Abstract:
There is provided a radiographic imaging table including: a test object mounting plate capable of allowing radiation to penetrate therethrough, on which a test object is mounted; a detector mounting plate which is disposed under the test object mounting plate to movably mount a radiographic image detector which detects radiation penetrating the test object and the test object mounting plate, and which generates an image according to the detected radiation; and a connection device which is disposed on the detector mounting plate such that it is connectable to the radiographic image detector in order to perform at least one of charging the radiographic image detector mounted on the detector mounting plate or facilitating communication between the radiographic image detector and an external device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-247315 filed on Sep. 26, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a radiographic imaging table and, more particularly, to a radiographic imaging table used for imaging using a portable radiographic image detector. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Recently, a flat panel detector (FPD) that is constructed by disposing a radiation sensitive layer on a thin film transistor (TFT) active matrix substrate has been put to practical applications. The FPD can directly convert an X-ray into digital data. A portable radiographic image detecting device (hereinafter, referred to as an “ electronic cassette”) for generating image data indicating a radiographic image represented by a radiation penetrating a test object and being irradiated by using the FPD and storing the generated image data has been put to practical applications. 
         [0006]    Since the electronic cassette has good portability, a test object loaded on a stretcher or a bed can be imaged. In addition, since an imaged portion can be adjusted by changing a position of the electronic cassette, even an immobile patient as an example of the test object can be adaptively imaged. 
         [0007]    Such a portable electronic cassette is embedded with a memory for storing the image data of the captured images and a battery. The electronic cassette is inserted into a dedicated cassette stand so as to transmit the image data to an external device, that is, a console or to charge the embedded battery (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2000-206636). However, every time the electronic cassette used with a bed is to be charged or the image data is to be transmitted, the electronic cassette needs to be moved to the cassette stand. Particularly, there is great inconvenience in a case where the bed and the cassette stand are separated from each other over a long distance. 
         [0008]    Therefore, disclosed is an electronic cassette provided with a cable which has a connector at an end thereof so as to be connected to an external device. Even in a case where the electronic cassette is inserted between a bed and a human body, the connector is designed to protrude from the human body, so that the electronic cassette during use on the bed can be easily connected to the external device (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2004-173907) 
         [0009]    In addition, disclosed is an X-ray imaging apparatus in which a cassette inserting position is provided under a top board of a bed (for example, refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2004-160263). 
         [0010]    However, in the electronic cassette disclosed in JP-A No. 2004-173907, since the electronic cassette is inserted between the bed and the to-be-tested person, the person may feel unpleasant. In addition, since the cable or the connector exists on the bed, there is a problem in that the cable or the connector may interfere with the loading of the to-be-test person on the bed or the handling of the electronic cassette by an operator. In addition, there is a problem in that the photographable portion may be limited depending on a length of the cable. 
         [0011]    In addition, in the X-ray imaging apparatus disclosed in JP-A No. 2004-160263, there is a problem in that the cassette inserting position is fixed and the photographable portion is limited. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    An object of the invention is to provide a radiographic imaging table in which a cable or a connector cannot interfere with imaging and an imaged portion is also not limited even in a case where charging or data-transmitting of a radiographic image detector in the imaging table is performed. 
         [0013]    In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of present invention provides a radiographic imaging table including: 
         [0014]    a test object mounting plate capable of allowing radiation to penetrate therethrough, on which a test object is mounted; 
         [0015]    a detector mounting plate which is disposed under the test object mounting plate to movably mount a radiographic image detector which detects radiation penetrating the test object and the test object mounting plate, and which generates an image according to the detected radiation; and 
         [0016]    a connection device which is disposed on the detector mounting plate such that it is connectable to the radiographic image detector in order to perform at least one of charging the radiographic image detector mounted on the detector mounting plate or facilitating communication between the radiographic image detector and an external device. 
