JP2005296050A - Medical image photographing method and cassette type photographing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve efficiency of the workflow of medical image photographing utilizing FPD. <P>SOLUTION: In a medical image system 100 relating to this invention, a cassette 1A photographs a radiation image transmitted through an object, converts it to visible light, photoelectrically converts the visible light, detects it as an electric signal, digitally converts the detected electric signal and acquires medical image data in an image detection part. The cassette 1A generates image data for confirmation by reducing the data size of the acquired medical image data, transmits the image data for confirmation to a display 4 for confirmation by radio communication through a radio antenna 3 by a first communication part, and when the image data are established as an image for diagnosing on the basis of the image for confirmation, transmits the medical image data to an image processor 5 by a second communication part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a cassette type imaging apparatus and a medical image imaging method for imaging a radiation image using an FPD (flat panel detector).

In recent years, radiographic images that have passed through the subject are photographed using a CR (Computed Radiography) radiographing device that acquires radiographic images that are widely used as medical images as digital image data, and a semiconductor detector called FPD (Flat Panel Detector). Accordingly, an imaging apparatus that performs photoelectric conversion and acquires a photoelectrically converted radiation image signal as medical image data has been used. Various portable cassette-type imaging devices that accommodate an FPD and a memory that stores image data acquired using the FPD in a case have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The imaging apparatus using the FPD can directly convert the radiation image to the CR imaging apparatus. Therefore, after imaging, the medical image data is immediately transferred to the display display and displayed, thereby confirming the success or failure of imaging. It has the advantage that it can be discriminated immediately.
JP 2000-217805 A

  Medical image data acquired by imaging using FPD is transferred to a display display by wired communication or wireless communication. In the case of wired communication, if the FPD and the display display are connected by a cable or the like, the degree of freedom of carrying is reduced. There was a problem that it became low and interfered with shooting. In addition, when medical image data is transferred from the FPD to the display via the cradle, it is necessary to place the FPD on the cradle for each photographing when it is desired to check the image every photographing when photographing the same subject from a plurality of directions. It was complicated.

  In addition, when transferring medical image data to a display display by wireless communication using wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or infrared rays, it is easier to handle than transfer by wired communication, but the communication speed is slow. It took time to confirm the image, and there was a problem that performance that could withstand practical use could not be secured.

  An object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of a workflow for taking a medical image using FPD.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
A medical image photographing method in a cassette type photographing apparatus for photographing a radiation image that has passed through a subject, photoelectrically converting it, and acquiring a photoelectrically converted radiation image signal as medical image data,
Capturing medical image data by photographing a subject;
Creating confirmation image data in which the medical image data is reduced in size by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data;
Displaying the created confirmation image;
Determining the medical image data as a diagnostic image based on the displayed confirmation image;
Transmitting the determined medical image data to an image processing apparatus;
It is characterized by including.

The invention described in claim 2
A cassette type comprising an image detection unit that captures and photoelectrically converts a radiographic image that has passed through a subject, acquires a photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal as medical image data, and a storage unit that stores the acquired medical image data A medical image photographing method for generating a series of medical images of the same subject in an imaging device,
Taking a subject and obtaining one medical image data;
Creating confirmation image data in which the medical image data is reduced in size by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data;
Displaying the created confirmation image;
Inputting the necessity of re-shooting;
Based on the input result, the step of storing the medical image data in the storage means when re-imaging is unnecessary, and executing re-imaging when re-imaging is necessary;
After storing the one medical image data in the storage unit, the process proceeds to another photographing of the same subject, and after acquiring all of the series of medical images, the medical image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the image processing apparatus. Sending, and
It is characterized by including.

The cassette type photographing device of the invention according to claim 3 is:
Image detecting means for capturing a radiographic image that has passed through the subject, performing photoelectric conversion, and acquiring a photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal as medical image data;
Storage means for storing medical image data acquired by the image detection means;
Confirmation image creating means for creating confirmation image data in which the data size of the medical image data is reduced by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data;
First communication means for wirelessly transmitting the confirmation image data to an external display device;
Second transmission means for transmitting medical image data stored in the storage means to an image processing apparatus;
It is characterized by having.

