Patent Description:
A dental X-ray panorama imaging device has been conventionally known (see Patent Literature <NUM>). In conventional digital panorama imaging and CT imaging, in each imaging operation, patient information is retrieved in an information terminal, imaging conditions and the like are determined on the information terminal, and then a patient is introduced to perform the imaging. Accordingly, X-ray image information and the patient information can be easily associated with the imaging conditions and dose management can be easily performed.

An X-ray dose management system is known from Patent Literature <NUM>.

However, in intraoral X-ray imaging in which an X-ray imaging element is arranged in the oral cavity of a patient, imaging is performed by setting the imaging conditions on the intraoral X-ray imaging device side and obtaining the X-ray image information with the X-ray imaging element. After the imaging, an information terminal separate from the intraoral X-ray imaging device obtains X-ray image information recorded in the X-ray imaging element. This X-ray image information does not include the imaging conditions and the like. Accordingly, the X-ray image information, the patient information, the imaging conditions, and the like are not associated with one another. If the association is necessary, a dentist or the like has to input the imaging conditions and the like into the patient information by himself/herself.

The present invention has been made in view of the aforementioned circumstances and an object is to provide an X-ray dose management system and an X-ray dose management method that manage exposed dose of each patient in intraoral X-ray imaging.

To solve the above-described problem, an X-ray dose management system according to the present invention includes: an intraoral X-ray imaging device; an X-ray imaging element; an information reading device; and an information terminal, in which the intraoral X-ray imaging device includes: an imaging condition setter that is used to set an imaging condition for performing intraoral X-ray imaging; an output information creator that creates output information including identification information of imaging time and date, dose information, and the imaging condition; and an information communicator that sends the output information to an external device by wireless communication, the X-ray imaging element includes: an X-ray image information obtainer that obtains X-ray image information acquired by X-ray imaging; and a wireless tag that receives the output information from the intraoral X-ray imaging device, the information reading device includes: an output information reader that reads the output information recorded in the wireless tag; and an information communicator that sends the read output information to the information terminal, and the information terminal includes: a patient information retriever that retrieves patient information on a patient subjected to X-ray imaging from an internal storage or an external database in which the patient information is stored; a communicator that receives the output information; and an output information processor that records the received output information and the patient information retrieved by the patient information retriever in association with each other in the internal storage or the external database.

The present invention can manage exposed dose of each patient in intraoral X-ray imaging.

As shown in <FIG>, an X-ray dose management system <NUM> includes an intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> (hereinafter, also referred to as dental radiograph device <NUM>), an X-ray imaging element <NUM>, an information reading device <NUM>, and an information terminal <NUM>.

The intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> includes an X-ray tube <NUM>, an imaging condition setter <NUM> that is a controller, an output information creator <NUM>, and an information communicator <NUM>. The X-ray tube <NUM> is a general configuration member used for X-ray imaging. The imaging condition setter <NUM> receives setting of imaging conditions for performing intraoral X-ray imaging. The imaging conditions include, for example, output voltage (kV), output current (mA), imaging time (sec), and the like.

The output information creator <NUM> creates output information including identification information of imaging time and date, dose information, and the imaging conditions. The output information creator <NUM> creates the output information in which predetermined necessary matters are written in a predetermined format such as a table format. In this case, the imaging time and date includes, for example, hour, minute, and second of the imaging date. Moreover, the dose information includes an amount (Sievert) of radiation in dental X-ray imaging in dental therapy. Note that a method of imaging with <NUM> standard films (<NUM>-film method), a method of imaging with <NUM> standard films (<NUM>-film method), and the like are known. For example, in the <NUM>-film method, the amount of radiation for <NUM> dental X-ray images may be set as the dose information. The output information may also include imaged portion information relating to imaged portions. For example, information on positions specified in advance in a standard imaging method such as the <NUM>-film method can be used as the imaged portion information.

The information communicator <NUM> sends the output information to a wireless tag <NUM> that is an external device by wireless communication. The information communicator <NUM> writes the output information in the wireless tag <NUM>.

The wireless tag <NUM> is a contactless tag, for example, a RF tag, a microchip, or the like that uses RFID (radio frequency identification). Description is given below assuming that the wireless tag <NUM> is a tag that uses RFID as an example. In this case, the information communicator <NUM> includes a RFID reader-writer.