         [0017]    In this manner, the charging of the radiographic image detector and the communication between the radiographic image detector and the external device can be performed in the state that the radiographic image detector remains on the radiographic imaging table. Since the connection device needed for the charging and the communication is provided to the detector mounting plate, the cable or the connector does not protrude on the test object mounting plate or from the side surface of the radiographic imaging table, and the cable or the connector cannot interfere with the imaging. In addition, the radiographic image detector can move on the substantially entire surface of the detector mounting plate to the position of the test object on the test object mounting plate, and the imaged portion is not limited. Moreover, since there is no need for inserting the radiographic image detector between the test object mounting plate and the test object, there is no load to the test object. 
         [0018]    In addition, the radiographic imaging table according to the invention may be constructed to include a tray on which the radiographic image detector movably mounted on the detector mounting plate is mounted. 
         [0019]    In addition, a tray connection member for connecting the radiographic image detector with the connection device may be provided to the tray. Accordingly, the connection device can be connected to the radiographic image detector in the state that the radiographic image detector remains mounted on the tray. 
         [0020]    In addition, the tray may be movably provided in one of long-side and short-side directions of the detector mounting plate along a pair of second tracks which are movably provided along a pair of first tracks which are provided along the other of the long-side and short-side directions of the detector mounting plate, and the tracks may be constructed with rails or grooves. Accordingly, the movement of the radiographic image detector mounted on the tray can be more easily performed. 
         [0021]    In addition, the first and second tracks may be constructed with rails made of a conductive member, and the charging of the radiographic image detector or the communication between the radiographic image detector and an external device may be performed through the first and second tracks. Accordingly, the charging or communication of the radiographic image detector mounted on the tray can be performed without movement of the tray to the position of the connection device disposed in a predetermined position, so that convenience can be improved. 
         [0022]    In addition, a second aspect of the present invention provides a radiographic imaging table including: 
         [0023]    a test object mounting plate capable of allowing radiation to penetrate therethrough, on which a test object is mounted; 
         [0024]    a detector mounting plate which is disposed under the test object mounting plate to movably mount a radiographic image detector which detects radiation penetrating the test object and the test object mounting plate, and which generates an image according to the detected radiation; and 
         [0025]    a pair of first rails in one of a length or width direction of the detector mounting plate, a pair of second rails movably provided along the pair of first rails, and a tray provided so as to be capable of moving along the pair of second rails in the other of the length or width direction of the detector mounting plate, 
         [0026]    wherein the first and second rails comprise a conductive member, and 
         [0027]    charging of the radiographic image detector or communication between the radiographic image detector and an external device is performed through the first and second rails. 
         [0028]    In addition, a radiation absorbing member may be disposed on a surface of the tray. Accordingly, there is no need for providing a radiation absorbing member to the radiographic image detector. The radiographic image detector can thus be constructed with a light weight. 
         [0029]    In addition, a power supply unit may be disposed to an inner portion of the detector mounting plate or under the detector mounting plate to supply power, in a non-contact manner, to a power receiving member provided to the radiographic image detector through electromagnetic induction so as to receive a power for charging an embedded battery. Accordingly, at the time of charging, there is no need for connecting the electronic cassette to the connection device, so that convenience can be improved. 
         [0030]    In addition, a third aspect of the present invention provides a radiographic imaging table including: 
         [0031]    a test object mounting plate capable of allowing radiation to penetrate therethrough, on which a test object is mounted; 
         [0032]    a detector mounting plate which is disposed under the test object mounting plate to movably mount a radiographic image detector which detects radiation penetrating the test object and the test object mounting plate, and which generates an image according to the detected radiation; and 
         [0033]    a power supply unit which is disposed at an inner portion of the detector mounting plate or under the detector mounting plate, to supply power in a non-contact manner to a power receiving member provided to the radiographic image detector through electromagnetic induction so that the power receiving member receives a power for charging an internal battery. 
         [0034]    In addition, a radiation absorbing member may be disposed on a surface of the detector mounting plate. In a construction where the tray is not provided, by disposing the radiation absorbing member on a surface of the detector mounting plate, the radiographic image detector can be constructed with a light weight, similarly to the case where the radiation absorbing member is provided to the tray. 