The cassette type photographing device of the invention according to claim 4 is:
Image detecting means for capturing a radiographic image that has passed through the subject, performing photoelectric conversion, and acquiring a photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal as medical image data;
Storage means for storing medical image data acquired by the image detection means;
Confirmation image creating means for creating confirmation image data in which the data size of the medical image data is reduced by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data;
Display means for displaying the created confirmation image;
Transmitting means for transmitting medical image data stored in the storage means to an image processing device;
It is characterized by having.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a cassette type imaging apparatus that captures a photoelectric image of a radiation image that has passed through a subject, photoelectrically converts the radiation image signal that has been photoelectrically converted as medical image data, The medical image data is acquired, and the confirmation image data in which the data size of the medical image data is reduced by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data is created. A confirmation image is displayed, medical image data is determined as a diagnostic image based on the displayed confirmation image, and the determined medical image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. Therefore, by simply displaying a confirmation image of medical image data obtained by photographing, the photographer can immediately confirm the positioning, image quality, etc. of the photographed medical image and confirm it as a diagnostic image. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the medical image shooting workflow.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, an image detection unit that captures and photoelectrically converts a radiographic image that has passed through the subject and acquires the photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal as medical image data, and the acquired medical image. In a cassette type imaging apparatus having a storage means for storing data, a subject is photographed to obtain one medical image data, and the image size of the obtained medical image data is reduced or the medical image data is thinned out Thus, the confirmation image data in which the data size of the medical image data is reduced is created, the created confirmation image is displayed, and the medical image data is obtained when the re-imaging is not required based on the input result of the necessity of re-imaging. Save to the storage means, execute re-imaging when re-imaging is necessary, save one medical image data to the storage means, shift to another shooting of the same subject, and acquire all of the series of medical images , And transmits the medical image data stored in the storage means in the image processing apparatus. Accordingly, when a series of images of the same subject are taken, a confirmation image of the acquired medical image data is simply displayed for each shooting, and the photographer can determine the positioning and image quality of the taken medical images. Check immediately to determine whether or not re-shooting is necessary, and if re-shooting is necessary, immediately adjust and perform re-shooting. When imaging is necessary, it is possible to efficiently perform medical imaging, rather than re-imaging by re-positioning the subject or the cassette type imaging apparatus at an appropriate position.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, a radiographic image transmitted through the subject is photographed and photoelectrically converted, the photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal is acquired as medical image data, and the acquired medical image data is stored in the storage means. In addition to storing the image data, the image size of the medical image data is reduced or the medical image data is thinned to create confirmation image data with a reduced data size, and the confirmation image data is sent by the first transmission means. The wireless image is transmitted to an external display device, and the medical image data stored in the storage unit is transmitted to the image processing device by the second transmission unit. Therefore, as compared with the conventional case where medical image data is wirelessly transmitted as it is to a display device for confirming and displaying medical image data, the communication time can be shortened, and the photographer immediately checks the positioning and image quality. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the medical image shooting workflow. In addition, there is no problem that the degree of freedom of carrying the cassette type photographing apparatus is low or obstructing photographing as in wired communication.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the cassette type imaging apparatus, a radiographic image transmitted through the subject is imaged and subjected to photoelectric conversion, and the photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal is acquired as medical image data. The image data is stored in the storage means, and the confirmation image data in which the data size of the medical image data is reduced by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or thinning out the medical image data is created, The created confirmation image is displayed, and medical image data stored in the storage means is transmitted to the image processing apparatus. Therefore, the photographer can immediately display the confirmation image on the spot and confirm the positioning and the image quality, and the workflow for medical image photographing can be made efficient.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an overall configuration of a medical image system 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a medical imaging system 100 includes a portable cassette imaging apparatus 1A (hereinafter referred to as a cassette 1A), a radiation source 2, a wireless antenna 3, a confirmation display 4, an image processing apparatus 5, and an image server. 6, a diagnostic terminal 7, an image recording device 8, and the like. The cassette 1 </ b> A is held on a photographing stand (not shown) at the time of photographing and is configured to be connectable to the confirmation display 4 via the wireless antenna 3. Further, the cassette 1A is configured to be connectable to the image processing apparatus 5 via the cradle 5a by being mounted on the cradle 5a. The image processing device 5, the image server 6, the diagnostic terminal 7, and the image recording device 8 are connected so as to be able to transmit / receive data to / from each other via a network N such as a LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet. ing.

