JP7767893B2 - Radiation image detection device and radiation image capturing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a radiological image detecting device and a radiological image capturing system.

Flat Panel Detectors (FPDs) have traditionally been used as radiation image detection devices, but in recent years, portable FPD panels, in which the radiation detection elements are housed in a housing, have come into use. In DR (Digital Radiography) systems, panels are used in multiple radiography rooms and on medical carts that move between hospital rooms, so they have a roaming function that establishes a correspondence between the panel and the console (control device).

In normal roaming, when a panel is connected to a roaming device such as a cradle, the console associated with that roaming device is identified and selected as the connection target. The panel then sends a connection command to the target console, changing the association between the panel and the console.

For example, a system is used in which a connection unit for the panel is provided in an association information storage device that holds a unique ID that associates a portable panel with a console, and the panel obtains the unique ID from the association information storage device, identifies the console to connect to based on the unique ID, and obtains the connection setting information for the identified console (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, a system is used that allows users to cyclically switch between the imaging rooms and connected consoles that use the panel by pressing a button on the panel.

Patent No. 5370040

However, if the roaming operation is forgotten when taking photographs while moving around in a mobile cart equipped with a console, there is a problem in that the panel and console cannot be associated unless there is a roaming device such as a cradle at the new location. There has been a growing demand for a system that can associate panels and consoles without using external devices (special hardware) such as a cradle, including in cases like this.

In addition, in large hospitals and other facilities, there are multiple consoles that can be connected to a panel, and previously the panel could be attached to a cradle to identify the console it was connected to. However, without using a cradle, it was difficult and time-consuming to identify the console to which the panel was connected.

In addition, technology is being used that cyclically presents multiple connection candidates for selection, but because options that do not exist on-site are also displayed, there are an unnecessarily large number of steps required to confirm the connection target. When connection candidates do not require selection, it is desirable to not include them in the options and instead provide a simpler operation.

The present invention was made in consideration of the problems with the prior art described above, and aims to enable association between a radiological image detection device and a control device with simple operations, without using external devices.

In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a portable radiographic image detection device that acquires radiographic image data based on irradiated radiation, and includes: storage means for storing association information relating to association with a control device that outputs the radiographic image data acquired by the radiographic image detection device; first operation means for associating the radiographic image detection device with the control device based on the association information stored in the storage means; and control means for associating the radiographic image detection device with one control device in response to operation of the first operation means when there is only one control device that can be associated with the radiographic image detection device, and for associating the radiographic image detection device with the selected control device in response to operation of a second operation means when there are multiple control devices that can be associated with the radiographic image detection device, after a control device to be associated with the selected control device is selected by the first operation means from the multiple control devices .

The invention of claim 2 is a portable radiographic image detection device that acquires radiographic image data based on irradiated radiation, comprising: storage means for storing association information relating to association with a control device that outputs the radiographic image data acquired by the radiographic image detection device; first operation means for associating the radiographic image detection device with the control device based on the association information stored in the storage means; and control means for associating the radiographic image detection device with one control device in response to operation of the first operation means when there is only one control device that can be associated with the radiographic image detection device, and for associating the radiographic image detection device with the selected control device when there is a plurality of control devices that can be associated with the radiographic image detection device after a control device to be associated with the selected control device is selected by the first operation means from among the plurality of control devices, and for associating the radiographic image detection device with the selected control device, and the radiographic image detection device has a standalone imaging function that generates and saves radiographic image data by detecting irradiation of radiation, and the control means changes its operation in response to operation of the first operation means based on the number of control devices that can be associated with the radiographic image detection device and whether the standalone imaging function is enabled.

The invention described in claim 3 is the radiological image detection device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the association information is set in advance and stored in the storage means.

The invention described in claim 4 is the radiological image detection device described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detection means for detecting a control device capable of wireless communication with the radiological image detection device, and the control means stores association information relating to association with the control device detected by the detection means in the storage means.

The invention described in claim 5 is a radiological image detection device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a predetermined trigger other than operation on the first operating means is provided for association with the control device, and the control means prohibits association with the control device based on operation on the first operating means when the predetermined trigger occurs.

The invention described in claim 6 is a radiological image detection device described in claim 2 , wherein when the individual shooting function is enabled, the first operating means for selecting the control device to be associated also serves as an operating means for selecting the individual shooting function.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a radiographic image capturing system including the radiographic image detecting device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects and the control device.

According to the present invention, association between a radiological image detection device and a control device can be performed with simple operations without using external devices.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of a radiation image capturing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a panel and a console. 1A is a diagram showing the external configuration of a panel, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the detailed configuration of an operation unit and a display unit of the panel. 10 is a ladder chart showing a presetting process executed in the panel and the console. 10 is a ladder chart showing a registration execution process executed in the panel and the console. 10 is a flowchart showing a first roaming process executed in the panel. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining button operations when there are a plurality of consoles that can be associated. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining button operations when there is only one console that can be associated. 10 is a flowchart showing a second roaming process executed in the panel of the second embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the panel according to the number of roaming targets and whether the standalone shooting function is enabled or disabled when an association operation is performed on the panel of the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a third roaming process executed in the panel of the third embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining button operations when there are a plurality of consoles that can be associated and the independent shooting function is enabled. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth roaming process executed in the panel of the fourth embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a fifth roaming process executed in a panel of the fifth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a console-side process executed in the console of the sixth embodiment. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a panel-side process executed in a panel according to a sixth embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a radiation image capturing system 100 according to the first embodiment.
The radiographic imaging system 100 is configured to include a panel 10 as a radiographic image detection device, consoles 20A, 20B, and 20C (hereinafter referred to as consoles 20 unless otherwise distinguished) as control devices, and cradles 30A, 30B, and 30C (hereinafter referred to as cradles 30 unless otherwise distinguished). The radiographic imaging system 100 is used in medical facilities, and radiography is performed in an imaging room, a hospital room, or the like. The numbers of panels 10, consoles 20, and cradles 30 included in the radiographic imaging system 100 are not limited to those shown in the illustration. In addition, the cradles 30 may not be connected to the consoles 20.

The panel 10 is a portable FPD panel that acquires radiation image data based on radiation emitted by a radiation source 40 (see Figure 2). The panel 10 detects radiation that has at least partially passed through the subject and generates radiation image data.

The console 20 controls radiography using the panel 10 and outputs radiographic image data acquired by the panel 10. For example, the console 20 displays an image based on the radiographic image data on the display unit 23 (see Figure 2). The console 20 also outputs the radiographic image data to an external device such as a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). The console 20 may be installed in an imaging room, or may be mounted on a medical cart or the like so that it can be moved between hospital rooms, etc.