         [0035]    As described above, according to the radiographic imaging table of the invention, even in a case where charging or data-transmitting of a radiographic image detector in the imaging table is performed, there is an advantage in that a cable or a connector cannot interfere with imaging and an imaged portion is also not limited. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0036]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side view illustrating a radiographic imaging table according to a first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view illustrating a connector of the radiographic imaging table according to the first exemplary embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic perspective view illustrating a radiographic imaging table according to a second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0040]      FIG. 3B  is a plan view illustrating a cassette mounting plate of the radiographic imaging table according to the second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  is a side view illustrating a tray of the radiographic imaging table according to the second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view illustrating a tray connection member of the radiographic imaging table according to the second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6A  is a plan view illustrating a cassette mounting plate of a radiographic imaging table according to a modified example of the second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6B  is a side view illustrating a tray of the radiographic imaging table according to the modified example of the second exemplary embodiment; 
           [0045]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic side view illustrating a radiographic imaging table according to a third exemplary embodiment; 
           [0046]      FIG. 7B  is a plan view illustrating a cassette mounting plate of the radiographic imaging table according to the third exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 8  is a side view illustrating a power transmitting coil of a radiographic imaging table according to a fourth exemplary embodiment; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0049]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , in a radiographic imaging table  10  according to a first exemplary embodiment, at the time of radiographic imaging, a test object  19  is loaded on a top board  12  described later. When radiographic imaging is commanded, a radiation generating unit  18  which generates a radiation such as an X-ray emits the radiation with a radiation amount according to predetermined imaging conditions. The radiation emitted from the radiation generating unit  18  penetrates the test object  19  positioned at an imaging position. The radiation containing image information penetrates the top board  12  to be irradiated on a portable radiographic image detecting device (hereinafter, referred to as an “electronic cassette”)  20  mounted on a cassette mounting plate  14  described later. Accordingly, in the electronic cassette  20 , the radiographic image is detected. 
         [0050]    As the electronic cassette  20 , a direct-conversion electronic cassette in which the radiation is directly converted to charges by using a radiation-charge conversion material such as amorphous selenium and an indirect-conversion electronic cassette in which the radiation is indirectly converted to charges by performing a radiation-photon conversion by using a fluorescent material such as gadolinium oxysulfide (GOS) or cesium iodide (CsI) and performing a photon-charge conversion by using a photoelectric conversion device such as a photodiode may be used. 
         [0051]    The radiographic imaging table  10  includes the top board  12  capable of penetrating the radiation, on which the test object  19  is loaded, the cassette mounting plate  14  which is disposed under the top board  12  to mount the electronic cassette  20  thereon, and a connector  16  which is disposed on the cassette mounting plate  14 , so that connection for charging of the electronic cassette  20  and transmitting of data can be provided. The top board  12  and the cassette mounting plate  14  have substantially the same shape. The radiographic imaging table  10  has a two-layer structure in which the cassette mounting plate  14  serves as the bottom layer and the top board  12  as the top layer. 
         [0052]    The top board  12  is made of a material capable of penetrating a radiation and having a strength so that the test object  19  can be loaded. As the top board  12 , for example, an acryl board, a carbon board, wood, or a combination thereof can be used. 
         [0053]    In the cassette mounting plate  14 , substantially the entire surface thereof is used for a region on which the electronic cassette  20  can be mounted, and the electronic cassette  20  can be disposed at a position corresponding to the position of the test object  19  loaded on the top board  12 . In addition, a lead plate as a radiation absorbing member may be disposed on a surface of the cassette mounting plate  14 , so that a back scattered radiation in the electronic cassette  20  can be absorbed. In this manner, since the lead plate is disposed on the surface of the cassette mounting plate  14 , a lead plate provided to the electronic cassette  20  can be omitted. Therefore, the electronic cassette  20  can be constructed with a light weight. 
