JP2011177450A - Radiography system, radiography device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a radiography system, a radiography device, and a program, which are capable of imaging radiation images without taking synchronization between a radiation source and the radiography device. <P>SOLUTION: By a CPU 104 provided at a console 42, when the presence of a subject is detected by a human detection part 140A or a human detection part 140B for detecting whether the subject is present in an imaged area of the radiation image by an electronic cassette 32, control is performed so as to start the storage of electric charges by the radiation detector 60 of the electronic cassette 32. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a radiographic image capturing system, a radiographic image capturing apparatus, and a program, and more particularly, a radiographic image capturing system and a radiographic image for capturing a radiographic image indicated by radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject. The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus and a program.

  In recent years, radiation detectors such as flat panel detectors (FPDs) that can arrange radiation sensitive layers on TFT (Thin Film Transistor) active matrix substrates and convert radiation directly into digital data have been put into practical use. A portable radiographic image capturing apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “electronic cassette”) that captures a radiographic image represented by radiation irradiated by using a laser beam has been put into practical use. The radiation detectors used in the above-mentioned electronic cassettes include, as a method for converting radiation, an indirect conversion method in which radiation is converted into light by a scintillator and then converted into electric charges in a semiconductor layer such as a photodiode, or radiation is converted into amorphous selenium. There are direct conversion systems that convert charges into semiconductor layers, etc., and there are various materials that can be used for the semiconductor layer in each system.

  By the way, when taking a radiographic image with a radiographic imaging apparatus including the electronic cassette as described above, it is necessary to take a radiographic image in synchronization with the timing when the radiation is emitted from the radiation source. Therefore, it is necessary to electrically connect the radiation source and the radiation image capturing apparatus, and there is a problem that the connection configuration between the radiation source and the radiation image capturing apparatus is complicated.

  As a technique that can be applied to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 provides a radiation imaging apparatus that simplifies or eliminates the need for connection with a radiation generation apparatus and enables an imaging operation synchronized with radiation irradiation. A radiation imaging apparatus for acquiring a radiation image of an object, comprising: an imaging means having a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements; a control means for controlling the state of the imaging means; and radiation irradiation. Detecting means for detecting, and the control means sends a signal for irradiating radiation based on the transition from the imaging preparation state to the imaging state of the imaging means, and the output of the detection means Based on the above, a radiation imaging apparatus is disclosed in which the imaging means is shifted from the imaging state to an image data output enabled state.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, for the purpose of providing a radiation imaging apparatus that does not require wiring between the radiation source and the radiation imaging apparatus side, a conversion element that converts radiation into an electrical signal; A conversion circuit unit in which a plurality of pixels each including a read element that reads an electrical signal converted by the conversion element is two-dimensionally arranged; a drive circuit for sequentially driving the plurality of read elements in units of rows; In a radiation imaging apparatus comprising: a detection element that detects the start and end of emission of radiation; and a control unit that controls the drive circuit in accordance with a detection result of the detection element, the drive circuit has characteristics of the conversion element A first operation for stabilizing the radiation, a second operation for converting and storing the radiation into the electrical signal by the conversion element after the first operation, and A third operation for reading the electrical signal by the reading element; and causing the conversion circuit unit to perform the first operation when the detection element detects the start of emission of the radiation. When the driving circuit is controlled so as to transit from the operation to the second operation, and the end of the radiation emission is detected by the detection element, the transition from the second operation to the third operation is performed. Thus, a radiation imaging apparatus is disclosed in which the drive circuit is controlled.

  Furthermore, in Patent Document 3, an object is imaged using X-rays for the purpose of providing an X-ray imaging apparatus having a simple housing structure and capable of acquiring a good image that is not affected by backscattering. An X-ray imaging apparatus for irradiating the X-ray, a sensor means for detecting and acquiring an X-ray image from the subject to obtain a two-dimensional plane image, and the X-ray imaging apparatus A control means for controlling imaging and an X-ray detection means for setting the drive timing of the sensor means, wherein the X-ray detection means for setting the drive timing is provided outside the imaging area of the sensor means. A characteristic X-ray imaging apparatus is disclosed.

JP-A-11-151233 JP 2002-181942 A JP 2004-166728 A

  However, in the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the imaging operation is started in synchronization with the timing at which the radiation emitted from the radiation source is detected, so that it is necessary for the subject. There was a problem that there was a case where it was exposed to the above.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a radiographic image capturing system and a radiographic image capturing apparatus capable of capturing a radiographic image without synchronization between the radiation source and the radiographic image capturing apparatus. And to provide a program.

  In order to achieve the above object, the radiographic imaging system according to claim 1 is configured to capture radiographic images indicated by radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject in units of predetermined pixels. A radiographic image capturing apparatus that performs by accumulating electric charge indicating a radiographic image; and a detecting unit that detects whether or not the subject exists in a region to be imaged of the radiographic image by the radiographic image capturing apparatus; Control means for controlling the start of charge accumulation by the radiographic apparatus when the detection means detects the presence of the subject.

  According to the radiographic image capturing system of claim 1, the radiographic image capturing apparatus captures the radiographic image indicated by the radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted through the subject in a predetermined pixel unit. This is done by accumulating electric charges indicating a radiation image.

  Here, in the present invention, the presence of the subject is detected by a detecting unit that detects whether or not the subject exists in a region to be captured of the radiographic image by the radiographic image capturing device. When it is detected, the radiographic imaging apparatus is controlled to start accumulating charges.

  As described above, according to the radiographic image capturing system of claim 1, the subject is detected by the detecting unit that detects whether or not the subject exists in the region to be radiographed by the radiographic image capturing device. When the presence of a person is detected, the radiographic imaging device is controlled to start accumulating charges, so that a radiographic image is taken without synchronization between the radiation source and the radiographic imaging device. be able to.