A general X-ray imaging element used for X-ray imaging in a general intraoral X-ray imaging device can be used as the X-ray imaging element <NUM>. The X-ray imaging element <NUM> is, for example, an X-ray film, an imaging plate (hereinafter, referred to as IP), a CCD (charge coupled device) sensor, a CMOS (complementary MOS) sensor, or the like.

The X-ray imaging element <NUM> includes an X-ray image information obtainer <NUM> and the wireless tag <NUM>. The X-ray image information obtainer <NUM> is a member that obtains X-ray image information acquired by X-ray imaging. The wireless tag <NUM> is attached at a predetermined position of the X-ray imaging element <NUM> such as a back surface where it does not affect the X-ray imaging, and receives the output information from the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM>.

The information reading device <NUM> is a device that reads the output information from the wireless tag <NUM>. The information reading device <NUM> includes an output information reader <NUM> and an information communicator <NUM>. The output information reader <NUM> is a unit that reads the output information recorded in the wireless tag <NUM>. When the wireless tag <NUM> is a tag that uses RFID, the output information reader <NUM> includes a RFID reader-writer. The information communicator <NUM> is a unit that sends the output information read by the output information reader <NUM> to the information terminal <NUM>. Communication between the information communicator <NUM> and the information terminal <NUM> may be wired or wireless communication.

The information terminal <NUM> includes a patient information storage (internal storage) <NUM>, a patient information retriever <NUM>, a communicator <NUM>, and an output information processor <NUM>. The information terminal <NUM> can be formed of, for example, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, or a smartphone.

The patient information storage (internal storage) <NUM> stores patient information and is formed of, for example, a general memory and the like. The patient information is general information on a patient subjected to X-ray imaging and includes, for example, personal information identifying the patient, therapy information, dose information, and the like. The dose information includes, for example, information on accumulated dose over the last one year.

Note that the patient information may be stored in an external database <NUM> outside the information terminal <NUM>, instead of the internal storage. The external database <NUM> may be a database built in a network device such as a receipt computer or a PC in a dental clinic or a database built in a network device such as cloud.

The patient information retriever <NUM> is a unit that manually or automatically retrieves the patient information from the patient information storage <NUM> or the external database <NUM> in which the patient information is stored. When the patient information is to be manually retrieved, for example, an operator operates the information terminal <NUM> and causes the patient information retriever <NUM> to read the patient information on the patient subjected to X-ray imaging and display the patient information on a screen display unit of the information terminal <NUM>. Alternatively, the patient information may be automatically retrieved from the external database <NUM> in which the patient information is stored and displayed without intentional retrieval by the operator by using occurrence a predetermined event as a trigger. For example, coming of predetermined time such as appointment time of the patient may be used as a trigger. Moreover, execution of a predetermined operation such as an operation of reading information from a registration card of the patient at reception may be used as a trigger. Moreover, the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> may be provided with a camera that captures an image of the patient's face. When an image of the face of the patient is captured with this camera and the patient is identified by facial recognition performed on the captured image, this identification may be used as a trigger. Description is given below assuming that the operator operates the information terminal <NUM> to cause the patient information retriever <NUM> to display the patient information on the screen display unit of the information terminal <NUM> as an example.

The communicator <NUM> is a general communication function of the information terminal <NUM> that is communication with an information communication network. The communicator <NUM> receives the output information from the information reading device <NUM> by wireless or wired communication. The output information processor <NUM> records the received output information and the patient information retrieved by the patient information retriever <NUM> in association with each other in the patient information storage <NUM> or the external database <NUM>.

The information terminal <NUM> may include an image information processor <NUM> that performs control of reading the X-ray image information in the information terminal <NUM> and displaying it on an image display unit of the information terminal <NUM> and control of recording the X-ray image information. When the output information includes the imaged portion information on the imaged portions as described above, the image information processor <NUM> arranges and displays captured images at predetermined positions based on the imaged portion information. When the output information includes no imaged portion information, the information terminal <NUM> may assume the imaged portions by performing image processing on the captured images and arrange the captured images at predetermined positions based on the assumed imaged portions.

The X-ray dose management system <NUM> includes an X-ray image reading device <NUM> when the X-ray imaging element <NUM> is, for example, the IP. The X-ray image reading device <NUM> includes an X-ray image information reader <NUM> and an information communicator <NUM>. The X-ray image information reader <NUM> is a unit that reads (scans) the X-ray image information from the IP. The information communicator <NUM> is a unit that sends the X-ray image information read from the IP to an external device. The information communicator <NUM> sends the X-ray image information to, for example, the information terminal <NUM>. The X-ray image reading device <NUM> can be formed of a so-called IP scanner.

