Radiation imaging apparatus and radiation imaging system

A portable radiation imaging apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate with a radiation generation apparatus includes a radiation image sensor including a two-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of detection elements configured to detect a radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a wireless communication unit configured to receive a generation condition of the radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a storage unit configured to store the received generation condition and radiation image data obtained by the radiation image sensor in association with each other, and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation image sensor, the wireless communication unit, and the storage unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a radiation imaging apparatus and a radiation imaging system.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, more and more radiation images like medical X-ray images have been digitized. To capture a radiation digital image, a radiation imaging apparatus that uses, instead of a film, a plurality of radiation detection elements arranged in a two-dimensional matrix to convert a radiation into an electrical signal for image formation has been put to practical use. As an example of this type of radiation imaging apparatus, an X-ray detection apparatus (a flat panel detector (FPD)) has been discussed which includes a two-dimensional matrix of minute X-ray detectors each including a solid-state light detection element stacked on a scintillator that converts X-rays into visible light. The X-ray detection apparatus converts irradiated X-rays into an electrical signal corresponding to the exposure dose.

The digitization of an X-ray image by using an X-ray imaging apparatus including such an X-ray detection apparatus can provide various advantages. For example, the captured image can be immediately examined on a display device for faster diagnosis. Various types of image processing can be easily applied to automate diagnosis and improve the diagnostic accuracy of minute lesions. The absence of a need for a film storage space significantly improves the space efficiency in a hospital.

Little degradation of data during transmission further allows the captured image to be transmitted over a long distance without the degradation. Such a feature may be utilized, for example, to transmit an image captured in a home medical care setting or at a disaster site to a well-equipped urban hospital for a highly-trained doctor's diagnosis.

The system of such an X-ray imaging apparatus typically includes many components aside from an X-ray generation apparatus and an X-ray detection apparatus, including controllers for controlling the respective apparatuses, an image display unit like a display monitor, various interface devices for connecting the two apparatuses, and a large number of cables. For imaging, the X-ray generation apparatus and the X-ray detection apparatus exchange various types of information with each other. Examples include timing information for performing imaging in time with a start and end of X-ray irradiation. Such information is exchanged via various interface devices.

There has been discussed a method using an X-ray detection apparatus that can detect X-ray irradiation and perform imaging without exchanging a signal for adjusting irradiation timing between an X-ray generation apparatus and the X-ray detection apparatus. The use of such an X-ray detection apparatus can simplify the system components because interface devices for connecting the two apparatuses become unnecessary. In addition, a conventional visiting car, for example, that performs film-based imaging may be used to obtain digital images. In X-ray imaging, the management of X-ray doses with which patients are irradiated during imaging is essential. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-107159 discusses that a control apparatus outside the detector associates image data with X-ray irradiation data.

The transmission of image data may include a gap from the transmission timing of irradiation data, for example, because of communication failure. In such cases, the image data and the irradiation data have sometimes failed to be reliably associated with each other.

Another problem is that the system where the X-ray generation apparatus and the X-ray detection apparatus exchange no irradiation timing includes no unit for communicating various types of information about irradiated X-rays to the X-ray detection apparatus. The various types of information here refer to imaging execution information including an X-ray tube voltage, an X-ray tube current, and irradiation time. The imaging execution information has conventionally been transmitted from the X-ray generation apparatus to a control apparatus and combined with image data transmitted from the X-ray detection apparatus. In contrast, the system where the X-ray generation apparatus and the X-ray detection apparatus exchange no such information has been unable to associate image data with imaging execution information, and sometimes caused a problem in the management of image data.

To address the foregoing problems, imaging execution information including an irradiation condition may be input and associated with image data by using a barcode or from a personal computer (PC). However, such a method entails an additional input operation and may give rise to an erroneous input of information. Setting values input to the X-ray generation apparatus may differ from an actual irradiation condition. Since a PC is needed as an input unit, there has also been the problem of increased system components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, a portable radiation imaging apparatus configured to wirelessly communicate with a radiation generation apparatus includes a radiation image sensor including a two-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of detection elements configured to detect a radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a wireless communication unit configured to receive a generation condition of the radiation generated by the radiation generation apparatus, a storage unit configured to store the received generation condition and radiation image data obtained by the radiation image sensor in association with each other, and a housing configured to accommodate the radiation image sensor, the wireless communication unit, and the storage unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The following exemplary embodiments deal with a case where X-rays are used as the radiation. Similar effects of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be obtained even with other radiations including α rays, β rays, γ rays, and other electromagnetic waves.