Cradles 30A, 30B, and 30C are associated with consoles 20A, 20B, and 20C, respectively, and are roaming devices that associate the console 20 corresponding to the cradle 30 with the panel 10. Cradle 30 is used when associating the console 20 corresponding to the cradle 30 with the panel 10 using a conventional method (a roaming method in which the panel 10 is attached to the cradle 30).

Roaming refers to the act of associating a panel 10 with a console 20, and the act of setting the panel 10 under the management of the console 20. In an environment where multiple consoles 20 exist, roaming includes not only the act of moving a panel 10 managed by one console 20 to the management of another console 20, but also the act of setting a new panel 10 under the management of a certain console 20.

A roaming device is a device that can be connected to the panel 10 and that holds a unique ID (here, the cradle 30 is used as the roaming device, and is therefore referred to as a cradle ID hereafter) that is specific to the roaming device. The cradle ID is used as part of the association information for associating the console 20 with the panel 10. The cradle ID is used by the console 20 to identify whether or not the panel 10 is under the management of its own device (console 20). The console 20 will manage the panel 10 for which the cradle ID that the console 20 itself manages is set.

In addition to the function of associating the panel 10 and console 20 in a conventional manner, the cradle 30 also has the function of charging the panel 10 and the function of performing wired communication with the console 20. Regarding the function of performing wired communication with the console 20, the cradle 30 is assumed to be directly connected to the console 20 via a cable, but the cradle 30 may also be equipped with a LAN (Local Area Network) connector and be connected to the console 20 via the LAN.

FIG. 2 shows the functional configuration of the panel 10 and the console 20.
As shown in FIG. 2, the panel 10 includes a control unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, a memory unit 14, a wireless communication unit 15, a detector 16, a battery 17, a cradle connection unit 18, and the like.

The control unit 11 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU of the control unit 11 reads out various processing programs stored in the storage unit 14, loads them into the RAM, and executes various processes in accordance with the loaded programs.
The control unit 11 controls the detector 16 to read the image signal detected by the detector 16, and generates image data of the radiation image based on this image signal.

The operation unit 12 has various buttons and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 11 in response to pressing of each button.
The display unit 13 is composed of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) of various colors, and lights up or flashes in accordance with instructions input from the control unit 11 .

Figure 3(a) shows the external configuration of the panel 10. An operation unit 12 and a display unit 13 are provided on the side of the panel 10. Figure 3(b) shows the detailed configuration of the operation unit 12 and the display unit 13.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the operation unit 12 has a mode button 121, a selection button 122, a power button 123, and the like.
The mode button 121 is a button for instructing mode transitions and the like on the panel 10. A long press of the mode button 121 corresponds to an instruction to transition to roaming mode. A long press means pressing the operation button for a certain period of time or more. The roaming mode is a mode for associating the panel 10 with the console 20.
The selection button 122 is a button for deciding (confirming) a selected item.
The power button 123 is a button for switching the power of the panel 10 on and off.

The display unit 13 also includes a mode LED 131, an information LED 132, a status LED 133, a link LED 134, a battery LED 135, and the like.
The mode LED 131 is a blue LED that lights up when a panel-only function is being executed. A panel-only function is a function that can be realized by the panel 10 alone, without the panel 10 operating in cooperation with other devices. Examples of panel-only functions include a roaming function that can be performed by operating a button, a stand-alone shooting function, etc.
The information LED 132 is made up of 5 horizontal by 7 vertical white LEDs, and is used to display information (numbers, letters, etc.).
The status LED 133 is composed of a blue or orange LED and is used to display the imaging status and error status. As the imaging status, the status LED 133 blinks while waiting for X-rays, and lights up after receiving X-rays. In an error status, the status LED 133 and mode LED 131 light up, and the information LED 132 displays "E."
The link LED 134 is composed of a blue LED and is used to indicate connection with the console 20. When the panel 10 is connected to the console 20 via a wired connection via the cradle 30, the link LED 134 lights up, and when the panel 10 is connected to the console 20 wirelessly, the link LED 134 flashes.
The battery LED 135 is composed of three blue or orange LEDs arranged horizontally, and is used to display the remaining capacity and charging state of the battery 17.

The memory unit 14 is composed of non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. The memory unit 14 stores various programs executed by the control unit 11, parameters required for executing processing by the programs, and data such as processing results.

For example, the memory unit 14 stores association information relating to association with the console 20. The association information includes a cradle ID, a console ID, and network settings (NW settings). The cradle ID is identification information for the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20. The console ID is identification information for the console 20. The NW settings are setting information for wireless communication with the console 20. Examples of NW settings include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) settings, the IP address assigned to the console 20, the IP address assigned to the panel 10 (to match the IP address of a moving panel 10 to the IP address of the console 20), the wireless band used for communication, the SSID and passphrase of the wireless access point, etc. The association information is set in advance in the pre-setting process (see Figure 4) and stored in the memory unit 14.

The wireless communication unit 15 transmits and receives data via wireless communication with the console 20. The wireless communication unit 15 uses NFC (Near Field Communication), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.

The detector 16 has a glass substrate or the like, on which a plurality of detection elements are two-dimensionally arranged at predetermined positions. Each detection element detects radiation emitted from the radiation source 40 and transmitted through at least the subject, according to its intensity, and converts the detected radiation into an electrical signal and stores it. Each detection element is composed of a semiconductor image sensor such as a photodiode. Each detection element is connected to a switching unit, such as a TFT (Thin Film Transistor), which controls the storage and readout of the electrical signal to obtain image data.
FPDs include an indirect conversion type in which radiation is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion element via a scintillator, and a direct conversion type in which radiation is directly converted into an electric signal, and either type may be used for the panel 10 .

The battery 17 is a power storage unit that serves as the driving source for the panel 10 and supplies power to each component of the panel 10. The battery 17 is charged by power supplied from the cradle 30, etc., connected via the cradle connection unit 18.

The cradle connection unit 18 electrically connects to the cradle 30 when the panel 10 is attached to the cradle 30. The cradle connection unit 18 acquires information (such as a cradle ID) from the cradle 30 and performs data communication with the console 20 connected via the cradle 30.

The mode button 121 functions as a first operating means for associating the device itself (the panel 10 ) with the console 20 based on the association information stored in the storage unit 14 .
When there is only one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 associates the panel 10 with that one console 20 in response to the operation (long press) of the mode button 121.
When there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 selects a console 20 to be associated with from the multiple consoles 20 using the mode button 121, and then associates the selected console 20 with the panel 10. Specifically, when there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 associates the selected console 20 with the panel 10 in response to an operation (short press) of the selection button 122 as second operation means after the console 20 to be associated with is selected using the mode button 121 (short press). A short press means pressing an operation button and then immediately releasing the finger. The control unit 11 detects the press operation of the operation button as a "short press" or a "long press" depending on the time the operation button is pressed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the console 20 is configured with a control unit 21, an operation unit 22, a display unit 23, a memory unit 24, a communication unit 25, a drive unit 26, a connector 27, etc.