Next, an operation of the X-ray dose management system <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG> (with reference to <FIG> as appropriate). In the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM>, the imaging condition setter <NUM> receives the setting of the imaging conditions (step S1). Then, the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> performs imaging with the X-ray imaging element <NUM> inserted in the oral cavity of the patient (step S2). The X-ray imaging element <NUM> thereby obtains the X-ray image information (step S3). Then, the X-ray imaging element <NUM> is taken out from the oral cavity of the patient.

Next, the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> creates the output information including the identification information of the imaging time and date, the dose information, and the imaging conditions (step S5). Then, the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> sends the output information from the information communicator <NUM> to the wireless tag <NUM> provided in the X-ray imaging element <NUM> (step S7). The wireless tag <NUM> receives the output information from the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> (step S9).

Meanwhile, the operator operates the information terminal <NUM> to retrieve the patient information on the patient subjected to X-ray imaging from the patient information storage <NUM> or the external database <NUM> in which the patient information is stored, in the information terminal <NUM> (step S11). Moreover, the operator brings the X-ray imaging element <NUM> with the wireless tag <NUM> close to the information reading device <NUM>. The information reading device <NUM> reads the output information recorded in the wireless tag <NUM> (step S13). Then, the information reading device <NUM> sends the read output information to the information terminal <NUM> (step S15). The information terminal <NUM> receives the output information from the information reading device <NUM> (step S17). Then, the information terminal <NUM> records the received output information and the patient information retrieved by the patient information retriever <NUM> in association with each other in the patient information storage <NUM> or the external database <NUM> (step S19).

As shown in a left portion of <FIG>, the aforementioned output information is transmitted in the order of the dental radiograph device (intraoral X-ray imaging device) <NUM> to the wireless tag <NUM>, to the information reading device <NUM>, and to the information terminal <NUM>. Meanwhile, as shown in a right portion of <FIG>, the image information is transmitted in the order of the dental radiograph device (intraoral X-ray imaging device) <NUM> to the X-ray imaging element <NUM>, to the X-ray image reading device <NUM>, and to the information terminal <NUM> when the X-ray imaging element <NUM> is, for example, the IP. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the X-ray image reading device <NUM> reads the X-ray image information recorded in the X-ray imaging element <NUM> (step S21). Then, the X-ray image reading device <NUM> sends the read X-ray image information to the information terminal <NUM> (step S22). The information terminal <NUM> thereby receives the X-ray image information (step S23). Note that the aforementioned process flow is an example, and the order of processes can be changed as appropriate. For example, the process of step S11 may be performed first.

The X-ray dose management system <NUM> can transmit the output information, created by determining the imaging conditions and the like and performing imaging on the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM>, to the information terminal <NUM> via the wireless tag <NUM> and the information reading device <NUM>. Accordingly, an exposed dose of each patient can be managed by associating the patient information retrieved in the information terminal <NUM> with the output information, that is the dose information, the imaging conditions, and the like in intraoral X-ray imaging.

Next, description is given of an embodiment in which the X-ray imaging element <NUM> is the IP and the information reading device <NUM> has the function of the IP scanner. Note that, in the following description of the embodiment, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different configurations are described.

As shown in <FIG>, an X-ray dose management system 1B includes the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM>, an IP 50B that is the X-ray imaging element, an information reading device 70B, and an information terminal 30B.

The IP 50B includes an X-ray image information obtainer 52B and the wireless tag <NUM>. The X-ray image information obtainer 52B is made of a phosphor layer for image recording applied onto a substrate of the IP and obtains the X-ray image information acquired by X-ray imaging. The wireless tag <NUM> is attached to a back surface of the substrate of the IP that is on the opposite side to the side where the phosphor layer is arranged.

The information reading device 70B includes the output information reader <NUM>, an information communicator 74B, and an X-ray image information reader <NUM>. The X-ray image information reader <NUM> reads the X-ray image information recorded in the IP 50B. The information communicator 74B sends the read X-ray image information to the information terminal 30B. The X-ray image information reader <NUM> and the information communicator 74B can be formed of a so-called IP scanner. Specifically, the information reading device 70B can be formed by arranging the output information reader <NUM> formed of, for example, a RFID reader-writer in a predetermined portion of a publicly known IP scanner.

