication unit 63 receives a control signal transmitted from the control device 12 and inputs it to the sensor control unit 62, and transmits the radiation image generated by the sensor control unit 62 to the control device 12.

[0067] The light emission control unit 64 controls the light emission operation of the light emitting unit 50. The sensor control unit 62 causes one or more of the LEDs 52 to 55 included in the light emitting unit 50 to emit light according to the operating state (power-on state, ready state, and error state) of the electronic cassette 30 by the sensor control unit 62.

[0068] In this embodiment, the electronic cassette 30 is of an indirect conversion type, but it may be of a direct conversion type. In a direct conversion type radiation detector, a conversion layer such as amorphous selenium (a-Se) that directly converts radiation R into electric charge is used. Further, in a direct conversion type radiation detector, instead of the photodiode 66, a capacitor for accumulating the charge generated by the conversion layer is provided.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the light emission control by the light emission control unit 64. First, the light emission control unit 64 determines the operating state of the electronic cassette 30 that is being executed based on the control of the sensor control unit 62 (step S10). The light emission control unit 64 determines whether the operating state is the power-on state (step S11). When the light emission control unit 64 determines that the operating state is the power-on state (step S11: YES), it causes the green LED 52 and the ultraviolet LED 55 to emit light (step S12). After step S12, the light emission control unit 64 returns the process to step S10.

[0070] When the light emission control unit 64 determines that the operating state is not the power-on state (step S11: NO), it determines whether the operating state is the ready state (step S13). When the light emission control unit 64 determines that the operating state is the ready state (step S13: YES), it causes the blue LED 53 to emit light (step S14). After step S14, the light emission control unit 64 returns the process to step S10.

[0071] When the light emission control unit 64 determines that the operating state is not the ready state (step S13: NO), it determines whether the operating state is an error state (step S15). When the light emission control unit 64 determines that the operating state is an error state (step S15: YES), it causes the red LED 54 to emit light (step S16). After step S16, the light emission control unit 64 returns the process to step S10.

[0072] When the light emission control unit 64 determines that the operating state is not an error state (step S15: NO), it ends the process.

[0073] Thus, the ultraviolet LED 55 as an ultraviolet light source that emits ultraviolet light for sterilization emits light when the power is on. That is, the light emission of the ultraviolet LED 55 stops in the ready state and the error state. For example, the ready state corresponds to the operator inputting a shooting menu to the control device 12 or the control device 12 receiving a shooting order from the RIS. Since the ready state is a state where the patient P is placed near the electronic cassette 30 and the preparation for radiography is performed, by prohibiting the light emission of the ultraviolet LED 55 in the ready state, it is possible to suppress the irradiation of ultraviolet light to the patient P and the like.

[0074] As described above, by providing the light emitting unit 50 incorporating the ultraviolet LED 55 as an ultraviolet light source on the outer surface of the electronic cassette 30, sterilization by ultraviolet light can be efficiently performed. In addition, since there is no need to separately use a device having an ultraviolet light source to sterilize the electronic cassette 30, cost reduction can be achieved.

[0075] Note that in the above embodiment, the light emission control unit 64 causes the ultraviolet LED 55 to emit light when the electronic cassette 30 is in the power-on state, but the ultraviolet LED 55 may be caused to emit light only for a certain period necessary for sterilization in the power-on state.

[0076] Also, in the above embodiment, the light emission control unit 64 causes the ultraviolet LED 55 to emit light according to the operating state of the electronic cassette 30, but the ultraviolet LED 55 may be caused to emit light based on an operation signal input to the control device 12 by the operator. Further, an operation unit such as an operation switch for causing the ultraviolet LED 55 to emit light by the operation of the operator may be provided on the electronic cassette 30. Also, the light emission control unit 64 may cause the ultraviolet LED 55 to emit light in response to the power switch (not shown) provided on the electronic cassette 30 being turned on.

[0077] Hereinafter, various modifications of the above embodiment will be described.

[0078] [First Modification Example] FIG. 10 shows an electronic cassette 30A according to the first modification. In the electronic cassette 30 according to the above embodiment, the light emitting units 50 are arranged one by one on each side 37 of the housing 32. On the other hand, in the electronic cassette 30A according to the first modification, a plurality of light emitting units 50 are arranged along each side 37 of the housing 32. The light emitting units 50 other than the light emitting units 50 located at the center of each side 37 may include only the ultraviolet LED 55 among the LEDs 52 to 55. That is, only the ultraviolet light sources may be arranged in plurality on each side 37.