A first exemplary embodiment will be described below.FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a radiation imaging system10including a radiation detection apparatus100according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The radiation imaging system10includes the radiation detection apparatus100and a radiation generation apparatus200. The radiation generation apparatus200irradiates a subject500with X-rays400. A radiation detector120detects the X-rays400transmitted through the subject500to acquire X-ray image data.

The radiation generation apparatus200includes a control unit220, a high-voltage power source230, an X-ray tube240, and a first wireless communication unit210.

The first wireless communication unit210is used to input information from outside and output information from the radiation generation apparatus200by wireless communication. For example, the first wireless communication unit210can output imaging execution information. Examples of a wireless communication method to be used include a wireless local area network (LAN) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The radiation detection apparatus100is a portable radiation imaging apparatus including the radiation detector120, a control unit130, a storage unit140, a second wireless communication unit110, and a housing for accommodating such components.

The second wireless communication unit110is capable of wireless communication with the first wireless communication unit210. The second wireless communication unit110can transmit and receive various types of information. For example, the second wireless communication unit110receives a generation condition of X-rays400generated by the radiation generation apparatus200immediately after the generation of the X-rays400.

The radiation detector120is a radiation image sensor that detects the X-rays400emitted from the X-ray tube240and transmitted through the subject500. The radiation detector120includes a two-dimensional arrangement of a plurality of X-ray detection elements which generate electric charges according to the exposure dose of the X-rays400. For example, the X-ray detection elements may be formed by laminating a pixel array and a phosphor, which emits light when irradiated with X-rays400. The pixel array includes a two-dimensional matrix of a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element and a thin-film transistor (TFT). Alternatively, conversion elements that directly generate charges from incident X-rays400may be used.

The control unit130includes a drive control unit131and an image processing unit132. The drive control unit131controls driving of the radiation detector120. The drive control unit131includes a central processing unit (CPU) for control, and operates to start and end acquisition of a radiation image and/or a correction image, read charges, and/or reset the radiation detector120.

The image processing unit132makes corrections (including an offset correction and a defect correction) on read charge data of the radiation detector120, forms a reduced image of the charge data, and associates the charge data with various types of data to form image data. The image processing unit132includes a programmable gate array (field programmable gate array (FPGA)) or a CPU, and a memory for primarily storing the image data. The FPGA or CPU may be common to the control unit130. The various types of data include an imaging condition, patient information, and the imaging execution information.

The storage unit140stores various types of data including the generated image data. Examples of the storage unit140include a flash memory and a hard disk drive. While the storage unit140is arranged inside the radiation detection apparatus100, the storage unit140may be configured to be detachable from the radiation detection apparatus100. The storage unit140stores the received generation condition and radiation image data obtained by the radiation image sensor in association with each other.

FIG. 6is a flowchart illustrating the radiation imaging system10according to the present first exemplary embodiment. An operation of the radiation imaging system10according to the present first exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference toFIG. 6.

In steps S100and S200, the user makes both the radiation detection apparatus100and the radiation generation apparatus200start to operate. The radiation detection apparatus100and the radiation generation apparatus200each enter a preparation operation. In step S201, the user inputs an irradiation condition by using the input unit arranged on the radiation generation apparatus200. The irradiation condition includes an X-ray tube voltage for the high-voltage power source230of the radiation generation apparatus200to output to be applied to the X-ray tube240, an X-ray tube current, and/or irradiation time.

In step S220, the user presses the exposure button, such as a two-stage button, down to its first stage, and the radiation generation apparatus200makes preparations for X-ray irradiation.

In step S120, the radiation detection apparatus100starts an X-ray detection operation after a reset operation of the radiation detector120, if needed. The X-ray detection operation includes detecting irradiation of the radiation detection apparatus100with the X-rays400and outputting a trigger for controlling the operation of the radiation detection apparatus100.

In step S230, the user presses the exposure button down to the second stage, and the radiation generation apparatus200starts irradiation. If the radiation detection apparatus100detects the X-rays400(YES in step S127), then in step S130, the radiation detection apparatus100starts imaging.

