Information management device and information management method

Abstract

A medical apparatus according to the present invention is used in radiation imaging, and comprises: an apparatus body; an ultraviolet ray detection sensor for detecting ultraviolet rays; and a storage unit for storing detection information detected by the ultraviolet ray detection sensor.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to medical equipment, an information management device, and an information management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to the recent spread of the novel coronavirus, group infections known as clusters have occurred in medical institutions. For this reason, meticulous infection prevention measures are required for various tests and diagnoses at medical institutions. Sterilization by ultraviolet light irradiation is an effective infection prevention measure. It has also been reported that the novel coronavirus can be inactivated by ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0003] It is known to sterilize radiation detectors used in the field of radiological diagnosis with ultraviolet light. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-172243 describes a method of sterilizing an electronic cassette loaded into a cradle for charging the electronic cassette as a radiation detector by providing an ultraviolet light source inside the cradle.

[0004] To effectively prevent infection by bacteria or viruses, it is necessary to irradiate medical devices, such as electronic cassettes, with ultraviolet light at an appropriate frequency. However, repeated ultraviolet irradiation can cause deterioration of the medical devices. Therefore, it is necessary to record and manage the ultraviolet irradiation history.

[0005] For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-528000 describes an ultrasound imaging system in which an ultraviolet light source is provided on the display and areas that people come into contact with, such as a control panel, are disinfected (i.e., sterilized) by ultraviolet light irradiation. Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-172243 proposes recording the time and date of past disinfection and displaying the disinfection history information on the display. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the system described in JP 2018-528000 A, the target to be sterilized by ultraviolet light is a control panel attached to a cart together with a display provided with an ultraviolet light source. In this way, when the target to be sterilized does not change, the ultraviolet light irradiation history can be managed simply by recording the time when the ultraviolet light source irradiated ultraviolet light as the irradiation history.

[0007] In contrast, in the system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-172243, an arbitrary electronic cassette is loaded into a cradle, and ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the loaded electronic cassette. Therefore, a different electronic cassette may be loaded into the cradle each time ultraviolet light is irradiated. In this case, when there is a possibility that the target to be sterilized may change, it is necessary to manage the identification information of the medical device that has been irradiated with ultraviolet light in association with the irradiation history. Furthermore, the medical device may be irradiated with ultraviolet light by another ultraviolet light irradiation device. Therefore, it is not easy to grasp the entire ultraviolet light irradiation history of each medical device using a method such as recording the time when the ultraviolet light source irradiated ultraviolet light.

[0008] The technology disclosed herein aims to provide a medical device, an information management device, and an information management method that enable easy management of ultraviolet irradiation history. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The medical device disclosed herein is a medical device used for radiography, and includes a device main body, an ultraviolet detection sensor that detects ultraviolet rays, and a memory unit that stores detection information detected by the ultraviolet detection sensor.

[0010] The device body is preferably a radiation detector that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, or an anti-scatter grid that removes scattered radiation.

[0011] The device main body is a radiation detector that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, and preferably satisfies at least one of the following: some of the plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors are arranged on the radiation detection surface of the device main body, and some are arranged on the surface of the device main body opposite to the radiation detection surface; and some of the plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors are arranged on one side of the device main body, and some are arranged on the side opposite to the one side of the device main body.

[0012] The detection information preferably includes the irradiance and irradiation time of the ultraviolet light.

[0013] It is preferable that the device further comprises a transmitter that transmits the detection information together with the identification information to an external device.

[0014] The information management device disclosed herein includes a receiving unit that receives the detection information and identification information transmitted from the above-mentioned medical devices, and a management unit that manages the ultraviolet irradiation history for each medical device based on the detection information and identification information.

[0015] The management unit preferably calculates the cumulative amount of ultraviolet radiation irradiated for each medical device.

[0016] The ultraviolet detection sensor preferably includes a plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors each detecting a different wavelength, and the management unit preferably calculates the cumulative irradiation amount for each detected wavelength.

[0017] It is preferable that the management unit generates warning information to call attention when the cumulative irradiation amount exceeds a certain amount.

[0018] The management unit preferably transmits the warning information to a console that controls radiography.

