Radiation imaging system and information processing device

Abstract

To solve the problem that the time until an irradiation stop signal from an automatic exposure control imaging function reaches a radiation generating device elongates when a communication delay occurs due to a communication environment and the stop of radiation on the radiation generating device is delayed.SOLUTION: A radiation imaging system comprises: a radiation imaging device including a detection unit that detects a radiation and a communication unit that can transmit information on the radiation detected by the detection unit; control means that performs stop control of the radiation being emitted from the radiation generating device on the basis of the information transmitted from the communication unit; determination means that determines a state of communication by the communication unit; and notification means that notifies a user of information corresponding to a determination result. When the determination result indicates poor communication, warning information related to the stop control by the control means is provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system, a radiation imaging apparatus, a radiation generating apparatus, a communication control apparatus, and an information processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Radiation imaging systems used for medical image diagnosis and non-destructive testing using radiation such as X-rays include radiation imaging systems equipped with flat panel detectors (FPDs) made of semiconductor materials. For example, radiation imaging systems for medical image diagnosis are used as digital radiation imaging systems that take still images such as general radiography and video images such as fluoroscopy.

[0003] In recent years, the multi-functionalization of radiation imaging systems has been considered. One such function is to monitor the dose of irradiated radiation (accumulated dose) and stop the radiation irradiation when the accumulated dose reaches a threshold (for example, to output an irradiation stop signal to the radiation generator to stop the radiation irradiation). This function is called an automatic exposure control (AEC) function, and there are several methods for monitoring the irradiated radiation dose, such as using some of the pixels used to form an image, or using a separate built-in sensor to monitor the irradiated radiation dose. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-6829 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the automatic exposure control function of a radiation imaging system, the accuracy of stopping radiation irradiation depends on the communication environment within the radiation imaging system. For example, if the communication environment within the radiation imaging system is poor and communication delays occur compared to normal communication conditions, the time it takes for the irradiation stop signal to reach the radiation generating device in the automatic exposure control function will be extended, and the radiation generating device will be delayed in stopping radiation.

[0006] The radiation imaging system described in Patent Document 1 transmits a communication test image before imaging, detects a system state in which image generation or transfer fails, and makes it possible to prohibit imaging. However, while the method described in Patent Document 1 can detect a communication environment in which image transfer fails, improvements are needed regarding the delay in issuing an instruction to stop radiation irradiation when imaging is performed using an automatic exposure control function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a novel radiation imaging system that solves the above-mentioned problems, comprising: a radiation imaging device including a detection unit that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device and a communication unit that can transmit information related to the radiation detected by the detection unit; control means that performs stop control of the radiation irradiated from the radiation generating device based on information transmitted from the communication unit; and notification means that notifies warning information related to the stop control based on a communication status via the communication unit, wherein the warning information is In two or more states among the at least three states relating to the communication state, different warning contents are given. The method is characterized in that information at any one of a plurality of stages of information is notified.

[0012] Another radiation imaging system of the present invention comprises: A radiation imaging device including a detection unit that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device and a communication unit that can transmit information related to the radiation detected by the detection unit; a control unit that performs control to stop the radiation irradiated from the radiation generating device based on information transmitted from the communication unit; and a notification unit that notifies warning information related to the stop control based on both an index indicating the probability of a communication delay occurring in communication via the communication unit and an index indicating the degree of impact of a communication delay occurring in the communication. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, by notifying a radiological technologist that the radiological imaging system is in a communication environment that is not suitable for imaging with the automatic exposure control function, the radiological technologist can determine whether or not to perform imaging with the automatic exposure control function. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the patient's radiation exposure dose due to communication delays in the automatic exposure control, and to prevent the generation of an image with a cumulative dose greater than the cumulative integrated dose set as a threshold in the automatic exposure control function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a radiation imaging system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 in a radiation imaging system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a control unit 328 of a radiation imaging apparatus 100 in a radiation imaging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the radiation imaging apparatus 100 of the radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment notifies the user of a communication state that is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the imaging availability state of the radiation imaging device 100 in the radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment, the communication measurement implementation period in the communication state estimation means 406, and the period during which notification to the user can be made in the communication state notification means 408. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a radiation generation device 121 in a radiation imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing a procedure for changing the content of a notification to a user in accordance with a communication state by a radiation generation device 121 of a radiation imaging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication control device 110 of a radiation imaging system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] A flowchart showing a procedure for changing the communication state estimation means by the communication control device 110 of the radiation imaging system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of a radiation imaging apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing an example of a combination of indicators for calculating risk [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of risk calculation by the risk calculation means according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for changing the content of a notification notifying a user that a communication state is not suitable for automatic exposure imaging in a radiation generation device of a radiation imaging system according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the details of the configurations shown in each embodiment are not limited to those shown in the text and drawings. In this specification, radiation includes not only X-rays but also α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, particle rays, cosmic rays, and the like.

[0017] (First embodiment) [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the radiation imaging system includes a radiation room 10 where radiation imaging is performed by irradiating radiation, and a control room 20 installed near the radiation room 10.

[0019] The radiation room 10 includes a radiation imaging device 100, a communication control device 110, an access point 120, a radiation generation device 121, a radiation source 122, and an entry device 123. The radiation room 10 further includes an AP communication cable 111, a radiation generation device communication cable 112, and a sensor communication cable 113.

[0020] The control room 20 includes an information processing device 200 , a radiation irradiation switch 201 , an input device 202 , a display device 203 , an in-hospital LAN 204 , and a radiation room communication cable 205 .

[0021] The radiation imaging device 100 includes a power supply control unit 101 configured with a battery or the like, a short-range wireless communication unit 102, a switch 103, a wireless communication unit 104, and a wired communication unit 105. The radiation imaging device 100 detects radiation irradiated from a radiation source 122 of a radiation generation device 121 that has passed through a subject (not shown), and generates radiation image data.

[0022] The access point 120 is an access point for wireless communication, and is used for communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 100, the radiation generation apparatus 121, and the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication control device 110. Communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the communication control device 110 can also be performed by wired communication using a sensor communication cable 113. In this embodiment, wireless communication using the access point 120 is used as an example.

[0023] The radiation generating device 121 controls the radiation source 122 to irradiate the subject with radiation (indicated by the arrow in the figure). The radiation generating device 121 includes a radiation source control unit that controls the radiation source 122 to irradiate radiation based on predetermined conditions, and a generation control unit that controls the generation of radiation in response to a signal indicating the start or stop of irradiation from the radiation imaging device 100. The radiation source control unit and the generation control unit may be configured as separate devices.

[0024] The AP communication cable 111 is a cable for connecting the access point 120 and the communication control device 110. The radiation generator communication cable 112 is a cable for connecting the radiation generator 121 and the communication control device 110.

[0025] The information processing device 200 communicates with the radiation imaging device 100 and the radiation generation device 121 via the communication control device 110, and controls the radiation imaging system in an integrated manner.

[0026] The radiation irradiation switch 201 is used by an operator (not shown) to input the timing of radiation irradiation. The input device 202 is a device for inputting instructions from the operator, and various input devices such as a keyboard or touch panel are used. The display device 203 is a device for displaying processed radiation image data and GUI, and a display or the like is used. The in-hospital LAN 204 is a core network within the hospital. The radiation room communication cable 205 is a cable for connecting the information processing device 200 in the control room 20 to the communication control device 110 and entry device 123 in the radiation room 10.

[0027] Next, the operation of the radiation imaging system will be described.

[0028] First, the operator registers the radiation imaging apparatus 100 in the radiation imaging system. When the operator presses the switch 103 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100, short-range wireless communication is started between the short-range wireless communication unit 102 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the entry device 123.

[0029] The information processing device 200 transmits wireless connection related information of the access point 120 to the radiation imaging device 100 via short-range wireless communication of the entry device 123. For example, in the case of a wireless LAN, the wireless connection related information includes a communication method such as IEEE802.11, a physical channel, an SSID, an encryption key, and the like.