The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU, RAM, etc. In response to input from the operation unit 22, the CPU of the control unit 21 reads the system program and various processing programs stored in the memory unit 24, expands them in RAM, and executes various processes in accordance with the expanded programs.

The operation unit 22 is configured with a keyboard equipped with cursor keys, letter and number input keys, and various function keys, and a pointing device such as a mouse, and outputs operation signals input by operating the keyboard or mouse to the control unit 21. The operation unit 22 also has a touch panel with transparent electrodes arranged in a grid pattern covering the surface of the display unit 23, and detects positions pressed with a finger or a touch pen, and inputs this position information to the control unit 21 as an operation signal. The operation unit 22 also has an exposure switch that the user uses to instruct the start of radiation exposure.

The display unit 23 is composed of a monitor such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays information according to the instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 21.

The storage unit 24 is composed of non-volatile semiconductor memory, a hard disk, etc. The storage unit 24 stores various programs executed by the control unit 21, parameters required for executing processing by the programs, and data such as processing results.

The storage unit 24 stores the cradle ID of the cradle 30 corresponding to the device itself (console 20) and the NW settings of the device itself (console 20).
The storage unit 24 also stores the panel ID acquired from the panel 10 and the NW settings of the panel 10 (sixth embodiment, described later).
The storage unit 24 also temporarily stores image data acquired from the panel 10 during imaging before transferring the image data to an external device (such as a PACS).

The communication unit 25 includes a first communication unit 28 and a second communication unit 29 .
The first communication unit 28 wirelessly transmits and receives data to and from the panel 10. For wireless communication in the first communication unit 28, NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like is used.
The second communication unit 29 transmits and receives data to and from external devices such as a RIS, a PACS, etc. that are connected to a communication network (hospital network) such as a LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. The second communication unit 29 may perform wireless communication or wired communication.

The driver 26 is a circuit that drives the tube of the radiation source 40. The driver 26 and radiation source 40 are connected via a cable.

The connector 27 is electrically connectable to the cradle 30. When the panel 10 is attached to the cradle 30, the connector 27 performs data communication (wired communication) with the connected panel 10 via the cradle 30.

The cradle 30 has a cradle ID storage unit 31. The cradle ID storage unit 31 stores a cradle ID that is unique to the cradle 30.

The radiation source 40 is driven by the drive unit 26 and irradiates the subject with radiation (X-rays).

Next, the operation of the radiation image capturing system 100 will be described.
4 is a ladder chart showing the pre-setting process executed in the panel 10 and the console 20. The pre-setting process is a process for setting in advance the console 20 as a connection candidate for the panel 10. The pre-setting process is performed in a state where the cradle 30 is connected to the console 20.

First, a service person (a service engineer who installs and maintains the console 20 and the panel 10) performs installation settings for the console 20 (step S1). Specifically, the service person inputs the cradle ID of the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20 from the operation unit 22.
The control unit 21 of the console 20 registers the input cradle ID in the storage unit 24 (step S2).

Next, the service technician mounts the panel 10 on the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20 to be newly registered, and connects the panel 10 to the cradle 30 (step S3). At this point, the panel 10 is connected to the console 20 by wire via the cradle 30.
The control unit 11 of the panel 10 acquires the cradle ID from the cradle ID holding unit 31 of the cradle 30 via the cradle connecting unit 18 (step S4).

Next, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 sends a registration request to the console 20 (step S5). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 sends the registration request, including the cradle ID, to the console 20 via the cradle connection unit 18 and the cradle 30.

When the control unit 21 of the console 20 receives a registration request from the panel 10 via the connector 27, it confirms that the cradle ID included in the registration request matches the cradle ID of the cradle 30 corresponding to its own device (console 20) (the cradle ID registered in step S2).

Then, the control unit 21 of the console 20 sends a registration response to the panel 10 (step S6). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the console 20 sends the registration response, including the console ID and network settings of its own device (console 20), to the panel 10 via the connector 27 and cradle 30.

When the control unit 11 of the panel 10 receives the registration response from the console 20 via the cradle connection unit 18, the control unit 11 stores the registered information in the storage unit 14 (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 associates the cradle ID, the console ID, and the NW setting, and stores the association information in the storage unit 14.
This completes the presetting process.

When multiple consoles 20 are pre-configured for a panel 10, the same combinations of cradle ID, console ID, and network settings as the number of consoles 20 are stored in the memory unit 14. Note that when a console 20 is pre-configured, if the same console ID has already been registered, the oldest information is deleted to prevent unused information from remaining.

Figure 5 is a ladder chart showing the registration execution process executed on the panel 10 and console 20. The registration execution process is a process for associating the panel 10 with the console 20 through an operation on the panel 10. The registration execution process does not require the cradle 30 to be connected to the console 20.

First, when the user performs an association operation (long press of the mode button 121) on the panel 10 from the operation unit 12 (step S11), if there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 causes the display unit 13 to display the multiple consoles 20 as selection candidates (step S12). The association operation is an operation that triggers association between the panel 10 and the console 20.
The user operates the operation unit 12 of the panel 10 to select the console 20 to be associated from among the plurality of consoles 20 (step S13).

Next, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 obtains the network settings corresponding to the console ID of the selected console 20 from the memory unit 14, and changes the network settings based on the obtained network settings to connect to the selected console 20 (step S14).

Note that after step S11, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 obtains the network settings corresponding to the console ID of this console 20 from the storage unit 14, and changes the network settings based on the obtained network settings to connect to the console 20 (step S14). In other words, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the processes of steps S12 and S13 are omitted.

After step S14, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 sends a registration request to the console 20 to be associated (step S15). Specifically, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 sends a registration request via the wireless communication unit 15 to the console 20 to be associated, the registration request including the cradle ID of the cradle 30 corresponding to the console 20 and the panel ID (identification information for identifying the panel 10) of the panel 10 itself. Here, the registration request sent from the panel 10 to the console 20 corresponds to a connection command for connecting to the associated console.

When the control unit 21 of the console 20 receives a registration request from the panel 10 via the first communication unit 28, it confirms that the cradle ID included in the registration request matches the cradle ID (cradle ID stored in the memory unit 24) of the cradle 30 corresponding to its own device (console 20). The control unit 21 of the console 20 stores the panel ID acquired from the panel 10 in the memory unit 24 as information about the panel 10 under the management of the console 20.

Then, the control unit 21 of the console 20 transmits a registration response to the panel 10 (step S16). Specifically, the control unit 21 of the console 20 transmits the registration response including the console ID and NW settings of the console 20 itself to the panel 10 via the first communication unit 28.
This completes the registration execution process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the first roaming process executed in the panel 10. As shown in FIG.
First, the user performs an association operation using the operation unit 12 of the panel 10 (step S21). Specifically, when the mode button 121 is pressed and held, the mode transitions to the roaming mode.