The information terminal 30B includes the patient information storage (internal storage) <NUM>, the patient information retriever <NUM>, a communicator 33B, the output information processor <NUM>, and the image information processor <NUM>. The communicator 33B receives the output information and the X-ray image information from the information reading device 70B.

The image information processor <NUM> associates the output information and the X-ray image information with each other. The image information processor <NUM> records the output information and the X-ray image information in association with each other in the patient information storage <NUM> or the external database <NUM>. The X-ray image information, the patient information, and the output information including the dose information and the imaging conditions can be thereby associated with one another.

As a modified example, the information reading device 70B may include the image information processor <NUM> that associates the output information and the X-ray image information with each other. Moreover, at least one of the information reading device 70B and the information terminal 30B may include the image information processor <NUM> that associates the output information and the X-ray image information with each other.

Next, an operation of the X-ray dose management system 1B is described with reference to <FIG> (with reference to <FIG> as appropriate). Note that, in the following description, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different processes are described.

The intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> receives the setting of the imaging conditions (step S1) and performs imaging (step S2). The IP 50B obtains the X-ray image information (step S3B). Then, the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> creates the output information (step S5) and sends the output information to the wireless tag <NUM> provided in the IP 50B (step S7B). The wireless tag <NUM> provided in the IP 50B receives the output information (step S9B).

Moreover, the operator inserts the IP 50B with the wireless tag <NUM> in the information reading device 70B. The information reading device 70B reads the output information recorded in the wireless tag <NUM> (step S13). Furthermore, the information reading device 70B reads the X-ray image information recorded in the IP 50B (step S21B). Then, the information reading device 70B sends the read output information to the information terminal 30B (step S15) and sends the read X-ray image information to the information terminal 30B (step S22). The information terminal 30B thereby receives the output information (step S17) and receives the X-ray image information (step S23) from the information reading device 70B. Then, in the information terminal 30B, the image information processor <NUM> associates the received output information and the received X-ray image information with each other (step S24). Moreover, the information terminal 30B records the received output information and the patient information retrieved in step S11 in association with each other in the patient information storage <NUM> or the external database <NUM> (step S19).

As a modified example, when the information reading device 70B includes the image information processor <NUM>, the information reading device 70B may associate the read output information and the read X-ray image information with each other (step S31) and then send the output information and the X-ray image information to the information terminal 30B in step S15 and step S22. Note that step S13 and step S21B may be executed in the reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, step S15 and step <NUM> as well as step <NUM> and step S23 may be executed in reverse order or simultaneously.

As shown in a left portion of <FIG>, the aforementioned output information is transmitted in the order of the dental radiograph device (intraoral X-ray imaging device) <NUM> to the wireless tag <NUM>, to the information reading device 70B, and to the information terminal 30B. The X-ray dose management system 1B can thereby manage the exposed dose of each patient as in the first embodiment. Note that, as shown in a right portion of <FIG>, the image information is sent in the order of the dental radiograph device (intraoral X-ray imaging device) <NUM> to the IP 50B, to the information reading device 70B, and to the information terminal 30B.

Next, description is given of an embodiment in which the X-ray imaging element <NUM> is a CCD sensor. Note that, in the following description of the embodiment, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different configurations are described.

As shown in <FIG>, an X-ray dose management system 1C includes the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM>, a CCD sensor 50C that is the X-ray imaging element, the information reading device <NUM>, and an information terminal 30C.

The CCD sensor 50C includes an X-ray image information obtainer 52C, an X-ray image information communicator <NUM>, and the wireless tag <NUM>. The X-ray image information obtainer 52C includes a light receiving surface that forms an outer surface of a case of the CCD sensor, a scintillator (phosphor layer) that is arranged below the light receiving surface, an optical fiber bundle that guides light from the scintillator, and a CCD element that converts the light from the optical fiber bundle to an electric signal, and obtains the X-ray image information acquired by X-ray imaging. The wireless tag <NUM> is attached to a surface (back surface or side surface) of the case of the CCD sensor other than the light receiving surface. The X-ray image information communicator <NUM> is a unit that sends the X-ray image information to the information terminal 30C. The X-ray image information communicator <NUM> is formed of, for example, a communication cable that transmits the electric signal from the CCD element to the information terminal 30C. Note that communication of transmitting the X-ray image information to the information terminal 30C may be wired or wireless communication.