[0030] The radiation imaging apparatus 100 sets up the wireless communication unit 104 in accordance with the received wireless LAN connection related information. Based on this setting, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 establishes a wireless communication connection with the access point 120.

[0031] Next, the operator inputs subject information such as the subject's ID, name, date of birth, and the body part to be imaged of the subject into the information processing device 200. After inputting the body part to be imaged, the operator fixes the subject's posture and the radiation imaging device 100.

[0032] When preparation for imaging is complete, the operator presses the radiation irradiation switch 201. When the radiation irradiation switch 201 is pressed, radiation is irradiated from the radiation source 122 toward the subject.

[0033] The radiation imaging device 100 wirelessly communicates with the radiation generation device 121 and controls the start and end of radiation irradiation. The radiation irradiated to the subject passes through the subject and enters the radiation imaging device 100. The radiation imaging device 100 converts the incident radiation into visible light, and then detects it as a radiation image signal using a photoelectric conversion element, which serves as a detection unit.

[0034] The radiation imaging device 100 drives the photoelectric conversion elements to read out radiation image signals, and converts the analog signals into digital signals using an AD conversion circuit to obtain radiation image data. The obtained radiation image information (radiation image data) is transferred from the radiation imaging device 100 to the information processing device 200 via wireless communication.

[0035] The information processing device 200 performs image processing on the received radiation image data. The information processing device 200 displays a radiation image based on the image-processed radiation image data on the display device 203. The information processing device 200 functions as an image processing device and a display control device.

[0036] [Hardware Configuration of Radiation Imaging Apparatus 100] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100. As shown in FIG.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the radiation imaging device 100 has a radiation detector 300, which is a detection unit that detects radiation. The radiation detector 300 has the function of detecting irradiated radiation. The radiation detector 300 has a plurality of pixels arranged to form a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. In the following description, the region in the radiation detector 300 where the plurality of pixels are arranged is referred to as the imaging region. The plurality of pixels includes a plurality of imaging pixels 301 for acquiring radiation image data and detection pixels 311 for monitoring the irradiation of radiation. The detection pixels 311 are pixels used in automatic exposure control.

[0038] The imaging pixel 301 includes a first conversion element 302 that converts radiation into an electrical signal, and a first switch 303 disposed between a column signal line 306 and the first conversion element 302 .

[0039] The detection pixel 311 includes a second conversion element 312 that converts radiation into an electrical signal, and a second switch 313 arranged between the column signal line 306 and the second conversion element 312. The detection pixel 311 is arranged in the same column as some of the multiple imaging pixels 301.

[0040] The first conversion element 302 and the second conversion element 312 are composed of a scintillator that converts radiation into light and a photoelectric conversion element that converts light into an electrical signal. The scintillator is generally formed in a sheet shape to cover the imaging area and is shared by multiple pixels. Alternatively, the first conversion element 302 and the second conversion element 312 are composed of a conversion element that directly converts radiation into light.

[0041] The first switch 303 and the second switch 313 include, for example, thin film transistors (TFTs) whose active regions are made of a semiconductor such as amorphous silicon or polycrystalline silicon (preferably polycrystalline silicon).

[0042] The radiation imaging device 100 has a plurality of column signal lines 306 and a plurality of drive lines 304. Each column signal line 306 corresponds to one of a plurality of columns in the imaging area. Each drive line 304 corresponds to one of a plurality of rows in the imaging area. Each drive line 304 is driven by a drive circuit 321.

[0043] A first electrode of the first conversion element 302 is connected to a first main electrode of the first switch 303, and a second electrode of the first conversion element 302 is connected to a bias line 308. Here, one bias line 308 extends in the column direction and is commonly connected to the second electrodes of a plurality of first conversion elements 302 arranged in the column direction.

[0044] The bias line 308 receives a bias voltage Vs supplied from an element power supply circuit 326. The power supply control unit 323 is composed of a battery, a DC-DC converter, and the like.

[0045] The second main electrodes of the first switches 303 of the multiple imaging pixels 301 that make up one column are connected to one column signal line 306. The control electrodes of the first switches 303 of the multiple imaging pixels 301 that make up one row are connected to one drive line 304. The multiple column signal lines 306 are connected to a readout circuit 325. Here, the readout circuit 325 includes multiple detection units 341, a multiplexer 342, and an analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an AD converter) 343.

[0046] Each of the multiple column signal lines 306 is connected to a corresponding one of the multiple detectors 341 in the readout circuit 325. Here, one column signal line 306 corresponds to one detector 341. The detector 341 includes, for example, a differential amplifier. The multiplexer 342 selects one of the multiple detectors 341 in a predetermined order and supplies a signal from the selected detector 341 to an AD converter 343. The AD converter 343 converts the supplied signal into a digital signal and outputs it. The output of the readout circuit 325 (AD converter 343) is supplied to a signal processing unit 327 and processed by the signal processing unit 327. The signal processing unit 327 outputs information indicating radiation irradiation to the radiation imaging device 100 based on the output of the readout circuit 325 (AD converter 343).

[0047] The connection configuration of the second conversion elements 312 of the detection pixels 311 is the same as that of the imaging pixels 301. When driving the detection pixels 311, the drive circuit 321 drives the detection pixels 311 via the respective drive lines 304. When driving the detection pixels 311, the signal processing unit 327 outputs information indicating radiation irradiation to the radiation imaging device 100 based on the output of the readout circuit 325 (AD converter 343). Specifically, the signal processing unit 327 detects radiation irradiation to the radiation imaging device 100, and calculates the radiation irradiation dose and / or cumulative irradiation dose, for example. The calculated irradiation dose and cumulative irradiation dose may then be transmitted to the information processing device 200 or the radiation generation device 121 via the communication unit 402, as described below. In this case, the communication unit functions as a communication unit capable of transmitting information related to radiation.

[0048] The detection pixel 311 may have the same structure as the imaging pixel 301 .

[0049] The control unit 328 controls the drive circuit 321 and the readout circuit 325 based on information from the signal processing unit 327 and control commands from the information processing device 200 .

[0050] [Configuration of the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging device 100] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging device 100 includes a CPU 400, a memory 401, a communication unit 402, a drive control unit 403, an automatic exposure control unit 404, a communication control unit 405, a communication status estimation means 406, a communication status determination means 407, and a communication status notification means 408.

[0052] The CPU 400 uses the memory 401 as a work memory, executes various programs stored in the storage medium of the program storage unit, and controls the entire radiation imaging apparatus 100. As will be described in detail later, the CPU 400 also controls whether or not to detect radiation during radiation irradiation and perform automatic exposure control. The memory 401 is a memory for storing, reading, and writing various data handled by the CPU 400. The communication unit 402 is controlled by the CPU 400 via the communication control unit 405, and communicates with the radiation generation device 121 and the information processing device 200 via the communication control device 110 using the wireless communication unit 104 or the wired communication unit 105. The drive control unit 403 is controlled by the CPU 400, and controls the drive circuit 321, read circuit 325, etc. based on information from the signal processing unit 327 and commands from the information processing device 200.