  According to the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 2, the control unit exists in a region to be imaged by the subject based on a detection result by the detection unit, and is determined in advance. It may be controlled to start accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic imaging device when it is detected that the image is stationary for a predetermined time. Thereby, accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic apparatus can be started at a more appropriate timing.

  Further, as in the invention according to claim 3, the present invention further includes reception means for receiving designation of a part to be imaged of the radiographic image of the subject, and the control means is based on the detection means If the detection is not possible or the detection accuracy is equal to or lower than a predetermined accuracy, control is performed so as to start accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic imaging device when designation of the part is accepted by the accepting unit. Also good. Thereby, accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic apparatus can be started more reliably.

  Further, as in the invention described in claim 4, the present invention is obtained by capturing the radiation image by the radiation image capturing apparatus by performing the capturing with the radiation image capturing apparatus in a state where the radiation is not incident. The image processing apparatus may further include acquisition means for acquiring corrected image information for correcting the subject image information and correction means for correcting the subject image information using the corrected image information. Thereby, a radiographic image with higher image quality can be obtained.

  In particular, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, as in the fifth aspect of the present invention, the acquisition unit is configured to capture the radiographic image at the same charge accumulation time as the radiographic image is captured by the radiographic image capturing device. The corrected image information may be acquired by photographing with an apparatus. Thereby, a radiographic image with higher image quality can be obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 6, the control means supplies driving power to the radiographic image capturing apparatus only during the radiographic image capturing period of the radiographic image capturing apparatus. You may control. Thereby, useless consumption of electric power can be suppressed.

  Further, according to the present invention, as in the seventh aspect of the present invention, the control means stores the radiographic image capturing apparatus prior to controlling the start of charge accumulation by the radiographic image capturing apparatus. Control may be performed so as to perform a reset operation for discharging the charged electric charge. Thereby, a radiographic image with higher image quality can be obtained.

  Further, according to the present invention, as in the invention described in claim 8, the control unit is predicted that the period during which the radiation is emitted from the radiation source does not fall within a charge accumulation period in the radiographic apparatus. In this case, at least one of control for giving a warning and control for prohibiting the emission of the radiation from the radiation source may be performed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to the subject.

  On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the radiographic image capturing apparatus according to claim 9 is configured to capture a radiographic image indicated by radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject in a predetermined pixel unit. A radiographic image capturing unit that performs the accumulation of charges indicating the radiographic image, and a detection unit that detects whether or not the subject exists in a region to be imaged of the radiographic image by the radiographic image capturing unit Control means for controlling to start accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic imaging unit when the presence of the subject is detected by.

  According to the radiographic image capturing apparatus of claim 9, the radiographic image capturing unit captures the radiographic image indicated by the radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted through the subject in a predetermined pixel unit. This is done by accumulating electric charges indicating a radiation image.

  Here, in the present invention, the presence of the subject is detected by a detecting unit that detects whether or not the subject exists in a region to be captured of the radiation image by the radiation image capturing unit. Control is performed so that accumulation of electric charges is started by the radiographic imaging unit when detected.

  Thus, according to the radiographic image capturing apparatus of claim 9, the subject is detected by the detecting unit that detects whether or not the subject exists in the region to be radiographed by the radiographic image capturing unit. When the presence of a person is detected, the radiographic image capturing unit is controlled to start accumulating charges, so that a radiographic image is captured without synchronization between the radiation source and the radiographic image capturing apparatus. be able to.

  On the other hand, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the program according to claim 10, the computer is configured to capture a radiographic image indicated by radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject in a predetermined pixel unit. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the subject exists in a region to be imaged of the radiographic image by the radiographic image capturing apparatus that accumulates charges indicating the radiographic image at The control means is configured to function as a control unit that controls to start accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic imaging apparatus when the presence of the subject is detected.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the computer can be operated in the same manner as in the first aspect of the invention. Therefore, in the same manner as in the first aspect of the invention, synchronization between the radiation source and the radiographic image capturing apparatus is performed. Radiation images can be taken without taking

  According to the radiographic image capturing system, radiographic image capturing apparatus, and program of the present invention, an effect that a radiographic image can be captured without synchronization between the radiation source and the radiographic image capturing apparatus is obtained.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the radiation information system which concerns on embodiment. It is a side view which shows an example of the arrangement | positioning state of each apparatus in the radiography room of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on embodiment. It is a permeation | transmission perspective view which shows the internal structure of the electronic cassette concerning embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the electrical system of the radiographic imaging system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the radiographic imaging processing program which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the initial stage information input screen displayed by execution of the radiographic imaging process program which concerns on embodiment. It is the schematic which shows an example of the warning screen displayed by execution of the radiographic imaging process program which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the imaging | photography implementation processing program which concerns on embodiment. It is a time chart with which it uses for description of the estimation method of the end point of exposure which concerns on embodiment. It is a time chart with which it uses for description regarding the reset operation | movement which concerns on embodiment. It is a time chart with which it uses for description regarding the reset operation | movement which concerns on other embodiment.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, a description will be given of an example in which the present invention is applied to a radiation information system that is a system for comprehensively managing information handled in a radiology department in a hospital.

  First, the configuration of a radiation information system (hereinafter referred to as “RIS (Radiology Information System)”) 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The RIS 10 is a system for managing information such as medical appointments and diagnosis records in the radiology department, and constitutes a part of a hospital information system (hereinafter referred to as “HIS (Hospital Information System)”). .