  Hereinafter, each device constituting the medical image system 100 will be described.

  The cassette 1A is a cassette-type imaging device equipped with an FPD, which captures a radiation image transmitted through a subject, converts it into visible light, photoelectrically converts the visible light to detect it as an electrical signal, and detects the detected electrical signal. To obtain medical image data. Further, the cassette 1A reduces the data size of the acquired medical image data to generate confirmation image data, and transmits the confirmation image data to the confirmation display 4 by wireless communication via the wireless antenna 3. When the medical image data is confirmed as a diagnostic image based on the confirmation image and the cassette 1A is mounted on the cradle 5a, the medical image data is transmitted to the image processing device 5.

Here, the internal configuration of the cassette 1A will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the cassette 1A. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cassette 1A includes a CPU 11, an operation unit 12, an image detection unit 13, a RAM 14, a storage unit 15, a first communication unit 16 including an antenna 16a, a second communication unit 17, and an erasing unit 18. Etc., and each part is connected by a bus 19.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 reads a system program stored in the storage unit 15, develops it in a work area formed in the RAM 14, and controls each unit according to the system program. Further, the CPU 11 reads out various processing programs and various application programs stored in the storage unit 15 and develops them in a work area, and executes various processes including a medical image photographing process A and a confirmation image creating process described later. To do.

  The operation unit 12 includes a cursor key, numeric keys, various function keys, and the like, and outputs a pressing signal corresponding to a key pressed by a radiographer or other photographer to the CPU 11. The operation unit 12 may include a pointing device such as a touch panel and other input devices as necessary.

  The image detection unit 13 is configured by stacking, for example, a solid-state photodetector and a scintillator that converts radiation into visible light. The solid-state photodetector is formed on a quartz glass substrate, an amorphous semiconductor, and the amorphous semiconductor. A solid-state photodetecting element composed of a transparent conductive film and a conductive film sandwiching the film is arranged in a matrix. In the solid-state photodetector, the radiation that has passed through the object is converted into visible light by a scintillator, and the visible light is detected as an electrical signal by the photoelectric conversion unit of the solid-state photodetector. Then, the detected electrical signal is read from each solid-state light detection element by a predetermined reading method, A / D converted, and output as a radiation image signal. This radiation image signal is stored in the work area of the RAM 14 as digital medical image data.

  A RAM (Random Access Memory) 14 temporarily stores various programs, input or output data, parameters, and the like that can be executed by the CPU 11 read from the storage unit 15 in various processes that are controlled by the CPU 11. Form an area.

The storage unit 15 includes an SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) and an SDRAM (Synchronous
A volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory) or a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The storage unit 15 stores a system program executed by the CPU 11, various processing programs such as a medical image photographing processing program A and a confirmation image creation processing program corresponding to the system program. The storage unit 15 stores medical image data output from the image detection unit 13.

  The first communication unit 16 includes a wireless communication unit including an antenna 16a, and establishes wireless communication with a communication unit (not shown) in the confirmation display 4 via the wireless antenna 3 to transmit / receive data.

  The second communication unit 17 is an interface for transmitting / receiving data to / from the image processing apparatus 5 via the cradle 5a.

  The erasing unit 18 erases the electrical signal accumulated in the image detection unit 13.

The radiation source 2 irradiates the subject with radiation such as X-rays.
The confirmation display 4 is an operation means such as a CRT (Cathode Lay Tube), LCD, etc. provided for the photographer to confirm the image quality, positioning, etc. of the photographed medical image, and a keyboard and mouse. It is a terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) equipped with. The confirmation display 4 is connected to the wireless antenna 3 and includes a wireless communication unit (not shown) so as to be wirelessly connectable to the cassette 1A. The confirmation display 4 receives and displays confirmation image data transmitted from the cassette 1A.

  The image processing apparatus 5 is connected to a cradle 5a, and performs image processing for improving the efficiency of a doctor's interpretation diagnosis on medical image data transmitted from the cassette 1A via the cradle 5a. The medical image data is output to the image server 6, the image interpretation terminal 7, the image recording device 8, and the like. Image processing includes, for example, gradation processing that adjusts the contrast of the image, frequency processing that adjusts the sharpness, and a dynamic range that keeps an image with a wide dynamic range within an easy-to-view density range without reducing the contrast of the details of the subject. Compression processing etc. are included.

  The image server 6 includes an image DB (data base), stores image-processed medical image data transmitted from the image processing device 5 in the image DB, and stores the stored medical image data to the network N. Deliver to the device.

  The diagnosis terminal 7 is provided in an examination room or the like, and is a PC provided with a display display composed of a CRT, LCD, etc. provided for a doctor to display and interpret a diagnosis image, and operation means such as a keyboard and a mouse. And the like.

  The image recording device 8 is, for example, a photothermal silver salt printer, and outputs a hard copy reproduced from the image data input from the image processing device 5 as a visible image.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 shows a medical image photographing process A executed by the CPU 11 of the cassette 1A. This process is a process executed when the cassette 1A is set on a photographing stand (not shown) and photographing is input through the operation unit 12.

  When the radiation irradiated from the radiation source 2 and transmitted through the subject enters the image detection unit 13 and photographing is performed (step S1), the image detection unit 13 acquires medical image data corresponding to the radiation transmitted through the subject. Is temporarily stored in the work area (step S2). Next, a confirmation image creation processing program for creating the confirmation image data by reducing the data size of the medical image data from the storage unit 15 is read out, and the confirmation image creation processing is executed on the confirmation display 4. Confirmation image data for transmission is generated (step S3).

  Here, the display of the image on the confirmation display 4 is sufficient if the photographer can ensure the image quality to such an extent that the photographer can confirm the positioning and whether or not the radiation dose is appropriate. Are converted into confirmation image data having a small data size that can be confirmed. Generally, the data size of the medical image data acquired by the image detection unit 13 is often around 20 Mbytes. In step S3, for example, the medical image data around 20 Mbytes is 2 Mbytes having a data size of 1/10. Scale back and forth. As a method for reducing the data size, the medical image data may be thinned out to create confirmation image data, or the medical image data may be reduced in size to form a thumbnail image for confirmation. Data may be created.

  Next, the created confirmation image data is transmitted to the confirmation display 4 by wireless communication via the first communication unit 16 (step S4). Here, when the data size of the confirmation image data is reduced to 1/10 of the data size of the medical image data, the communication is completed in about 1/10 of the conventional communication time. In the confirmation display 4, when the confirmation image data is received, the confirmation image is displayed, the photographer confirms the image, and confirms the photographed image as the diagnostic image (re-photographing is performed). Whether it is unnecessary) or re-photographing is performed. The confirmation result may be input by the photographer from the operation means of the confirmation display 4 and transmitted to the cassette 1A by wireless communication, or may be directly input from the operation unit 12 of the cassette 1A.

  When an instruction to confirm the captured image is input (step S5; YES), the medical image data is stored and stored in the storage unit 15 (step S6), and the electrical signal accumulated in the image detection unit 13 by the erasing unit 18 is stored. Is erased, and the medical image data temporarily stored in the work area is erased (step S7), and the process proceeds to step S9. In step S5, when a re-imaging instruction is input (step S5; NO), the afterimage of the image detecting unit 13 is erased by the erasing unit 18 and the medical image data temporarily stored in the work area is erased ( In step S8), the process returns to step S1, and re-shooting is performed.

  Steps S1 to S8 are repeatedly executed for a series of imaging (for example, a series of imaging for imaging the same imaging region of the same patient while changing the imaging direction), and the series of imaging is completed (step S9; YES). ) When the cassette 1A is mounted on the cradle 5a, medical image data obtained by a series of imaging is collectively transmitted to the image processing apparatus 5 by the second communication unit (step S10).