Here, the control unit 11 determines whether there is a console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether association information (cradle ID, console ID, network settings) is stored in the memory unit 14.

If there is a console 20 that can be associated (step S22; YES), the control unit 11 determines whether there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S23). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether multiple pieces of association information are stored in the memory unit 14.

If there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S23; YES), the control unit 11 presents selection candidates on the display unit 13 and accepts a selection operation of the console 20 to be associated from the operation unit 12 (step S24).
Then, the control unit 11 performs a process of associating the selected console 20 (step S25). The process of associating corresponds to the processes of steps S15 and S16 of the registration execution process (see FIG. 5).

When there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated, pressing and holding the mode button 121 (association operation) as shown in Fig. 7(a) causes the mode LED 131 to light up and the information LED 132 to display "1" as shown in Fig. 7(b). This "1" is an LED display ID that corresponds to one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated.
When the mode button 121 is pressed briefly in the state shown in Fig. 7(b), the mode LED 131 remains lit and the information LED 132 displays "2", as shown in Fig. 7(c). This "2" is an LED display ID corresponding to one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (a console 20 different from the console 20 identified by "1").
In this way, each time the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the number displayed on the information LED 132 (the LED display ID corresponding to the console 20) changes from "1" to "2" to . . .

As shown in Fig. 7(c), when the selection button 122 is pressed briefly while the information LED 132 is displaying "2," the console 20 corresponding to "2" is selected. When the console 20 corresponding to "2" is selected, roaming (association) with the console 20 corresponding to "2" begins, as shown in Fig. 7(d). During roaming, the information LED 132 displays the LED display ID corresponding to the console 20 to be associated, and the mode LED 131 and link LED 134 flash rapidly.
Then, after roaming is completed and a connection is established via wireless communication with the console 20 to be associated, the display of the LED display ID by the information LED 132 disappears, the mode LED 131 goes out, and the link LED 134 goes into a flashing state, as shown in FIG. 7(e).

In step S23, if there are not multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S23; NO), that is, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated, the control unit 11 sets this console 20 as the association target and performs the association process with the console 20 that is the association target (step S25).

When there is only one console 20 that can be associated, pressing and holding the mode button 121 as shown in Fig. 8(a) will initiate roaming with this console 20 as shown in Fig. 8(b). During roaming, the information LED 132 displays "1", and the mode LED 131 and link LED 134 flash rapidly. In this example, "1" is used as the LED display ID that corresponds to the only console 20 that can be associated.
Then, after roaming is completed and a connection is established via wireless communication with the console 20 to be associated, the display of the LED display ID by the information LED 132 disappears, the mode LED 131 goes out, and the link LED 134 goes into a flashing state, as shown in FIG. 8(c).

After step S25, or if there is no console 20 that can be associated in step S22 (step S22; NO), the first roaming process ends.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the panel 10 (radiation image detection device) and the console 20 (control device) can be associated with each other through simple operations, without using an external device such as a cradle 30.

The panel 10 can change its behavior when an operation button is pressed, depending on the number of consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10. Specifically, if there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, a long press of the mode button 121 allows the user to select a connection target from among the multiple consoles 20, and confirming the selection (short press of the selection button 122) triggers a registration request (connection command) to be sent to the selected console 20, thereby associating the selected console 20. On the other hand, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, a long press of the mode button 121 confirms the connection target and sends a registration request (connection command) to this console 20, instantly associating the console with the panel 10. This eliminates the need for a selection operation.

Furthermore, by assigning a common button to the panel 10 for issuing an instruction to transition to roaming mode (long press of the mode button 121) and for issuing a switching instruction to select the console 20 to be associated with from among multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (short press of the mode button 121), it is possible to incorporate multiple functions into a limited space.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the second embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the second embodiment will be described below.

In the second embodiment, in addition to the roaming method based on button operation on the panel 10 shown in the first embodiment, a conventional roaming method (association triggered by attachment to the cradle 30) is also used in combination.
In the conventional roaming method, the panel 10 acquires a cradle ID for associating with the console 20 by connecting (physically connecting) it to the cradle 30 by wire, and then associates it with the console 20 corresponding to this cradle ID, so no pre-setting was required. If the association function is realized by the panel 10 alone, as in the first embodiment, it becomes possible to simultaneously perform the physical connection (attaching it to the cradle 30) and the button operation on the panel 10, which may result in an inability to achieve the association as intended by the user.

In the second embodiment, when there are multiple triggers associated with the panel 10 and the console 20, a priority is determined in advance for each trigger. That is, while a trigger with a higher priority is occurring, a trigger with a lower priority is disabled.
Specifically, the panel 10 has a first trigger (operation on the operation unit 12 of the panel 10) and a second trigger (connection of the panel 10 to a roaming device) for associating the panel 10 with the console 20. The memory unit 14 stores a priority for each trigger. Here, the priority of the second trigger is assumed to be higher than the priority of the first trigger. In other words, while the panel 10 is connected to the cradle 30, button operations on the panel 10 are disabled.

When the second trigger occurs, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 prohibits association with the console 20 based on an operation on the operation unit 12 (first operation means) of the panel 10.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the second roaming process executed in the panel 10. In FIG.
First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S31).

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S32). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the cradle 30 is connected to the cradle connection unit 18, i.e., whether the panel 10 is attached to the cradle 30.

If a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S32; YES), the control unit 11 prioritizes association using the roaming device (cradle 30) and prohibits association with the console 20 based on operations on the operation unit 12. Specifically, the control unit 11 acquires a cradle ID from the cradle 30 to identify the console 20 corresponding to the cradle 30 and associates the cradle 30 with this console 20. The second roaming process then ends.

In step S32, if no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S32; NO), the process proceeds to step S33.
The processing of steps S33 to S36 is similar to the processing of steps S22 to S25 in the first roaming processing (see FIG. 6), and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the panel 10 and console 20 can be associated with each other through simple operations without using any external devices.

Furthermore, when a high-priority trigger (connection of the panel 10 to a roaming device) occurs in associating the panel 10 with the console 20, association based on a low-priority trigger (operation on the operation unit 12 of the panel 10) is prohibited, thereby avoiding conflicts of instructions to the panel 10. This allows the user to associate the correct target.
In this way, by setting priorities among a plurality of triggers for associating the panel 10 with the console 20, it is possible to perform the association process using a trigger with a higher priority.

In addition, if a high-priority trigger is detected on the panel 10 during matching processing based on a low-priority trigger (including button operations), the matching processing in progress may be terminated and matching processing based on the high-priority trigger may be performed.

Furthermore, when two conflicting triggers occur on the panel 10, a matching process based on the trigger with the highest priority may be performed, and a warning may be issued by display, sound, etc.