         [0054]    Preferably, a gap between the top board  12  and the cassette mounting plate  14  is as short as possible. As the gap between the top board  12  and the cassette mounting plate  14  is increased, the distance between the test object  19  and the electronic cassette  20  is also increased, and thus, magnification imaging may be unintentionally performed. In terms of the handling of the electronic cassette  20 , there is a need for providing a suitable empty gap. In case of outputting or displaying a captured image, image processing for obtaining an equally-magnified image by taking a reciprocal number of a magnification ratio corresponding to the gap between the top board  12  and the cassette mounting plate  14  may be performed. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the connector  16  is disposed at a portion (for example, a corner) of the cassette mounting plate  14 . The connector  16  is connected through a cable to an AC power supply and an external device, that is, a console so as to be connected to a cassette connection member  22  provided to the electronic cassette  20 . Accordingly, the electronic cassette  20  can be connected to the AC power supply and the console. 
         [0056]    Next, operations of the radiographic imaging table  10  according to the first exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0057]    At the time of imaging, the test object  19  is loaded on the top board  12 . An operator mounts the electronic cassette  20  on the cassette mounting plate  14 . While checking the loaded position of the test object  19  on the top board  12 , the operator moves the electronic cassette  20  to a corresponding position on the cassette mounting plate  14 . Alternatively, before the test object  19  is loaded on the top board  12 , the electronic cassette  20  may be mounted on the cassette mounting plate  14  in advance. 
         [0058]    When the imaging is ended, the operator moves the electronic cassette  20  on the cassette mounting plate  14  to the position where the connector  16  is disposed, so that the cassette connection member  22  is connected to the connector  16 . Since the connector  16  is connected through a cable to the AC power supply, power is supplied from the AC power supply, so that the battery embedded in the electronic cassette  20  is charged with power as much as consumed power. In addition, since the connector  16  is connected through a cable to the console, in response to an operator&#39;s command of transmitting image data, the image data stored in a memory provided in the electronic cassette  20  is transmitted to the console. 
         [0059]    In addition, the console is connected to a radiology information system (RIS, not shown) which collectively manages radiographic image information or others handled in the department of radiology of a hospital. The RIS is connected to a hospital information system (HIS, not shown) which collectively manages medical information of a hospital. Therefore, in the console, since power that is to be consumed by the electronic cassette  20  in the next imaging can be requested, the charging with the power corresponding to the to-be-consumed power can be controlled. 
         [0060]    When the charging of the battery or the transmitting of data is ended, the cassette connection member  22  is disconnected from the connector  16 . The electronic cassette  20  remains mounted on the cassette mounting plate  14  for the next imaging. 
         [0061]    In the radiographic imaging table according to the first exemplary embodiment, since the connector for the charging or the transmitting of data is disposed to the cassette mounting plate disposed under the top board, the cable or the connector cannot interfere with the loading or unloading of the test object, that is, a patient or the operator&#39;s handling of the electronic cassette in comparison with a case where the cable or the connector is disposed on the top board or to a side portion of the bed. In addition, since the electronic cassette can be mounted on any position of the cassette mounting plate, the imaged portion is not limited and there is no pulling of the cable. In addition, since the inserting of the electronic cassette between the top board and the test object is unnecessary, the load to the test object can be lowered. 
         [0062]    Next, a radiographic imaging table according to a second exemplary embodiment will be described. The same elements as those of the radiographic imaging table  10  according to the first exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. 
         [0063]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , a radiographic imaging table  210  according to the second exemplary embodiment has the same construction as that of the radiographic imaging table  10  according to the first exemplary embodiment in that a top board  12  and a cassette mounting plate  214  constitute a two-layer structure. However, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , there is a difference in that a tray  30  for mounting the electronic cassette  20  thereon is disposed on the cassette mounting plate  214  and long-side-direction and short-side-direction rails  32  and  34  for moving the tray  30  on the cassette mounting plate  214  are disposed. 
         [0064]    The long-side-direction rail  32  has a shape of a bar having a circular cross section and a length substantially the same as the long-side length of the cassette mounting plate  214 . The long-side-direction rail  32  is fixed to a long-side-direction end region of the cassette mounting plate  214 . The short-side-direction rail  34  is disposed through a first slider  36  (described later) on the long-side-direction rail  32 . 