[0019] The information management method disclosed herein is a method for managing detection information and identification information transmitted from the above-mentioned medical devices, and manages ultraviolet irradiation history for each medical device based on the detection information and identification information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] It is possible to provide a medical device, an information management device, and an information management method that enable easy management of ultraviolet irradiation history. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic cassette as seen from the front side where radiation is incident. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic cassette as seen from the rear side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of an electronic cassette. [Figure 4] An example of ultraviolet light detection information is shown. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a radiological diagnostic apparatus in which an electronic cassette is used. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a console. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a console and an information management server. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of detection information. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of information managed by a management unit. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing flow of a console and an information management server. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of an ultraviolet detection sensor according to a first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of sensitivity characteristics of an ultraviolet detection sensor according to a first modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of information managed by a management unit in a first modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electronic cassette according to a second modified example, as viewed from the front side. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electronic cassette according to a second modified example, as viewed from the rear side. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an anti-scatter grid according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] 1 and 2 show an example of the external configuration of an electronic cassette 10. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electronic cassette 10 as seen from the front side where radiation R is incident. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electronic cassette 10 as seen from the rear side. The electronic cassette 10 is an example of a "radiation detector" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The electronic cassette 10 is also an example of a "medical device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0023] The electronic cassette 10 has a detection panel 11 that detects radiation R and generates a radiographic image, and a housing 12 that houses the detection panel 11. The radiation R is, for example, X-rays. The detection panel 11 detects the radiation R that is emitted from a radiation source and has passed through the region of the patient to be imaged.

[0024] The housing 12 has a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 12 is composed of a front surface 12A onto which radiation R is incident, a back surface 12B facing the front surface 12A, and four side surfaces 12C. The front surface 12A and the back surface 12B are substantially rectangular in plan view. The housing 12 is an example of a "device main body" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0025] Hereinafter, the surface composed of the front surface 12A, the back surface 12B, and the four side surfaces 12C will be referred to as the outer surface of the housing 12. The front surface 12A corresponds to the "radiation detection surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The back surface 12B corresponds to the "surface opposite to the radiation detection surface" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] The housing 12 is made of, for example, a conductive resin and has a size conforming to the international standard ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 4090:2001, similar to that of a film cassette, an IP (Imaging Plate) cassette, or a CR (Computed Radiography) cassette.

[0027] A rectangular opening 13 is formed in the front surface 12A of the housing 12. A transparent plate 14 that transmits radiation R is attached to the opening 13. The transparent plate 14 is rectangular in plan view and larger than the detection panel 11. The transparent plate 14 is made of, for example, a carbon material that is lightweight, highly rigid, and highly radiotransparent. Lines 14A and 14B indicating the center of the detection panel 11 are formed on the transparent plate 14 by a method such as printing. The line 14A and the line 14B are perpendicular to each other, and the intersection of the two lines corresponds to the center of the imaging area. The imaging area is an area of ​​the front surface 12A into which radiation R is incident, which contributes to the generation of a radiographic image by the detection panel 11.

[0028] In addition, a protective film (not shown) made of a resin that transmits radiation R is attached to the surface of the transmission plate 14. The protective film protects the transmission plate 14 and also flattens the surface of the transmission plate 14. The protective film is made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride or polycarbonate.

[0029] A battery mounting section 15 is provided in the center of the rear surface 12B of the housing 12. A battery 16 for supplying power to the electronic cassette 10 is detachably mounted in the battery mounting section 15. Fig. 2 shows the battery 16 mounted in the battery mounting section 15. The battery 16 is a secondary battery such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

[0030] An information display unit 17 is provided near the battery mounting section 15 on the rear surface 12B. The information display unit 17 includes an image number display unit 17A and a battery remaining capacity display unit 17B. The image number display unit 17A displays the number of radiation images stored in the electronic cassette 10. The battery remaining capacity display unit 17B displays the remaining charge of the battery 16. For example, the image number display unit 17A and the battery remaining capacity display unit 17B are each composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode). A transparent protective film (not shown) made of resin is attached to the information display unit 17. The protective film is made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride or polycarbonate.

[0031] Four indicators 18 are provided on the outer periphery of the rear surface 12B. The indicators 18 are arranged at the center of each of the four sides that make up the rectangular rear surface 12B. The indicators 18 indicate the center of the imaging area and also indicate the operating state of the electronic cassette 10. 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 electronic cassette 10 is powered on. The ready state is a state in which the detection panel 11 is ready to detect radiation R. The error state is a state in which an abnormality has occurred in the operation of the electronic cassette 10.

[0032] For example, the indicator 18 is configured with a multi-color LED. For example, in the power-on state, the indicator 18 emits a green light. In the ready state, the indicator 18 emits a green light. In the error state, the indicator 18 emits a red light.

[0033] Additionally, four finger hooks 19 are provided on the back surface 12B. For example, the four finger hooks 19 are arranged at positions symmetrical with respect to the battery mounting section 15. Each finger hook 19 is recessed, allowing an operator to hook their fingers when carrying the electronic cassette 10.

[0034] A plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors 20 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 12. The electronic cassette 10 is irradiated with ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet irradiation device for sterilization. The ultraviolet detection sensors 20 are illuminance sensors that detect the illuminance of the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the electronic cassette 10. The ultraviolet detection sensors 20 are configured, for example, with a photodiode, which is a semiconductor element, and a wavelength selection filter for selecting the wavelength to be detected. The ultraviolet detection sensors 20 detect, for example, ultraviolet light having a central wavelength in the range of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less. Ultraviolet light with a central wavelength of 200 nm or more and 280 nm or less is generally called deep ultraviolet light (UV-C), which has relatively high energy and excellent sterilization ability. As a result, a significant sterilization effect can be achieved even with a short irradiation time.