[0053] The automatic exposure control unit 404 is controlled by the CPU 400 and executes dose control operations using the automatic exposure control function. Specifically, the automatic exposure control unit 404 detects radiation incident on the region of interest using the detection pixels 311 and calculates a cumulative dose, which is an integrated value of the detected radiation dose. In other words, the automatic exposure control unit 404 performs radiation detection operations during radiation irradiation. Next, the automatic exposure control unit 404 determines whether the radiation irradiation stop condition of the automatic exposure control function has been met based on the calculated cumulative dose. If the automatic exposure control unit 404 determines that the radiation irradiation stop condition has been met, it notifies the radiation generation device 121 to stop radiation irradiation using the communication unit 402. In other words, the automatic exposure control unit 404 functions as control means for controlling the stop of radiation irradiation in conjunction with the communication unit. The radiation generation device 121 then stops radiation irradiation based on the notified radiation irradiation stop timing. Note that the radiation imaging device 100 notifies the stop of radiation irradiation as a radiation detection result, but this is not limited to this. The radiation imaging apparatus 100 may use the communication unit 402 to transmit the accumulated dose per predetermined time period as the detection result to the information processing apparatus 200, and the information processing apparatus 200 may calculate the accumulated dose and notify the radiation generation apparatus 121 to stop the radiation irradiation. In this case, the information processing apparatus functions as a control unit that controls the stop of radiation. Alternatively, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 may use the communication unit 402 to transmit the accumulated dose per predetermined time period as the detection result to the radiation generation apparatus 121, and the radiation generation apparatus 121 may calculate the integrated value of the accumulated dose. Alternatively, the timing to stop the radiation irradiation may be determined based on the maximum irradiation time input into the information processing apparatus 200 by the operator.

[0054] The communication control unit 405 is controlled by the CPU 400 and uses the communication unit 402 to communicate with the radiation generating device 121 and the information processing device 200 via the communication control device 110 .

[0055] The communication state estimation means 406 is controlled by the communication control unit 405 and estimates the communication state within the radiation imaging system, such as the communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the communication control device 110 and the communication between the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the radiation generation apparatus 121. To estimate the communication state, index data indicating the communication state is used. The index data may be, but is not limited to, the time taken to send and receive packets, the frequency of retransmission, the frequency of carrier sense occurrence, RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication), etc., as long as it is an index related to the occurrence of communication delay.

[0056] The communication state determination means 407 is controlled by the communication control unit 405 and determines whether the communication state estimated by the communication state estimation means 406 is suitable for automatic exposure control photography. Specifically, the communication state determination means 407 manages a threshold value for distinguishing between communication states suitable for automatic exposure control photography and communication states unsuitable for automatic exposure control photography, based on the index data used by the communication state estimation means 406 to estimate the communication state. In other words, the threshold value is managed as a threshold value corresponding to the index used by the communication state estimation means 406. For example, when the communication state estimation means 406 estimates the communication state using the retransmission frequency in information transmission (e.g., the retransmission frequency of packet transmission) as an index, the communication state determination means 407 determines the communication state based on a comparison with the threshold value of the retransmission frequency. Furthermore, when the communication state estimation means 406 estimates the communication state using the time required for information communication by the communication unit 402, i.e., the communication time, as an index, the communication state determination means 407 also determines the communication state using a threshold value for the communication time. The communication state determination means 407 determines that a communication state exceeding the threshold is a communication failure and is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging. The threshold used by the communication state determination means 407 may be changeable as appropriate in response to an instruction from a device in the radiation imaging system, such as the information processing device 200.

[0057] The communication status notifying means 408 is controlled by the communication control unit 405, and when the communication status determining means 407 determines that the communication status is unsuitable for automatic exposure control shooting, notifies the operator of the determination result that the communication status is unsuitable for automatic exposure control shooting. Specifically, the determination result is notified to the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 402, and the information processing device 200 notifies the operator via the display device 203 of a message indicating that the communication status is unsuitable for automatic exposure control shooting as warning information related to stop control.

[0058] [Flowchart showing the procedure for notifying the communication status that is not suitable for automatic exposure control shooting] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure in which the radiation imaging apparatus 100 of the radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment notifies the operator of a communication state that is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging.

[0059] In S501, the drive control unit 403 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 determines whether the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in an imaging standby state in transition from an imaging-disabled state to an imaging-enabled state, or in a state in which imaging is possible after receiving radiation irradiation. If it is determined that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in such a state (S501; YES), the process proceeds to S502, and if it is determined that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is not in such a state (S501; NO), the process returns to S501. Note that an imaging-disabled state of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 refers to a state in which an image cannot be generated even when receiving radiation irradiation, a state in which power consumption can be reduced compared to an imaging-enabled state, etc.

[0060] In S502, the communication control unit 405 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 starts measuring the communication state using the communication state estimation unit 406.

[0061] In S503, the drive control unit 403 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 determines whether or not the operator has pressed the radiation irradiation switch 201 and there has been a radiation irradiation request from the radiation generation device 121. If it is determined that there has been no radiation irradiation request and radiation will not be irradiated (S503; YES), the process proceeds to S506, and if it is determined that there has been a radiation irradiation request and radiation will be irradiated (S503; NO), the process proceeds to S504.

[0062] In S504, the communication control unit 405 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 stops measuring the communication state using the communication state estimation means 406 in order to prevent communication noise from occurring in the radiation image.

[0063] In S505, the drive control unit 403 and the automatic exposure control unit 404 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 receive radiation irradiated from the radiation generation device 121, and generate a radiation image and control automatic exposure.

[0064] In S506, the communication state estimation means 406 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 collects communication index data as a result of the measurement of the communication state started in S502. As described above, the collected communication index data may be any index related to the occurrence of communication delay, such as the time taken to send and receive packets, the frequency of retransmission, the frequency of carrier sense occurrence, RSSI, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0065] In S507, the communication state estimation means 406 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 estimates the communication state within the radiation imaging system based on the collected communication index data. Methods for estimating the communication state include, but are not limited to, a method using statistical values ​​of the collected communication index data, a method using the frequency of retransmission or carrier sense occurrence, and the like, and any method that can define the probability of a communication delay may be used.

[0066] In S508, the communication state determination means 407 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 determines whether the communication state is unsuitable for automatic exposure control imaging based on the communication state estimated in S507. If it is determined that the communication state is unsuitable for automatic exposure control imaging (S508; YES), the process proceeds to S509, and if it is determined that the communication state is suitable for automatic exposure control imaging (S508; NO), the process returns to S503. Note that, if the communication state is estimated based on a statistical value of communication time in S507, for example, the communication state determination in S508 can be determined by comparing the statistical value with a threshold value. Alternatively, for example, the communication state estimation means 406 may estimate the communication time multiple times and determine the communication state based on the number of times the estimated communication time exceeds a set threshold value.

[0067] In S509, the communication state determination means 407 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 records communication index data when it is determined that the communication state is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging.

[0068] In S510, the communication status notification means 408 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 checks whether the automatic exposure control imaging function is selected in the imaging settings of the current radiation imaging system. If the automatic exposure control imaging function is selected (S510; YES), the process proceeds to S511, and if the automatic exposure control imaging function is not selected (S510; NO), the process returns to S503.

[0069] In S511, the communication status notifying means 408 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 notifies the information processing device 200 that the communication status is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging via the communication unit 402. The information processing device 200 notifies the operator via the display device 203 that the communication status is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging.

[0070] In S512, the drive control unit 403 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 determines whether the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is to be irradiated with radiation and return from a state in which imaging is possible to a state in which imaging is not possible (a state outside of an examination, which will be described later). If the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is to be transitioned to a state in which imaging is not possible (S512; YES), the process proceeds to S513, and if the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is not to be transitioned to a state in which imaging is not possible (S512; NO), the process returns to S503.

[0071] In S513, the communication control unit 405 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 stops measuring the communication state using the communication state estimation unit 406 in order to return the radiation imaging apparatus 100 to the imaging disabled state.

[0072] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the imaging availability state of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 of the radiation imaging system according to the first embodiment, the communication measurement period in the communication state estimation means 406, and the period during which notification to the operator can be made in the communication state notification means 408. Fig. 5 shows an example in which imaging is performed once without using the automatic exposure control function, and then imaging is performed once using the automatic exposure control function. The changes in the communication measurement period in the communication state estimation means 406 and the period during which notification to the operator can be made in the communication state notification means 408 will be described over time in Fig. 5 in conjunction with the flowchart in Fig. 4.