Also, the panel 10 may be configured so that, when two conflicting triggers occur, the user can immediately select which trigger to use for the matching process, without setting a priority for each trigger.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the third embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the third embodiment will be described below.

In the third embodiment, in addition to determining whether there is one or multiple consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10, the operation in roaming mode is changed depending on whether the panel 10's standalone shooting function is enabled. Information indicating whether the panel 10's standalone shooting function is enabled is stored in the memory unit 14.

The standalone imaging function is a function in which the panel 10 itself detects radiation irradiation and generates and saves radiation image data. When the standalone imaging function is enabled and selected, the panel 10 enters a radiation standby state, detects the timing of radiation irradiation itself, and begins acquiring radiation image data. In other words, when imaging is performed using the standalone imaging function, imaging is performed without the console 20, which controls the drive of the radiation source 40, notifying the panel 10 of the timing of radiation irradiation. The image data saved in the panel 10 is later acquired by the console 20 and associated with the examination.

When the single imaging function is disabled on the panel 10, or when the single imaging function is enabled but not selected, the panel 10 and the console 20, which controls the driving of the radiation source 40, coordinate timing to perform imaging. For example, the panel 10 receives from the console 20 the timing to start irradiating radiation from the radiation source 40, and begins imaging upon receiving this signal.

The control unit 11 of the panel 10 changes the operation (behavior) in response to the operation of the mode button 121 (first operating means) based on the number of consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 and whether or not the standalone shooting function is enabled.
When the independent photographing function is enabled, the mode button 121 for selecting the console 20 to be associated also serves as an operating means for selecting the independent photographing function.

FIG. 10 shows the operation of panel 10 according to the number of roaming targets and whether the standalone shooting function is enabled or disabled when an operation (association operation) for transitioning to roaming mode is performed on panel 10.
If the number of roaming targets is "0" and the independent shooting function is "disabled", neither independent shooting nor roaming is performed.
If the number of roaming targets is "0" and the independent photography function is "enabled", independent photography is performed.
When the number of roaming targets is "1" and the independent shooting function is "disabled", roaming is performed between one console 20 that can be associated.
If the number of roaming targets is "1" and the standalone shooting function is "enabled", the system transitions to a selection mode, and one of the consoles 20 that can be associated or the standalone shooting function is selected. The selection mode is a mode in which options for subsequent processing are presented and the user is prompted to select one.
If the number of roaming targets is "two or more" and the independent shooting function is "disabled", the mode transitions to a selection mode, and one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated is selected.
If the number of roaming targets is "two or more" and the standalone shooting function is "enabled", the mode transitions to a selection mode, and one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated, or the standalone shooting function, is selected.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the third roaming process executed in the panel 10.
First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S41).
Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S42). Note that in this embodiment, the process of step S42 is not essential but optional, and after the process of step S41, the process may proceed directly to step S43 without making the determination of step S42.

If no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S42; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether there is a console 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 (step S43). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether association information (cradle ID, console ID, network settings) is stored in the memory unit 14.

If there is a console 20 that can be associated (step S43; YES), the control unit 11 determines whether the individual shooting function is enabled on the panel 10 based on the settings related to the individual shooting function stored in the memory unit 14 (step S44).
If the independent shooting function is not enabled (step S44; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S45). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether multiple pieces of association information are stored in the storage unit 14.

If there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated in step S45 (the standalone shooting function is "disabled" and the number of roaming targets is "two or more") (step S45; YES), or if the standalone shooting function is enabled in step S44 (the standalone shooting function is "enabled" and the number of roaming targets is "one" or "two or more") (step S44; YES), the control unit 11 accepts a selection operation from the operation unit 12 for the console 20 or standalone shooting function to be associated (step S46). However, if the process proceeds from YES in step S45 to step S46, only multiple consoles 20 are available as options.

12A to 12E show examples of button operations when the number of consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 is "2" and the independent shooting function is "enabled."
As shown in FIG. 12A, when the mode button 121 is pressed and held (association operation), the mode transitions to the roaming mode.
In the roaming mode, as shown in Fig. 12(b), the mode LED 131 is lit and the information LED 132 displays "1." This "1" is an LED display ID corresponding to one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated.
12(b), when the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the mode LED 131 remains lit and the information LED 132 displays "2," as shown in Fig. 12(c). This "2" is an LED display ID corresponding to one of the multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (a console 20 different from the console 20 identified by "1").

When the mode button 121 is pressed briefly in the state shown in Fig. 12(c), the mode LED 131 remains lit and the information LED 132 displays "S" as shown in Fig. 12(d). This "S" indicates that the single shooting function is selected.
In this way, each time the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the content displayed on the information LED 132 changes from "1" to "2" to "S" to "1" . . .

If the number of associateable consoles 20 is "1" and the independent shooting function is "enabled," as shown in FIG. 12(b), when the mode button 121 is pressed briefly while the information LED 132 is displaying "1," the state changes to one where the information LED 132 displays "S," as shown in FIG. 12(d). That is, each time the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the content displayed on the information LED 132 changes from "1" to "S" to "1" to "S," and so on.

Also, if the number of associateable consoles 20 is "2" and the independent shooting function is "disabled," as shown in FIG. 12(c), when the mode button 121 is pressed briefly while the information LED 132 is displaying "2," the state changes to one where the information LED 132 is displaying "1," as shown in FIG. 12(b). In other words, each time the mode button 121 is pressed briefly, the content displayed on the information LED 132 changes from "1" to "2" to "1" to "2," etc.

After step S46, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the console 20 to be associated has been selected in the selection operation of step S46 (step S47).
When the console 20 to be associated is selected (step S47; YES), the control unit 11 performs an association process with the selected console 20 (step S48).

For example, when selecting the console 20 identified by "1," by briefly pressing the selection button 122 in the state shown in FIG. 12(b), the state transitions to that of FIG. 8(c) via that of FIG. 8(b).
When selecting the console 20 identified by "2", by briefly pressing the selection button 122 in the state shown in Figure 12(c), the state will transition to Figure 7(e) via the state shown in Figure 7(d).

In step S45, if there are not multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S45; NO), that is, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated (the standalone shooting function is "disabled" and the number of roaming targets is "1"), the control unit 11 performs the association process with this console 20 as the association target (step S48).
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(a), when the mode button 121 is pressed and held down, the state transitions to the state shown in FIG. 8(c) via the state shown in FIG. 8(b).

If a console 20 to be associated is not selected in step S47 (step S47; NO), i.e., if the standalone shooting function was selected in the selection operation in step S46, the control unit 11 performs standalone shooting function processing (step S50). In standalone shooting function processing, shooting can be performed using only the panel 10, without determining the connection destination of the panel 10.

As shown in Figure 12(d), when "S" is displayed by the information LED 132, briefly pressing the selection button 122 confirms the selection of the standalone shooting function. In the standalone shooting function, as shown in Figure 12(e), the information LED 132 displays "0" indicating the standalone shooting function, and the mode LED 131 and information LED 132 flash, then remain lit.