  In the image processing device 5, each received medical image data is subjected to image processing for improving the efficiency of a doctor's interpretation diagnosis, and the processed medical image data is stored in the diagnostic terminal 7 or the image recording device. 8 and sent to the doctor for diagnosis. Alternatively, it is transferred to the image server 6 and stored in the image DB.

  When the cassette 1A performs the medical image photographing process A described above to reduce the data size of the medical image data and wirelessly transmits it to the confirmation display 4, the medical image data is transmitted to the confirmation display 4 as it is. In comparison, the wireless communication time can be shortened, the display time on the confirmation display 4 can be shortened, and the photographer can immediately confirm the positioning, image quality, and the like on the confirmation display 4. Therefore, when performing a series of shootings, the photographer determines whether or not re-shooting is necessary for each shooting, and if re-shooting is necessary, immediately adjust and re-shoot, It is possible to make the shooting workflow more efficient than re-shooting by re-positioning the subject or the cassette 1A at an appropriate position again when it is necessary to check the images collectively after the shooting is finished and re-shooting is required. . In addition, since the time for wireless communication is shortened, it is possible to reduce the concern about malfunctions such as pacemakers. In addition, there is no problem that the cassette 1A and the confirmation display 4 are connected by a cable or the like as in wired communication such as a cable, and the freedom of carrying the cassette 1A is reduced, or the shooting is not disturbed. As in the case of transferring through a cradle, it is not necessary to carry and transfer the cassette 1A to the cradle 5a for each shooting when it is desired to check an image every series of shots. It is possible to improve the efficiency of the shooting workflow.

The description in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the medical image system 100 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, in the above embodiment, the cassette 1A has the antenna 16a, and transmits the confirmation image data to the confirmation display 4 by radio using radio waves via the antenna 16a and the wireless antenna 3. The confirmation image data may be transmitted by infrared communication. As a result, concerns such as malfunction of medical devices such as pacemakers can be avoided, and safety can be ensured. In the case of infrared communication, the photographer holds the relay terminal, and once the confirmation image data is transmitted from the cassette 1A to the terminal, the subject becomes a shadow and data cannot be transmitted to the confirmation display 4 or the transmission distance is long. Communication is possible even when communication is not possible for a long time. For example, by using a wristwatch type receiver for the relay terminal, it is possible to easily transmit an image to the relay terminal near the cassette 1A and to transmit an image from the receiver in front of the confirmation display 4. Become. Further, the relay terminal and the image processing device 5 may be provided with a plurality of light receivers and receive infrared rays with a light receiver having high sensitivity.

  In addition, when all of the medical image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 5 after a series of imaging is completed, a cradle may be used, or the image processing apparatus 5 and the cassette 1A may be connected via a cable. The cassette 1A may be configured so that a memory card can be attached and detached, and the medical image data in which the medical image data is written is attached to the image processing apparatus 5 and the data may be input. Further, since the medical image data is transmitted after photographing, it takes time, but the medical image data may be transmitted by wireless communication such as infrared communication.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the components of the medical image system 100 according to the present embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
First, the configuration of the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the medical image system 200 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a medical imaging system 200 includes a portable cassette imaging apparatus 1B (hereinafter referred to as a cassette 1B), a radiation source 2, an image processing apparatus 5, an image server 6, a diagnostic terminal 7, and an image recording. It is comprised by the apparatus 8 grade | etc.,. The cassette 1B is held on a photographing stand (not shown) during photographing. The cassette 1B can be connected to the image processing apparatus 5 via the cradle 5a so that data can be transmitted and received. The image processing device 5, the image server 6, the diagnostic terminal 7, and the image recording device 8 exchange data with each other via a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet. Connected as possible.

Here, the internal configuration of the cassette 1B will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the cassette 1B. As shown in FIG. 5, the cassette 1B includes a CPU 11, an operation unit 12, an image detection unit 13, a RAM 14, a storage unit 15, a second communication unit 17, an erasing unit 18, a display unit 20, and the like. 19 is connected. That is, the cassette 1B is different from the cassette 1A described with reference to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment in that it includes the display unit 20. Further, the first communication unit 16 shown in FIG. 2 is not necessarily required.