[0073] In S601, S604 to S612 show the transition of the imaging availability state of the radiation imaging device 100 of the radiation imaging system. Moving to the right shows the passage of time, and each block shows the state of the radiation imaging device 100: imaging unavailable state (state outside of examination), imaging standby state, imaging available state, and imaging state. In S602, S613 and S614 show the transition of the communication measurement period of the communication state estimation means 406. In S603, S615 shows the transition of the notification available period of the communication state notification means 408. S616 and S618 show the timing when imaging examination of a radiation image is started. S617 and S619 show the timing when the operator presses the radiation irradiation switch 201.

[0074] In S616, the operator operates the information processing device 200 to start an imaging examination without using the automatic exposure control function. At this time, the radiation imaging apparatus 100 transitions from an imaging-disabled state S604 outside the examination, via an imaging-standby state S605 during the drive preparation period, to an imaging-enabled state S606. The imaging-standby state S605 is part of the imaging-disabled state, and radiation irradiation from the radiation generation device 121 is not permitted in the radiation imaging system. Radiation irradiation from the radiation generation device 121 is permitted at the timing when the radiation imaging apparatus 100 transitions to the imaging-enabled state S606.

[0075] As shown in S613, the communication state estimation means 406 starts measuring communication from the timing when the operator operates the information processing device 200 to start imaging without using the automatic exposure control function. In other words, communication measurement starts before radiation is emitted. This is the same timing as when the radiation imaging device 100 transitions from an imaging-disabled state outside of examination S604 to an imaging standby state during the drive preparation period S605. The explanation up to this point corresponds to the flow in the flowchart of FIG. 4, which proceeds in the order of S501; YES, S502. Note that in both S613 and S614, communication is measured by sending and receiving multiple times within this communication measurement period.

[0076] Even if the communication status determination means 407 determines that the communication status is unsuitable for automatic exposure control photography during the communication measurement period of S613, as shown in S603, the communication status notification means 408 does not notify the operator that the communication status is unsuitable for automatic exposure control photography. The communication measurement period of S613 is a period of photography examination that does not use the automatic exposure control function, which began in S616, so the operator does not need to be notified of the communication status that is unsuitable for automatic exposure control photography. The explanation up to this point corresponds to the flow that proceeds in the order of S503; YES, S506, S507, S508; YES, S509, S510; NO in the flowchart of Figure 4.

[0077] In S617, when the operator presses the radiation irradiation switch 201, radiographic imaging without using the automatic exposure control function is started in the radiographic imaging system. At this time, the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 transitions from the radiographic imaging ready state S606 to the radiographic imaging state S607 in which image generation and transfer are performed. At the same time as this transition, the communication state estimation means 406 stops measuring communication. After completing image generation and transfer, the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 transitions from the radiographic imaging state S607 to the non-examination state S608. The description up to this point corresponds to the flow in the flowchart of FIG. 4, which proceeds in the order of S503; NO, S504, S505, and END. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 5, the non-examination state S608 is used when switching radiographic examinations, but this is not limiting. Alternatively, after completing image generation and transfer, the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 may transition from the radiographic imaging state S607 to the radiographic imaging standby state S609 for the next radiographic imaging.

[0078] In S618, the operator starts an imaging examination using the automatic exposure control function by operating the information processing device 200. At this time, the radiation imaging device 100 transitions from a non-examination state S608 to an imaging ready state S610 via an imaging standby state S609 during the drive preparation period.

[0079] As shown in S614, the communication state estimation means 406 starts measuring communication from the timing when the operator operates the information processing device 200 to start imaging settings that use the automatic exposure control function. Also, as shown in S615, the communication state notification means 408 also starts a period for notifying the operator of a communication state that is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging at the same timing. This is the same timing as when the radiation imaging apparatus 100 transitions from a non-examination state S608 to an imaging standby state S609 during the drive preparation period. The explanation up to this point corresponds to the flow that proceeds in the order of S501; YES, S502 in the flowchart of FIG. 4.

[0080] If the communication status determination means 407 determines during the communication measurement period of S614 that the communication status is not suitable for automatic exposure control photography, the communication status notification means 408 notifies the operator that the communication status is not suitable for automatic exposure control photography. The explanation up to this point corresponds to the flow in the flowchart of Figure 4, which proceeds in the order of S503: YES, S506, S507, S508: YES, S509, S510: YES, S511, S512: NO.

[0081] In S619, when the operator presses the radiation irradiation switch 201, radiographic imaging using the automatic exposure control function begins in the radiographic imaging system. At this time, the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 transitions from the imaging ready state S610 to an imaging state S611 in which image generation and transfer are performed. At the same time as this transition, the communication state estimation means 406 stops measuring communication, and the communication state notification means 408 stops the period for notifying that the communication state is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging. After completing image generation and transfer, the radiographic imaging apparatus 100 transitions from the imaging state S611 to a non-examination state S612. The explanation up to this point corresponds to the flow in the flowchart of FIG. 4, which proceeds in the order of S503; NO, S504, S505, and end.

[0082] As described above, the radiation imaging device 100 of the radiation imaging system uses the communication state estimation means 406 to estimate the communication environment within the radiation imaging system. If the communication state determination means 407 determines that the communication state is unsuitable for automatic exposure control imaging, the communication state notification means 408 notifies the operator that the communication state is unsuitable for automatic exposure control imaging. By allowing the operator to grasp the state of the communication environment, the operator can determine whether to perform automatic exposure control imaging. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the patient's radiation exposure due to communication delays in automatic exposure control and to prevent the generation of an image with a cumulative dose greater than the cumulative integrated dose set as a threshold in automatic exposure control imaging. Furthermore, by controlling the start and stop of the communication measurement period in conjunction with the imaging availability state of the radiation imaging device 100, it is possible to ensure that the operator is notified of a communication state unsuitable for automatic exposure control imaging when the radiation imaging device 100 is in an imaging availability state. Furthermore, when the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in an imaging-unavailable state (a state outside of an examination), the communication state estimation means 406 stops communication measurement, thereby reducing power consumption of the radiation imaging apparatus 100. In this embodiment, if the answer is No in S512 of Fig. 4, a warning notification is repeated even if there is no change in the communication state (when S511 is repeatedly executed in a communication state that is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging). If repeatedly issuing a warning is bothersome, the warning information may be notified only when the determination result of the communication state changes (switches) from good communication to poor communication.

[0083] In this embodiment, the communication state estimation means 406, communication state determination means 407, and communication state notification means 408 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 may be mounted on the radiation generation apparatus 121. The communication state determination means 407 may manage multiple thresholds used to determine the communication state and determine whether to classify the communication state into multiple states. Furthermore, the communication state notification means 408 may change the notification content depending on the multiple communication states classified by the communication state determination means 407. This will be described in a second embodiment.

[0084] In this embodiment, the communication status estimation means 406, communication status determination means 407, and communication status notification means 408 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 may be mounted on the communication control device 110. The communication status estimation means 406 may manage a plurality of communication measurement methods and change the communication measurement method depending on the radiography availability state, power consumption, etc. of the radiation imaging apparatus 100. This will be described in a third embodiment.

[0085] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0086] (Second embodiment) The processing of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that in the second embodiment, the same diagrams as those in the first embodiment and the same elements in the diagrams will not be described again.

[0087] [System Configuration] The system configuration is the same as in Figure 1.

[0088] [Hardware Configuration of Radiation Imaging Apparatus 100] The hardware configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0089] [Configuration of the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging device 100] The configuration of the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is the same as that of FIG. 3 except that the communication state estimation unit 406, the communication state determination unit 407, and the communication state notification unit 408 are omitted.

[0090] [Configuration of radiation generating device 121] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a radiation generating apparatus 121 of a radiation imaging system according to the second embodiment.