  The RIS 10 includes a plurality of radiography requesting terminal devices (hereinafter referred to as “terminal devices”) 12, a RIS server 14, and a radiographic imaging system (or an operating room) installed in a radiography room (or operating room) in a hospital. (Hereinafter referred to as “imaging system”) 18, which are connected to an in-hospital network 16, such as a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The RIS 10 constitutes a part of the HIS provided in the same hospital, and an HIS server (not shown) that manages the entire HIS is also connected to the in-hospital network 16.

  The terminal device 12 is used by doctors and radiographers to input and browse diagnostic information and facility reservations, and radiographic image capturing requests and imaging reservations are also made via the terminal device 12. Each terminal device 12 includes a personal computer having a display device, and is capable of mutual communication via the RIS server 14 and the hospital network 16.

  On the other hand, the RIS server 14 receives an imaging request from each terminal device 12 and manages a radiographic imaging schedule in the imaging system 18, and includes a database 14A.

  Database 14A includes patient (subject) attribute information (name, sex, date of birth, age, blood type, weight, patient ID (Identification), etc.), medical history, medical history, radiation images taken in the past, etc. Information related to the patient, identification number (ID information) of the electronic cassette 32 (to be described later) used in the imaging system 18, model, size, sensitivity, usable imaging part (content of imaging request that can be supported), date of start of use , Information on the electronic cassette 32 such as the number of times of use, and environment information indicating an environment in which a radiographic image is taken using the electronic cassette 32, that is, an environment in which the electronic cassette 32 is used (for example, a radiographic room or an operating room) It is comprised including.

  The imaging system 18 captures a radiographic image by an operation of a doctor or a radiographer according to an instruction from the RIS server 14. The imaging system 18 includes a radiation generator 34 that irradiates a subject with radiation X (see also FIG. 3) that is a dose according to the exposure conditions from a radiation source 130 (see also FIG. 2), and a subject. Electrons that incorporate a radiation detector 60 (see also FIG. 3) that absorbs radiation X transmitted through the imaging region of the person and generates charges and generates image information indicating a radiation image based on the amount of generated charges. A cassette 32, a cradle 40 that charges a battery built in the electronic cassette 32, and an electronic cassette 32, a radiation generator 34, and a console 42 that controls the cradle 40 are provided.

  The console 42 acquires various types of information included in the database 14A from the RIS server 14 and stores them in an HDD 110 (see FIG. 4) described later. Based on the information, the electronic cassette 32, the radiation generator 34, and the cradle 40 are stored. Control.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the arrangement state of each device in the radiation imaging room 44 of the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the radiography room 44 is provided with a rack 45 used for radiography in a standing position and a bed 46 used for radiography in a prone position. The space in front of the rack 45 is a subject imaging position 48 when performing radiography in a standing position, and the space above the bed 46 is an imaging position 50 of a subject in performing radiography in a prone position. It is said that.

  The rack 45 is provided with a holding unit 150 that holds the electronic cassette 32, and the electronic cassette 32 is held by the holding unit 150 when a radiographic image is taken in a standing position. Similarly, the bed 46 is provided with a holding unit 152 that holds the electronic cassette 32, and the electronic cassette 32 is held by the holding unit 152 when a radiographic image is taken in the prone position.

  In addition, the holding unit 150 is provided with a human detection unit 140A for detecting whether or not the subject is present at the photographing position 48, and the subject is present at the photographing position 50 on the bed 46. A human detection unit 140B is provided for detecting whether or not to do so. Note that in the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment, both the human detection unit 140A and the human detection unit 140B are provided in the vicinity of the position where the electronic cassette 32 is arranged at the time of radiographic imaging, and detection of the subject is performed. Detection sensitivity is adjusted and positioned so that the target area substantially coincides with the imaging area of the electronic cassette 32.

  Further, in the radiation imaging room 44, the radiation source 130 is arranged around a horizontal axis (see FIG. 5) in order to enable radiation imaging in a standing position and in a standing position by radiation from a single radiation source 130. 2 is provided, and a support moving mechanism 52 is provided which can be rotated in the vertical direction (arrow B direction in FIG. 2) and supported so as to be movable in the horizontal direction (arrow C direction in FIG. 2). It has been. Here, the support moving mechanism 52 includes a drive source that rotates the radiation source 130 about a horizontal axis, a drive source that moves the radiation source 130 in the vertical direction, and a drive source that moves the radiation source 130 in the horizontal direction. Each is provided (not shown).

  On the other hand, the cradle 40 is formed with an accommodating portion 40 </ b> A capable of accommodating the electronic cassette 32.

  When the electronic cassette 32 is not in use, the built-in battery is charged in a state of being accommodated in the accommodating portion 40A of the cradle 40. When a radiographic image is captured, the electronic cassette 32 is taken out from the cradle 40 by a radiographer or the like, and the imaging posture is established. If it is in the up position, it is held in the holding section 150 of the rack 45, and if it is in the upright position, it is held in the holding section 152 of the bed 46.

  Here, in imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment, between radiation generator 34 and console 42, between electronic cassette 32 and console 42, and between human detection unit 140 </ b> A and human detection unit 140 </ b> B and console 42. Various types of information are transmitted and received by wireless communication.

  Note that the electronic cassette 32 is not used only in the radiography room or the operating room, but can be used for, for example, examinations and rounds in hospitals because of its portability.

  FIG. 3 shows an internal configuration of the electronic cassette 32 according to the present exemplary embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the electronic cassette 32 includes a housing 54 made of a material that transmits the radiation X, and has a waterproof and airtight structure. When the electronic cassette 32 is used in an operating room or the like, there is a risk that blood and other germs may adhere. Therefore, one electronic cassette 32 can be used repeatedly by sterilizing and cleaning the electronic cassette 32 as necessary with a waterproof and hermetic structure.