[0079] By arranging a plurality of ultraviolet light sources on each side 37 of the housing 32, the outer surface of the housing 32 can be irradiated with ultraviolet light uniformly over a wider range. Thereby, the sterilization effect is improved.

[0080] Note that, instead of the ultraviolet LED 55, an ultraviolet lamp such as an excimer lamp may be used. Since the ultraviolet lamp is rod-shaped, it can be arranged along each side 37 of the housing 32.

[0081] [Second Modification] FIG. 11 shows an electronic cassette 30B according to the second modification. As shown in FIG. 11, the electronic cassette 30B according to the second modification has a phosphorescent portion 70 on the outer surface of the housing 32 that absorbs ultraviolet light and emits visible light. In this modification, the phosphorescent portion 70 is arranged outside the transmission plate 34. That is, the phosphorescent portion 70 is arranged outside the region corresponding to the detection panel 31 (that is, the imaging region) on the outer surface of the housing 32. As an example, in this modification, the phosphorescent portions 70 are provided at the four corners of the front surface 32A of the housing 32, respectively.

[0082] The phosphorescent portion 70 is formed, for example, by applying a paint having phosphorescent properties to the outer surface of the housing 32 by screen printing or the like. As the paint having phosphorescent properties, a luminous paint manufactured by Asahi Pen Co., Ltd. (https: / / www.asahipen.jp / products / view / 16813), a transparent phosphorescent paint manufactured by Tateyama Kagaku Kogyo Co., Ltd. (https: / / www.tateyama.jp / product / dev_newmaterial.html), etc. can be adopted.

[0083] While the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet LED 55 are irradiating the outer surface of the housing 32, the energy storage part 70 absorbs the irradiated ultraviolet rays and emits visible light. Even after the light emission of the ultraviolet LED 55 stops, the energy storage part 70 emits visible light. The amount of visible light emitted from the energy storage part 70 gradually decreases after the stop of ultraviolet irradiation and goes out after a certain period of time has elapsed.

[0084] As described above, by providing the energy storage part 70 on the outer surface of the housing 32, the operator can easily visually confirm whether the electronic cassette 30B has been sterilized.

[0085] In addition to applying the energy storage material, the energy storage part 70 can also be formed by attaching the energy storage material. For example, the energy storage part 70 can be formed by attaching a film-shaped energy storage material to the outer surface of the housing 32. This film-shaped energy storage material is preferably peelable. By making the energy storage part 70 peelable, it becomes possible to replace it with a new energy storage part 70 when the energy storage part 70 deteriorates.

[0086] Also, in this modification, the energy storage part 70 is provided on the front surface 32A of the housing 32, but it may be provided on the back surface 32B of the housing 32, or may be provided on both the front surface 32A and the back surface 32B.

[0087] [Third Modification Example] FIG. 12 shows an electronic cassette 30C according to the third modification example. As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic cassette 30C according to the third modification example has a moving body sensor 80 that detects a moving body. As an example, in this modification, the moving body sensors 80 are built in the four corners of the housing 32. The moving body sensor 80 detects the presence of a person around the electronic cassette 30C by detecting changes in infrared rays, reflected ultrasonic waves, or blocking of visible light through a window (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the housing 32. The moving body sensor 80 is an example of the "human presence sensor" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 13, the moving body sensor 80 is connected to the light emission control unit 64. When at least one of the plurality of moving body sensors 80 detects a moving body, the light emission control unit 64 executes light emission prohibition control for prohibiting the emission of ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet LED 55. For example, in addition to the light emission control shown in FIG. 9, the light emission control unit 64 performs light emission prohibition control based on the detection signal of the moving body sensor 80.

[0089] Thus, in the electronic cassette 30C according to the second modification, when a moving body is detected (that is, the presence of a person is detected), the emission of ultraviolet rays is prohibited, so that the patient P or the operator is prevented from being inadvertently irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the safety is improved.

[0090] In this modification, four moving body sensors 80 are provided in the electronic cassette 30C. However, the number of moving body sensors 80 is not limited, and only one moving body sensor 80 may be provided in the electronic cassette 30C.