[0091] 6, the radiation generating apparatus 121 includes a CPU 700, a memory 701, a radiation source control unit 702, and a radiation generation control unit 703. It also includes a communication unit 704, a communication control unit 705, a communication state estimation unit 706, a communication state determination unit 707, a communication state threshold management unit 708, and a communication state notification unit 709.

[0092] The CPU 700 uses the memory 701 as a work memory to execute various programs stored in the storage medium of the program storage unit, and controls the entire radiation generation device 121. The memory 701 is a memory for storing various data handled by the CPU 700 and for reading and writing the same. The radiation source control unit 702 is controlled by the CPU 700 and controls the radiation source 122 to irradiate radiation based on predetermined conditions. The radiation generation control unit 703 is controlled by the CPU 700 and controls the generation of radiation in response to a signal from the radiation imaging device 100 indicating the start or stop of irradiation.

[0093] The communication unit 704 is controlled by the CPU 700 via a communication control unit 705 , and communicates with the radiation imaging apparatus 100 and the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication control device 110 .

[0094] The communication state estimation means 706 has the same function as the communication state estimation means 406. The communication state estimation means 706 is controlled by the communication control unit 705, and estimates the communication state within the radiation imaging system, such as the communication between the radiation generation device 121 and the radiation imaging device 100, and the communication between the radiation generation device 121 and the communication control device 110.

[0095] The communication state determination means 707 has the same function as the communication state determination means 407. The communication state determination means 707 is controlled by the communication control unit 705 and determines whether the communication state estimated by the communication state estimation means 706 is suitable for automatic exposure control photography. In this determination, the communication state determination means 707 classifies the communication state estimated by the communication state estimation means 706 into multiple states based on multiple thresholds managed by the communication state threshold management means 708.

[0096] The communication status notification means 709 has the same function as the communication status notification means 408. The communication status notification means 709 is controlled by the communication control unit 705, and when the communication status determination means 707 determines that the communication status is unsuitable for automatic exposure control shooting, the communication status notification means 709 notifies the operator that the communication status is unsuitable for automatic exposure control shooting. In this notification, the communication status notification means 709 changes the content of the notification to be given to the operator depending on the multiple communication statuses determined by the communication status determination means 707.

[0097] [Flowchart showing the procedure for notifying the communication status that is not suitable for automatic exposure control shooting] 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure for changing the content of the notification to the operator by the radiation generation device 121 of the radiation imaging system according to the second embodiment, depending on the communication state. In this flowchart, an example is shown in which the communication state is classified into three states, normal, warning, and error, in order of best communication state using two thresholds, but this is not limiting, and three or more thresholds may be set. In this way, in this embodiment, there are multiple thresholds.

[0098] In S801, the same determination as in S501 is made. In S801, the radiation generation apparatus 121 determines whether the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in an imaging standby state in which it is transitioning from an imaging-disabled state to an imaging-enabled state, or in a state in which it is irradiated with radiation and is ready to capture images. If it is determined that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in that state (S801; YES), the process proceeds to S802, and if it is determined that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is not in that state (S801; NO), the process returns to S801.

[0099] S802 is the same as S502, and the communication control unit 705 of the radiation generating apparatus 121 starts measuring the communication state using the communication state estimation means 706.

[0100] In S803, the same determination as in S503 is made. In S803, the radiation generating device 121 determines whether or not there is a radiation irradiation request. If it is determined that there is no radiation irradiation request and radiation will not be irradiated (S803; YES), the process proceeds to S806, and if it is determined that there is a radiation irradiation request and radiation will be irradiated (S803; NO), the process proceeds to S804.

[0101] In S804, the communication control unit 705 of the radiation generation apparatus 121 stops measuring the communication state using the communication state estimation means 706 in order to prevent communication noise from occurring in the radiological image.

[0102] S805 to S807 are the same as S505 to S507.

[0103] In S808, the communication status determination means 707 of the radiation generating device 121 checks the first threshold value managed by the communication status threshold value management means 708. The first threshold value is a threshold value for distinguishing between a normal communication status and other statuses (warning status or error status).

[0104] In S809, the communication state determination means 707 of the radiation generation device 121 determines whether the communication state is unsuitable for automatic exposure control shooting (warning state or error state). If the communication state determination means 707 determines that the communication state is a warning state or an error state (S809; YES), the process proceeds to S810, and if the communication state determination means 707 determines that the communication state is normal (S809; NO), the process returns to S803.

[0105] S810 and S811 are the same as S509 and S510.

[0106] In S812, the communication status determination means 707 of the radiation generation apparatus 121 checks the second threshold value managed by the communication status threshold value management means 708. The second threshold value is a threshold value for distinguishing between a warning status and an error status of the communication status.

[0107] In S813, the communication status determination means 707 of the radiation generation device 121 determines whether the communication status is a warning status or an error status. If the communication status determination means 707 determines that the communication status is a warning status (S813; NO), the process proceeds to S814, and if the communication status determination means 707 determines that the communication status is an error status (S813; YES), the process proceeds to S815.

[0108] In S814, the communication state notification means 709 of the radiation generation device 121 notifies the information processing device 200 that the communication state has exceeded the first threshold and is in a warning state. The information processing device 200 notifies the operator via the display device 203 that the communication state is not suitable for automatic exposure control shooting (first warning state).

[0109] In S815, the communication state notification means 709 of the radiation generation device 121 notifies the information processing device 200 that the communication state is in an error state in which the second threshold has been exceeded. The information processing device 200 notifies the operator via the display device 203 that the communication state is not suitable for automatic exposure control shooting (second warning state (an error state, in which automatic exposure control shooting should not be performed)). In this way, in this embodiment, the warning information to be notified is changed depending on the threshold used to determine the communication state.

[0110] S816 and S817 are the same as S512 and S513.

[0111] As described above, the radiation generation device 121 of the radiation imaging system uses the communication state estimation means 706 to estimate the communication environment within the radiation imaging system. The communication state determination means 707 then classifies the communication state into multiple states based on multiple thresholds managed by the communication state threshold management means 708. The communication state notification means 709 changes the content of the communication state notification to the operator according to the multiple communication states classified by the communication state determination means 707. As a result, the operator can identify a deterioration in the communication environment based on the content of the notification from the radiation imaging system and decide whether to cancel automatic exposure control imaging or improve the communication environment. Furthermore, the radiation imaging system may not allow automatic exposure control imaging when the communication environment is in the worst state (third warning state). This prevents an increase in the patient's radiation exposure due to communication delays in automatic exposure control and prevents the automatic exposure control imaging from generating images with a cumulative dose greater than the cumulative integrated dose set as the threshold.

[0112] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0113] (Third embodiment) The processing of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that in the third embodiment, explanations of the same figures and elements as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0114] [System Configuration] The system configuration is the same as in Figure 1.

[0115] [Hardware Configuration of Radiation Imaging Apparatus 100] The hardware configuration of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is the same as that shown in FIG.

[0116] [Configuration of the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging device 100] The configuration of the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is the same as that of FIG. 3 except that the communication state estimation unit 406, the communication state determination unit 407, and the communication state notification unit 408 are omitted.

[0117] [Configuration of communication control device 110] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the configuration of a communication control device 110 of a radiation imaging system according to the third embodiment.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 8, the communication control device 110 includes a CPU 900, a memory 901, a communication unit 902, a communication control unit 903, a communication state estimation means 904, a communication state estimation method management means 905, a communication state determination means 906, and a communication state notification means 907.

[0119] The CPU 900 uses the memory 901 as a work memory to execute various programs stored in the storage medium of the program storage unit, and controls the entire communication control device 110. The memory 901 is a memory for storing, reading, and writing various data handled by the CPU 900. The communication unit 902 is controlled by the CPU 900 via a communication control unit 903, and communicates with the radiation imaging device 100, the radiation generation device 121, and the information processing device 200.