The information terminal 30C includes the patient information storage (internal storage) <NUM>, the patient information retriever <NUM>, the communicator <NUM>, the output information processor <NUM>, the image information processor <NUM>, and an X-ray image information obtainer <NUM>. The X-ray image information obtainer <NUM> is a unit that obtains the X-ray image information from the CCD sensor 50C. When the X-ray image information communicator <NUM> of the CCD sensor 50C is formed of a communication cable, the X-ray image information obtainer <NUM> is also formed of a communication cable. Note that the communication of receiving the X-ray image information may be wired or wireless communication. As a modified example of the X-ray dose management system 1C, a CMOS sensor varying in a manufacturing process and a signal reading method from the CCD sensor may be used instead of the CCD sensor 50C as the X-ray imaging element.

Next, an operation of the X-ray dose management system 1C is described with reference to <FIG> (with reference to <FIG> as appropriate). Note that, in the following description, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different processes are described.

The intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> receives the setting of the imaging conditions (step S1) and performs imaging (step S2). The CCD sensor 50C obtains the X-ray image information (step S3C) and sends the X-ray image information to the information terminal 30C (step S41). The information terminal 30C receives the X-ray image information from the CCD sensor 50C (step S42). Then, the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> creates the output information (step S5) and sends the output information to the wireless tag <NUM> provided in the CCD sensor 50C (step S7C). The wireless tag <NUM> provided in the CCD sensor 50C receives the output information (step S9C).

Moreover, the operator brings the CCD sensor 50C with the wireless tag <NUM> close to the information reading device <NUM>. The information reading device <NUM> reads the output information recorded in the wireless tag <NUM> (step S13) and sends the read output information to the information terminal 30C (step S15). The information terminal 30C thereby receives the output information from the information reading device <NUM> (step S17). Then, in the information terminal 30C, the image information processor <NUM> associates the output information received in step S17 and the X-ray image information received in step S42 with each other (step S43). Moreover, the information terminal 30C records the received output information and the patient information retrieved in step S11 in association with each other (step S19). Note that step S17 and step S42 may be executed in the reverse order.

As shown in a left portion of <FIG>, the aforementioned output information is transmitted in the order of the dental radiograph device (intraoral X-ray imaging device) <NUM> to the wireless tag <NUM>, to the information reading device <NUM>, and to the information terminal 30C. The X-ray dose management system 1C can thereby manage the exposed dose of each patient as in the first embodiment. Note that, as shown in a right portion of <FIG>, the image information is transmitted in the order of the dental radiograph device (intraoral X-ray imaging device) <NUM> to the CCD sensor 50C, and to the information terminal 30C.

Next, description is given of an embodiment capable of handling also the case where the X-ray imaging element <NUM> includes no wireless tag <NUM>. Note that, in the following description of the embodiment, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different configurations are described.

As shown in <FIG>, the X-ray dose management system 1D includes an intraoral X-ray imaging device 10D, the X-ray imaging element <NUM>, the information reading device <NUM>, and an information terminal 30D. The intraoral X-ray imaging device 10D includes the X-ray tube <NUM>, the imaging condition setter <NUM> that is the controller, the output information creator <NUM>, the information communicator <NUM>, a determiner <NUM>, and an output information communicator <NUM>.

The determiner <NUM> is a unit that determines whether the X-ray imaging element <NUM> has the wireless tag <NUM> or not. Means for detecting presence or absence of the wireless tag <NUM> is, for example, a sensor or a camera. For example, a sensor that detects presence of an object by using infrared light, ultrasonic wave, visible light, or the like can be used as the sensor. The sensor may be a photoelectric sensor that contactlessly detects presence or absence of an object. The output information communicator <NUM> sends the output information to the information terminal 30D by wireless communication when the determiner <NUM> determines that the X-ray imaging element <NUM> has no wireless tag <NUM>. A wireless communication standard includes, for example, wireless LAN (local area network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and ZigBee (registered trademark). Note that, when the X-ray imaging element <NUM> has the wireless tag <NUM>, the information communicator <NUM> operates in the same way as in the first embodiment.

The information terminal 30D includes the patient information storage (internal storage) <NUM>, the patient information retriever <NUM>, a communicator 33D, the output information processor <NUM>, and the image information processor <NUM>.

The communicator 33D receives the output information from the output information communicator <NUM> of the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10D by wireless communication.

Next, an operation of the X-ray dose management system 1D is described with reference to <FIG> (with reference to <FIG> as appropriate). The sequence diagram of <FIG> is the same as the sequence diagram of <FIG> except for the processes of steps S6 and S8. Before the sending of the output information to an external device, in the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10D, the determiner <NUM> determines whether the X-ray imaging element <NUM> has the wireless tag <NUM> or not (step S6). When the X-ray imaging element <NUM> has the wireless tag <NUM> (step S6: Yes), the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10D sends the output information to the wireless tag <NUM> (step S7). Meanwhile, when the X-ray imaging element <NUM> has no wireless tag <NUM> in step S6 (step S6: No), the output information communicator <NUM> sends the output information to the information terminal 30D by wireless communication (step S8). Since the processes of the X-ray dose management system 1D hereinafter are the same as those of the X-ray dose management system <NUM> in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Although the X-ray dose management system 1D according to the fourth embodiment is described to have the mode in which the output information is transmitted to the information terminal 30D via the wireless tag <NUM> and the mode in which the output information is transmitted directly to the information terminal 30D, the mode in which the output information is transmitted to the information terminal 30D via the wireless tag <NUM> is not essential. As embodiments in which the output information is directly transmitted from the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> to the information terminal <NUM>, X-ray dose management systems 1E, 1F, <NUM>, and <NUM> in fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth embodiments are described below with reference to <FIG>. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> schematically show outlines and information flows of the X-ray dose management systems 1E, 1F, <NUM>, and <NUM> in the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth embodiments. The embodiments are described one by one in detail.

As shown in <FIG>, the X-ray dose management system 1E includes an intraoral X-ray imaging device 10E, an X-ray imaging element 50E, and an information terminal 30E. Note that, in the following description of the embodiment, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different configurations are described. The intraoral X-ray imaging device 10E includes the X-ray tube <NUM>, the imaging condition setter <NUM> that is the controller, the output information creator <NUM>, and the output information communicator <NUM>. The output information communicator <NUM> sends the output information to the information terminal 30E that is the external device by wireless communication.

The X-ray imaging element 50E includes the X-ray image information obtainer <NUM>. The information terminal 30E includes the patient information storage (internal storage) <NUM>, the patient information retriever <NUM>, a communicator 33E, and the output information processor <NUM>. The communicator 33E receives the output information from the output information communicator <NUM> of the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10E by wireless communication.

Next, an operation of the X-ray dose management system 1E is described with reference to <FIG> (with reference to <FIG> as appropriate). Note that, in the following description, the same processes as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different processes are described.

The intraoral X-ray imaging device 10E receives the setting of the imaging conditions (step S1) and performs imaging (step S2). The X-ray imaging element 50E obtains the X-ray image information (step S3B). Then, the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10E creates the output information including the identification information of the imaging time and date, the dose information, and imaging conditions (step S5). Next, the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10E sends the output information to the information terminal 30E that is the external device by wireless communication (step S51). The information terminal 30E receives the output information from the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10E by wireless communication (step S52).

Meanwhile, the operator operates the information terminal 30E to retrieve the patient information on the patient subjected to X-ray imaging from the patient information storage <NUM> or the external database <NUM> in which the patient information is stored, in the information terminal 30E (step S11). Then, the information terminal 30E records the output information received in step S52 and the patient information retrieved in step S11 in association with each other in the patient information storage <NUM> or the external database <NUM> (step S19). The X-ray dose management system 1E can thereby manage the exposed dose of each patient as in the first embodiment.

Moreover, when the X-ray imaging element 50E is, for example, the IP, the X-ray image reading device <NUM> reads the X-ray image information recorded in the IP (X-ray imaging element 50E) (step S53). Then, the X-ray image reading device <NUM> sends the read X-ray image information to the information terminal 30E (step S54). The information terminal 30E thereby receives the X-ray image information (step S55). Moreover, in the state where the patient information is retrieved in step S11, the operator can operate the information terminal 30E to manually associate the output information received in step S52 and the X-ray image information received in step S55 with each other (step S56).

Next, description is given of an embodiment in which the identification information for identifying the imaging time and date is used by being recorded in the wireless tag <NUM> provided in the X-ray imaging element <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, an X-ray dose management system 1F includes an intraoral X-ray imaging device 10F, an IP 50F that is the X-ray imaging element, an information reading device 70F, and an information terminal 30F. Note that, in the following description of the embodiment, the same configurations as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different configurations are described.

The intraoral X-ray imaging device 10F includes the X-ray tube <NUM>, the imaging condition setter <NUM> that is the controller, the output information creator <NUM>, the output information communicator <NUM>, and an identification information communicator <NUM>. The identification information communicator <NUM> is a unit that sends the identification information of the imaging time and date of the X-ray imaging to the wireless tag <NUM> provided in the IP 50F. When the wireless tag <NUM> is a tag that uses RFID, the identification information communicator <NUM> includes a RFID reader-writer. In this case, the identification information of the imaging time and date is information for identifying a captured X-ray image and specifying the output information such as the imaging conditions of the captured X-ray image. The identification information is expressed as, for example, hour, minute, and second of the imaging date. As a modified example, the identification information may be a count value obtained by counting the number of times of imaging or the number of captured images in each imaging date.

The information reading device 70F includes the X-ray image information reader <NUM>, an identification information reader <NUM>, and the information communicator <NUM>. The X-ray image information reader <NUM> is a unit that reads the X-ray image information recorded in the IP 50F. The identification information reader <NUM> is a unit that reads the identification information of the imaging time and date recorded in the wireless tag <NUM>. When the wireless tag <NUM> is a tag that uses RFID, the identification information reader <NUM> includes a RFID reader-writer. The information communicator <NUM> sends the read X-ray image information and the read identification information of the imaging time and date to the information terminal 30F. The X-ray image information reader <NUM> and the information communicator <NUM> may be formed of a so-called IP scanner. Specifically, the information reading device 70F can be formed by arranging the identification information reader <NUM> formed of, for example, a RFID reader-writer in a predetermined portion of a publicly known IP scanner.

The information terminal 30F includes the patient information storage (internal storage) <NUM>, the patient information retriever <NUM>, a communicator 33F, the output information processor <NUM>, and the image information processor <NUM>. The communicator 33F receives the output information from the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10F and also receives the X-ray image information and the identification information of the imaging time and date from the information reading device 70F. The image information processor <NUM> matches the identification information of the imaging time and date received from the information reading device 70F against the identification information of the imaging time and date included in the output information and associates the X-ray image information identified by using the identification information received from the information reading device 70F with the output information.

Next, an operation of the X-ray dose management system 1F is described with reference to <FIG> (with reference to <FIG> as appropriate). Note that, in the following description, the same processes as those in the fifth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted and different functions and different processes are described.

In the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10F, the identification information communicator <NUM> sends the identification information of the imaging time and date to the wireless tag (step S61). The wireless tag <NUM> provided in the IP 50F receives the identification information (step S62). Then, in the information reading device 70F, the identification information reader <NUM> reads the identification information of the imaging time and date (imaging date, hour, minute, second) recorded in the wireless tag <NUM> (step S63). Moreover, in the information reading device 70F, the X-ray image information reader <NUM> reads the X-ray image information recorded in the IP 50F (step S64).

Then, in the information reading device 70F, the information communicator <NUM> sends the read X-ray image information and the read identification information of the imaging time and date to the information terminal 30F (step S65). In the information terminal 30F, the communicator 33F receives the X-ray image information and the identification information from the information reading device 70F (step S66). Then, in the information terminal 30F, the image information processor <NUM> automatically associates the output information received in step S52 and the X-ray image information received in step S66 with each other based on the identification information of the imaging time and date (step S67). Moreover, the information terminal 30F can record the output information received in step S52 and the patient information retrieved in step S11 in association with each other (step S19).

Normally, it is impossible to find out when the X-ray image information recorded in the X-ray imaging element is imaged only from the X-ray imaging element. However, since the X-ray dose management system 1F records the identification information for identifying the imaging time and date in the wireless tag <NUM> provided in the IP 50F and uses it, the received X-ray image information and the output information can be automatically associated with each other as a result of the matching in step S67.

Description is given of an embodiment in which the association of the X-ray image information and the output information is performed on the information reading device side instead of the information terminal side.

As shown in <FIG>, the X-ray dose management system <NUM> includes an intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM>, the IP 50F that is the X-ray imaging element, an information reading device <NUM>, and an information terminal <NUM>. Note that, in the following description of the embodiment, the same configurations as those in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different configurations are described.