  Inside the housing 54, a grid 58 for removing scattered radiation of the radiation X by the subject and the radiation X transmitted through the subject are detected from the irradiation surface 56 side of the housing 54 to which the radiation X is irradiated. A radiation detector 60 and a lead plate 62 that absorbs backscattered rays of radiation X are arranged in this order. Note that the irradiation surface 56 of the housing 54 may be configured as a grid 58.

  In addition, an electronic circuit including a microcomputer and a chargeable and detachable battery 96 </ b> A are arranged on one end side inside the housing 54. The radiation detector 60 and the electronic circuit are operated by electric power supplied from a battery 96 </ b> A disposed in the case 31. In order to avoid various circuits housed in the case 31 from being damaged by the radiation X irradiation, it is desirable to arrange a lead plate or the like on the irradiation surface 56 side of the case 31. The electronic cassette 32 according to the present embodiment is a rectangular parallelepiped whose irradiation surface 56 has a rectangular shape, and a case 31 is disposed at one end in the longitudinal direction.

  In addition, at a predetermined position on the outer wall of the casing 54, there are a power switch 54A, an operation mode such as an on / off state of the power switch 54A (on state), “ready state”, “during data transmission”, and the battery 96A. A display unit 56 </ b> A is provided that performs a display indicating an operation state of the electronic cassette 32 such as a remaining capacity state. In the electronic cassette 32 according to the present embodiment, a light emitting diode is applied as the display unit 56A. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other light emitting elements other than the light emitting diode, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, and the like are used. It may be a display means.

  Further, a handle 54 </ b> B that is gripped when the electronic cassette 32 is moved is provided at a predetermined position on the outer wall of the housing 54. In the electronic cassette 32 according to the present exemplary embodiment, the handle 54B is provided at the central portion of the side wall of the casing 54 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the irradiation surface 56. It may be provided at other positions such as the central portion of the side wall extending in the short direction of the surface 56, a position deviated by a distance considering the deviation of the center of gravity of the electronic cassette 32 from the central portion of these side walls, etc. Needless to say.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the main part of the electrical system of the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in the figure, the radiation detector 60 built in the electronic cassette 32 is configured by laminating a photoelectric conversion layer that absorbs radiation X and converts it into charges on a TFT active matrix substrate 66. The photoelectric conversion layer is made of amorphous a-Se (amorphous selenium) containing, for example, selenium as a main component (for example, a content rate of 50% or more), and when irradiated with radiation X, a charge corresponding to the amount of irradiated radiation. By generating a certain amount of charge (electron-hole pairs) internally, the irradiated radiation X is converted into a charge. The radiation detector 60 is indirectly charged using a phosphor material and a photoelectric conversion element (photodiode) instead of the radiation-charge conversion material that directly converts the radiation X such as amorphous selenium into an electric charge. May be converted to As phosphor materials, gadolinium sulfate (GOS) and cesium iodide (CsI) are well known. In this case, radiation X-light conversion is performed using a phosphor material, and light-charge conversion is performed using a photodiode of a photoelectric conversion element.

  Further, on the TFT active matrix substrate 66, a pixel portion 74 (in FIG. 4) provided with a storage capacitor 68 for storing the charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer and a TFT 70 for reading out the charge stored in the storage capacitor 68. A number of photoelectric conversion layers corresponding to the individual pixel portions 74 are schematically shown as the photoelectric conversion portions 72.) A large number of photoelectric conversion layers are arranged in a matrix, and photoelectric conversion occurs as the electronic cassette 32 is irradiated with the radiation X. The charges generated in the layers are stored in the storage capacitors 68 of the individual pixel portions 74. As a result, the image information carried on the radiation X irradiated to the electronic cassette 32 is converted into charge information and held in the radiation detector 60.

  The TFT active matrix substrate 66 is extended in a certain direction (row direction), a plurality of gate wirings 76 for turning on / off the TFTs 70 of the individual pixel portions 74, and a direction orthogonal to the gate wirings 76. A plurality of data wirings 78 are provided so as to read the stored charge from the storage capacitor 68 via the TFT 70 which is extended in the (column direction) and turned on. Individual gate lines 76 are connected to a gate line driver 80, and individual data lines 78 are connected to a signal processing unit 82. When charges are accumulated in the storage capacitors 68 of the individual pixel portions 74, the TFTs 70 of the individual pixel portions 74 are sequentially turned on in units of rows by a signal supplied from the gate line driver 80 via the gate wiring 76. The charge stored in the storage capacitor 68 of the pixel unit 74 for which is turned on is transmitted as an analog electrical signal through the data wiring 78 and input to the signal processing unit 82. Accordingly, the charges accumulated in the storage capacitors 68 of the individual pixel portions 74 are sequentially read out in units of rows.

  On the other hand, the signal processing unit 82 includes an amplifier and a sample and hold circuit provided for each data line 78, and the charge signal transmitted through the individual data line 78 is amplified by the amplifier and then supplied to the sample and hold circuit. Retained. Further, a multiplexer and an A / D (analog / digital) converter are sequentially connected to the output side of the sample and hold circuit, and the charge signals held in the individual sample and hold circuits are sequentially (serially) input to the multiplexer. The digital image data is converted by an A / D converter.

  An image memory 90 is connected to the signal processing unit 82, and image data output from the A / D converter of the signal processing unit 82 is sequentially stored in the image memory 90. The image memory 90 has a storage capacity capable of storing image data for a plurality of frames, and image data obtained by imaging is sequentially stored in the image memory 90 every time a radiographic image is captured.