[0120] The communication state estimation means 904 has the same function as the communication state estimation means 406. The communication state estimation means 904 is controlled by a communication control unit 903. The communication state estimation means 904 estimates the communication state within the radiation imaging system, such as the communication between the communication control device 110 and the radiation imaging device 100, the communication between the communication control device 110 and the radiation generation device 121, and the communication between the communication control device 110 and the information processing device 200.

[0121] The communication state estimation method management means 905 manages the communication state estimation method used by the communication state estimation means 904. The communication state estimation method management means 905 manages algorithms and settings for estimating the communication state within the radiation imaging system, such as when managing multiple communication state estimation means with different algorithms or when changing the communication time interval within the same communication state estimation means. The communication state estimation method management means 905 is used when changing the communication state estimation method in the communication state estimation means 904.

[0122] The communication status determination means 906 has the same function as the communication status determination means 407 .

[0123] The communication status notification means 907 has the same function as the communication status notification means 408 .

[0124] [Flowchart showing the procedure for notifying the communication status that is not suitable for automatic exposure control shooting] 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure by which the communication control device 110 of the radiation imaging system according to the third embodiment notifies the operator of a communication state that is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging. This flowchart shows an example in which the communication time interval is changed using the same communication state estimation means, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the communication state estimation means may be changed, for example, by switching to a communication state estimation means with a different algorithm.

[0125] In S1001, the same determination as in S501 is made.

[0126] In S1002, if the communication control unit 903 of the communication control device 110 is measuring the communication state using the communication state estimation means 904, it stops the measurement.

[0127] In S1003, the communication control device 110 determines whether the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in an imaging standby state in which it is transitioning from an imaging disabled state to an imaging enabled state. If it is determined that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in an imaging standby state (S1003; YES), the process proceeds to S1004, and if it is determined that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is not in an imaging standby state but in an imaging enabled state (S1003; NO), the process proceeds to S1005.

[0128] In S1004, the communication state estimation means 904 of the communication control device 110 sets the time interval of communication of the communication state estimation means to 100 milliseconds using the communication state estimation method management means 905. On the other hand, in S1005, the communication state estimation means 904 of the communication control device 110 sets the time interval of communication of the communication state estimation means to 1 second using the communication state estimation method management means 905.

[0129] S1006 is similar to S502, but in S1006, communication is performed at the measurement interval set in S1004 or S1005 when measuring the communication state.

[0130] In S1007, the communication control device 110 determines whether the state of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 has changed from an imaging standby state to an imaging ready state, or from an imaging ready state to an imaging standby state. If it is determined that the state of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 has not changed (S1007; YES), the process proceeds to S1008, and if it is determined that the state of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 has changed (S1007; NO), the process returns to S1002.

[0131] In S1008, the communication control device 110 checks whether or not there is a request for the radiation generation device 121 to irradiate radiation.

[0132] S1009 to S1019 are the same as S503 to S513.

[0133] As described above, the communication control device 110 of the radiation imaging system uses the communication state estimation means 904 to estimate the communication environment within the radiation imaging system. The communication state estimation means 904 of the communication control device 110 uses the communication state estimation method management means 905 to switch the communication state estimation method depending on the state of the radiation imaging apparatus 100. By switching the communication state estimation method with the communication state estimation means 904, it is possible to always notify the operator of a communication state that is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging when the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in an imaging-enabled state. Furthermore, by switching the communication state estimation method with the communication state estimation means 904, it is possible to prevent an increase in power consumption of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 due to communication for communication state estimation.

[0134] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0135] In the above three embodiments, the radiation imaging device, radiation generation device, and communication control device are provided with the communication status estimation means, communication status determination means, and communication status notification means, but this is not limited to this. For example, the information processing device 200 may be provided with the communication status estimation means, communication status determination means, and communication status notification means. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the communication status determination result (the result of comparison with a threshold value) is notified, but this is not limited to this. For example, the notification unit may notify only the communication status estimation result (the result of detection of the communication status), and the decision on whether the communication status is good or bad may be left to the operator's judgment. In this case, the determination unit (communication status determination means) may not be provided, and the device configuration (system configuration) can be easily realized.

[0136] (Fourth embodiment) The processing of the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that in the fourth embodiment, descriptions of the same figures and elements as those in the first, second, and third embodiments will be omitted.

[0137] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging apparatus 100 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 328 of the radiation imaging device 100 includes a CPU 1100, a memory 1101, a communication unit 1102, a drive control unit 1103, an automatic exposure control unit 1104, a communication control unit 1105, a risk calculation means 1106, a risk determination means 1107, and a risk notification means 1108.

[0139] The CPU 1100 has the same functions as the CPU 400. The memory 1101 has the same functions as the memory 401. The communication unit 1102 has the same functions as the communication unit 402. The drive control unit 1103 has the same functions as the drive control unit 403. The automatic exposure control unit 1104 has the same functions as the automatic exposure control unit 404. The communication control unit 1105 has the same functions as the communication control unit 405.

[0140] The risk calculation means 1106 is controlled by the communication control unit 1105 and calculates the magnitude of the risk to the subject caused by a decrease in the accuracy of stopping radiation when a communication delay occurs. The risk is determined based on the probability of a communication delay and the extent of damage caused when a communication delay occurs. Examples of index data indicating the probability of a communication delay include the frequency at which the time required for packet transmission and reception exceeds a predetermined threshold, RSSI, SN ratio, the number of wireless communication devices using the same channel, the imaging location, and the imaging time period, but are not limited to these. Any index related to the probability of a communication delay may be used. Examples of index data indicating the extent of damage caused when a communication delay occurs include the time required for packet transmission and reception, imaging conditions, and imaging region, but are not limited to these. Any index indicating the extent of damage caused when a communication delay occurs may be used. Figure 11 shows an example of a combination of indexes used to calculate risk. For example, if the probability of a communication delay is high (e.g., the time required for packet transmission and reception is long and frequent), regardless of the imaging conditions or imaging region, the risk is calculated to be high. Conversely, if the probability of a communication delay is low, the risk is calculated to be medium or low, even if the extent of damage caused by a communication delay is somewhat large. Figure 11 is merely an example, and the indicator items, combinations, and calculated risks are not limited to those shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, weighted scores may be set for each indicator that constitutes an indicator indicating the probability of a communication delay occurring and an indicator indicating the extent of damage when a communication delay occurs, and the total score may be plotted to calculate the risk based on the plotted position.

[0141] The risk determination means 1107 is controlled by the communication control unit 1105 and determines the content of notification based on the calculation result by the risk calculation means 1106. Specifically, for the risk that occurs when a communication delay calculated by the risk calculation means occurs, the risk determination means 1107 manages one or more thresholds that identify the notification content for the risk. Based on the multiple thresholds managed by the risk determination means 1107, the risk calculated by the risk calculation means 1106 is classified into multiple notification contents indicating whether automatic exposure control is appropriate. Note that the thresholds used by the risk determination means 1107 may be changeable as appropriate by an instruction from within the radiation imaging device system such as the information processing device 200.

[0142] The risk notification means 1108 is controlled by the communication control unit 1105, and notifies the operator of the content indicating the suitability of automatic exposure control photography classified by the risk determination means 1107 as the determination result. Specifically, the determination result is notified to the information processing device 200 via the communication unit 1102, and the information processing device 200 notifies the operator of a message indicating that the device is not suitable for automatic exposure control photography as warning information regarding stop control via the display device 203. In this notification, the risk notification means 1108 changes the content to be notified to the operator depending on the multiple suitability states for automatic exposure control photography determined by the risk determination means 1107.

[0143] [Flowchart showing the procedure for notifying the communication status that is not suitable for automatic exposure control shooting] 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure for changing the content of the notification to the operator by the radiation generation device 121 of the radiation imaging system according to the fourth embodiment, depending on the communication state. This flowchart shows an example in which the risk of a communication delay occurring in automatic exposure control imaging is classified into three states, normal state, warning state, and error state, in descending order of risk, using two thresholds. However, this is not limiting, and three or more thresholds may be set. In this way, this embodiment has multiple thresholds.