[0035] In the present disclosure, sterilization refers to the inactivation of bacteria, microorganisms, or viruses attached to an object to be sterilized using light energy. The ultraviolet irradiation time required for sterilization varies depending on the ultraviolet irradiation energy, the distance from the ultraviolet source to the object to be sterilized, and the type of bacteria or virus to be sterilized, but is approximately several minutes to several tens of minutes. For example, it has been reported that the novel coronavirus can be inactivated by irradiation with ultraviolet light for several minutes. The electronic cassette 10 is irradiated with ultraviolet light every time an operator or the like performs a sterilization operation.

[0036] Some of the multiple ultraviolet detection sensors 20 are arranged on the front surface 12A of the housing 12 (i.e., the radiation detection surface), and the other are arranged on the back surface 12B (i.e., the surface opposite to the radiation detection surface). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, four ultraviolet detection sensors 20 are arranged on the outer periphery of the front surface 12A (i.e., outside the transmitting plate 14). The ultraviolet detection sensors 20 are arranged at the center of each of the four sides that make up the rectangular front surface 12A. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the ultraviolet detection sensors 20 are arranged on the finger grip portion 19 and the information display portion 17 on the back surface 12B.

[0037] A resin protective film is attached to the front surface 12A of the housing 12 to protect the transparent plate 14. A resin protective film is attached to the back surface 12B of the housing 12 to protect the information display unit 17. The entire back surface 12B, including the finger grip 19, except for the information display unit 17, is coated with paint. These protective films and paint deteriorate over time due to exposure to ultraviolet light. The information detected by the ultraviolet light detection sensor 20 is used to manage the ultraviolet light exposure history of each part of the electronic cassette 10 and to determine the degree of deterioration of each part over time. In this disclosure, exposure history refers to the history of the amount of ultraviolet light to which the electronic cassette 10 has been exposed.

[0038] The transmission plate 14 often comes into contact with the patient, and the finger grip 19 often comes into contact with the operator's fingers, so they are prone to contamination with bacteria or viruses. For this reason, the transmission plate 14 and the finger grip 19 are frequently irradiated with ultraviolet light for sterilization, which makes the protective film and coating prone to deterioration.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows an example of the internal configuration of the electronic cassette 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the electronic cassette 10 has a detection panel 11, a drive unit 30, a signal processing unit 31, a sensor control unit 32, a memory unit 33, a communication unit 34, an information display unit 17, an indicator 18, and an ultraviolet detection sensor 20. The electronic cassette 10 of this embodiment is, for example, an indirect conversion type radiation detector that converts radiation into light (visible light) and then converts the converted light into an electric charge.

[0040] Each sensor control unit 32 is configured by a processor such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). Note that the sensor control unit 32 may be configured by a single processor. Alternatively, the sensor control unit 32 may be configured by a processor that executes processing based on a program stored in the storage unit 33. The storage unit 33 is a memory such as an NVM (Non-Volatile Memory).

[0041] A scintillator 35 serving as a conversion layer is laminated on the detection panel 11. The scintillator 35 is made of, for example, GOS (Gd2O2:Tb) or CsI (CsI:Ti). The scintillator 35 converts radiation R emitted from a radiation source 41 (see FIG. 5) and transmitted through the imaging region of the patient P into visible light.

[0042] Photodiodes 36 serving as photoelectric conversion elements are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix on the detection panel 11. The photodiodes 36 generate electric charges in response to light converted by the scintillator 35 and accumulate the generated electric charges. The photodiodes 36 are connected to signal lines 38 via TFTs (Thin Film Transistors) 37 serving as switching elements. The gates of the TFTs 37 are connected to scanning lines 39.

[0043] The driving unit 30 is, for example, a gate driver, and is connected to a plurality of scanning lines 39. The driving unit 30 applies a voltage to the scanning lines 39 based on a timing signal supplied from the sensor control unit 32.

[0044] When a voltage is applied to the TFT 37 via the scanning line 39, the TFT 37 is turned on and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the charge accumulated in the photodiode 36 to the signal line 38. The electrical signal output to the signal line 38 is input to the signal processing unit 31.

[0045] The signal processing unit 31 stores image data corresponding to the electrical signals input from each of the signal lines 38 as a radiographic image in the storage unit 33. The signal processing unit 31 is a signal processing circuit including an amplifier circuit, a correlated double sampling circuit, a multiplexer, an A / D converter, etc.