If there is no console 20 that can be associated in step S43 (step S43; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether the standalone shooting function is enabled on the panel 10 (step S49).

In step S49, if the standalone photography function is enabled (the standalone photography function is "enabled" and the number of roaming targets is "0") (step S49; YES), the control unit 11 performs standalone photography function processing (step S50).
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12(a), when the mode button 121 is pressed and held down, the state directly transitions to the state shown in FIG. 12(e).

If the standalone shooting function is not enabled after step S48, after step S50, or in step S49 (if the standalone shooting function is "disabled" and the number of roaming targets is "0") (step S49; NO), the third roaming process ends.

In step S42, if a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S42; YES), the control unit 11 prioritizes association using the roaming device (cradle 30) and prohibits association with the console 20 based on operations on the operation unit 12. The third roaming process then ends.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the panel 10 and console 20 can be associated with each other through simple operations without using any external devices.

Furthermore, when it is not possible to provide many displays and operation buttons on panel 10 due to physical constraints such as the area and strength of panel 10, by configuring the panel 10 so that multiple functions can be selected with the same operation, it becomes possible to realize more functions in a small space.
For example, when the standalone shooting function is enabled, the mode button 121 can be assigned an operation for selecting the console 20 to be associated with and an operation for selecting the standalone shooting function.

In addition, the operation corresponding to the operation of the mode button 121 (first operating means) changes based on the number of consoles 20 that can be associated with the panel 10 and whether the standalone shooting function is enabled. Therefore, even if there is limited space for display devices and operating buttons, various functions can be executed with simple operations. At this time, to minimize the operating procedure, only functions that are likely to be used are available as options.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the fourth embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the fourth embodiment will be described below.

In the first to third embodiments, we have described cases where candidates for the console 20 to be associated with the panel 10 are set in advance, but in the fourth embodiment, the console 20 to be associated with the panel 10 is detected on the spot.

In conventional roaming methods (association based on connection with roaming devices), registration information (such as the ID of the connection destination) was exchanged between the panel 10 and the console 20 via wired communication that did not require communication settings. However, in order for the panel 10 to exchange registration information with the console 20 by itself (wirelessly) without using an external device, communication setting information is required for wireless communication with the console 20.
In the first to third embodiments, in the pre-setting process (see Figure 4), the panel 10 obtained the console ID and network settings from the console 20, but this required installation settings every time the configuration was changed, which was a cumbersome task.
In the fourth embodiment, wireless communication is performed between the panel 10 and the console 20 to be associated with the panel 10 without performing a pre-setting process on the panel 10 .

The control unit 11 of the panel 10 detects the console 20 that can communicate wirelessly with the panel 10 itself (the panel 10) via the wireless communication unit 15. That is, the control unit 11 and the wireless communication unit 15 function as a detection unit.
The control unit 11 stores association information relating to the association with the detected console 20 in the storage unit 14 .

The control unit 11 changes the operation (behavior) in response to the operation of the mode button 121 based on the number of matchable consoles 20 obtained by detection and whether the standalone shooting function is enabled.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the fourth roaming process executed in the panel 10.
First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S51).
Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S52). Note that in this embodiment, the process of step S52 is not essential but optional, and after the process of step S51, the process may proceed directly to step S53 without making the determination of step S52.

If a roaming device is not connected to the panel 10 (step S52; NO), the control unit 11 performs a detection process for the console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15 in accordance with a predetermined common communication setting (step S53). Communication between the panel 10 and the console 20 may be short-range communication such as NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi communication using an SSID/passphrase for association communication), etc.

In the console 20 detection process, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 detects consoles 20 that are capable of wireless communication with the panel 10. For example, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 detects the console 20 by detecting a Bluetooth beacon signal transmitted from the console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15. The control unit 11 of the panel 10 then acquires the console ID and network settings from the detected console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15, associates the console ID with the network settings, and stores the association information in the memory unit 14. The memory unit 14 stores as many combinations of console IDs and network settings (association information) as the number of detected consoles 20. Note that in the fourth embodiment and subsequent embodiments, the cradle ID does not have to be included in the association information stored in the memory unit 14 of the panel 10.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the console 20 has been detected within a specified time from the start of detection of the console 20 (step S54). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether the corresponding information (console ID, NW settings) is stored in the memory unit 14.

Steps S55 to S61 are similar to steps S44 to S50 in the third roaming process (see FIG. 11) when step S43 is replaced with a determination of whether a console 20 has been detected (step S54), and therefore will not be described here. The fourth embodiment also follows the operation of the panel 10 shown in FIG. 10.

For example, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 searches for consoles 20, and if multiple consoles 20 are detected within a specified time, it presents the detected consoles 20 as selection candidates and accepts a selection operation. Furthermore, if only one console 20 is detected, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 associates this console 20. Furthermore, if the standalone shooting function is enabled, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 adds the standalone shooting function as one of the options when prompting the user to select a console 20 to associate from one or more consoles 20.

After step S59, after step S61, or in step S60, if the standalone shooting function is not enabled (step S60; NO), the fourth roaming process ends.

In step S52, if a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S52; YES), the control unit 11 prioritizes association using the roaming device (cradle 30) and prohibits association with the console 20 based on operations on the operation unit 12. The fourth roaming process then ends.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the panel 10 and console 20 can be associated with each other through simple operations without using any external devices.

In the fourth embodiment, the panel 10 searches for the console 20, eliminating the need for pre-configuration processing, and even if the device configuration is changed, association can be achieved without performing installation configuration.

Furthermore, if a detected console 20 is present on the panel 10 and the standalone shooting function is enabled, the user is prompted to select whether to perform roaming (matching from among the detected consoles 20) or to perform the standalone shooting function, and if roaming is selected, matching can be performed.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the fifth embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the fifth embodiment will be described below.

In the fifth embodiment, this may include both cases where candidates for the console 20 to be associated are set in advance, and cases where the console 20 to be associated with the panel 10 is detected on the spot (dynamic detection).
Specifically, if there are pre-configured consoles 20, the user is prompted to decide whether to select a console 20 from among these to be associated with, or to perform a detection process (search for a console 20 that is not among the pre-configured candidates).

When associating the panel 10 with the console 20 without performing a pre-setting process, pre-processing for the association on the spot (identifying the connection destination via wireless communication, acquiring the network settings, etc.) is required.
In the fifth embodiment, once a detected console 20 is associated with a panel 10, information about the console 20 is stored, and thereafter the console 20 is treated as a preset console 20.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the fifth roaming process executed in the panel 10.
First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S71).
Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S72). Note that in this embodiment, the process of step S72 is not essential but optional, and after the process of step S71, the process may proceed directly to step S73 without making the determination of step S72.