  The image memory 90 is connected to a cassette control unit 92 that controls the operation of the entire electronic cassette 32. The cassette control unit 92 includes a microcomputer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 92A, a memory 92B including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and a flash memory. A non-volatile storage unit 92 </ b> C is provided.

  A wireless communication unit 94 is connected to the cassette control unit 92. The wireless communication unit 94 according to the present embodiment corresponds to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standard represented by IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11a / b / g and the like. Controls the transmission of various information to and from external devices. The cassette control unit 92 can wirelessly communicate with the console 42 via the wireless communication unit 94, and can transmit and receive various information to and from the console 42.

  The electronic cassette 32 is provided with a power supply unit 96, and the various circuits and elements described above (gate line driver 80, signal processing unit 82, image memory 90, wireless communication unit 94, cassette control unit 92, etc.) The power is supplied from the power supply unit 96. The power supply unit 96 incorporates the above-described battery (secondary battery) 96A so as not to impair the portability of the electronic cassette 32, and supplies power from the charged battery 96A to various circuits and elements. In FIG. 4, illustration of wirings connecting the power supply unit 96 to various circuits and elements is omitted.

  On the other hand, the console 42 is configured as a server computer, and includes a display 100 that displays an operation menu, captured radiographic images, and the like, and a plurality of keys, and inputs various information and operation instructions. An operation panel 102.

  The console 42 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU 104 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a ROM 106 that stores various programs including a control program in advance, a RAM 108 that temporarily stores various data, and various data. It includes an HDD 110 that stores and holds, a display driver 112 that controls display of various types of information on the display 100, and an operation input detection unit 114 that detects an operation state of the operation panel 102. In addition, the console 42 transmits and receives various types of information such as an exposure condition to be described later to and from the radiation generator 34 and transmits various types of information such as image data to and from the electronic cassette 32 by wireless communication. In addition, a wireless communication unit 118 that transmits and receives information indicating detection results between the human detection unit 140A and the human detection unit 140B is provided.

  The CPU 104, the ROM 106, the RAM 108, the HDD 110, the display driver 112, the operation input detection unit 114, and the wireless communication unit 118 are connected to each other via a system bus BUS. Therefore, the CPU 104 can access the ROM 106, RAM 108, and HDD 110, controls display of various information on the display 100 via the display driver 112, and the radiation generator 34, via the wireless communication unit 118. Control of transmission / reception of various types of information with the electronic cassette 32, the human detection unit 140A, and the human detection unit 140B can be performed. Further, the CPU 104 can grasp the operation state of the user with respect to the operation panel 102 via the operation input detection unit 114.

  On the other hand, the radiation generator 34 includes a radio communication unit 132 that transmits and receives various types of information such as an exposure condition between the radiation source 130 and the console 42, and a line that controls the radiation source 130 based on the received exposure condition. A source control unit 134.

  The radiation source control unit 134 is also configured to include a microcomputer, and stores the received exposure conditions and the like. The exposure conditions received from the console 42 include information such as tube voltage, tube current, and exposure period. The radiation source controller 134 irradiates the radiation X from the radiation source 130 based on the received exposure conditions.

  In addition, the human detection unit 140A and the human detection unit 140B include a human detection sensor 142 for detecting whether or not a person exists, and a wireless communication unit that transmits information indicating a detection result by the human detection sensor 142 to the console 42. 144.

  In the human detection unit 140A and the human detection unit 140B according to the present embodiment, a distance sensor that detects the distance from the installation position to the closest object is applied as the human detection sensor 142. Not limited to this, it goes without saying that other sensors may be applied as long as they can detect whether or not a person exists. In the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment, the human detection sensor 142 is a signal indicating a period from when an ultrasonic wave is emitted until it is reflected from another object (hereinafter referred to as “period signal”). ) Is output. Therefore, in human detection unit 140A and human detection unit 140B according to the present embodiment, information indicating a period indicated by a period signal output from human detection sensor 142 (hereinafter referred to as “period information”) is wireless. The data is transmitted to the console 42 via the communication unit 144.

  The human detection sensor 142 is not limited to such an ultrasonic sensor, and other sensors that can measure a distance, such as a sensor that detects a distance using light and a sensor that detects a distance using infrared light. Needless to say, it may be applied.

  Next, the operation of the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  First, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the console 42 when radiographic images are taken will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the radiographic image capturing processing program executed by the CPU 104 of the console 42 at this time, and the program is stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 106 in advance.

  In step 200 in the figure, the display driver 112 is controlled so that a predetermined initial information input screen is displayed on the display 100, and the next step 202 waits for input of predetermined information.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of an initial information input screen displayed on the display 100 by the process of step 200 described above. As shown in the figure, in the initial information input screen according to the present embodiment, the name of the subject who is to perform radiographic image capture, the region to be imaged, and the posture at the time of capture (in this embodiment, lying down or standing up). And a message prompting the user to input radiation X exposure conditions at the time of imaging (in this embodiment, tube voltage, tube current, and exposure period when radiation X is exposed), and The input area is displayed.

  When the initial information input screen shown in the figure is displayed on the display 100, the photographer can input the name of the subject to be imaged, the imaging region, the posture at the time of imaging, and the exposure conditions corresponding to each of the input areas. Then, an end button displayed near the lower end of the initial information input screen is designated via the operation panel 102. When the end button is designated by the user, step 202 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step 204.

  In step 204, as shown in FIG. 9 as an example, based on the information input on the initial information input screen, when the radiation X exposure ends with reference to the time when charge accumulation is started by the radiation detector 60 (Hereinafter, referred to as “exposure end point”).