[0046] The communication unit 34 communicates, for example, wirelessly with a console 42 (see FIG. 5) that controls radiography. The communication unit 34 receives control signals transmitted from the console 42 and inputs them to the sensor control unit 32, and transmits radiographic images stored in the storage unit 33 to the console 42.

[0047] The information display unit 17, under the control of the sensor control unit 32, displays the number of radiographic images stored in the memory unit 33 and the remaining charge level of the battery 16. Furthermore, under the control of the sensor control unit 32, the indicator 18 emits light of a color corresponding to the operating state of the electronic cassette 10.

[0048] Furthermore, the sensor control unit 32 stores the detection information of the ultraviolet rays detected by the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 in the storage unit 33. The detection information includes, for example, the illuminance and irradiation time of the ultraviolet rays. The illuminance is the amount of luminous flux (unit: mW / cm) incident on a unit area of ​​the object to be irradiated with ultraviolet rays. 2) The illuminance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the ultraviolet irradiation device to the object. The storage unit 33 stores, for example, the detection information output from the multiple ultraviolet detection sensors 20 for each ultraviolet detection sensor 20.

[0049] Based on control by the sensor control unit 32, the communication unit 34 transmits the detection information stored in the memory unit 33 to the console 42 together with a cassette ID (identification) in response to a request from the console 42. The cassette ID is identification information for identifying each individual electronic cassette 10. After transmitting the detection information stored in the memory unit 33 to the console 42, the communication unit 34 erases the transmitted detection information from the memory unit 33. The communication unit 34 is an example of a "transmitting unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The console 42 is an example of an "external device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0050] In this embodiment, the electronic cassette 10 is of an indirect conversion type, but it may also be of a direct conversion type. A direct conversion type radiation detector uses a conversion layer such as amorphous selenium (a-Se) that directly converts radiation R into electric charges. Furthermore, a direct conversion type radiation detector is provided with a capacitor instead of the photodiode 36 for storing electric charges generated by the conversion layer.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows an example of ultraviolet light detection information. As shown in Fig. 4, the detection information D includes the illuminance and irradiation time detected each time ultraviolet light is irradiated. Fig. 4 shows an example in which ultraviolet light is irradiated twice. In this case, the detection information D includes the illuminance S1 and irradiation time T1 of the first ultraviolet light irradiation, and the illuminance S2 and irradiation time T2 of the second ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0052] The detection information stored in the memory unit 33 includes the illuminance and irradiation time of the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the electronic cassette 10 between the time when the communication unit 34 transmits the detection information to the console 42 and the time when the communication unit 34 transmits the detection information to the console 42 again.

[0053] Fig. 5 shows an example of a radiological diagnostic apparatus that uses the electronic cassette 10. As shown in Fig. 5, the radiological diagnostic apparatus 40 includes a radiation source 41, a console 42, an upright radiographic stand 43, and a supine radiographic stand 44. The radiation source 41 is used for both radiological imaging using the upright radiographic stand 43 and radiological imaging using the supine radiographic stand 44.

[0054] The radiation source 41 has a built-in radiation tube 45. The radiation tube 45 generates and emits radiation R. In addition, an irradiation field limiter 46 is attached to the radiation source 41. The irradiation field limiter 46 is also called a collimator, and defines the irradiation field of the radiation R.

[0055] The radiation source 41 is suspended from the ceiling of the radiography room by a support 48. The support 48 is attached to a rail on the ceiling via a carriage. The radiation source 41 can move horizontally within the radiography room by the rail and carriage. The support 48 is also extendable in the height direction, allowing the radiation source 41 to move in the height direction. Furthermore, the radiation source 41 can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0056] The upright radiography table 43 has a stand 50, a connection part 51, and an upright holder 52. The stand 50 is composed of a base 53 that is placed on the floor of the radiography room, and a support 54 that extends in the height direction from the base 53. The connection part 51 connects the upright holder 52 to the stand 50. The upright holder 52 is movable in the height direction, allowing the height to be adjusted according to the part of the patient P to be radiographed. The upright holder 52 is box-shaped and houses the electronic cassette 10 inside.

[0057] The supine position imaging table 44 has a base 60 installed on the floor of the radiography room, a connection part 61, a top plate 62, and a supine position holder 63. The connection part 61 connects the top plate 62 to the base 60. The base 60 is elevating type, allowing the height of the top plate 62 to be adjusted. The top plate 62 has a length and width that allows the patient P to lie supine. The top plate 62 is made of a material that transmits radiation R, such as carbon.

[0058] The lying position holder 63 is disposed in a space 61A between the base 60 and the top plate 62, which is formed by the connection portion 61. The lying position holder 63 is box-shaped and has an upper part covered by the top plate 62, and accommodates the electronic cassette 10 inside.