         [0065]    The short-side-direction rail  34  has a shape of a bar having a circular cross section and a length substantially the same as the short-side length of the cassette mounting plate  214 . The short-side-direction rail  34  is constructed with a pair of short-side-direction rails that are disposed in parallel to the short-side direction of the cassette mounting plate  214  and separated from each other by a distance corresponding to a width of the tray  30  described later. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first sliders  36  are fixed to portions of the short-side-direction rails  34 , where the short-side-direction rails  34  and the long-side-direction rails  32  are in contact with each other. The first slider  36  has a semi-cylindrical shape, and an inner diameter portion thereof has a shape coincident with a circumferential surface of the long-side-direction rail  32 . The first slider  36  is superposed on the long-side-direction rail  32 , so that the short-side-direction rail  34  fixed to the first slider  36  can be slid along the long-side-direction rail  32 . In addition, stoppers (not shown) are provided to the ends of the long-side-direction rail  32  so as to limit the sliding of the short-side-direction rail  34 . 
         [0067]    The tray  30  on which the electronic cassette  20  can be mounted is disposed on the short-side-direction rails  34  through second sliders  38 . The second sliders  38  are fixed to portions of the lower surface of the tray  30 , where the short-side-direction rails  34  are in contact with the tray  30 . The second slider  38  has a semi-cylindrical shape, and an inner diameter portion thereof has a shape coincident with a circumferential surface of the short-side-direction rail  34 . The second slider  38  is superposed on the short-side-direction rail  34 , so that the tray  30  fixed to the second slider  38  can be slid along the short-side-direction rail  34 . In addition, stoppers (not shown) are provided to the ends of the short-side-direction rail  34  so as to limit the sliding of the tray  30 . 
         [0068]    In addition, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a tray connection member  40  is provided to a portion (for example, a corner) of the tray  30 . The cassette connection member  22  is inserted into the tray connection member  40 . An inner side of the tray connection member  40  can be connected to the cassette connection member  22  of the electronic cassette  20 , and an outer side of the tray connection member  40  can be connected to a connector  216  provided to the cassette mounting plate  14 . In addition, the connector  216  is connected through a cable to the AC power supply and the console. Accordingly, in the state that the cassette connection member  22  is connected to the tray connection member  40 , the tray connection member  40  is connected to the connector  216 , so that the electronic cassette  20  can be connected to the AC power supply and the console. 
         [0069]    In addition, a lead plate as a radiation absorbing member is attached on an inner surface of the tray  30  on which the electronic cassette  20  is mounted, so that backward scattered radiation in the electronic cassette  20  can be absorbed. In this manner, since the lead plate is disposed on the inner surface of the tray  30 , a lead plate provided to the electronic cassette  20  can be omitted. Therefore, the electronic cassette  20  can be constructed with a light weight. In addition, similarly to the radiographic imaging table according to the first exemplary embodiment, it is possible to reduce production costs in comparison with a case where a lead plate is disposed on the entire surface of the cassette mounting plate. 
         [0070]    Next, operations of the radiographic imaging table  210  according to the second exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0071]    At the time of imaging, the test object  19  is loaded on the top board  12 . An operator mounts the electronic cassette  20  on the tray  30 . While checking the loaded position of the test object  19  on the top board  12 , the operator moves the tray  30  on which the electronic cassette  20  is mounted, to a corresponding position on the cassette mounting plate  214 . At this time, the movement on the cassette mounting plate  214  in the short-side direction is performed by sliding the tray  30  along the short-side-direction rails  34 . The movement on the cassette mounting plate  214  in the long-side direction is performed by sliding the short-side-direction rails  34  to which the tray  30  is fixed, along the long-side-direction rails  32 . 
         [0072]    Alternatively, before the test object  19  is loaded on the top board  12 , the electronic cassette  20  may be mounted on the tray  30  in advance. In addition, the electronic cassette  20  may be mounted on the tray  30  so that the cassette connection member  22  is connected to the tray connection member  40 . 