[0144] In S1301, the same determination as in S501 is made. In S1301, the radiation generation apparatus 121 determines whether the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in an imaging standby state in which it is transitioning from an imaging-disabled state to an imaging-enabled state, or in a state in which it is irradiated with radiation and is ready to capture images. If it is determined that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is in this state (S1301; YES), the process proceeds to S1302, and if it is determined that the radiation imaging apparatus 100 is not in this state (S1301; NO), the process returns to S1301.

[0145] S1302 is the same as S502, and the communication control unit 1105 of the radiation generating apparatus 121 starts calculating the risk using the risk calculation means 1106.

[0146] In S1303, the same determination as in S503 is made. In S1303, the radiation generating device 121 determines whether or not there is a radiation irradiation request. If it is determined that there is no radiation irradiation request and radiation will not be irradiated (S1303; YES), the process proceeds to S1306, and if there is a radiation irradiation request and it is determined that radiation will be irradiated (S1303; NO), the process proceeds to S1304.

[0147] In S1304, the communication control unit 1105 of the radiation generation apparatus 121 stops risk calculation using the risk calculation means 1106 in order to prevent communication noise from occurring in the radiation image.

[0148] S1305 to S1307 are the same as S505 to S507.

[0149] In S1308, the risk determination unit 1107 of the radiation generation apparatus 121 checks the first threshold value. The first threshold value is a threshold value for distinguishing between a state in which the amount of risk is negligible and other states (warning state or error state).

[0150] In S1309, the risk determination means 1107 of the radiation generating device 121 determines whether the communication state is unsuitable for automatic exposure control imaging (warning state or error state). If the risk determination means 1107 determines that the risk is a warning state or an error state (S1309; YES), the process proceeds to S1310, and if the risk determination means 1107 determines that the risk is a negligible state (S1309; NO), the process returns to S1303.

[0151] S1310 and S1311 are the same as S509 and S510.

[0152] In S1312, the risk determination unit 1107 of the radiation generation apparatus 121 checks the second threshold value. The second threshold value is a threshold value for distinguishing between a risk warning state and an error state.

[0153] In S1313, the risk determination means 1107 of the radiation generating device 121 determines whether the risk is in a warning state or an error state. If the risk determination means 1107 determines that the risk is in a warning state (S1313; NO), the process proceeds to S1314, and if the risk determination means 1107 determines that the risk is in an error state (S1313; YES), the process proceeds to S1315.

[0154] In S1314, the risk notification means 1109 of the radiation generating device 121 notifies the information processing device 200 that the communication state is in a warning state where the first threshold has been exceeded. The information processing device 200 notifies the operator via the display device 203 that there is a risk that the device is not suitable for automatic exposure control shooting (first warning state).

[0155] In S1315, the risk notification means 1109 of the radiation generation device 121 notifies the information processing device 200 that the risk has exceeded the second threshold and that the state is an error state. The information processing device 200 notifies the operator via the display device 203 that there is a risk that the state is not suitable for automatic exposure control imaging (a second warning state (an error state, and a state in which automatic exposure control imaging should not be performed)). In this way, in this embodiment, the warning information to be notified is changed depending on the threshold used to determine the risk.

[0156] S1316 and S1317 are the same as S512 and S513.

[0157] As described above, the radiation generation device 121 of the radiation imaging system uses the risk calculation means 1106 to calculate the magnitude of risk when a communication delay occurs within the radiation imaging system. The risk determination means 1107 then classifies the risk into multiple states indicating whether automatic exposure control is appropriate based on multiple managed thresholds. The risk notification means 1109 changes the content of the notification of the appropriateness status to the operator depending on the multiple appropriateness statuses classified by the risk determination means 1107. As a result, the operator can identify a worsening risk based on the notification content of the radiation imaging system and decide whether to discontinue automatic exposure control imaging or improve the risk. Furthermore, the radiation imaging system may not allow automatic exposure control imaging when the risk is in the worst state (third warning state). This prevents an increase in patient exposure due to communication delays in automatic exposure control before imaging occurs and prevents the generation of images with a cumulative dose greater than the cumulative integrated dose set as the threshold in automatic exposure control imaging.

[0158] An embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0159] In the above-described embodiment, the risk calculation means, risk assessment means, and risk notification means are provided in the radiation imaging device, but this is not limited to this. For example, the radiation generation device or the communication control device may be provided with the risk calculation means, risk assessment means, and risk notification means. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the risk assessment result (the result of comparison with the threshold value) is notified, but this is not limited to this. For example, only the risk calculation result may be notified by the notification unit, and the decision on whether or not to use automatic exposure control imaging may be left to the operator's judgment. In this case, the assessment unit (risk assessment means) need not be provided, and therefore the device configuration (system configuration) can be easily realized.

[0160] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process. That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media. The computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device then reads and executes the programs. The same applies to processes by hardware that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0161] The disclosure of this specification includes the following radiation imaging system, radiation imaging apparatus, radiation generation apparatus, communication control apparatus, and information processing apparatus.

[0162] (Item 1) a control unit that controls the radiation to be irradiated from the radiation generating device based on information transmitted from the communication unit; a determination unit that determines a communication state of the communication unit; and a notification unit that notifies information corresponding to a determination result of the determination unit, wherein the notification unit notifies warning information regarding the stop control by the control unit when the determination result of the determination unit is a communication failure.

[0163] (Item 2) 2. The radiation imaging system according to item 1, wherein the determining unit determines the communication state based on a retransmission frequency in information transmission from the communication unit.

[0164] (Item 3) 2. The radiation imaging system according to item 1, wherein the determining means has a threshold value relating to a communication time, which is the time required for communication by the communication unit, and determines the communication state using the threshold value.

[0165] (Item 4) 4. The radiation imaging system according to item 3, wherein the threshold value is changeable.

[0166] (Item 5) 5. The radiation imaging system according to item 3 or 4, wherein the determining means has a plurality of threshold values.

[0167] (Item 6) 6. The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the communication unit performs first communication multiple times before irradiation of radiation, and the determination means determines the communication state based on a comparison between a statistical value of communication time of the multiple first communications and the threshold value.

[0168] (Item 7) 6. The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 3 to 5, wherein the communication unit performs first communication multiple times before irradiation of radiation, and the determination unit determines a communication failure based on the number of times the communication time of the first communication exceeds the threshold.

[0169] (Item 8) 6. The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the notification means notifies the warning information when the judgment result of the communication state by the judgment means changes from good communication to poor communication.

[0170] (Item 9) The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 3 to 5, characterized in that the notification means changes the warning information to be notified depending on a threshold value used by the determination means to determine the communication status from among the plurality of threshold values.

[0171] (Item 10) a control unit that controls whether the detection unit performs an operation to detect radiation during radiation irradiation; a communication unit that can transmit information related to the radiation detected by the detection unit during radiation irradiation; and a determination unit that determines a communication status of the communication unit, wherein the communication unit transmits warning information related to the operation of the detection unit to detect radiation during radiation irradiation when the determination result of the determination unit is a communication failure.

[0172] (Item 11) 1. A radiation generating device that detects radiation irradiated during radiation irradiation and irradiates radiation toward a radiation imaging device that is capable of transmitting information related to the detected radiation, the radiation generating device comprising: a determination unit that determines a communication state of the radiation imaging device; and a communication unit that is capable of transmitting information corresponding to a determination result of the determination unit, wherein when the determination result of the determination unit is a communication failure, the communication unit transmits warning information related to the operation of detecting radiation irradiated during radiation irradiation by the radiation imaging device.