[0059] For example, an ultraviolet irradiation device (not shown) is provided inside the standing position holder 52 and the lying position holder 63. For example, the electronic cassette 10 is irradiated with ultraviolet light by the ultraviolet irradiation device when it is housed in the standing position holder 52 or the lying position holder 63. Also, an operator can irradiate the electronic cassette 10 with ultraviolet light using a handheld ultraviolet irradiation device.

[0060] The electronic cassette 10 can also be used in a hospital room or the like together with a medical cart (not shown) having a radiation source. In this case, an ultraviolet light source may be provided inside a holder (not shown) provided on the medical cart for storing the electronic cassette 10, and ultraviolet light may be irradiated onto the electronic cassette 10 stored in the holder. Alternatively, an ultraviolet light source may be provided inside a cradle (not shown) for charging the electronic cassette 10, and ultraviolet light may be irradiated onto the electronic cassette 10 loaded in the cradle.

[0061] In this way, the electronic cassette 10 is irradiated with ultraviolet light under various conditions for sterilization. The storage unit 33 of the electronic cassette 10 stores detection information of ultraviolet light detected by the ultraviolet light detection sensor 20 each time ultraviolet light is irradiated.

[0062] The console 42 is installed, for example, in a control room adjacent to the radiography room. An operator inputs an imaging menu into the console 42. The console 42 controls radiography using the radiation source 41 and the electronic cassette 10 based on the irradiation conditions according to the input imaging menu. The console 42 also receives radiographic images transmitted from the electronic cassette 10 and displays the received radiographic images on a display (not shown). The console 42 communicates with the electronic cassette 10 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0063] The console 42 is communicably connected to a Radiology Information System (RIS) 70 via a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The console 42 receives an imaging order from the RIS 70. The imaging order includes patient information about the patient P and an imaging menu. The console 42 is also communicably connected to a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) 71, which serves as an image database server, via the network N. The PACS 71 receives radiation images from the console 42 and stores and manages the received radiation images.

[0064] The console 42 is also communicatively connected to the information management server 80 via the network N. The console 42 collects operational status information of the radiation diagnostic apparatus 40 and transmits the collected operational status information to the information management server 80. The operational status information includes the number of radiation imaging operations and information on the electronic cassette 10 used for the radiation imaging operations. The information management server 80 receives and stores the operational status information transmitted from the console 42. The operational status information stored in the information management server 80 is used for remote maintenance to determine the need for inspection or repair of the radiation diagnostic apparatus 40. The information management server 80 is an example of an "information management device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0065] Furthermore, the console 42 transmits ultraviolet light detection information D acquired from the electronic cassette 10 together with the cassette ID to the information management server 80. The console 42, for example, periodically transmits the detection information D together with operating status information to the information management server 80. In this way, the console 42 functions as a relay device that transmits data acquired from the electronic cassette 10 to the information management server 80.

[0066] The information management server 80 manages the ultraviolet irradiation history for each electronic cassette 10 based on the detection information D and cassette ID received from the console 42. Specifically, the information management server 80 calculates the cumulative amount of ultraviolet irradiation for each electronic cassette 10, and generates warning information to alert an operator or the like when the cumulative amount of irradiation exceeds a certain amount. The information management server 80 transmits the generated warning information to, for example, the console 42. The cumulative amount of irradiation corresponds to the degree of deterioration of the protective film, paint, etc. of the electronic cassette 10 due to ultraviolet irradiation.

[0067] Fig. 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the console 42. As shown in Fig. 6, the console 42 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 90, a storage device 91, a communication unit 92, a display 93, and an input device 94, which are interconnected via a bus line 95. The console 42 is, for example, a personal computer.

[0068] The CPU 90 is an arithmetic unit that realizes various functions by reading out a program 91A stored in the storage device 91 and executing processing. The storage device 91 includes, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or a storage device. The RAM is, for example, a volatile memory used as a work area or the like. The ROM is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that holds the program 91A. The storage device is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0069] The communication unit 92 is a communication interface that controls the transmission of various types of information via the network N, etc. The console 42 communicates with the electronic cassette 10, the radiation source 41, the RIS 70, the PACS 71, and the information management server 80 via the communication unit 92. The display 93 displays various screens, such as a console screen. The input device 94 includes a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The console 42 accepts input of operation instructions from the input device 94 via the various screens.

[0070] The information management server 80 has the same configuration as the console 42. The information management server 80 is configured by a computer such as a personal computer.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows an example of the functional configuration of the console 42 and the information management server 80. The functional configuration shown in FIG. 7 is a configuration related to the function of managing ultraviolet irradiation history. The console 42 is configured with a detection information acquisition unit 96, a storage unit 97, and a transmission unit 98. The detection information acquisition unit 96 acquires ultraviolet detection information D, along with the cassette ID, from each of the multiple electronic cassettes 10 used in the radiation diagnostic apparatus 40 (see FIG. 5). For example, the detection information acquisition unit 96 acquires the detection information D stored in the memory unit 33 (see FIG. 3) when acquiring a radiological image from each of the multiple electronic cassettes 10.

[0072] The storage unit 97 stores the detection information D acquired by the detection information acquisition unit 96 in association with the cassette ID. As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the detection information D is stored individually for each of the multiple ultraviolet detection sensors 20 provided in the electronic cassette 10. The detection information D is associated with illuminance S1, S2, . . . and irradiation time T1, T2, . . . Because the electronic cassette 10 may be partially irradiated with ultraviolet light, the illuminance and irradiation time included in the detection information D differ for each ultraviolet detection sensor 20.

[0073] The transmission unit 98 transmits the detection information D stored in the storage unit 97 together with the cassette ID to the information management server 80 via the network N, for example, once a day at a predetermined time. For example, the transmission unit 98 transmits the detection information D to the information management server 80 together with operation status information.

[0074] The information management server 80 is configured with a receiving unit 81, a storage unit 82, and a management unit 83. The receiving unit 81 receives the detection information D and the cassette ID transmitted from the transmission unit 98 of the console 42. Every time the receiving unit 81 receives the detection information D, the storage unit 82 stores the detection information D in association with the cassette ID. Specifically, the storage unit 82 adds, for each cassette ID, the detection information D newly received by the receiving unit 81 to the detection information D already stored.

[0075] The management unit 83 manages the ultraviolet irradiation history for each electronic cassette 10 based on the detection information D stored in the storage unit 82 in association with the cassette ID. As an example, as shown in FIG. 9, the management unit 83 calculates the cumulative irradiation amount individually for each of the multiple ultraviolet detection sensors 20 provided in the electronic cassette 10. For example, the management unit 83 calculates the cumulative irradiation amount A by adding up the product of the illuminance and the irradiation time, as shown in the following formula (1). A=S1×T1+S2×T2+S3×T3+ (1)

[0076] Furthermore, the management unit 83 compares the calculated cumulative irradiation amount with a threshold value and determines whether the cumulative irradiation amount exceeds the threshold value (i.e., a certain amount). If the cumulative irradiation amount exceeds the threshold value, the management unit 83 generates warning information to alert an operator or the like and transmits it to the console 42 or the like. As shown in FIG. 9, the threshold value is set according to the ultraviolet deterioration characteristics of the members on the housing 12 near the ultraviolet detection sensor 20. The threshold value TH1 shown in FIG. 9 is a threshold value when, for example, the protective film attached to the housing 12 near the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The threshold value TH2 is a threshold value when, for example, the protective film attached to the housing 12 near the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is made of polycarbonate (PC).

[0077] For example, when at least one of the multiple cumulative irradiation amounts calculated for each ultraviolet detection sensor 20 exceeds a threshold, the management unit 83 generates warning information and outputs the generated warning information.

[0078] 10 shows an example of the processing flow of the console 42 and the information management server 80. First, in the console 42, the detection information acquisition unit 96 acquires ultraviolet light detection information D together with the cassette ID from each of the multiple electronic cassettes 10 (step S10). The storage unit 97 stores the detection information D acquired by the detection information acquisition unit 96 in association with the cassette ID (step S11).

[0079] The transmitting unit 98 determines whether it is the predetermined time or not (step S12). If it is determined that it is not the predetermined time (step S12: NO), the transmitting unit 98 returns the process to step S10. If it is determined that it is the predetermined time (step S12: YES), the transmitting unit 98 transmits the detection information D stored in the storage unit 97 together with the cassette ID to the information management server 80 (step S13).

[0080] Thereafter, the console 42 determines whether or not the termination condition is satisfied (step S14), and if it determines that the termination condition is not satisfied (step S14: NO), the process returns to step S10. On the other hand, if it determines that the termination condition is satisfied (step S14: YES), the console 42 terminates the process. The termination condition is, for example, that the operator has performed a termination operation using the input device 94.

[0081] In the information management server 80, the receiving unit 81 receives the detection information D transmitted from the transmitting unit 98 of the console 42 (step S20). The storage unit 82 stores the detection information D received by the receiving unit 81 in association with the cassette ID (step S21). The management unit 83 calculates the cumulative ultraviolet irradiation amount for each electronic cassette 10 based on the detection information D stored in the storage unit 82 (step S22).

[0082] Then, the management unit 83 determines whether at least one of the cumulative irradiation amounts exceeds a threshold value (step S23). If the management unit 83 determines that none of the cumulative irradiation amounts exceeds a threshold value (step S23: NO), the processing proceeds to step S25. If the management unit 83 determines that any one of the cumulative irradiation amounts exceeds a threshold value (step S23: YES), the management unit 83 generates warning information and outputs the generated warning information (step S24).