         [0073]    When the imaging is ended, the operator moves the tray  30  on which the electronic cassette  20  is mounted, to the position where the connector  216  is disposed. In this step, if the cassette connection member  22  and the tray connection member  40  are not in the connected state, the cassette connection member  22  is first connected to the tray connection member  40 , after which the tray connection member  40  is connected to the connector  216 . Since the connector  216  is connected through a cable to the AC power supply, power is supplied from the AC power supply, so that the battery embedded in the electronic cassette  20  is charged through the tray connection member  40  with power as much as consumed power. In addition, since the connector  216  is connected through a cable to the console, in response to an operator&#39;s command of transmitting image data, the image data stored in a memory provided in the electronic cassette  20  is transmitted through the tray connection member  40  to the console. 
         [0074]    When the charging of the battery or the transmitting of data is ended, the tray connection member  40  is disconnected from the connector  216 . The electronic cassette  20  remains mounted on the tray  30  for the next imaging. 
         [0075]    In addition, the console is connected to a radiology information system (RIS, not shown) which collectively manages radiographic image information or others handled in the department of radiology of a hospital. The RIS is connected to a hospital information system (HIS, not shown) which collectively manages medical information of a hospital. Therefore, in the console, since power that is to be consumed by the electronic cassette  20  in the next imaging can be requested, the charging with the power corresponding to the to-be-consumed power can be controlled. 
         [0076]    In the radiographic imaging table according to the second exemplary embodiment, since the tray is moved along the long-side-direction rails and the short-side-direction rails, the electronic cassette mounted on the tray can be moved. In addition, since the tray connection member for connecting the cassette connection member with the connector is provided to the tray, in the state that the electronic cassette is mounted on the tray, the electronic cassette can be connected to the connector. In addition, the electronic cassette can be easily handled. 
         [0077]    In addition, in the second exemplary embodiment, the long-side-direction rails and the short-side-direction rails are formed to have a shape of a bar having a circular cross-section, but the invention is not limited thereto. The rails may be formed to have a shape of a bar having a square or triangular cross-section. In this case, the first and second sliders are formed to have a shape coincident with the shape of the cross-section of the rail. 
         [0078]    In addition, in the second exemplary embodiment, the construction where the long-side-direction rails are fixed to the cassette mounting plate has been described. However, alternatively, the short-side-direction rails are fixed to the short-side end region of the cassette mounting plate, and the long-side-direction rails are disposed through the first sliders on the short-side-direction rails. In this case, the electronic cassette can be moved in the long-side direction by sliding the tray along the long-side-direction rails, and the electronic cassette can be moved in the short-side direction by moving the long-side-direction rails to which the tray is fixed, along the short-side-direction rails. 
         [0079]    In addition, an image processing circuit board having a correction processing function or an image processing function for the radiographic image of the test object  19  imaged with the electronic cassette  20  is provided to the tray  30 , so that there is no need for providing the functions to the inner portion of the electronic cassette. In this case, since only the function of capturing a radiographic image is provided to the electronic cassette  20 , a small-sized, light-weight electronic cassette can be implemented. 
         [0080]    Next, a modified example of the second exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0081]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , in a radiographic imaging table  2210  according to the modified example of the second exemplary embodiment, instead of rails, grooves are formed as tracks for moving a tray  230 . 
         [0082]    Long-side-direction grooves  232  having a length substantially the same as the long-side length of a cassette mounting plate  2214  are formed in long-side-direction end regions of the cassette mounting plate  2214 . 
         [0083]    In addition, a short-side-direction plate  233  having a length substantially the same as the short-side length of the cassette mounting plate  2214  and a width capable of mounting the tray  30  is disposed on the cassette mounting plate  2214 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , on a lower surface of the short-side-direction plate  233 , first sliders  236  are disposed at positions corresponding to the long-side-direction grooves  232 . Each of the first sliders  236  may be constructed with a cylindrical skid (roller). By sliding the skids in the long-side-direction grooves  232 , the short-side-direction plate  233  can be slid along the long-side-direction grooves  232 . 