In step S240, the radiation generation apparatus200ends irradiation. In step S140, the radiation detection apparatus100ends imaging. In step S145, the image processing unit132reads the imaged charge information and performs image processing to form image data. The image processing in step S145includes various corrections (including an offset correction and a defect correction) and formation of a reduced image. The end of the imaging is controlled according to a preset X-ray accumulation time.

In step S250, after the end of the irradiation, the radiation generation apparatus200outputs imaging execution information300including an actual irradiation condition from the first wireless communication unit210. In step S150, the second wireless communication unit110of the radiation detection apparatus100directly receives the imaging execution information300. In step S155, the image processing unit132combines the image data with the received imaging execution information300. In step S160, the resulting final image data is stored into the storage unit140. In steps S170and S270, the user ends the operation of the radiation detection apparatus100and the radiation generation apparatus200.

Since the radiation detection apparatus100directly receives the imaging execution information300from the radiation generation apparatus200and combines the image data with the received imaging execution information300, the image data and the imaging execution information300can be reliably associated with each other. This may avoid confusion about image management.

A second exemplary embodiment will be described below.FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a radiation imaging system10including a radiation detection apparatus100according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present second exemplary embodiment, an information input unit150and a display unit160are added to the inside of the radiation detection apparatus100of the first exemplary embodiment.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the radiation detection apparatus100and the radiation generation apparatus200directly communicate an irradiation condition as well as imaging execution information with each other by wireless communication. The user inputs an irradiation condition to the radiation detection apparatus100, and the radiation direction apparatus100directly transmits the input irradiation condition310to the radiation generation apparatus200by wireless communication, whereby the irradiation condition310is set. An X-ray image and the irradiation condition310can thus be reliably associated with each other. Since the end timing of irradiation can be estimated from a set irradiation time, the radiation detection apparatus100can perform imaging with an appropriate X-ray accumulation time according to the irradiation time. This can improve the image quality of the X-ray image data.

The display unit160is intended to display characters and/or image information. Examples of the display unit160include a liquid crystal panel and an organic electroluminescence (EL) panel. The display unit160can display various types of information input from the information input unit150, imaging execution information300transmitted from the radiation generation apparatus200, and information about an operation status of the radiation detector120. The display unit160may be used to display a captured radiation image.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating the radiation imaging system10according to the present second exemplary embodiment. An operation of the radiation imaging system according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described below with a focus on differences from the first exemplary embodiment.

In step S101, after the start of the operation of the radiation generation apparatus200and the radiation detection apparatus100, the user inputs an irradiation condition310by using the information input unit150of the radiation detection apparatus100. The irradiation condition310to be input here includes the X-ray tube voltage, X-ray tube current, and irradiation time of the radiation generation apparatus200. Numerical values may be individually specified. Values may be selected from preset values stored in the radiation detection apparatus100in advance.

In step S115, according to the second exemplary embodiment, the radiation detection apparatus100transmits the input irradiation condition310via the control unit130from the second wireless communication unit110to the radiation generation apparatus200. In step S215, the first wireless communication unit210of the radiation generation apparatus200receives the transmitted irradiation condition310. The radiation generation apparatus200then makes preparations for irradiation and performs X-ray irradiation. The imaging flow up to the start of imaging is similar to that of the first exemplary embodiment. A description thereof is thus not repeated.

Upon detecting the X-ray irradiation, the radiation detection apparatus100starts imaging. The radiation detection apparatus100measures elapsed time since the start of the imaging. In step S140, the radiation detection apparatus100ends imaging at timing when the elapsed time exceeds the irradiation time set in step S101.

The radiation detection apparatus100may store the input irradiation condition310into the storage unit140. The stored irradiation condition310can be associated with a captured image to add various types of information to the image data aside from the imaging execution information300directly transmitted from the radiation generation apparatus200. This facilitates image management.

A third exemplary embodiment will be described below.FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a radiation imaging system10including a radiation detection apparatus100according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The present third exemplary embodiment includes an external interface170, which is added to the radiation detection apparatus100of the first exemplary embodiment. An external information apparatus600is connected to the radiation detection apparatus100.

A general-purpose interface such as a universal serial bus (USB) flash drive and Recommended Standard 232 C (RS-232-C) may be suitably used as the external interface170. An Ethernet or other network communication port may be used. A dedicated interface may be provided.