[0083] Thereafter, the information management server 80 determines whether or not the termination condition is satisfied (step S25), and if it determines that the termination condition is not satisfied (step S25: NO), the process returns to step S20. On the other hand, if the information management server 80 determines that the termination condition is satisfied (step S25: YES), the process ends. The termination condition is, for example, that a termination operation is performed by a worker or the like using an input device (not shown) provided in the information management server 80.

[0084] The warning information is transmitted to, for example, the console 42. For example, based on the warning information transmitted from the management unit 83, the display 93 of the console 42 displays the cassette ID of the electronic cassette 10 that is suspected of being deteriorated by ultraviolet radiation, along with a message urging the operator or the like to take caution. This allows the operator to grasp the deterioration status due to ultraviolet radiation for each electronic cassette 10. Note that the management unit 83 may also display the warning information on a display provided in the information management server 80. In this case, a worker or the like in the maintenance department who remotely maintains the radiation diagnostic apparatus 40 can grasp the deterioration status due to ultraviolet radiation for each electronic cassette 10.

[0085] As described above, the electronic cassette 10 includes the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 and the storage unit 33 that stores the detection information D detected by the ultraviolet detection sensor 20, and therefore, the ultraviolet irradiation history can be easily managed.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the management unit 83 calculates the cumulative irradiation amount for each of the multiple ultraviolet detection sensors 20, but it may also calculate a total cumulative irradiation amount by adding up these cumulative irradiation amounts. That is, the management unit 83 may calculate the total cumulative irradiation amount for each electronic cassette 10, and generate warning information when the calculated total cumulative irradiation amount exceeds a certain amount.

[0087] Various modifications of the above embodiment will be described below.

[0088] [First Modification] In the above embodiment, the electronic cassette 10 is provided with a plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors 20 that detect ultraviolet rays of the same wavelength, but a plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors that detect different wavelengths may also be provided. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is configured with a first ultraviolet detection sensor 20A that detects ultraviolet rays having a first central wavelength λ1 and a second ultraviolet detection sensor 20B that detects ultraviolet rays having a second central wavelength λ2. The first ultraviolet detection sensor 20A and the second ultraviolet detection sensor 20B are, for example, arranged adjacent to each other.

[0089] 12, the first ultraviolet detection sensor 20A is an illuminance sensor having a first detection wavelength band W1 including a first center wavelength λ1. The second ultraviolet detection sensor 20B is an illuminance sensor having a second detection wavelength band W2 including a second center wavelength λ2. The first center wavelength λ1 is, for example, 200 nm. The second center wavelength λ2 is, for example, 270 nm.

[0090] Since the wavelength of the ultraviolet light irradiated onto the electronic cassette 10 is not necessarily the same, by providing a plurality of ultraviolet light detection sensors that detect different wavelengths, it is possible to manage the irradiation history for each wavelength.

[0091] In this modification, the management unit 83 of the information management server 80 calculates the cumulative irradiation amount for each detection wavelength for each ultraviolet detection sensor 20, as shown in Fig. 13 as an example. Also, in this modification, threshold values ​​are set according to the detection wavelength and the material. This is because the deterioration characteristics of the same material differ depending on the ultraviolet wavelength.

[0092] Other configurations and processes of the electronic cassette 10, the console 42, and the information management server 80 are the same as those in the above embodiment.

[0093] [Second Modification] In the above embodiment, some of the multiple ultraviolet detection sensors 20 are arranged on the front surface 12A of the housing 12, and some are arranged on the back surface 12B. Alternatively, some of the multiple ultraviolet detection sensors 20 may be arranged on one side surface 12C, and some may be arranged on the opposite side surface 12C.

[0094] 14 and 15 show an electronic cassette 10A according to this modification. In the electronic cassette 10A, an ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is provided on each of two opposing side surfaces 12C.

[0095] At least one ultraviolet detection sensor 20 may be provided on any one of the front surface 12A, the back surface 12B, and the side surface 12C.

[0096] [Third Modification] In the above embodiment, the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is provided in the electronic cassette 10, which is an example of a medical device, but the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 may be provided in other medical devices. For example, the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 may be provided in an anti-scatter grid that removes scattered radiation from the radiation incident on the electronic cassette 10.

[0097] 16, the anti-scatter grid 100 is detachably attached to the front surface 12A of the housing 12 of the electronic cassette 10. The anti-scatter grid 100 removes scattered rays that are generated when radiation R passes through a patient P. Hereinafter, the anti-scatter grid 100 will be simply referred to as the grid 100.

[0098] The grid 100 is composed of a rectangular plate-shaped grid body 101 and a holding frame 102 that holds the grid body 101. The grid body 101 has a size that covers the entire front surface 12A of the housing 12 when the grid 100 is attached to the front surface 12A. The area occupied by the grid body 101 corresponds to the area that is irradiated with radiation R. The holding frame 102 is made of a conductive material that has electromagnetic wave shielding properties, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The holding frame 102 is provided with a mechanism (not shown) that fixes the grid 100 to the front surface 12A of the housing 12 to prevent it from falling off.

[0099] The ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is provided on the front surface (i.e., the surface on the radiation incident side) of the holding frame 102. For example, the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is disposed at the center of each of the four sides constituting the rectangular holding frame 102. In this modification, the holding frame 102 may be provided with a storage unit (not shown) that stores detection information detected by the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 using ultraviolet rays, and a communication unit (not shown) that transmits the detection information to the console 42 or the like.

[0100] The ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is not limited to being provided on the front surface of the holding frame 102, but may also be provided on the back surface or side surface. In other words, the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 may be provided on at least one of the front surface, back surface, and side surface of the holding frame 102.

[0101] Furthermore, the ultraviolet detection sensor 20 is not limited to being provided in the electronic cassette 10 and the grid 100, but may also be provided in other medical devices.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the hardware structure of the processing units that perform various processes, such as the detection information acquisition unit 96, storage unit 97, and transmission unit 98, or the receiving unit 81, storage unit 82, and management unit 83 configured in the information management server 80, is various processors as shown below.

[0103] Various types of processors include CPUs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), dedicated electrical circuits, etc. As is well known, a CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units. A PLD is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). A dedicated electrical circuit is a processor with a circuit configuration designed specifically to execute specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0104] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor. As an example of configuring multiple processing units with one processor, first, there is a form in which one processor is configured by combining one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, there is a form in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units with one IC chip, as typified by a system on chip (SoC). In this way, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0105] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit made up of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0106] From the above description, the techniques described in Supplementary Items 1 to 4 below can be understood. [Additional note 1] A medical device used for radiography, The device body, an ultraviolet detection sensor that detects ultraviolet light; a memory for storing detection information detected by the ultraviolet detection sensor; A medical device comprising: [Additional note 2] a transmission processor for transmitting the detection information together with identification information to an external device; A medical device as described in Appendix 1. [Additional note 3] a receiving processor that receives the detection information and the identification information transmitted from the medical device according to supplementary item 2; a management processor that manages the ultraviolet irradiation history for each medical device based on the detection information and the identification information; Information management device.

[0107] The technology of the present disclosure can be appropriately combined with the above-described embodiments and / or various modified examples. Furthermore, it is needless to say that the technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0108] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0109] In this specification, "A and / or B" is synonymous with "at least one of A and B." In other words, "A and / or B" means that it may be only A, only B, or a combination of A and B. Furthermore, in this specification, the same concept as "A and / or B" is also applied when three or more things are expressed connected by "and / or."

[0110] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An information management device including a processor that manages information related to medical equipment used in radiography, The medical device comprises: The device body, an ultraviolet detection sensor that detects ultraviolet light; a storage unit for storing detection information detected by the ultraviolet detection sensor; a transmitting unit that transmits the detection information together with identification information to an external device; Equipped with The processor: a receiving unit that receives the detection information and the identification information transmitted from the medical device; a management unit that manages ultraviolet irradiation history for each of the medical devices based on the detection information and the identification information; It functions as the management unit calculates a cumulative ultraviolet irradiation amount for each of the medical devices. Information management device.

2. the device body is a radiation detector that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, or an anti-scatter grid that removes scattered radiation; The information management device according to claim 1 .

3. the device body is a radiation detector that detects radiation and generates a radiation image, and the device body includes a plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors; some of the plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors are arranged on the radiation detection surface of the device body, and the other sensors are arranged on the surface of the device body opposite to the radiation detection surface; Some of the plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors are arranged on one side surface of the device body, and the other are arranged on a side surface of the device body opposite to the one side surface; At least one of the following is satisfied: The information management device according to claim 1 .

4. The detection information includes the irradiance and irradiation time of the ultraviolet light. The information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The ultraviolet detection sensor includes a plurality of ultraviolet detection sensors having different detection wavelengths, The management unit calculates the cumulative irradiation amount for each detected wavelength. The information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the management unit generates warning information for issuing a warning when the cumulative irradiation amount exceeds a certain amount. The information management device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the management unit transmits the warning information to a console that controls radiography. The information management device according to claim 6.

8. An information management method using an information management device having a processor that manages information related to medical equipment used in radiography, The medical device comprises: The device body, an ultraviolet detection sensor that detects ultraviolet light; a storage unit for storing detection information detected by the ultraviolet detection sensor; a transmitting unit that transmits the detection information together with identification information to an external device; Equipped with The processor: receiving the detection information and the identification information transmitted from the medical device; managing an ultraviolet irradiation history for each medical device based on the detection information and the identification information; Calculating the cumulative ultraviolet irradiation amount for each of the medical devices; Information management methods.

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