As shown in <FIG>, the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> includes the X-ray tube <NUM>, the imaging condition setter <NUM> that is the controller, the output information creator <NUM>, an output information communicator <NUM>, and the identification information communicator <NUM>. The output information communicator <NUM> is a unit that sends the output information to the information reading device <NUM> being the external device by wireless communication. The output information communicator <NUM> sends the output information to the information reading device <NUM> by the aforementioned wireless communication.

The information reading device <NUM> includes the X-ray image information reader <NUM>, the identification information reader <NUM>, an information receiver <NUM>, the image information processor <NUM>, and the information communicator <NUM>. The information receiver <NUM> receives the output information from the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> by wireless communication. The image information processor <NUM> has the same configuration as that included in the information terminal 30F of the sixth embodiment. Specifically, the image information processor <NUM> matches the identification information of the imaging time and date read from the wireless tag <NUM> against the identification information of the imaging time and date included in the output information and associates the X-ray image information identified by using the identification information read from the wireless tag <NUM> with the output information. The information communicator <NUM> sends the read X-ray image information and the associated output information to the information terminal <NUM>.

Next, an operation of the X-ray dose management system <NUM> is described with reference to <FIG> (with reference to <FIG> as appropriate). Note that, in the following description, the same processes as those in the sixth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted and different functions and different processes are described.

In step S51, the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> sends the output information to the information reading device <NUM> that is the external device by wireless communication. In the information reading device <NUM>, the information receiver <NUM> receives the output information from the intraoral X-ray imaging device <NUM> (step S71). Then, in the information reading device <NUM>, the image information processor <NUM> automatically associates the output information received in step S71 and the X-ray image information read in step S64 with each other based on the identification information of the imaging time and date (step S72).

Then, the information communicator <NUM> of the information reading device <NUM> sends the read X-ray image information and the received output information to the information terminal <NUM> (step S73). In the information terminal <NUM>, the communicator <NUM> receives the X-ray image information and the output information from the information reading device <NUM> (step S74). The information terminal <NUM> can thereby record the output information received in step S74 and the patient information retrieved in step S11 in association with each other (step S19).

Next, description is given of an embodiment in which a CCD sensor is used as the X-ray imaging element and no wireless tag is used.

As shown in <FIG>, the X-ray dose management system <NUM> includes the intraoral X-ray imaging device 10E, a CCD sensor <NUM> that is the X-ray imaging element, and an information terminal <NUM>. Note that, in the description of the following embodiment, the same configurations as those in the third, fifth, and sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals with description thereof omitted as appropriate and different functions and different configurations are described.

The CCD sensor <NUM> includes the X-ray image information obtainer 52C and the X-ray image information communicator <NUM> and is different from the CCD sensor 50C in the third embodiment in that the CCD sensor <NUM> includes no wireless tag <NUM>. The information terminal <NUM> includes the patient information storage (internal storage) <NUM>, the patient information retriever <NUM>, a communicator <NUM>, the output information processor <NUM>, the X-ray image information obtainer <NUM>, and the image information processor <NUM>. The X-ray image information obtainer <NUM> obtains the X-ray image information from the CCD sensor <NUM>. The image information processor <NUM> associates the output information received by the communicator <NUM> and the X-ray image information obtained by the X-ray image information obtainer <NUM> with each other based on the identification information of the imaging time and date included in the output information.

Claim 1:
An X-ray dose management system comprising:
an intraoral X-ray imaging device (<NUM>);
an X-ray imaging element (<NUM>);
an information reading device (<NUM>); and
an information terminal (<NUM>), wherein
the intraoral X-ray imaging device includes:
an imaging condition setter that is used to set an imaging condition for performing intraoral X-ray imaging;
an output information creator that creates output information including identification information of imaging time and date, dose information, and the imaging condition; and
an information communicator that sends the output information to an external device by wireless communication,
the X-ray imaging element includes:
an X-ray image information obtainer that obtains X-ray image information acquired by X-ray imaging; and
a wireless tag that receives the output information from the intraoral X-ray imaging device,
the information reading device includes:
an output information reader that reads the output information recorded in the wireless tag; and
an information communicator that sends the read output information to the information terminal, and
the information terminal includes:
a patient information retriever that retrieves patient information on a patient subjected to X-ray imaging from an internal storage or an external database in which the patient information is stored;
a communicator that receives the output information; and
an output information processor that records the received output information and the patient information retrieved by the patient information retriever in association with each other in the internal storage or the external database.