The information apparatus600is connected to the external interface170. Examples of the information apparatus600include a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, and a workstation. Any device that can input necessary information and communicate with the radiation detection apparatus100may be used. The information apparatus600includes an internal storage unit (not illustrated) and can store various types of information. Examples of the internal storage unit include a hard disk drive, a flash memory, and various types of optical disk writing devices.

An external storage unit610may be connected to the information apparatus600. Examples of the external storage unit610include a hard disk drive, a flash memory, various types of optical disk writing devices, and various servers and database apparatuses.

FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating the radiation imaging system10according to the present third exemplary embodiment. An operation of the radiation imaging system according to the third exemplary embodiment will be described below with a focus on differences from the first exemplary embodiment.

In steps S100, S200, and S300, the user makes the radiation detection apparatus100, the radiation generation apparatus200, and the information apparatus600start to operate. The order of starting operations is not limited in particular. The operation of the radiation generation apparatus200need not be started at this stage.

In step S310, the user inputs an irradiation condition310to the information apparatus600. The irradiation condition310refers to a condition including an X-ray tube voltage, an X-ray tube current, and irradiation time. Numerical values may be individually input. Desired values may be selected from a condition table prepared in advance. The user inputs the irradiation condition310by using an input unit connected to the information apparatus600, such as a keyboard (not illustrated) and a touch panel (not illustrated).

In step S310, after the completion of the input, the information apparatus600transmits the irradiation condition310to the radiation detection apparatus100. The information apparatus600may transmit all the irradiation condition310at a time after the completion of the input, or may transmit individual pieces of input irradiation condition310in order. In step S110, the radiation detection apparatus100receives the irradiation condition310. The radiation detection apparatus100stores the irradiation condition310into the storage unit140. In steps S115and S215, the second wireless communication unit110of the radiation detection apparatus100transmits the irradiation condition310to the first wireless communication unit210of the radiation generation apparatus200. The subsequent flow of the X-ray irradiation and imaging is similar to that of the second exemplary embodiment.

In step S140, the radiation detection apparatus100ends imaging at timing when the elapsed time since the time of detection of the X-ray irradiation exceeds the irradiation time input in step S310.

The radiation generation apparatus200and the radiation detection apparatus100may directly exchange a synchronization signal for synchronizing irradiation timing and imaging timing with each other along with the imaging execution information300and the irradiation condition310.FIG. 9is a flowchart illustrating the imaging of such a radiation imaging system10. In step S225, the radiation generation apparatus200transmits an irradiation start signal320to the radiation detection apparatus100by wireless communication immediately before the timing when the radiation generation apparatus200completes preparations and starts irradiation. In step S125, the radiation detection apparatus100receives the irradiation start signal320. In step S130, the radiation detection apparatus100immediately starts imaging. The radiation generation apparatus200performs irradiation according to the irradiation time set in step S310. In step S244, after the end of the irradiation, the radiation generation apparatus200transmits an irradiation end signal340to the radiation detection apparatus100by wireless communication. In step S134, the radiation detection apparatus100receives the irradiation end signal340. In step S140, the radiation detection apparatus100ends imaging.

Receiving the irradiation start signal320, the radiation detection apparatus100may transmits an irradiation enable signal to the radiation generation apparatus200when the radiation detection apparatus100becomes ready for imaging. In such a case, X-ray irradiation may be disabled until the reception of the irradiation enable signal, whereby accidental X-ray irradiation and exposure may be avoided.

After the end of the imaging, the radiation detection apparatus100stores the image data associated with the imaging execution information300directly transmitted from the radiation generation apparatus200into the storage unit140. In step S165, the radiation detection apparatus100transmits the image data to the information apparatus600connected via the external interface170. In step S365, the information apparatus600receives the transmitted image data, and performs various types of processing. For example, the information apparatus600may store the image data into the connected external storage unit610. The information apparatus600may apply various types of sophisticated image processing to the image data. The information apparatus600may further display such a processed image on a not-illustrated image display device, or output the image to a not-illustrated printer. If the information apparatus600is connected to a network, the image data may be shared within the network for enhanced convenience.

A fourth exemplary embodiment will be described below.FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a radiation imaging system10including a radiation detection apparatus100according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The present fourth exemplary embodiment includes a radiation dose measurement unit121, which is added to the radiation detection device100of the third exemplary embodiment.

The radiation dose measurement unit121is intended to measure the total exposure dose of the irradiated radiation. The radiation dose measurement unit121has a function of making a notification when the total exposure dose has reached an exposure dose needed for image formation. Ending the imaging and stopping the irradiation according to the notification timing may achieve both satisfactory image quality and reduced exposure at the same time. The radiation dose measurement unit121may include a dedicated detector. A part of the radiation detector120for image acquisition may be used to constitute the radiation dose measurement unit121.

FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating the radiation imaging system10according to the present fourth exemplary embodiment. An operation of the radiation imaging system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment will be described below with a focus on differences from the third exemplary embodiment.

In step S310, the information apparatus600transmits an input irradiation condition310to the radiation detection apparatus100. In step S115, the radiation detection apparatus100transmits the irradiation condition310to the radiation generation apparatus200. According to the set irradiation condition310, the radiation generation apparatus200performs X-ray irradiation for the set irradiation time.

While the radiation detection apparatus100performs imaging, the radiation dose measurement unit121measures the total exposure dose of the X-rays400. If the measured exposure dose has reached a setting value, which can be arbitrarily set, then in step S135, the radiation detection apparatus100transmits an irradiation end request signal330to the radiation generation apparatus200. In step S140, the radiation detection apparatus100ends imaging. The radiation detection apparatus100may store information about the elapsed time since the start of the imaging and the exposure dose. In step S235, the radiation generation apparatus200receives the irradiation end request signal330. In step S240, the radiation generation apparatus200immediately ends irradiation.

The flow after the end of the irradiation is similar to that of the third exemplary embodiment.

A fifth exemplary embodiment will be described below.FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a radiation imaging system10including a radiation detection apparatus100according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The present fifth exemplary embodiment includes a third wireless communication unit171, which is added to the fourth exemplary embodiment as an external interface of the radiation detection apparatus100.

The third wireless communication unit171may use a wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and/or infrared communications. The third wireless communication unit171uses a frequency band and/or a communication unit different from those of the first and second wireless communication units210and110. If the first, second, and third wireless communication units210,110, and171all use a wireless LAN of the same standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 series, different service set identifiers (SSIDs) are assigned thereto.

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, an information apparatus600including a fourth wireless communication unit601is connected to the radiation detection apparatus100. Examples of the information apparatus600include a notebook PC and a tablet PC. A workstation may be suitably used. There may be a plurality of information apparatuses600like when a plurality of operators owns their respective tablet PCs or notebook PCs.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, an environment where the radiation detection apparatus100can be operated from a plurality of information apparatuses600can be conveniently constructed.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating the radiation imaging system10according to the present fifth exemplary embodiment. An operation of the radiation imaging system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment will be described below with a focus on differences from the fourth exemplary embodiment.

In steps S100, S200, and S300, the user makes the radiation detection apparatus100, the radiation generation apparatus200, and the information apparatus600start to operate. In S305, the user performs a registration operation for establishing connection from the information apparatus600, which is to be connected to the radiation detection apparatus100.

A method for connecting a specific information apparatus600to the radiation detection apparatus100will be described below.

The third wireless communication unit171of the radiation detection apparatus100has a unique identifier. Examples include an SSID of an IEEE 802.11 series wireless LAN. A Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) or WPA2 pre-shared key (PSK) may be used. The information apparatus600attempting connection to the radiation detection apparatus100inputs the SSID, PSK, or other identifier, and is thus connected to the radiation detection apparatus100. A desired identifier may be selected from a plurality of connectable identifiers. The thus connected information apparatus600can be used to input information to the radiation detection apparatus100and/or control the acquisition of data.

The radiation detection apparatus100connected with an arbitrary information apparatus600is not connectable to other information apparatuses600. Such a state is maintained until a disconnecting procedure is performed on the connected information apparatus600. The information apparatus600may be automatically disconnected if unoperated for a certain time. After disconnection, a connectable information apparatus600can be newly connected for use.

In step S310, the user inputs an irradiation condition310from the information apparatus600connected thus, and the radiation imaging system10performs imaging. The flow after the input of the irradiation condition310is similar to that of the fourth exemplary embodiment. A description thereof is thus not repeated.

The provision of the third wireless communication unit170enables connection with an arbitrary information apparatus600, from which the radiation detection apparatus100can be controlled. Besides, the radiation detection apparatus100can directly receive imaging execution information300from the radiation generation apparatus200and combine image data with the imaging execution information300to reliably associate the image data with the imaging execution information300. Confusion about image management may thus be avoided.

According to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the radiation detection apparatus100receives subject information and information about an imaging portion from the information apparatus600. However, this is not restrictive. The radiation detection apparatus100may receive such information from the radiation generation apparatus200along with the imaging execution information300. For example, the radiation generation apparatus200may have a function of receiving an imaging order from a radiology information system (RIS). The radiation generation apparatus200then sets a generation condition by using information included in the imaging order, such as subject information, information about an imaging portion, and information about a prescribed generation condition. The user may operate an operation unit250of the radiation generation apparatus200to arbitrarily change the generation condition including an X-ray tube current, an X-ray tube voltage, and a current time product (mAs) value. The radiation generation apparatus200may set a generation condition by referring to a standard generation condition that is stored in association with information about an imaging portion and subject information such as an age.

Using the set generation condition, the radiation generation apparatus200generates X-rays400. In the presence of an auto exposure control (AEC), a subject500may be irradiated only with a dose of X-rays400smaller than the set value. This causes a discrepancy between the set generation condition and a generation condition as execution result information under which the X-rays400has been actually generated. The radiation generation apparatus200transmits the generation condition as the execution result information to the radiation detection apparatus100(a radiation imaging apparatus). It will be understood that the radiation generation apparatus200may also transmit a generation condition set before the imaging and a determined prescribed generation condition based on the imaging portion to the radiation detection apparatus100. The transmission of such conditions is useful because differences among the prescribed condition, the set condition, and the condition of the actual radiation generation may be determined.

The radiation generation apparatus200may further transmit the subject information and the information about the imaging portion to the radiation detection apparatus100, and the radiation detection apparatus100may store such information in association with an image and the generation condition. This allows appropriate association among the information of the imaging order, the generation condition, and the radiation image data.

Suppose that the radiation generation apparatus200is configured to transmit the imaging execution information300, the subject information, and the information about the imaging portion to the radiation detection apparatus100. Since the number of pieces of data is small, the radiation generation apparatus200and the radiation detection apparatus100normally finish the communication immediately after the generation of the X-rays400. The transmission may sometimes take a long time, however, because of a communication problem. The radiation detection apparatus100may be configured to disable subsequent imaging if the radiation detection apparatus100fails to receive the information supposed to be received from the radiation generation apparatus200. This may reliably associate an image with its accessory information.

In another example, before each imaging operation, the radiation detection apparatus100and the radiation generation apparatus200may share ID information about the subsequent imaging to solve the association problem. For example, an ID included in an imaging order, defined for each single imaging operation, is transmitted from the information apparatus600or the radiation generation apparatus200to the radiation detection apparatus100, so that the radiation generation apparatus200and the radiation detection apparatus100store and share the ID in their respective storage units. Consequently, even if the radiation generation apparatus200and the radiation detection apparatus100become unable to communicate imaging execution information300because of a communication problem after imaging, the ID information enables and secures association between image information and its accessory information.

The radiation generation apparatus200may transmit the actual X-ray generation condition to the radiation detection apparatus100in response to a request from the radiation detection apparatus100. Such timing may reduce the possibility of a timeout when transmitting the X-ray generation condition, for example, if the radiation detection apparatus100suspends its wireless communication function during image reading. A monitoring function of monitoring the quality of wireless communication by using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) may be implemented in the radiation detection apparatus100or other locations of the radiation imaging system10, so that the radiation detection apparatus200can transmit imaging execution information300when the quality of the wireless communication is higher than a certain level. This can reduce the possibility of a communication timeout, for example, due to noise resulting from X-ray generation.

The radiation detection apparatus100may transmit, for example, a reduced image, a thinned image, or a partial image of the captured radiation image data to the external information apparatus600and/or the radiation generation apparatus200before or after the timing when the image and accessory information are associated with each other. This allows the user to examine the captured image at earlier timing without waiting for the association of the captured image and the accessory information.

As has been described above, according to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the radiation generation apparatus200and the radiation detection apparatus100can conveniently and reliably associate captured image data and imaging execution information300about the irradiated X-rays400without additional operations. This may avoid confusion about image management.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-096099 filed Apr. 19, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.