If no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S72; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a console 20 that can be associated (step S73). Here, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a console 20 that can be associated has been pre-set, i.e., whether or not association information (console ID and NW settings) is stored in the memory unit 14.

If there is a console 20 that can be associated (step S73; YES), the control unit 11 accepts a selection operation from the operation unit 12 for the console 20 to be associated or for "performing detection" (step S74). Specifically, the control unit 11 displays one or more pre-set consoles 20 and the execution of detection processing for the consoles 20 on the display unit 13, and accepts a selection operation from the operation unit 12 by the user.

Here, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the console 20 to be associated has been selected in the selection operation of step S74 (step S75).
When the console 20 to be associated is selected (step S75; YES), the control unit 11 performs an association process with the console 20 to be associated (step S76).

If there is no console 20 that can be associated in step S73 (step S73; NO), or if no console 20 to be associated is selected in step S75 (step S75; NO), that is, if "Perform detection" is selected, the control unit 11 performs a process to detect the console 20 (step S77). The process to detect the console 20 is the same as the process in step S53 of the fourth roaming process (see FIG. 13).

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the console 20 has been detected (step S78).
If a console 20 is detected (step S78; YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there are a plurality of consoles 20 (detected consoles 20) that can be associated (step S79).

If there are multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S79; YES), the control unit 11 accepts a selection operation from the operation unit 12 for the console 20 to be associated (step S80).

In step S79, if there are not multiple consoles 20 that can be associated (step S79; NO), that is, if there is only one console 20 that can be associated, the control unit 11 selects this console 20 as the target for association.

After the console 20 to be associated is selected in step S80, or if there are not multiple consoles 20 that can be associated in step S79 (step S79; NO), the control unit 11 performs an association process with the console 20 to be associated (step S81).

Next, the control unit 11 stores the console 20 for which the association process was performed in step S81 in the storage unit 14 as a console 20 that can be associated in subsequent processes (step S82). Specifically, the control unit 11 associates the console ID and NW settings of the console 20 to be associated, and stores this as association information in the storage unit 14. In other words, the console 20 for which the association process was performed this time will be treated as a pre-configured console 20 from now on.

After step S76, after step S82, or in step S78, if the console 20 is not detected (step S78; NO), the fifth roaming process ends.

In step S72, if a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S72; YES), the control unit 11 prioritizes association using the roaming device (cradle 30) and prohibits association with the console 20 based on operations on the operation unit 12. The fifth roaming process then ends.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the panel 10 and console 20 can be associated with each other through simple operations without using any external devices.

When the detection process for the console 20 is performed, no pre-setting is required, and even if the device configuration is changed, the correspondence can be established without performing installation settings.
In the fifth embodiment, when the panel 10 is associated with a newly detected console 20, information about the console 20 is stored as an associateable console 20, so that from the next time onwards, the console 20 can be treated as a pre-set console 20. Therefore, for the console 20 that the panel 10 has newly detected and associated with, from the next time onwards, association can be performed in a short time without pre-processing.

Sixth Embodiment
Next, a sixth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described.
The configuration of the radiographic imaging system in the sixth embodiment is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and therefore, illustrations and descriptions thereof will be omitted and Figures 1 to 3 will be used. The configuration and processing characteristic of the sixth embodiment will be described below.

In the first to fifth embodiments, the panel 10 selects the console 20 to be associated with, but in the sixth embodiment, the console 20 selects the associated panel from one or more panels 10. In this case, it is not necessary for information about the panel 10 to be pre-set in the console 20; the console 20 searches for and detects a panel 10 that can be associated with.

The control unit 21 of the console 20 detects the panel 10 that can communicate wirelessly with the console 20 itself (console 20) via the first communication unit 28. That is, the control unit 21 and the first communication unit 28 function as a detection unit.
The control unit 21 acquires association information relating to the association with the detected panel 10 from the panel 10 and stores the acquired association information in the storage unit 24 .

The memory unit 24 of the console 20 stores association information regarding the association with the panel 10 obtained by detection. The association information includes a panel ID and network settings (NW settings). The panel ID is identification information for the panel 10. The NW settings are setting information for wireless communication with the panel 10.

The operation unit 22 of the console 20 functions as an operation means for associating the console 20 itself (the console 20 ) with the panel 10 based on the association information stored in the storage unit 24 .
When there is only one panel 10 that can be associated with the console 20, the control unit 21 associates the console 20 with that one panel 10 in response to an operation of the operation unit 22.
When there are multiple panels 10 that can be associated with the console 20, the control unit 21 associates the console 20 with the selected panel 10 after the operation unit 22 selects the panel 10 to be associated from the multiple panels 10.

The control unit 21 of the console 20 searches for the panel 10 using a matching operation (an operation that triggers matching between the console 20 and the panel 10), and if multiple panels 10 are detected within a specified time, it presents selection candidates and accepts a selection operation. If there is only one panel 10 that can be matched, the control unit 21 accepts a confirmation operation (execute/cancel) as necessary and performs the matching.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the console-side processing executed in the console 20.
First, the user performs an association operation on the operation unit 22 of the console 20 (step S91). The association operation on the console 20 may be performed by pressing a physical button or by issuing an association instruction on the screen displayed on the display unit 23.

Triggered by the association operation on the console 20, the control unit 21 performs a detection process for the panel 10 via the first communication unit 28 in accordance with a predetermined common communication setting (step S92).
In the detection process for the panel 10, the control unit 21 of the console 20 detects the panel 10 that can communicate wirelessly with the console 20. For example, the control unit 21 detects the panel 10 by transmitting a search signal via the first communication unit 28 and detecting a response signal from the panel 10. Then, the control unit 21 acquires a panel ID and a network setting from the detected panel 10 via the first communication unit 28, associates the panel ID with the network setting, and stores the association information in the storage unit 24. The storage unit 24 stores the same number of combinations of panel IDs and network settings (association information) as the number of detected panels 10.

Next, the control unit 21 determines whether there is a panel 10 that can be associated (step S93). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether association information (panel ID, NW settings) is stored in the storage unit 24.

If there is a panel 10 that can be associated (step S93; YES), the control unit 21 determines whether there are multiple panels 10 that can be associated (step S94). Specifically, the control unit 21 determines whether multiple pieces of association information are stored in the memory unit 24.

If there are multiple panels 10 that can be associated (step S94; YES), the control unit 21 presents the multiple panels 10 that can be associated as selection candidates on the display unit 23 and accepts a selection operation of the panel 10 to be associated from the operation unit 22 (step S95).

In step S94, if there are not multiple panels 10 that can be associated (step S94; NO), that is, if there is only one panel 10 that can be associated, the control unit 21 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 23 to confirm that this panel 10 is to be associated, and receives a confirmation operation from the operation unit 22 (step S96).