  The storage unit 15 of the cassette 1B stores various processing programs and application programs including a later-described medical image photographing processing B program and a confirmation image creation processing program. The CPU 11 is stored in the storage unit 15. Various processing programs and various application programs including the medical image photographing process B are read out and developed in the work area, and various processes including a medical image photographing process B and a confirmation image creating process described later are executed.

  The display unit 20 is a display unit having a display such as an LCD, and displays various images such as a confirmation image based on a display instruction from the CPU 11.

  Since the other configuration of the cassette 1B and the other devices of the medical image system 200 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a medical image photographing process B executed by the CPU 11 of the cassette 1B. This process is a process executed when the cassette 1B is set on the photographing stand and photographing is instructed by the operation unit 12.

  When radiation is emitted from the radiation source 2 and transmitted through the subject enters the image detection unit 13 and imaging is performed (step S11), the image detection unit 13 acquires medical image data corresponding to the radiation transmitted through the subject. The acquired medical image data is temporarily stored in the work area (step S12). Next, a confirmation image creation processing program for creating the confirmation image data by reducing the data size of the medical image data from the storage unit 15 is read out, and the confirmation image creation processing is executed on the confirmation display 4. Confirmation image data for transmission is created (step S13). Then, a confirmation image is displayed on the display unit 20 (step S14).

  Here, the display of the confirmation image on the display unit 20 is sufficient if the photographer can secure the image quality to such an extent that the photographer can confirm the positioning, whether the radiation dose is appropriate, and the like. It is converted into confirmation image data with a small data size that can confirm the radiation dose and the like. In general, the data size of the medical image data acquired by the image detection unit 13 is often around 20 Mbytes. In step S13, for example, the medical image data around 20 Mbytes is 2 Mbytes having a data size of 1/10. Scale back and forth. As a method for reducing the data size, the medical image data may be subjected to a thinning process to generate confirmation image data, or the medical image data may be reduced in size to form a thumbnail image for confirmation. Data may be generated. Thereby, the time concerning the display of the confirmation image on the display unit 20 is shortened.

  When the confirmation image is displayed, the photographer confirms the image and determines whether to confirm the photographed image as a diagnostic image or to re-photograph. The confirmation result is directly input from the operation unit 12 of the cassette 1B.

  When an instruction to confirm the photographed image is input from the operation unit 12 (step S15; YES), the medical image data temporarily stored in the work area is stored in the storage unit 15 (step S16), and the erasing unit 18 sets the image. The electrical signal accumulated in the detection unit 13 is erased and the medical image data temporarily stored in the work area is erased (step S17), and the process proceeds to step S19. In step S15, when a re-imaging instruction is input (step S15; NO), the electrical signal accumulated in the image detection unit 13 is erased by the erasure unit 18 and the medical image data temporarily stored in the work area. Is deleted (step S18), the process returns to step S11, and re-photographing is performed.

  Steps S11 to S18 are repeatedly executed for a series of imaging (for example, a series of imaging when imaging the same imaging region of the same patient from a plurality of imaging directions), and the series of imaging is completed (step S19; YES) When the cassette 1B is mounted on the cradle 5a, the second communication unit 17 outputs all medical image data obtained by a series of imaging to the image processing apparatus 5.

  In the image processing device 5, each received medical image data is subjected to image processing for improving the efficiency of a doctor's interpretation diagnosis, and the processed medical image data is stored in the diagnostic terminal 7 or the image recording device. 8 and sent to the doctor for diagnosis. Alternatively, it is transferred to the image server 6 and stored in the image DB.

  As described above, the cassette 1B includes the display unit 20 for displaying the confirmation image. By performing the medical image photographing process B described above, the data size of the medical image data is reduced and then displayed on the display unit 20. Since it is displayed, the photographer can immediately confirm the positioning, image quality, etc. on the spot. Therefore, when performing a series of shootings, the photographer determines whether or not re-shooting is necessary for each shooting, and if re-shooting is necessary, immediately adjust and re-shoot, It is possible to make the shooting workflow more efficient than re-shooting by re-positioning the subject or the cassette 1B at an appropriate position again when it is necessary to check the images collectively after the shooting is finished and re-shooting is required. . In addition, since wireless communication is not performed, there is no fear of malfunctions such as pacemakers. In addition, there is no problem that the cassette 1B and the external confirmation display are connected by a cable or the like as in wired communication such as a cable, so that the degree of freedom of carrying the cassette 1A is low, or the shooting is not disturbed. Since it is not necessary to carry and transfer the cassette 1B to the cradle connected to the external confirmation display every time when the user wants to check the image every series of shots as in the case of transferring through the cradle, It is possible to streamline the shooting workflow compared to wired transfer.

The description in the above embodiment is a preferred example of the medical image system 200 according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this.
For example, in the above embodiment, the cradle is used to transmit all of the medical image data to the image processing apparatus 5 after the series of imaging is completed. However, the image processing apparatus 5 and the cassette 1B are connected by a cable. Alternatively, the cassette 1B may be configured such that the memory card can be attached and detached, and the medical image data in which the medical image data is written is attached to the image processing apparatus 5 and the data may be input. Further, since the medical image data is transmitted after photographing, it takes time, but the medical image data may be transmitted by wireless communication such as infrared communication.

  In addition, the detailed configuration and detailed operation of the components of the medical image system 200 according to the present embodiment can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a medical image system 100 according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of cassette 1A of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the medical image imaging process A performed by CPU11 of FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a medical image system 200 according to the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the cassette 1B of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the medical image imaging process B performed by CPU11 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

100, 200 Medical image system 1A, 1B Cassette type imaging device 11 CPU
12 Operation unit 13 Image detection unit 14 RAM
15 Storage unit 16 First communication unit 16a Antenna 17 Second communication unit 18 Erasing unit 19 Bus 20 Display unit

Claims (4)

A medical image photographing method in a cassette type photographing apparatus for photographing a radiation image that has passed through a subject, photoelectrically converting it, and acquiring a photoelectrically converted radiation image signal as medical image data,
Capturing medical image data by photographing a subject;
Creating confirmation image data in which the medical image data is reduced in size by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data;
Displaying the created confirmation image;
Determining the medical image data as a diagnostic image based on the displayed confirmation image;
Transmitting the determined medical image data to an image processing apparatus;
A medical image photographing method comprising: A cassette type comprising an image detection unit that captures and photoelectrically converts a radiographic image that has passed through a subject, acquires a photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal as medical image data, and a storage unit that stores the acquired medical image data A medical image photographing method for generating a series of medical images of the same subject in an imaging device,
Taking a subject and obtaining one medical image data;
Creating confirmation image data in which the medical image data is reduced in size by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data;
Displaying the created confirmation image;
Inputting the necessity of re-shooting;
Based on the input result, the step of storing the medical image data in the storage means when re-imaging is unnecessary, and executing re-imaging when re-imaging is necessary;
After storing the one medical image data in the storage unit, the process proceeds to another photographing of the same subject, and after acquiring all of the series of medical images, the medical image data stored in the storage unit is stored in the image processing apparatus. Sending, and
A medical image photographing method comprising: Image detecting means for capturing a radiographic image that has passed through the subject, performing photoelectric conversion, and acquiring a photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal as medical image data;
Storage means for storing medical image data acquired by the image detection means;
Confirmation image creating means for creating confirmation image data in which the data size of the medical image data is reduced by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data;
First communication means for wirelessly transmitting the confirmation image data to an external display device;
Second transmission means for transmitting medical image data stored in the storage means to an image processing apparatus;
A cassette-type imaging device characterized by comprising: Image detecting means for capturing a radiographic image that has passed through the subject, performing photoelectric conversion, and acquiring a photoelectrically converted radiographic image signal as medical image data;
Storage means for storing medical image data acquired by the image detection means;
Confirmation image creating means for creating confirmation image data in which the data size of the medical image data is reduced by reducing the image size of the acquired medical image data or by thinning out the medical image data;
Display means for displaying the created confirmation image;
Transmitting means for transmitting medical image data stored in the storage means to an image processing device;
A cassette-type imaging device characterized by comprising:

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