[0091] Further, as shown in FIG. 14, instead of the moving body sensor 80, an acceleration sensor 81 for detecting acceleration may be provided. The acceleration sensor 81 is connected to the light emission control unit 64. When the acceleration sensor 81 detects an acceleration equal to or greater than a certain value, the light emission control unit 64 executes light emission prohibition control for prohibiting the emission of ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet LED 55. For example, in addition to the light emission control shown in FIG. 9, the light emission control unit 64 performs light emission prohibition control based on the detection signal of the acceleration sensor 81.

[0092] For example, when an operator or the like holds the electronic cassette 30C, an acceleration equal to or greater than a certain value is applied to the electronic cassette 30C. Thus, since the acceleration sensor 81 indirectly detects the presence of a person by acceleration, it can be used as a human presence sensor. In addition to the moving body sensor 80 and the acceleration sensor 81, an audio sensor that detects sounds such as voices can also be used as a human presence sensor.

[0093] [Fourth Modification Example] In the fourth modification example, the light emission control unit 64 can execute a normal sterilization mode with a relatively long irradiation time and a rapid sterilization mode with a relatively short irradiation time by controlling the irradiation time and intensity of the ultraviolet rays by the ultraviolet LED 55. In the normal sterilization mode, the light emission control unit 64 sets the intensity of the ultraviolet rays to be less than a certain value, and in the rapid sterilization mode, the intensity of the ultraviolet rays is set to be equal to or greater than a certain value.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 15 as an example, in the normal sterilization mode, the light emission control unit 64 sets the irradiation time to T1 and the intensity to I1. Further, in the rapid sterilization mode, the light emission control unit 64 sets the irradiation time to T2 and the intensity to I2. Regarding the irradiation time, the relationship of T1>T2 is satisfied, and regarding the intensity, the relationship of I1<I2 is satisfied. It is preferable that the light emission control unit 64 sets the irradiation time and intensity so that the integrated light amount is equal in the normal sterilization mode and the rapid sterilization mode (that is, the relationship of T1×I1=T2×I2 is satisfied).

[0095] The light emission control unit 64 changes the intensity of the ultraviolet rays, for example, by controlling the drive current of the ultraviolet LED 55. When the light emission control unit 64 drives the ultraviolet light source by PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control, the light emission control unit 64 may change the intensity of the ultraviolet rays by controlling the pulse width of the drive pulse (that is, controlling the duty ratio) to change the effective voltage or effective current.

[0096] The light emission control unit 64 switches between the normal sterilization mode and the rapid sterilization mode, for example, based on an operation signal input to the control device 12 by the operator. Since the intensity of the ultraviolet rays is low in the normal sterilization mode, the aging of the housing 32 of the electronic cassette 30 due to ultraviolet irradiation is alleviated. Further, since the intensity of the ultraviolet rays is low and the influence on the human body is small in the normal sterilization mode, it is suitable for use when the electronic cassette 30C is used without being housed in a holder (the standing position holder 22 or the lying position holder 43).

[0097] The rapid sterilization mode is used, for example, when it is urgently necessary to sterilize the electronic cassette 30C. Further, when the rapid sterilization mode is selected, the light emission control unit 64 preferably switches from the rapid sterilization mode to the normal sterilization mode when the presence of a person is detected by the above-described human presence sensor.

[0098] [Fifth Modification Example] FIG. 16 shows a light emitting unit 50A according to the fifth modification example. In this modification example, instead of the light emitting unit 50 shown in FIG. 5, the light emitting unit 50A shown in FIG. 16 is used. The light emitting unit 50A includes first ultraviolet LEDs 55A and second ultraviolet LEDs 55B in addition to the LEDs 52 to 54 as the indicator 57. The first ultraviolet LED 55A and the second ultraviolet LED 55B have different wavelengths of the generated ultraviolet rays. The first ultraviolet LED 55A is an example of the "first ultraviolet source" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The second ultraviolet LED 55B is an example of the "second ultraviolet source" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0099] The first ultraviolet LED 55A emits first ultraviolet rays having a first central wavelength. The first central wavelength is, for example, 222 nm. The second ultraviolet LED 55B emits second ultraviolet rays having a second central wavelength that is longer than the first central wavelength. The second central wavelength is, for example, 254 nm. The second ultraviolet rays with a central wavelength of 254 nm are known to have a greater impact on the human body than the ultraviolet rays with a central wavelength of 222 nm, but have a high sterilization effect. In the normal sterilization mode described in the fourth modification example, the light emission control unit 64 causes the first ultraviolet LED 55A to emit light, and in the rapid sterilization mode, causes the second ultraviolet LED 55B to emit light. Thereby, sterilization can be performed more efficiently in the rapid sterilization mode.

[0100] Note that the first central wavelength may be 207 nm. Ultraviolet rays with a central wavelength of 207 nm are also known to have a small impact on the human body, similar to ultraviolet rays with a central wavelength of 222 nm.

[0101] [Sixth Modification Example] In the above-described embodiment, the electronic cassette 30 is housed in the standing holder 22 of the standing imaging table 13 or the lying holder 43 of the lying imaging table 14 provided in the radiation diagnostic apparatus 10 (see FIG. 1) and is used for radiation imaging. The electronic cassette 30 is not limited to the radiation diagnostic apparatus 10 and can also be used together with a mobile radiation generating apparatus.

[0102] FIG. 17 shows an example of a mobile radiation generating apparatus. The mobile radiation generating apparatus 90 shown in FIG. 17 includes a main body portion 91, a support portion 92, and an arm portion 93. Four wheels 94 are attached to the lower part of the main body portion 91 in the front, rear, left, and right directions. The mobile radiation generating apparatus 90 can be moved within a medical facility by these wheels 94 and is used for so-called round-robin imaging in which imaging of a patient is performed while going around the patient rooms. For this reason, the mobile radiation generating apparatus 90 is also called a round-robin vehicle. Further, the mobile radiation generating apparatus 90 can be brought into an operating room and radiation imaging can be performed during the operation.

[0103] The main body portion 91 includes a central portion 95 and a housing portion 96. A control device 97 is built in the central portion 95. The housing portion 96 is a holder for housing the electronic cassette 30 when not in use. Note that the mobile radiation generating apparatus 90 is an example of the “housing apparatus” according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0104] The housing portion 96 is disposed on the back surface of the central portion 95. The housing portion 96 has a housing portion main body 100 and a lid 101. The lid 101 can be opened and closed with respect to the housing portion main body 100. A plurality of electronic cassettes 30 can be housed in the housing portion main body 100.

[0105] A handle 107 that is gripped by an operator is provided at a position protruding above the central portion 95. An irradiation switch 108 is attached to the upper part of the back surface of the central portion 95. The irradiation switch 108 is a switch for the operator to instruct the start of irradiation of the radiation R. The irradiation switch 108 is connected to an extension cable (not shown) and can be removed from the central portion 95 for use.

[0106] The support portion 92 is erected above the front wheel 94. The arm portion 93 has a proximal end attached to the support portion 92. A radiation source 110 is attached to the arm portion 93 on the side opposite to the proximal end. The radiation source 110 incorporates a radiation tube 111. Further, an irradiation field limiter 112 is attached to the radiation source 110.

[0107] On the inner surface of the housing portion 96, an ultraviolet reflection portion 120 is formed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. The ultraviolet reflection portion 120 is a reflection film that specularly reflects or diffusely reflects deep ultraviolet rays. The configuration of the ultraviolet reflection portion 120 is the same as the configuration of the above-described ultraviolet reflection portion 29 (see FIG. 7).

[0108] When ultraviolet rays are emitted from the light-emitting portion 50 of the electronic cassette 30 housed in the housing portion 96, inside the housing portion 96, the ultraviolet rays UV are repeatedly reflected, and the entire exposed portion of the outer surface of the housing 32 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Thereby, the electronic cassette 30 is sterilized.

[0109] [Seventh Modification Example] The electronic cassette 30 can be charged with the battery 36 while being housed in a charging cradle. As an example, FIG. 18 shows an example of a charging cradle. The charging cradle 200 shown in FIG. 18 includes a housing portion 210 and a charge control portion 220. The charging cradle 200 is an example of the "housing device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0110] The housing portion 210 has the same configuration as the housing portion 96 in the sixth modification example, and includes a housing body 211 and a lid 212. The lid 212 is openable and closable with respect to the housing body 211. A plurality of electronic cassettes 30 can be housed in the housing body 211.

[0111] The charge control portion 220 is connected to the electronic cassette 30 housed in the housing portion 210 and charges the battery 36 of the electronic cassette 30. Electric power is supplied to the charge control portion 220 from an external power source via a power cable 221.

[0112] On the inner surface of the housing portion 210, a UV reflection portion 230 is formed in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. The UV reflection portion 230 is a reflection film that specularly reflects or diffusely reflects deep UV rays. The configuration of the UV reflection portion 230 is the same as the configuration of the above-described UV reflection portion 29 (see FIG. 7).

[0113] When UV rays are emitted from the light-emitting portion 50 of the electronic cassette 30 housed in the housing portion 210, inside the housing portion 210, the UV rays UV are repeatedly reflected, and thus the entire exposed portion of the outer surface of the housing 32 is irradiated with UV rays. As a result, the electronic cassette 30 is sterilized.

[0114] The technology of the present disclosure can also be appropriately combined with the above-described embodiments and / or various modifications. Of course, various configurations can be adopted without being limited to the above-described embodiments as long as the gist is not deviated from.

[0115] The description and illustration shown above are detailed descriptions of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the description regarding the above-described configuration, function, action, and effect is an example of the description regarding the configuration, function, action, and effect of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that within the scope not departing from the gist of the technology of the present disclosure, unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the description and illustration shown above. In addition, in order to avoid complication and facilitate the understanding of the part related to the technology of the present disclosure, the description regarding common technical knowledge and the like that does not particularly require explanation for implementing the technology of the present disclosure is omitted in the description and illustration shown above.

[0116] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B". That is, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Also, in this specification, when three or more matters are connected and expressed by "and / or", the same concept as "A and / or B" is applied.

[0117] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A detection panel that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, a housing that houses the detection panel, an ultraviolet light source that is disposed on an outer surface of the housing and emits ultraviolet light, A portable radiation detector comprising:

2. The ultraviolet light source is disposed outside a region corresponding to the detection panel on the outer surface of the housing, The portable radiation detector according to claim 1.

3. The ultraviolet light source emits at least a part of the ultraviolet light toward a region corresponding to the detection panel on the outer surface of the housing, The portable radiation detector according to claim 2.

4. The housing is rectangular, One ultraviolet light source is disposed on each side of the housing, The portable radiation detector according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The ultraviolet light source is disposed at the center of each side of the housing, The portable radiation detector according to claim 4.

6. An indicator is provided at the center of each side of the housing, The ultraviolet light source is integrated with the indicator, The portable radiation detector according to claim 5.

7. The housing is rectangular, A plurality of ultraviolet light sources are disposed along each side of the housing, The portable radiation detector according to claim 2 or 3.

8. Comprising a phosphorescent part provided on the outer surface of the housing, which absorbs ultraviolet light and emits visible light, The portable radiation detector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The phosphorescent part is formed by applying or attaching a phosphorescent material outside a region corresponding to the detection panel on the outer surface of the housing, The portable radiation detector according to claim 8.

10. A human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person, A light emission control unit that prohibits the emission of ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet light source when the human presence sensor detects the presence of a person, The portable radiation detector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The human presence sensor is a moving body sensor that detects a moving body or an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration, The portable radiation detector according to claim 10.

12. A light emission control unit that controls the ultraviolet light source and is capable of executing a normal sterilization mode in which the irradiation time of ultraviolet light is relatively long and a rapid sterilization mode in which the irradiation time of ultraviolet light is relatively short, The portable radiation detector according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. The light emission control unit sets the intensity of the ultraviolet light to less than a certain value in the normal sterilization mode, and sets the intensity of the ultraviolet light to be equal to or greater than the certain value in the rapid sterilization mode. The portable radiation detector according to claim 12. **Claim 14** The ultraviolet light source includes a first ultraviolet light source that emits first ultraviolet light having a first central wavelength, and a second ultraviolet light source that emits second ultraviolet light having a second central wavelength longer than the first central wavelength. The light emission control unit causes the first ultraviolet light source to emit the first ultraviolet light in the normal sterilization mode, and causes the second ultraviolet light to be emitted in the rapid sterilization mode. The portable radiation detector according to claim 12 or claim 13. **Claim 15** The first central wavelength is 222 nm, and the second central wavelength is 254 nm. The portable radiation detector according to claim 14.

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