         [0084]    In addition, short-side-direction grooves  234  having a length substantially the same as the short-side length of the cassette mounting plate  2214  (that is, a length substantially the same as the long-side length of the short-side-direction plate  233 ) are formed in end regions of the short-side-direction plate  232  corresponding to the short-side direction of the cassette mounting plate  2214 . In the tray  30 , second sliders  238  are disposed at positions corresponding to the short-side-direction grooves  234 . Each of the second sliders  238  may be constructed with a cylindrical skid. By sliding the skids in the short-side-direction grooves  234 , the tray  230  can be slid along the short-side-direction grooves  234 . 
         [0085]    Accordingly, in the modified example, the electronic cassette can also be easily handled. 
         [0086]    Next, a radiographic imaging table according to a third exemplary embodiment will be described. The same elements as those of the radiographic imaging table according to the second exemplary embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. 
         [0087]    As shown in  FIG. 7 , a radiographic imaging table  310  according to the third exemplary embodiment has the same construction as that of the radiographic imaging table  210  according to the second exemplary embodiment in that the top board  12  and the cassette mounting plate  214  constitute a two-layer structure and a tray  330 , long-side-direction rails  332  and short-side-direction rails  334  are disposed on the cassette mounting plate  214 . However, there is a difference in that the long-side-direction rails  332  and the short-side-direction rails  334  are also used as a power supply line and a data line. 
         [0088]    First sliders (not shown) and second sliders (not shown) corresponding to the long-side-direction rails  332  and short-side-direction rails  334   a  and  334   b  and a tray connection member  340  are constructed with a conductive material. The second slider is fixed to a position which is in contact with the tray connection member  340  of the tray  330 . In addition, on a lower surface of the cassette mounting plate  214 , a power supply unit  50  connected to the AC power supply is disposed. The power supply unit  50  and the long-side-direction rails are connected to each other through wire lines. 
         [0089]    When the tray connection member  340  and the cassette connection member  22  are connected to each other, power from the power supply unit  50  is supplied to the electronic cassette  20  through the long-side-direction rails  332 , the first slider, the short-side-direction rail  334   b,  the second slider, and the tray connection member  340 . 
         [0090]    Next, operations of the radiographic imaging table  310  according to the third exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0091]    At the time of imaging, the test object  19  is loaded on the top board  12 . An operator mounts the electronic cassette  20  on the tray  330 . At this time, the cassette connection member  22  and the tray connection member  340  are not connected to each other. While checking the loaded position of the test object  19  on the top board  12 , the operator moves the tray  330  on which the electronic cassette  20  is mounted, to a corresponding position on the cassette mounting plate  214 . At this time, the movement on the cassette mounting plate  214  in the short-side direction is performed by sliding the tray  330  along the shot-side-direction rails  334 . The movement on the cassette mounting plate  214  in the long-side direction is performed by sliding the short-side-direction rails  334  to which the tray  330  is fixed, along the long-side-direction rails  332 . 
         [0092]    When the imaging is ended, the tray  330  remains in the position, or the tray  330  is moved to a position where the operator can easily handle it. In this state, the cassette connection member  22  is connected to the tray connection member  340 . As a result, power corresponding to the consumed power is supplied from the power supply unit  50  through the long-side-direction rail  332 , the first slider, the short-side-direction rail  334   b , the second slider, and the tray connection member  340 . 
         [0093]    In addition, when the long-side-direction rail  332  is connected not to the power supply unit  50  but to the console, the cassette connection member  22  is connected to the tray connection member  340 , so that the image data stored in the memory included in the electronic cassette  20  can be transmitted through the tray connection member  40  to the console. 
         [0094]    When the charging of the battery or the transmitting of data is ended, the cassette connection member  22  is disconnected from the tray connection member  40 . The electronic cassette  20  remains mounted on the tray  330  for the next imaging. 
         [0095]    In addition, the console is connected to a radiology information system (RIS, not shown) which collectively manages radiographic image information or others handled in the department of radiology of a hospital. The RIS is connected to a hospital information system (HIS, not shown) which collectively manages medical information of a hospital. Therefore, in the console, since power that is to be consumed by the electronic cassette  20  in the next imaging can be requested, the charging with the power corresponding to the to-be-consumed power can be controlled. 
         [0096]    In the radiographic imaging table according to the third exemplary embodiment, the charging of the electronic cassette and the transmitting of data can be performed without movement of the tray to the position of the connector disposed to a predetermined position, so that convenience can be improved. 
         [0097]    In addition, in the third exemplary embodiment, the short-side-direction rail  334   b  is constructed with a conductive material. This construction is provided in order to simplify a connection mechanism between the tray connection member  340 , the second slider, and the short-side-direction rails, by taking into consideration the construction where the tray connection member  340  is provided to the short-side-direction rail  334   b . Alternatively, the short-side-direction rail  334   a  may be constructed with a conductive material, and a wire line between the tray connection member  340  and the second slider may be disposed on a rear surface of the tray  330 . 
         [0098]    In addition, since the charging of the electronic cassette and the communication with an external device can be performed through the rails, there is no need for providing the connector that is provided in the first and second exemplary embodiments. However, the connector may also be provided so that the charging and communication through the rails as well as the charging and communication through connection of the tray to the connector can be performed. Due to the construction, various types of electronic cassettes can be adaptively implemented. 
         [0099]    Next, a radiographic imaging table according to a fourth exemplary embodiment will be described. The same elements as those of the radiographic imaging table according to the first to third exemplary embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. 
         [0100]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , in a radiographic imaging table  410  according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, a power transmitting coil  60  functioning as a primary coil for charging a battery of an electronic cassette in a non-contact manner is disposed in an inner portion of a cassette mounting plate  414 . The power transmitting coil  60  is connected to an AC power supply. In addition, the power transmitting coil  60  may be disposed on a lower surface of the cassette mounting plate  414  instead of an inner portion of the cassette mounting plate  414 . 
         [0101]    An electronic cassette  420  is provided with a power receiving coil  24  functioning as a secondary coil, a charging circuit  26  for rectifying an electromotive force generated in the power receiving coil  24 , and a battery  28 . 
         [0102]    Next, operations of the radiographic imaging table  410  according to the fourth exemplary embodiment will be described. 
         [0103]    At the time of imaging, the test object  19  is loaded on the top board  12 . An operator mounts the electronic cassette  420  on a tray  430 . While checking the loaded position of the test object  19  on the top board  12 , the operator moves the tray  430  on which the electronic cassette  420  is mounted, to a corresponding position on the cassette mounting plate  414 . At this time, the movement on the cassette mounting plate  414  in the short-side direction is performed by sliding the tray  430  along the short-side-direction rails  34 . The movement on the cassette mounting plate  414  in the long-side direction is performed by sliding the short-side-direction rails  34  to which the tray  430  is fixed, along the long-side-direction rails  32 . 
         [0104]    When the imaging is ended, the tray  430  is moved to a charging position where the power transmitting coil  60  is disposed. Magnetic field is generated from the power transmitting coil  60  applied with the AC power due to electromagnetic induction. The electromotive force induced to the power receiving coil  24  by the magnetic field is rectified by the charging circuit  26 , and the battery  28  is charged. When the charging of the battery  28  is ended, the tray  430  is moved from the charging position. 
         [0105]    In this manner, in the radiographic imaging table according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, since the battery of the electronic cassette can be charged in a non-contact manner, there is no need for connecting the battery to the connector at the time of charging. Accordingly, convenience can be improved. 
         [0106]    In addition, in the fourth exemplary embodiment, since the charging of the electronic cassette can be performed in a non-contact manner, there is no need for connection to the connector according to the first and second exemplary embodiments. However, a connector may be provided so as to perform communication with an external device or to perform the non-contact charging as well as the charging using a wire line connected to the connector. Due to the connector, various types of electronic cassettes can be adaptively implemented.