[0173] (Item 12) 1. A communication control device that communicates with a radiation imaging device that detects radiation irradiated during radiation irradiation and is capable of transmitting information related to the detected radiation, the communication control device comprising: a determination unit that determines a communication status of the radiation imaging device; and a communication unit that is capable of transmitting information corresponding to a determination result of the determination unit, wherein the communication unit transmits warning information related to an operation of the radiation imaging device to detect radiation irradiated during radiation irradiation when the determination result of the determination unit is a communication failure.

[0174] (Item 13) 1. An information processing apparatus that receives and processes radiation image information from a radiation imaging device that performs an operation of detecting radiation irradiated during radiation irradiation and is capable of transmitting information related to the detected radiation, the information processing apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines a communication status of the radiation imaging device; and a communication unit that is capable of transmitting information corresponding to a determination result of the determination unit, wherein the communication unit transmits warning information related to the operation of detecting radiation irradiated during radiation irradiation by the radiation imaging device when the determination result of the determination unit is a communication failure.

[0175] (Item 14) a radiation imaging device including a detection unit that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device and a communication unit that can transmit information related to the radiation detected by the detection unit; control means that controls the stopping of radiation irradiated from the radiation generating device based on information transmitted from the communication unit; detection means that detects a communication state by the communication unit; and notification means that notifies information corresponding to a detection result of the detection means.

[0176] (Item 15) 1. A radiation imaging device comprising: a detection unit that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation generation device; a control unit that controls whether the detection unit performs an operation to detect radiation during radiation irradiation; a communication unit that can transmit information related to the radiation detected by the detection unit during radiation irradiation; and a detection unit that detects a communication state by the communication unit, wherein the communication unit transmits information corresponding to a detection result by the detection unit.

[0177] (Item 16) a radiation imaging device including a detection unit that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device and a communication unit that can transmit information related to the radiation detected by the detection unit; a control unit that controls the radiation generation device to stop irradiating the radiation based on the information transmitted from the communication unit; a determination means for collecting risk indexes from the communication unit and determining a risk of a decrease in accuracy of stop control by the control means; a notification means for notifying information corresponding to the determination result of the determination means; Equipped with The notification means notifies warning information regarding the stop control by the control means when the determination result by the determination means is a failure. A radiation imaging system comprising:

[0178] (Item 17) The radiation imaging system described in item 16 is characterized in that the determination means determines the magnitude of the risk due to the communication delay based on a risk index based on one or both of an index indicating the probability of a communication delay from the communication unit and an index indicating the impact when a communication delay occurs.

[0179] (Item 18) Item 18. The radiation imaging system according to item 17, wherein the index indicating the probability of occurrence of communication delay includes thresholds for the frequency at which the time required for communication exceeds a predetermined threshold, RSSI, SN ratio, and the number of wireless communication devices connected to the same channel or an adjacent channel as the channel used by the access point, and the magnitude of the risk due to the communication delay is determined using the thresholds.

[0180] (Item 19) Item 18. The radiation imaging system according to item 17, wherein the index indicating the degree of impact when a communication delay occurs has thresholds for the time required for communication, imaging conditions, imaging location, and imaging time period, and the thresholds are used to determine the magnitude of the risk due to the communication delay.

[0181] (Item 20) 20. The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 18 to 19, wherein the threshold value is changeable.

[0182] (Item 21) 20. The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 18 to 19, wherein the determining means has a plurality of threshold values.

[0183] (Item 22) the communication unit performs first communication a plurality of times before irradiation with radiation; The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 18 to 21, characterized in that the determination means determines the magnitude of the risk based on an index indicating the probability of occurrence of the communication delay obtained in the first communication and an index indicating the impact of the occurrence of the communication delay.

[0184] (Item 23) 22. The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 16 to 21, wherein the notification means notifies the warning information when the assessment result of the magnitude of the risk by the assessment means changes from good to bad.

[0185] (Item 24) 22. The radiation imaging system according to any one of items 18 to 21, wherein the notification means changes the warning information to be notified depending on a threshold value used by the determination means to determine the magnitude of the risk from among the plurality of threshold values. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 100 Radiation imaging device 104 Wireless Communication Department 105 Wired Communications Department 110 Communication control device 121 Radiation Generator 122 Radiation Source 200 Information processing device 203 Display device 300 Radiation Detector 327 Signal Processing Unit 328 Control Unit

Claims

1. a radiation imaging device including a detection unit that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device and a communication unit that can transmit information related to the radiation detected by the detection unit; a control unit that controls the radiation generation device to stop irradiating the radiation based on the information transmitted from the communication unit; a notification means for notifying warning information regarding the stop control based on a communication state of communication via the communication unit; Equipped with The warning information is notified in any one of a plurality of stages of information with different warning contents in two or more states of the at least three states related to the communication state. A radiation imaging system comprising:

2. 2. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the warning information is determined to be one of the plurality of levels of information based on a retransmission frequency in information transmission from the communication unit.

3. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a threshold value for communication time, which is the time required for communication via the communication unit, and the warning information is determined to be one of the multiple levels of information based on the threshold value.

4. 4. The radiation imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the threshold value is changeable.

5. 4. The radiation imaging system according to claim 3, wherein the threshold value includes a plurality of threshold values.

6. 4. The radiation imaging system according to claim 3, wherein a statistical value of communication times of a plurality of communication attempts made before irradiation of radiation is used as the communication time.

7. The radiation imaging system according to claim 3, wherein one of the multiple levels of information notified as the warning information is determined based on the number of times that the communication time of multiple communications attempted before radiation irradiation exceeds the threshold value.

8. 2. The radiation imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the notification means notifies the warning information when the communication state changes from good communication to poor communication.

9. 6. The radiation imaging system according to claim 5, wherein the notification means notifies a first stage of the information among the plurality of stages when the communication time satisfies a condition of a first threshold among the plurality of thresholds, and notifies a second stage of the information among the plurality of stages when the communication time satisfies a condition of a second threshold among the plurality of thresholds.

10. 1. An information processing device in a radiation imaging system capable of executing stop control to stop irradiation of radiation from a radiation generating device based on information about radiation detected by the radiation imaging device, the information processing device receiving and processing radiation image information from the radiation imaging device, a notification unit that notifies warning information regarding the stop control based on a communication state between the radiation imaging device and the radiation generation device, The warning information is notified in any one of a plurality of stages of information with different warning contents in two or more states of the at least three states related to the communication state.

1. An information processing device comprising:

11. a radiation imaging device including a detection unit that detects radiation irradiated from a radiation generating device and a communication unit that can transmit information related to the radiation detected by the detection unit; a control unit that controls the radiation generation device to stop irradiating the radiation based on the information transmitted from the communication unit; and a notification means for notifying warning information regarding the stop control based on both an index indicating the probability of a communication delay occurring in the communication via the communication unit and an index indicating the degree of impact when a communication delay occurs in the communication. A radiation imaging system comprising:

12. The radiation imaging system of claim 11, wherein the index indicating the probability of occurrence of communication delay includes an index related to any of the following: the frequency at which the time required for communication exceeds a predetermined threshold, RSSI, S / N ratio, the number of wireless communication devices connected to the same channel or an adjacent channel as the channel used by the access point, the location of imaging, and the time period of imaging.

13. The radiation imaging system according to claim 11, wherein the index indicating the degree of impact when a communication delay occurs includes an index relating to any one of the time required for communication, the radiation irradiation time, and the sensitivity of the imaging area to radiation.

14. The radiation imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the threshold value is changeable.

15. The radiation imaging system according to claim 12, wherein the threshold value includes a plurality of threshold values.

16. The radiation imaging system of claim 12, further comprising a determination means for determining the magnitude of risk based on an index indicating the probability of occurrence of a communication delay obtained from multiple communications attempted before radiation irradiation and an index indicating the impact of the occurrence of the communication delay.

17. 17. The radiation imaging system according to claim 16, wherein the notification means notifies the user of the warning information when the magnitude of the risk changes from good to bad.

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