  Note that, in the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment, the exposure end time is set to the time point when charge accumulation by the radiation detector 60 is started in response to the processing of step 224 described later in the electronic cassette 32, and the radiation generator 34. In FIG. 9, the period from the time when the start of the radiation X is instructed by the processing of step 226 to be described later to the actual start of the exposure (the period of “time lag” in FIG. 9) is predetermined. The estimation is performed by adding the exposure period input on the initial information input screen to the period from the start of charge accumulation by the radiation detector 60 to the actual start of radiation X exposure.

  In the next step 206, the above step is performed within a charge accumulation period (hereinafter referred to as “applied charge accumulation period”) in the radiation detector 60, which is determined in advance according to the imaging region inputted on the initial information input screen. It is determined whether or not the exposure end time estimated by the processing of 204 falls within, and if a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 208, and after executing a predetermined warning process, this radiographic image capturing processing program Exit.

  In the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment, a process for controlling the display driver 112 so as to display the warning screen shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other warning processes such as a process for generating a predetermined warning sound may be applied alone or in combination.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step 206 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 210, and the shooting conditions specified based on the information input on the initial information input screen are determined in advance as conditions for using the human detection sensor 142. By determining whether or not the first condition is satisfied, it is determined whether or not the human detection sensor 142 is used. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 218 described later, while an affirmative determination is made. If YES, go to step 212.

  In the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment, as the first condition, the area to be imaged is an area compared to the imaging area by the radiation detector 60 such as a part of the extremity (wrist, ankle, palm, etc.). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the human detection sensor 142 may apply other conditions corresponding to the case where the required detection accuracy cannot be obtained. Good.

  On the other hand, when the photographer specifies the end button of the initial information input screen, if the warning screen is not displayed on the display 100, the photographer enters the posture of the subject input on the initial information input screen (posture or standing). Accordingly, after the electronic cassette 32 is held by the holding portion 152 provided on the bed 46, the subject is placed in the lying position at the imaging position 50 in the space above the bed 46, or the electronic cassette 32 is placed in the rack 45. Then, the subject is caused to stand at the imaging position 48 in the space in front of the rack 45.

  Next, the photographer operates the support moving mechanism 52 so that the radiation source 130 of the radiation generator 34 is arranged in front of the imaging region.

  Therefore, in step 212, based on the posture at the time of imaging input on the initial information input screen, it is specified which of the rack 45 and the bed 46 is used for radiographic image capturing, and the person provided in the specified one The distance from the use target person detection unit 140 to the detection target indicated by the period indicated by the period information received from the detection unit 140A or the person detection unit 140B (hereinafter referred to as “use target person detection unit 140”). (Hereinafter referred to as “detection distance”) until radiographic images are within a predetermined range as the range of distance when the subject is present in the imaging area of the electronic cassette 32, thereby capturing radiographic images. Wait until the subject is positioned in the target area.

  In the next step 214, it is determined whether or not the subject meets a second condition predetermined as a condition for detecting the stationary state of the subject. If the determination is negative, step 218 described later is performed. On the other hand, if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 216.

  In the imaging system 18 according to the present embodiment, the condition that the subject is a predetermined age (in this embodiment, 5 years old) or more is applied as the second condition. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is possible to easily perform imaging in a stationary state, such as a condition that the subject is a predetermined age (70 years old in this embodiment) or less. It is good also as a form which applies these conditions.

  In step 216, a period during which the detection distance does not change beyond a predetermined range in which the subject can be regarded as stationary is a predetermined period (3 seconds in the present embodiment). It is determined whether or not the above has been reached. If a negative determination is made, the process returns to step 212. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step 218.

  In step 218, instruction information for instructing the start of supply of power to a predetermined part (in this embodiment, the radiation detector 60, the signal processing unit 82, the image memory 90, and the wireless communication unit 94) is displayed in the electronic cassette. 32 through the wireless communication unit 118. In response to this, the electronic cassette 32 controls the power supply unit 96 so as to start power feeding to these parts.

  In the next step 220, the electronic cassette 32 is obtained by taking a radiographic image with the radiation detector 60 by causing the radiation detector 60 to carry out imaging in the same charge accumulation period as the applied charge accumulation period. Offset image acquisition processing for acquiring image data (hereinafter referred to as “offset image data”) for correcting image data (hereinafter referred to as “subject image data”) is executed.

  At this time, the CPU 104 transmits instruction information for instructing execution of the offset image acquisition process to the electronic cassette 32 through the wireless communication unit 118 together with information indicating the applied charge accumulation period. In response to this, the electronic cassette 32 performs a reset operation for discharging the charges accumulated in the radiation detector 60 at this time, and then performs imaging by the radiation detector 60 during the received applied charge accumulation period. The offset image data obtained by the above is transmitted to the console 42 via the wireless communication unit 94.

  Therefore, the CPU 104 receives the offset image data transmitted from the electronic cassette 32 via the wireless communication unit 118 and stores it in a predetermined area of the RAM 108.

  In the next step 222, the exposure condition input on the initial information input screen is transmitted to the radiation generator 34 via the wireless communication unit 118, thereby setting the exposure condition. In response to this, the radiation source control unit 134 prepares for exposure under the received exposure conditions.

  In the next step 224, the instruction information for instructing the start of the execution of the imaging execution process for capturing the radiographic image is transmitted to the electronic cassette 32 via the wireless communication unit 118. In response to this, the electronic cassette 32 starts execution of a photographing execution process described later.

  In the next step 226, instruction information for instructing the start of exposure is transmitted to the radiation generator 34 via the wireless communication unit 118. In response to this, the radiation generator 34 generates radiation X from the radiation source 130 at a tube voltage, a tube current, and an exposure period corresponding to the exposure conditions received from the console 42 in accordance with the processing of step 222 above. And inject. In response to this, the electronic cassette 32 captures a radiographic image by the above-described imaging execution processing, and transmits subject image data obtained thereby to the console 42 via the wireless communication unit 94.

  Therefore, in the next step 228, the process waits until the subject image data is received from the electronic cassette 32, and in the next step 230, the instruction information for instructing the stop of the power feeding started by the process of step 218. Is transmitted to the electronic cassette 32 via the wireless communication unit 118. In response to this, the electronic cassette 32 controls the power supply unit 96 to stop the power supply.

  In the next step 232, after the offset correction is performed by subtracting the offset image data acquired by the processing of the above step 220 for each pixel from the received subject image data, various corrections such as shading correction are performed. The image processing for performing is performed.

  In the next step 234, the subject image data subjected to the above image processing (hereinafter referred to as “corrected image data”) is stored in the HDD 110, and in the next step 236, the radiation indicated by the corrected image data. The display driver 112 is controlled so that the image is displayed on the display 100 for confirmation, etc., and the corrected image data is transmitted to the RIS server 14 via the in-hospital network 16 in the next step 238. The radiographic image capturing processing program is terminated. The corrected image data transmitted to the RIS server 14 is stored in the database 14A, so that a doctor can perform radiogram interpretation, diagnosis, and the like.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the electronic cassette 32 when executing the above-described imaging execution process will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of an imaging execution processing program executed by the CPU 92A provided in the cassette control unit 92 of the electronic cassette 32 at this time. The program is a storage unit of the cassette control unit 92. 92C is stored in advance.

  In step 300 of the figure, the radiation detector 60 is controlled to perform the above-described reset operation, and in the next step 302, the radiation detector 60 is controlled to start charge accumulation.

  In the next step 304, the application charge accumulation period indicated by the information received together with the instruction information instructing execution of the offset image acquisition process is waited for.

  In the next step 306, the radiation detector 60 is controlled to read out the electric charge accumulated at this time. In response to this, the charges flow out from the radiation detector 60 to the data lines 78 as electrical signals. The electric signal flowing out to each data wiring 78 is converted into digital image data (subject image data) by the signal processing unit 82 and stored in the image memory 90.

  Therefore, in the next step 308, the subject image data is read from the image memory 90 and transmitted to the console 42 via the wireless communication unit 94, and then the imaging execution processing program is terminated.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, whether or not a subject exists in a region to be captured by a radiographic image by the radiographic image capturing apparatus (electronic cassette 32 in the present embodiment). Control is performed so that charge accumulation by the radiographic imaging device is started when the presence of the subject is detected by detection means (in this embodiment, human detection unit 140A and human detection unit 140B) that detects Therefore, a radiographic image can be captured without synchronization between the radiation source and the radiographic image capturing apparatus.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, based on the detection result by the detection means, it is detected that the subject exists in the region to be imaged and is stationary for a predetermined time. In such a case, the accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic image capturing apparatus is controlled so that the accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic image capturing apparatus can be started at a more appropriate timing.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, when the detection by the detection unit is not possible or when the detection accuracy is equal to or lower than a predetermined accuracy, the portion of the subject to be imaged of the radiographic image is detected. When the designation is accepted, control is performed so that charge accumulation by the radiographic imaging apparatus is started, so that charge accumulation by the radiographic imaging apparatus can be started more reliably.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the subject image information (the subject image information obtained by capturing the radiation image by the radiation image capturing device) is performed by the radiation image capturing device in a state where the radiation is not incident. In the present embodiment, corrected image information (in this embodiment, offset image data) for correcting the subject image data) is acquired, and the subject image information is corrected using the corrected image information. Therefore, a radiographic image with higher image quality can be obtained.

  In particular, according to the present embodiment, the correction image information is acquired by performing imaging with the radiographic image capturing apparatus with the same charge accumulation time as when capturing the radiographic image with the radiographic image capturing apparatus. A radiographic image with higher image quality can be obtained.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, control is performed so that driving power is supplied to the radiographic image capturing apparatus only during the radiographic image capturing period of the radiographic image capturing apparatus, thereby suppressing wasteful power consumption. can do.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, prior to controlling to start accumulation of electric charges by the radiographic imaging apparatus, control is performed to perform a reset operation for discharging the electric charges accumulated by the radiographic imaging apparatus. Therefore, a radiographic image with higher image quality can be obtained.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when the period in which the radiation is emitted from the radiation source is predicted not to fall within the charge accumulation period in the radiographic imaging device, the control for giving a warning and the radiation source Since the control for prohibiting the emission of the radiation from the body is performed, it is possible to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure to the subject.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated using embodiment, the technical scope of this invention is not limited to the range as described in the said embodiment. Various modifications or improvements can be added to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the invention, and embodiments to which such modifications or improvements are added are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  The above embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims (claims), and all the combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the solution means of the invention. Is not limited. The embodiments described above include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. Even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the embodiment, as long as an effect is obtained, a configuration from which these some constituent requirements are deleted can be extracted as an invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where power is supplied to a predetermined part during the period during which imaging is performed by the electronic cassette 32 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A configuration may be adopted in which power is not supplied to portions other than the radiation detector 60 during a period in which imaging is performed by the cassette 32 and a period in which charge accumulation is performed in the radiation detector 60. In this case, the power consumption of the electronic cassette 32 can be further reduced as compared with the above embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the console 42 performs the process of determining the timing for starting the charge accumulation by the radiation detector 60 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, This processing may be executed by the electronic cassette 32.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the charge accumulation period by the radiation detector 60 is fixed for a predetermined period for each imaging region has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, For example, the charge accumulation period may be appropriately set according to the use of the radiographic image obtained by imaging. In this case, convenience can be further improved.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment demonstrated the case where the person detection part 140A and the person detection part 140B were provided in the rack 45 and the bed 46, this invention is not limited to this, For example, the electronic cassette 32 is provided. It is good also as a form to provide.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 as an example, the case where the reset operation is performed once immediately before the start of charge accumulation by the radiation detector 60 has been described, but the present invention is limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 as an example, the reset operation may be continuously performed prior to charge accumulation by the radiation detector 60. In this case, the condition for starting charge accumulation (in the above embodiment, the condition that a person is detected in the imaging target area, the condition that the person is stationary in the imaging target area for a predetermined period or more, or the initial information input screen) If the reset operation is being executed when the condition that the imaging region is input is satisfied, control is performed so that charge accumulation by the radiation detector 60 is started when the reset operation is completed.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, it communicates by radio | wireless between the electronic cassette 32 and the console 42, between the radiation generator 34 and the console 42, and between the human detection part 140A and the human detection part 140B, and the console 42. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of these may be configured to perform communication by wire.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where offset image data is acquired as the same charge accumulation period as when radiographic images are captured has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, radiographic images. The offset image data is obtained by applying a period shorter than the charge accumulation period at the time of photographing, and the obtained offset image data is multiplied by a coefficient corresponding to the shortened charge accumulation period. It is good also as a form which correct | amends and applies. In this case, the period for acquiring the offset image data can be shortened.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where offset image data is acquired immediately before actual radiographic imaging is performed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, presumed mutual The offset image data may be acquired in advance for each of a plurality of different charge accumulation periods, and the offset image data acquired in the charge accumulation period that is the same as or closest to the actual radiographic image capturing may be applied. . In this case, since the offset image data can be acquired in advance, the processing load at the time of radiographic image capturing can be reduced.