After step S95 or step S96, the control unit 21 determines whether or not to perform association (step S97). Specifically, if any panel 10 is selected in step S95, or if association with one of the possible panels 10 is instructed in step S96, the control unit 21 determines to perform association. On the other hand, if the selection of the panel 10 is canceled in step S95, or if association with one of the possible panels 10 is canceled in step S96, the control unit 21 determines not to perform association.

If association is to be performed (step S97; YES), the control unit 21 sends an association instruction to the panel 10 to be associated via the first communication unit 28 (step S98). The association instruction includes the console ID and network settings of the console 20. The association instruction sent from the console 20 to the panel 10 corresponds to a connection command for connecting to the associated panel.

After step S98, if there is no panel 10 that can be associated in step S93 (step S93; NO), or if association is not performed in step S97 (step S97; NO), console-side processing ends.

In addition, it is also possible to have the console 20 always be in standby mode and automatically detect the panel 10 without performing any matching operation in step S91.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing panel-side processing executed on the panel 10.
First, the user performs an association operation on the panel 10 (long press of the mode button 121, connection to a roaming device, etc.) (step S101).

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S102). Note that in this embodiment, the processing of step S102 is not essential but optional, and after the processing of step S101, the process may proceed directly to step S103 without making the determination of step S102.

If no roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S102; NO), the control unit 11 performs association initiation communication with the console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15 in accordance with predetermined common communication settings (step S103). Communication between the panel 10 and console 20 may be short-range communication such as NFC, or may be Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. Specifically, if Wi-Fi communication is used, the control unit 11 initiates wireless operation using the SSID/passphrase for communication. If Bluetooth is used, the control unit 11 of the panel 10 establishes a connection with the console 20.

Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not an association instruction has been received from the console 20 via the wireless communication unit 15 (step S104).
When an association instruction is received from the console 20 (step S104; YES), the control unit 11 performs an association process with the console 20 that sent the association instruction (step S105). Specifically, the control unit 11 stores the console ID and NW setting received from the console 20 in the storage unit 14 as information on the connection target.

In step S104, if an association instruction is not received from the console 20 (step S104; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the association wait timeout (predetermined time has elapsed) has occurred (step S106).
If the association wait timeout has not occurred (step S106; NO), that is, if a predetermined time has not elapsed since the processing of step S103, the process returns to step S104, and the control unit 11 continues to wait for an association instruction from the console 20.

If the association wait times out in step S106 (step S106; YES), the control unit 11 returns to the state before the association operation (step S107).

After step S105, after step S107, or in step S102, if a roaming device is connected to the panel 10 (step S102; YES), panel-side processing ends.

The "association operation" in step S101 of the panel-side processing does not have to be a physical operation on the panel 10, such as a button operation or connection to a roaming device. For example, instead of the "association operation," the panel 10 in standby mode may automatically detect a trigger to start association, such as reading a tag corresponding to the console 20 using an NFC reader built into the panel 10, or the panel 10 detecting a Bluetooth beacon signal transmitted from the console 20.

As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, it is possible to easily perform the association operation with the panel 10 using a device (console 20) that has fewer restrictions on the display unit/operation unit compared to the panel 10.
Even if the panel 10 cannot be provided with many displays and operation buttons due to physical limitations such as the area and strength of the panel 10, selection and operation from an external device can be performed.

The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the radiographic imaging system according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these. The detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, characteristic processes of each embodiment may be combined.

In addition, in the first to fifth embodiments, the mode button 121 on the panel 10 is assigned multiple functions, with a long press causing a transition to roaming mode and a short press causing a selection from multiple consoles 20 or a single shooting function, but separate buttons may also be provided for each function.

Furthermore, the method by which the panel 10 detects the console 20, and the method by which the console 20 detects the panel 10, are not limited to the above examples.

Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the cradle 30 is used as the roaming device, but the roaming device only needs to have a connector for connecting to the panel 10 and be able to provide the panel 10 with the unique ID it holds. In other words, the roaming device does not necessarily need to have the ability to charge or supply power to the panel 10 or to connect directly or indirectly to the console 20.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Panel 11 Control unit 12 Operation unit 13 Display unit 14 Memory unit 15 Wireless communication unit 16 Detector 17 Battery 18 Cradle connection unit 20A, 20B, 20C Console 20 Console 21 Control unit 22 Operation unit 23 Display unit 24 Memory unit 25 Communication unit 26 Drive unit 27 Connector 28 First communication unit 29 Second communication unit 30A, 30B, 30C Cradle 30 Cradle 31 Cradle ID holder 40 Radiation source 100 Radiation image capturing system 121 Mode button 122 Selection button 131 Mode LED
132 Information LED
133 Status LED
134 Link LED

Claims (7)

A portable radiological image detection device that acquires radiological image data based on irradiated radiation,
a storage means for storing correspondence information relating to correspondence between the radiation image data acquired by the radiation image detection device and a control device that outputs the radiation image data;
a first operation means for associating with the control device based on the association information stored in the storage means;
when there is only one control device that can be associated with the radiation image detecting device, associating the radiation image detecting device with the one control device in response to operation of the first operation means;
a control means for associating a control device with the radiological image detection device in response to an operation of a second operation means after selecting a control device to be associated with the radiological image detection device by the first operation means from among the plurality of control devices in the case where there are a plurality of control devices that can be associated with the radiological image detection device;
A radiation image detection device comprising: A portable radiological image detection device that acquires radiological image data based on irradiated radiation,
a storage means for storing correspondence information relating to correspondence between the radiation image data acquired by the radiation image detection device and a control device that outputs the radiation image data;
a first operation means for associating with the control device based on the association information stored in the storage means;
when there is only one control device that can be associated with the radiation image detecting device, associating the radiation image detecting device with the one control device in response to operation of the first operation means;
a control means for associating a control device with the selected control device after the first operation means selects a control device to be associated with the radiological image detection device from among the plurality of control devices when there are a plurality of control devices that can be associated with the radiological image detection device;
Equipped with
It has a standalone imaging function that generates and saves radiation image data by detecting radiation exposure,
The control means changes the operation in response to the operation on the first operation means based on the number of control devices that can be associated with the radiographic image detection device and whether the single imaging function is enabled . The radiological image detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the association information is set in advance and stored in the storage means. a detection means for detecting a control device capable of wireless communication with the radiation image detection device;
3. The radiological image detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the storage means to store association information relating to association with the control device detected by the detection means. a predetermined trigger other than an operation on the first operating means for association with the control device;
5. The radiological image detection device according to claim 1, wherein the control means prohibits association with the control device based on an operation on the first operation means when the predetermined trigger occurs. 3. The radiological image detection device according to claim 2, wherein when the single imaging function is enabled, the first operation means for selecting the control device to be associated also serves as the operation means for selecting the single imaging function. The radiation image detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
the control device;
A radiation image capturing system comprising: