Radiation imaging system, method for radiation imaging system, and computer-readable storage medium

A radiation imaging system comprises: a radiation imaging apparatus; an entry apparatus which is associated with a radiation generator; wherein the entry apparatus is configured, in response to a request received from the radiation imaging apparatus via a close proximity wireless communication connection, to send information to the radiation imaging apparatus via the close proximity wireless communication connection for connecting the radiation imaging apparatus to a wireless LAN; wherein the close proximity wireless communication connection has a communication range shorter than that of a wireless LAN; and a control unit for controlling the radiation generator and the radiation imaging apparatus, which has connected to the wireless LAN based on the information which has been sent from the entry apparatus via the close proximity wireless communication connection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a radiation imaging system, a method for radiation imaging system, and a computer-readable storage medium that digitize captured radiation images by A/D conversion and send the digitized radiation image data via a wireless communication apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is available a digital radiation imaging apparatus which digitizes the radiation image captured by the apparatus and generates a sharper radiation image by processing the digitized radiation image. When a plurality of wireless digital X-ray imaging apparatuses are simultaneously operated in a hospital or the like in practice, wireless communication interference between X-ray rooms may hinder the implementation of desired communication performance. Interference between networks based on wireless communication is generally avoided by changing the frequency band used for wireless communication.

As a method to change the radio settings in a radiation sensor apparatus, for example, an X-ray sensor apparatus, a method using a wireless itself is available. For example, according to a wireless LAN standard complying with IEEE802.11, a client (CA) which tries to connect to an access point (AP) has a function of searching for a channel on which the AP exists by performing scanning while dynamically switching its operating frequency bands. Using this function allows to automatically connect to APs set on different channels in the respective X-ray rooms. In this case, however, the CA automatically connects to any AP within the radio range, and hence cannot selectively connect to one of synchronous access points existing in the respective X-ray rooms. Accordingly, it is difficult to perform control in order to synchronize an X-ray sensor apparatus with the desired radiation generator.

On the other hand, the wireless LAN standard covers an encryption function that conceals wireless communication. This function allows a wireless network to be created in each X-ray room by setting an encryption key used for wireless communication between a synchronous access point existing in a given X-ray room and an X-ray sensor apparatus and setting different encryption keys in the respective X-ray rooms. There is an invention configured, in consideration of the above situation, such that an AP and a CA respectively include two types of different wireless communication units to communicate security information such as encryption key information used by the first wireless communication unit via the second wireless communication unit capable of only short range communication (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-197063). A CA can participate in a wireless LAN via an AP which is accessible to the CA.

However, while a CA can participate in a particular wireless LAN in the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-197063, in cases wherein there are a plurality of X-ray sensor apparatuses in one or more X-ray rooms or wherein an X-ray apparatus is moved between X-ray rooms, it is difficult to perform control in order to synchronize by wireless communication an X-ray sensor apparatus with the desired radiation generator.

Assume that in an environment in which wireless communication interference occurs, security settings are made by the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-197063. In this case, while the X-ray sensor apparatus is linked with a synchronous access point in another X-ray room, the X-ray sensor apparatus may start security setting processing. In such a case, since no encryption key information match is found, the X-ray sensor apparatus discards the existing wireless LAN link and re-connects to a synchronous access point existing on another channel upon scanning. This disadvantageously prolongs the wait time for connection to a network.

As described above, it is difficult to simply and easily create a dedicated wireless LAN network, for each of a plurality of radiation rooms which cause mutual radio interference, between a synchronous access point capable of being connected to a radiation generator and a radiation sensor apparatus existing in a radiation room.

It is also difficult to connect radiation sensor apparatuses to desired wireless networks with a simple and intuitive operation when using the apparatuses while moving and interchanging them between a plurality of radiation rooms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In consideration of the above problems, the present invention provides a technique of performing control to synchronize by wireless communication an X-ray sensor apparatus with the desired radiation generator in a case wherein there are a plurality of X-ray sensor apparatuses within an area where wireless waves interfere with each other.

The present invention in its one aspect provides a radiation imaging system comprising: a radiation imaging apparatus; an entry apparatus which is associated with a radiation generator; wherein the entry apparatus is configured, in response to a request received from the radiation imaging apparatus via a close proximity wireless communication connection, to send information to the radiation imaging apparatus via the close proximity wireless communication connection for connecting the radiation imaging apparatus to a wireless LAN; wherein the close proximity wireless communication connection has a communication range shorter than that of a wireless LAN; and a control unit configured to control the radiation generator and the radiation imaging apparatus, which has connected to the wireless LAN based on the information which has been sent from the entry apparatus via the close proximity wireless communication connection.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform control to synchronize by wireless communication driving of an X-ray sensor apparatus with emission of radiation of the desired radiation generator in a case wherein there are a plurality of X-ray sensor apparatuses within an area where wireless waves interfere with each other.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

The arrangement of a general digital radiation system (for example, an X-ray imaging system) will be described with reference toFIG. 1A. Referring toFIG. 1A, in an X-ray room101, X-ray imaging is performed by X-ray irradiation. A control room102is set near the X-ray room101. A radiation sensor apparatus, for example, an X-ray sensor apparatus103, generates digital X-ray image data information in response to X-rays. A plurality of X-ray sensor apparatuses103may exist. A synchronous repeater104sends the digital X-ray image data information received from the X-ray sensor apparatus103to an image processing apparatus111, and controls synchronization with an X-ray generator106. An X-ray controller105controls the generation of X-rays by the X-ray generator106. The X-ray generator106generates X-rays under the control of the X-ray controller105. A plurality of X-ray generators106may exist. If there are a plurality of X-ray generators106, each X-ray generator106is associated with each entry apparatus116in accordance with information identifying each X-ray generator106and information identifying each entry apparatus116. For example, as shown inFIG. 10A, pieces of identification information (ID1, ID2, and ID3) of the X-ray generators106may be associated with pieces of identification information (ID1, ID2, and ID3) of the entry apparatuses116in advance. Note that X-ray controller105may store association information of identification information. A connection cable107wire-connects the X-ray sensor apparatus103to the synchronous repeater104. A connection cable108wire-connects the synchronous repeater104to the X-ray controller105. A connection cable109wire-connects the synchronous repeater104to the image processing apparatus111. A display110is used to display digital X-ray image data information having undergone image processing and a GUI. The image processing apparatus111is, for example, a PC to perform image processing. A backbone network112is a hospital LAN or the like for the connection of an image processing apparatus.

In general, the X-ray sensor apparatus103performs X-ray imaging while being fixed on a gantry or base. To perform X-ray imaging with a higher degree of freedom, an X-ray sensor apparatus may perform imaging in a free position without being mechanically fixed. In order to meet such need, there has recently appeared on the market a digital X-ray imaging apparatus of a type that wirelessly connects the X-ray sensor apparatus103to the synchronous repeater104and improves the degree of freedom of mounting the X-ray sensor apparatus103.FIG. 1Bshows the arrangement of a wireless digital X-ray imaging system.

The wireless digital X-ray imaging system will be described with reference toFIG. 1B. The basic arrangement of this system is the same as that of the digital X-ray imaging system described with reference toFIG. 1A, and the same reference numerals denote the same apparatuses. In the wireless digital X-ray imaging system, the connection cable107is omitted from the X-ray sensor apparatus103, and the synchronous repeater104is replaced by a synchronous access point115additionally provided with a wireless communication function. The synchronous access point115faces a wireless communication unit114to perform wireless communication and communicates with the X-ray controller105and the image processing apparatus111. In addition, the X-ray sensor apparatus103needs to newly incorporate a battery113and the wireless communication unit114which wirelessly communicates with the synchronous access point115based on IEEE802.11 standard or the like. In the arrangement shown inFIG. 1B, the X-ray sensor apparatus103operates on the power supplied from the battery113, and the wireless communication unit114mounted in the apparatus wirelessly communicates with the synchronous access point115, thereby sending captured X-ray image data information and exchanging control information.

The arrangements of the X-ray sensor apparatus103, entry apparatus, and access point which constitute the X-ray imaging apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 2. The entry apparatus and the access point may be discrete units or a single unit. Note that the same reference numerals as inFIG. 1denote the same components, and a description of them will be omitted.

The entry apparatus116corresponds to wireless communication using IrDA or the like which allows only communication at relatively short distances. A wired connection117includes a USB which connects the entry apparatus116to the image processing apparatus111. A close proximity wireless communication unit118functioning as the second wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with the entry apparatus116. The X-ray sensor apparatus103establishes a link with the entry apparatus116by a new wireless communication connection, and sets (configures) the wireless communication unit114in the X-ray sensor apparatus103by using communication parameters obtained via the link, thereby establishing wireless communication with the synchronous access point115.

The detailed arrangement of each apparatus will be described with reference to the block diagram ofFIG. 3. A CPU301controls the X-ray sensor apparatus103. A memory302is mounted in the X-ray sensor apparatus103and used as a data storage area. An image acquisition unit303reads out image data information from a sensor unit provided for the X-ray sensor apparatus103. A bus304connects the respective constituent blocks in the X-ray sensor apparatus103. A normal wireless communication unit305functioning as the first wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates captured image data information and the like. A close proximity wireless communication unit306functioning as the second wireless communication unit performs close proximity wireless communication.

A power supply control unit307controls the respective power supplies of the X-ray sensor apparatus103in accordance with instructions from the CPU301. An input unit308is provided for the X-ray sensor apparatus103and accepts input from the user. A normal wireless communication connection310is used for the communication of image data information and the like. A close proximity wireless communication connection311includes IrDA, TransferJet, and UWB used for sending parameters. A CPU321controls the entry apparatus116. A bus322connects the respective constituent blocks of the entry apparatus116.

A memory323is mounted in the entry apparatus116and used as a data storage area. A close proximity wireless communication unit324functioning as the second wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with the close proximity wireless communication unit306by the close proximity wireless communication connection311. A wired communication unit325is used to exchange data between the entry apparatus116and the image processing PC111(image processing apparatus111). Wired communication connection326is a USB, FireWire, RS232C, or the like. A CPU331controls the access point115. A bus332connects the respective constituent blocks of the synchronous access point115. A memory333is mounted in the synchronous access point115and used as a data storage area. A normal wireless communication unit334functioning as the first wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with the normal wireless communication unit305by the normal wireless communication connection310. A communication controller335performs wired communication between the access point115and the image processing PC111(image processing apparatus111). Wired communication connection336is Ethernet or the like. The image processing PC111performs image processing for the image data information captured by the X-ray sensor apparatus103.

Pressing the input unit308of the X-ray sensor apparatus103will start connection processing of the X-ray sensor apparatus103to the access point115. That is, upon recognizing the pressing of the input unit308in a form like an interrupt signal form, the CPU301starts a sequence for connection to the close proximity wireless communication unit306by the close proximity wireless communication connection311.

An example of the communication sequence exchanged by the close proximity wireless communication connection311will be described with reference toFIG. 4. In step S400, the X-ray sensor apparatus103performs connection processing for the establishment of close proximity wireless communication connection. At this time, the close proximity wireless communication unit324of the entry apparatus116is in a standby state, and hence accepts the connection processing performed by the close proximity wireless communication unit306. In step S401, the entry apparatus116sends an X-ray sensor identification information request to the X-ray sensor apparatus103upon establishing connection. In step S402, upon receiving the identification information request, the X-ray sensor apparatus103returns identification information (ID information) such as a serial number unique to the X-ray sensor apparatus103to the entry apparatus116.

Upon receiving the identification information (ID information), the entry apparatus116transfers the identification information (ID information) to the image processing PC111via the wired communication unit325. Upon receiving the identification information (ID information) of the X-ray sensor apparatus103, to which connection is to be made, via the entry apparatus116, the image processing PC111searches the connection history of the X-ray sensor apparatus103under connection processing based on the identification information (ID information). If a match is found as a result of this processing, the image processing PC111prepares additional information such as correction information for the X-ray sensor apparatus103. In addition, the image processing PC111accesses the access point115via the wired communication connection336. The image processing PC111then acquires the system information (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n standards or the like) used by the access point115for the normal wireless communication connection310, a physical channel, and normal wireless connection related information (parameter information), for example, an ESSID. In addition, the image processing PC111activates communication by the normal wireless communication unit334of the access point115. The image processing PC111sends the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) acquired from the access point115to the entry apparatus116via the wired communication connection326.

Upon acquiring the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) via the wired communication unit325, the entry apparatus116sends the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) to the X-ray sensor apparatus103via the close proximity wireless communication unit324in step S403. When receiving the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) from the close proximity wireless communication unit306, the X-ray sensor apparatus103sets connection setting values in the normal wireless communication unit305in accordance with the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information), and activates wireless communication by the normal wireless communication unit305.

Upon completion of the above processing, a wireless communication link by the normal wireless communication connection310is established between the X-ray sensor apparatus103and the access point115. Upon detecting the establishment of the link by the normal wireless communication connection310, in step S404, the CPU301of the X-ray sensor apparatus103notifies the entry apparatus116via the close proximity wireless communication unit306that the close proximity wireless communication connection311has established a normal link.

When the above sequence is complete, the X-ray sensor apparatus103sends a disconnection request to disconnect the close proximity wireless communication connection311to the entry apparatus116in step S405. Upon receiving the disconnection request, the entry apparatus116terminates the communication by the close proximity wireless communication connection311, and enters the standby state for the next connection request.

Executing the above sequence can establish wireless communication connection by the normal wireless communication connection310between the X-ray sensor apparatus103and the desired access point115upon pressing of the input unit308of the X-ray sensor apparatus103. Note that the CPU321on the entry apparatus116or the image processing PC111may execute each process in the entry apparatus116described above. When the image processing PC111is to execute each process in the entry apparatus116, the entry apparatus116functions as a simple bridge between the close proximity wireless communication connection311and the wired communication connection326. In addition, the entry apparatus116, the image processing PC111, and the access point115may have the same arrangement.

It is also possible to further add the step of exchanging additional information to the communication sequence performed at the time of connection as described with reference toFIG. 4or to omit an unnecessary sequence. Information to be exchanged in a single sequence may be divided to be exchanged in a plurality of sequences.

Second Embodiment

The arrangement of an X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the schematic diagrams ofFIGS. 5,6, and7, assuming that the apparatus is used under an environment having a plurality of X-ray rooms. Referring to each of these diagrams, an entry apparatus116and an access point115may be discrete units or may be a single unit.

A description of part of the arrangement of an X-ray imaging room501inFIGS. 5,6, and7which is the same as that described with reference toFIG. 2will be omitted. A wireless communication link119is a wireless communication link between the synchronous access point115and an X-ray sensor apparatus103. In an X-ray imaging room502, an X-ray room220is an X-ray room for X-ray imaging by X-ray irradiation. A control room221is set near the X-ray room220. A synchronous access point222can wirelessly communicate with a wireless communication unit114and also communicates with an X-ray controller224and an image processing apparatus229. An entry apparatus223corresponds to wireless communication using IrDA or the like which allows only communication at relatively short distances. An X-ray controller224controls the generation of X-rays by an X-ray generator225. The X-ray generator225generates X-rays under the control of the X-ray controller224. A connection cable226is a connection cable for wired connection between the synchronous access point222and the X-ray controller224. A wired connection227includes a USB to connect the entry apparatus223to the image processing apparatus229. A connection cable228is a connection cable such as an Ethernet cable for wired connection between the synchronous access point222and an image processing apparatus229. The image processing apparatus229is an image processing apparatus such as a PC which performs image processing. A display230is used to display digital X-ray image data information having undergone image processing and a GUI.

Assume an environment in which the X-ray imaging room501and the X-ray imaging room502are set physically near each other, and the X-ray sensor apparatus103is used in the X-ray imaging room501, as shown inFIG. 5. In this environment, when using an X-ray imaging apparatus like that described in the present invention, it is necessary to prevent mutual interference between wireless communications. Different channels are set as a physical wireless channel used by the synchronous access point115set in an X-ray room101and a physical wireless channel used by the synchronous access point222set in the X-ray room220. At this time, the X-ray sensor apparatus103has established the wireless communication link119with the synchronous access point115set in the X-ray room101by the procedure described in the first embodiment.

Assume that it is necessary to move the X-ray sensor apparatus103to the X-ray room220and perform X-ray imaging, as shown inFIG. 6. In this case, the user moves the X-ray sensor apparatus103to the X-ray room220. If the user keeps the power supply of the X-ray sensor apparatus103ON while moving the apparatus, the wireless communication link119with the synchronous access point115set in the X-ray room101, to which the apparatus has been connected, is kept established, as shown inFIG. 6. Even if the user temporarily turns off the power supply of the X-ray sensor apparatus103and moves the apparatus to the X-ray room220, the apparatus cannot always create the wireless communication link119with the synchronous access point222set in the X-ray room220. It is more likely that this apparatus will re-link with the synchronous access point115set in the X-ray room101, to which the apparatus has been connected. Note that the block arrangements of the X-ray sensor apparatus103, entry apparatus116, entry apparatus223, synchronous access point115, synchronous access point222, image processing apparatus111, and image processing apparatus229in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described with reference toFIG. 3.

Upon bringing the X-ray sensor apparatus103from the X-ray imaging room501into the X-ray imaging room502, the user starts connection processing from the X-ray sensor apparatus103to the synchronous access point222by pressing an input unit308provided for the X-ray sensor apparatus103. The pressing of the input unit308is informed to a CPU301in the form of an interrupt signal. The CPU301then starts a communication sequence similar to that shown inFIG. 4in the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 4, in step S400, the X-ray sensor apparatus103performs connection processing for the establishment of close proximity wireless communication connection. At this time, a close proximity wireless communication unit324of the entry apparatus223is in the standby state, and hence accepts the connection processing performed via a close proximity wireless communication unit306. In step S401, when connection is established, the entry apparatus223sends an X-ray sensor identification information request to the X-ray sensor apparatus103. In step S402, the X-ray sensor apparatus103receives the identification information request, and returns the entry apparatus223identification information (ID information) such as a serial number unique to the X-ray sensor apparatus103. Upon receiving the identification information (ID information), the entry apparatus223transfers the identification information (ID information) to the image processing PC229via a wired communication unit325.

Upon receiving the identification information (ID information) of the X-ray sensor apparatus103, to which connection is to be made, via the entry apparatus223, the image processing PC229searches the connection history of the X-ray sensor apparatus103under connection processing based on the identification information (ID information). If a match is found as a result of this processing, the image processing PC229prepares additional information such as correction information for the X-ray sensor apparatus. In addition, the image processing PC229accesses the access point222via the wired communication connection336. The image processing PC229then acquires the system (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n or the like) used by the access point222for normal wireless communication connection310, a physical channel, and normal wireless connection related information (parameter information), for example, an ESSID. In addition, the image processing PC229activates communication by the normal wireless communication unit334of the access point222. As described above, in order to prevent mutual interference between wireless communications, different channels are set as physical wireless channels used by the synchronous access point115set in the X-ray room101and the synchronous access point222set in the X-ray room220. For this reason, the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) used by the synchronous access point115differs in value from that used by the synchronous access point222.

The image processing PC229sends the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) acquired from the access point222to the entry apparatus223via the wired communication connection326. Upon acquiring the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) via the wired communication unit325, the entry apparatus223sends the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) to the X-ray sensor apparatus103via the close proximity wireless communication unit324in step S403. Upon receiving the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) via the close proximity wireless communication unit306, the X-ray sensor apparatus103re-sets the set value of a normal wireless communication unit305in accordance with the updated normal wireless connection related information (parameter information), and activates wireless communication by the normal wireless communication unit305. In this case, the above re-setting operation may be performed only when the contents of the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) change.

Upon completion of the above processing, the normal communication link by the normal wireless communication connection310between the X-ray sensor apparatus103and the access point115is disconnected. In addition, the normal communication link by the normal wireless communication connection310is established between the X-ray sensor apparatus103and the access point222, and a state like that shown inFIG. 7is set. The CPU301of the X-ray sensor apparatus103detects that the new link by the normal wireless communication connection310has been properly established. In this case, in step S404, the CPU301notifies the entry apparatus223of the proper establishment of the link by close proximity wireless communication connection311from the close proximity wireless communication unit306. Upon completion of the above sequence, the X-ray sensor apparatus103sends a disconnection request to disconnect the close proximity wireless communication connection311to the entry apparatus223in step S405. Upon receiving this disconnection request, the entry apparatus223terminates the communication by the close proximity wireless communication connection311and enters the standby state for the next connection request.

With the execution of the above sequence, pressing an input unit308of the X-ray sensor apparatus103makes it possible to establish wireless communication connection by the normal wireless communication connection310between the X-ray sensor apparatus103and the synchronous access point222.

Note that a CPU321on the entry apparatus223or the image processing PC229may execute each process in the entry apparatus223which has been described so far. When the image processing PC229is to execute each process in the entry apparatus223, the entry apparatus223functions as a simple bridge between the close proximity wireless communication connection311and wired communication connection. It is also possible to further add the step of exchanging additional information to the communication sequence performed at the time of connection shown inFIG. 4or to omit an unnecessary sequence. Information to be exchanged in a single sequence may be divided to be exchanged in a plurality of sequences.

Third Embodiment

A procedure to be executed when a plurality of X-ray sensor apparatuses according to the present invention are used under an environment including a single X-ray room will be described with reference to the schematic diagram ofFIG. 8. An entry apparatus and an access point may be discrete units or a single unit.

Referring toFIG. 8, an X-ray sensor apparatus850generates digital X-ray image data information in response to X-rays. A wireless communication unit851performs wireless communication by using a synchronous access point115, IEEE802.11 standard, and the like. A close proximity wireless communication unit852functioning as the second wireless communication unit wirelessly communicates with an entry apparatus116provided for the X-ray sensor apparatus850. A battery853supplies power to the X-ray sensor apparatus850. Note that a description of the same arrangement as that has been described above will be omitted. In this embodiment as well, the arrangements of an X-ray sensor apparatus103, the X-ray sensor apparatus850, the entry apparatus116, the synchronous access point115, and an image processing apparatus111are the same as those inFIG. 2described in the first embodiment.

Assume an environment in which imaging is performed after the plurality of X-ray sensor apparatuses103and850are brought into an X-ray room101, as shown inFIG. 8. When the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention is to be used in this environment, since the connection destinations of both the X-ray sensor apparatus103and the X-ray sensor apparatus850are the synchronous access point115, they perform wireless communication by using a single physical wireless channel. Assume that the user has performed X-ray imaging by using the X-ray sensor apparatus103. At this time, the X-ray sensor apparatus103has established a wireless communication link with the synchronous access point115set in the X-ray room101by the procedure described in the first embodiment. Assume that it becomes necessary to use another X-ray sensor apparatus850for new imaging operation. At this time, the X-ray sensor apparatus850has not established a wireless communication link with the synchronous access point115. Therefore, the user turns on the power supply of the X-ray sensor apparatus850and presses an input unit308provided on the X-ray sensor apparatus850to start connection processing of the X-ray sensor apparatus850for the synchronous access point115. The pressing of the input unit308is informed to a CPU301in the form of an interrupt signal. The CPU301then starts a communication sequence shown inFIG. 4in the first embodiment. The series of sequence processing shown inFIG. 4is called Check-in processing.

The processing executed by the entry apparatus116, the image processing PC111, and the synchronous access point115in response to connection processing for the synchronous access point115which is started by the X-ray sensor apparatus850will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 9.

In step S901, when the X-ray sensor apparatus850starts Check-in processing, the close proximity wireless communication unit324of the entry apparatus116is in the standby state, and hence accepts a connection processing request issued by a close proximity wireless communication unit306. When connection is established (YES in step S901), the close proximity wireless communication unit324sends a request for the identification information of the X-ray sensor apparatus850to the X-ray sensor apparatus850in step S902. Upon receiving the identification information request, the X-ray sensor apparatus850returns identification information (ID information) such as the serial number unique to the X-ray sensor apparatus850to the entry apparatus116. Upon receiving the identification information (ID information), the entry apparatus116transfers the identification information (ID information) to the image processing PC111via a wired communication unit325. Upon receiving the identification information (ID information) of the X-ray sensor apparatus850to which connection is to be made via the entry apparatus116, the image processing PC111functioning as a determination unit determines in step S903whether the identification information is identical to that of the X-ray sensor apparatus103to which the image processing PC111is currently connected. If the identification information (ID information) is identical to that of the X-ray sensor apparatus103to which the image processing PC111has already been connected, the image processing PC111determines that Check-in processing has been erroneously started, and interrupts the processing. The image processing PC111then returns to the standby state for Check-in processing without performing anything.

If the identification information (ID information) differs from that of the X-ray sensor apparatus103to which the image processing PC111is currently connected, the image processing PC111controls the synchronous access point115via a wired communication connection336in step S904. The image processing PC111also issues an instruction (packet communication) to shift the X-ray sensor apparatus103, which is currently connected to the synchronous access point115via a normal wireless communication connection310, to the power save mode (low power consumption mode). The power save mode in this case may the intermittent beacon reception mode defined in IEEE802.11 standard or a mode of turning of the power supply of the X-ray sensor apparatus103. In step S904, upon receiving the instruction by packet communication, the X-ray sensor apparatus103shifts to the pause mode, the disconnection mode, or another power save mode. That is, the X-ray sensor apparatuses other than the X-ray sensor apparatus whose normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) has been updated shift to the pause mode, the disconnection mode, or another power save mode.

Subsequently, the image processing PC111searches the connection history of the X-ray sensor apparatus850under new connection processing based on the identification information (ID information). If there is a match, the image processing PC111prepares additional information such as correction information for the X-ray sensor apparatus850. The image processing PC111accesses the synchronous access point115via the wired communication connection336. The image processing PC111then acquires the system (IEEE802.11a/b/g/n or the like) which the synchronous access point115uses for the normal wireless communication connection310, a physical channel, and normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) such as an ESSID. The image processing PC111sends the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) acquired from the synchronous access point115to the entry apparatus116via the wired communication connection336. Upon acquiring the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) via the wired communication unit325, the entry apparatus116sends the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) to the X-ray sensor apparatus850via a close proximity wireless communication unit324in step S905. Upon receiving the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information) via the close proximity wireless communication unit306, the X-ray sensor apparatus850sets set values for a normal wireless communication unit305in accordance with the normal wireless connection related information (parameter information), and activates wireless communication by the normal wireless communication unit305. Upon completion of the above processing, a wireless communication link by the normal wireless communication connection310is established between the X-ray sensor apparatus850and the access point115. The X-ray sensor apparatus103shifts to the power save mode. Upon detecting that the new link by the normal wireless communication connection310has been properly established, the CPU301of the X-ray sensor apparatus850notifies the entry apparatus116of the establishment of the link from the close proximity wireless communication unit306in step S906via close proximity wireless communication connection311. Upon completion of the above sequence, the X-ray sensor apparatus850sends a disconnection request to disconnect the close proximity wireless communication connection311to the entry apparatus116. Upon receiving the disconnection request, the entry apparatus116terminates the close proximity wireless communication connection311, and enters the standby state for the next connection request.

With the execution of the above sequence, pressing an input unit308of the X-ray sensor apparatus850makes it possible to establish wireless communication connection by the normal wireless communication connection310between the X-ray sensor apparatus850and the synchronous access point115. In addition, the X-ray sensor apparatus103which is not used can be shifted to the power save mode. Shifting the X-ray sensor apparatus103which is not used to the power save mode prolongs the service life of the battery of the X-ray sensor apparatus and effectively uses the normal wireless communication band.

If there are a plurality of X-ray sensor apparatuses and a plurality of radiation generators, it is possible to perform the processing of associating them with each other. The processing of associating them may be executed by wireless communication. For example, it is possible to execute the associating operation by communicating pieces of information identifying the respective apparatuses between the X-ray sensor apparatuses and the entry apparatuses connected to the radiation generators. For example, as shown inFIG. 10B, it is possible to associate the pieces of identification information (ID1, ID2, and ID3) of the X-ray generators with the pieces of identification information (ID1, ID2, and ID3) of the X-ray sensor apparatuses by wireless communication. The X-ray controller may store association information for the respective pieces of identification information. In this case, the respective apparatuses may be associated and combined with each other without any redundancy. Note that a CPU321on the entry apparatus116or the image processing PC111may execute each process in the entry apparatus116described so far. When the image processing PC111is to execute each process in the entry apparatus116, the entry apparatus116functions as a simple bridge between the close proximity wireless communication connection311and a wired communication connection326. It is also possible to further add the step of exchanging additional information to the communication sequence performed at the time of connection shown inFIG. 4or to omit an unnecessary sequence. Information to be exchanged in a single sequence may be divided to be exchanged in a plurality of sequences. Although the present invention has been described by taking X-rays as a typical example of radiation, the present invention is not limited to X-rays and can implemented by other types of radiations.

Other Embodiments

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2009-260451, filed Nov. 13, 2009 and 2010-241367, filed Oct. 27, 2010, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.