  In addition, the configuration of the RIS 10 described in the above embodiment (see FIG. 1), the configuration of the radiation imaging room (see FIG. 2), the configuration of the electronic cassette 32 (see FIG. 3), and the configuration of the imaging system 18 (see FIG. 4 is an example, and it goes without saying that unnecessary parts can be deleted, new parts can be added, and the connection state can be changed without departing from the scope of the present invention. .

  In addition, the flow of processing of various programs described in the above embodiment (see FIGS. 5 and 8) is also an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted or new within the scope of the gist of the present invention. It goes without saying that steps can be added and the processing order can be changed.

  Furthermore, the various screens described in the above embodiment (see FIGS. 6 and 7) are also examples, and it goes without saying that the display contents can be changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

10 RIS
18 Radiation Imaging System 32 Electronic Cassette 34 Radiation Generator 42 Console 60 Radiation Detector 90 Cassette Control Unit 92A CPU
92C Storage unit 94 Wireless communication unit 96 Power supply unit 100 Display 102 Operation panel 104 CPU
106 ROM
118 Wireless communication unit 130 Radiation sources 140A and 140B Human detection unit 142 Human detection sensor 144 Wireless communication unit

Claims (10)

A radiographic imaging apparatus that performs radiographic imaging indicated by radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject by accumulating charges indicating the radiographic image in predetermined pixel units;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not the subject exists in a region to be imaged of the radiographic image by the radiographic imaging device;
Control means for controlling the start of charge accumulation by the radiographic imaging device when the presence of the subject is detected by the detection means;
Including radiographic imaging system. The control means detects the radiation when it is detected that the subject is present in the region to be imaged and is stationary for a predetermined time or more based on a detection result by the detection means. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the radiographic imaging system is controlled to start accumulation of electric charges by the imaging apparatus. Further comprising accepting means for accepting designation of a part to be imaged of the radiation image of the subject,
When the detection means cannot detect the detection means, or the detection accuracy is equal to or lower than a predetermined accuracy, or the designation of the part is accepted by the accepting means, the charge of the radiographic imaging device is determined. The radiographic imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the radiographic imaging system is controlled to start accumulation. By performing imaging with the radiographic image capturing apparatus in a state where the radiation is not incident, correction image information for correcting subject image information obtained by capturing the radiographic image with the radiographic image capturing apparatus is acquired. Acquisition means;
Correction means for correcting the subject image information using the corrected image information;
The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The radiographic image capturing according to claim 4, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the corrected image information by performing imaging with the radiographic image capturing apparatus during the same charge accumulation time as when the radiographic image is captured by the radiographic image capturing apparatus. system. The radiation according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means performs control so that driving power is supplied to the radiographic imaging apparatus only during the radiographic imaging period of the radiographic imaging apparatus. Image shooting system. The control unit performs control so as to perform a reset operation for discharging the charge accumulated by the radiographic imaging device before performing control to start accumulation of electric charge by the radiographic imaging device. The radiographic imaging system of any one of Claim 6. The control means is configured to perform a warning when the period in which the radiation is emitted from the radiation source is predicted not to fall within a charge accumulation period in the radiation imaging apparatus, and to control the radiation from the radiation source. The radiographic imaging system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of control for prohibiting injection is performed. A radiographic imaging unit that performs radiographic imaging indicated by radiation emitted from a radiation source and transmitted through a subject by accumulating charges indicating the radiographic image in predetermined pixel units;
When the presence of the subject is detected by detection means for detecting whether or not the subject exists in a region to be captured of the radiation image by the radiation image capturing unit, the radiation image capturing unit Control means for controlling to start charge accumulation;
A radiographic imaging apparatus comprising: Computer
The radiographic image is captured by a radiographic image capturing apparatus that performs radiographing of the radiographic image indicated by the radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted through the subject by accumulating charges indicating the radiographic image in predetermined pixel units. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the subject exists in a region to be imaged;
Control means for controlling the start of charge accumulation by the radiographic imaging device when the presence of the subject is detected by the detection means;
Program to function as.

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